←back to thread

Ask HN: Advice for creating a USB device linking 2 computers

20 points WorldDev | 3 comments | 25 Oct 25 19:01 UTC | HN request time: 0s | source

I want to build a little device that connects two computers together via usb, and send keystrokes from one to the other.

(I would use it to use a laptop keyboard on a headless computers).

I am looking for an easy solution, it does not have to be the cheapest.

ChatGPT points me to Arduino, but as far as I can see, there's no arduino with 2 usb ports. It also points me to Raspery pi zero, but that's a computer, not a microcontroller, so not sure if it's suitable.

If anyone with experience can give me some pointers, it would be greatly appreciated!

1. jrflowers ◴[25 Oct 25 20:19 UTC] No.45706663[source]▶
It sounds like you might want a device like a Bash Bunny or Rubber Ducky?
replies(1): >>45707161 #
2. WorldDev ◴[25 Oct 25 21:32 UTC] No.45707161[source]▶
Well, nothing malicious, and it would be to use between 2 of my own computers.
replies(1): >>45708189 #
3. jrflowers ◴[26 Oct 25 00:51 UTC] No.45708189[source]▶
They’re marketed and sold as pentesting devices but there’s no reason why somebody couldn’t use HID emulation to automate some boring IT tasks.

I’m curious about your use case. You have a server that you can’t ssh/vnc/rdp into, it has an open usb port, and using an $8 keyboard is a no-go?

Edit: If you ignore all the hacking language, it kind of looks like an O.MG Plug might accomplish what you’re looking for. https://shop.hak5.org/products/omg-plug