I've got a mouse, keyboard, and headset from different brands, and it's a hassle managing three separate dongles with my modern laptop. I could consider switching to Bluetooth accessories or sticking with one brand that supports multiple devices through a single dongle. However, since many of these dongles operate on 2.4GHz, why isn't there a solution for a single dongle that can accommodate multiple devices using a standardized protocol? Just think: an RFC standard that allows peripherals to upload their unique firmware to the dongle, which would help them communicate effectively. The process could involve the dongle asking the user to confirm a 'slot' allocation for the device firmware. I know it sounds complex, but couldn't something like this be developed in the future?
5 Answers
Honestly, Bluetooth devices are the easiest workaround for this. They eliminate the need for multiple dongles altogether. Plus, it's generally well-supported by laptops these days.
You could opt for a USB hub to plug in all these dongles if you're short on USB ports. It'll allow you to use all your devices without having to disconnect anything constantly.
As mentioned, ASUS offers the ROG Omni Receiver, which connects both a keyboard and mouse through a single dongle. It's a good step in that direction, but it only works with ASUS products.
An interesting solution could be adapting USB over wireless. Wireless USB existed in the past, but it's largely been forgotten. A modern approach using something like USB over IP could potentially work for peripherals.
While it's theoretically possible, manufacturers usually prefer locking you into their ecosystems and charging for their dongles. They might not prioritize a universal dongle solution anytime soon.
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