EasySwitch

Product Introduction

1. Definition: EasySwitch is a native, cross-platform desktop application (built in Rust) that functions as a unified workspace manager. It combines the core functionalities of a software KVM (Keyboard-Video-Mouse) switch with a virtual display solution, operating exclusively over a local area network (LAN).
2. Core Value Proposition: It exists to eliminate the hardware and workflow fragmentation of a multi-computer desk. EasySwitch provides a seamless, encrypted, and integrated experience for controlling multiple macOS, Windows, and Linux machines with one set of peripherals, sharing a unified clipboard and files, and dynamically extending a desktop onto another computer's screen as a true secondary monitor—all without requiring cloud services or subscriptions.

Main Features

1. Unified Input Control: This feature allows a single keyboard and mouse to control multiple computers arranged in a virtual multi-monitor layout. The cursor moves seamlessly between machine screens as if they were monitors connected to one PC. It uses low-level input event forwarding over an encrypted peer-to-peer connection. Advanced capabilities include automatic Cmd/Ctrl key translation for native copy/paste feel, keyboard shortcuts (Ctrl+Alt+1-5) for direct machine switching, and an input lock function (Ctrl+Alt+L).
2. Cross-Platform Clipboard & File Transfer: This is a unified system clipboard that synchronizes text, images, and files between machines. Technically, it uses a deferred transfer mechanism; copying places a reference or "promise" on the clipboard, and the actual data transfer begins only upon pasting on the target machine. This ensures efficiency and allows for drag-and-drop file/folder transfers directly between operating systems' native file managers (Finder, Explorer, etc.), supporting files up to 10MB on the free tier.
3. Virtual Display (Extend): This is the key innovation, allowing any linked computer to become a hardware-accelerated secondary display for another. Unlike screen mirroring or remote desktop, it creates a new, empty virtual display buffer on the host machine. This buffer is encoded (using OS-provided hardware encoders where available, like VideoToolbox on macOS or Media Foundation on Windows), streamed at 60 FPS over the LAN via the Noise Protocol Framework, and decoded on the client machine, which presents it as a native monitor. No capture of the host's primary desktop occurs.

Problems Solved

1. Pain Point: The inefficiency and cost of managing separate peripherals, manual file transfer methods (email, USB drives, cloud sync), and underutilized hardware for each computer on a desk. The fragmentation between software KVMs (lacking display sharing) and second-screen apps (lacking input sharing) forces users to choose or use multiple tools.
2. Target Audience: Multi-computer professionals such as software developers (testing across OSes), content creators (editing on a powerful desktop with reference on a laptop), IT administrators, financial traders, and hybrid workstation users (e.g., Mac for design, PC for CAD/gaming).
3. Use Cases: Extending a coding IDE onto a laptop screen for documentation; dragging asset files from a Windows gaming PC to a Mac for video editing; using an old laptop as a dedicated monitor for chat, terminals, or system monitoring; seamlessly controlling a Linux server and a Windows desktop from one keyboard/mouse setup.

Unique Advantages

1. Differentiation: Unlike Synergy/Barrier (input/clipboard only) or Duet/spacedesk (display only), EasySwitch merges both paradigms. It offers true, on-demand virtual displays without screen capture, a focus on privacy with mandatory end-to-end encryption for all tiers, and a one-time purchase model for its Pro tier versus competitors' subscriptions or lack of certain cross-platform features.
2. Key Innovation: The "Extend" technology that creates a new virtual display instead of capturing an existing one. This architectural difference enhances privacy, reduces system load, and provides a cleaner integration. Furthermore, its implementation of a web bridge for phone/browser access and its Rust-based, non-Electron native core (resulting in minimal ~19MB RAM idle usage) are significant technical differentiators.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is EasySwitch really free, and what are the limits? Yes, the core KVM functionality—controlling two computers with one mouse/keyboard, sharing clipboard (text, images, files up to 10MB), and drag-and-drop—is free forever with end-to-end encryption. The Pro one-time license removes file size limits, enables the virtual display feature, adds a web bridge, and supports linking up to 5 computers.
2. How does EasySwitch's virtual display work, and is it secure? It works by creating a new, empty display buffer on your host PC, encoding that video stream, and sending it encrypted over your LAN to another computer. It does not capture or stream your primary desktop screen. Security is maintained through mandatory local network-only communication and the Noise Protocol Framework for encryption, ensuring no one on your network can intercept the stream.
3. Does EasySwitch work between different operating systems, like Mac and Windows? Yes, cross-platform compatibility is a core feature. EasySwitch works seamlessly in any combination: macOS, Windows, and Linux (Wayland & X11). It automatically handles OS-specific key mappings (e.g., translating Command to Control when moving between Mac and Windows).
4. Do I need an internet connection or an account to use EasySwitch? No. After the initial one-time license activation (for Pro), EasySwitch operates completely offline over your local network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet). There is no persistent cloud relay, no user account required within the app, and no telemetry data collection.
5. What are the system requirements for using the virtual display feature? To create a virtual display (be the source), you need macOS 13+, Windows 11, or Linux with GNOME 44+/KDE Plasma 6 (Wayland). To receive a display (be the secondary monitor), you can use macOS, Windows 10/11, or any Linux desktop (including X11 sessions). A Windows 11 host requires a one-time driver installation consent when first using the Extend feature.