Tripp Lite USB 2.0 4-Port Peripheral Sharing Switch - Easy Multi-PC

In this review of the Tripp Lite USB 2.0 4-Port Peripheral Sharing Switch the bottom line is simple: this box is for small offices or home workstations that need to share a single USB device among up to four computers without extra hardware clutter. It excels at replacing duplicate printers, scanners or external drives by letting one peripheral serve multiple PCs, and the plug-and-play design means minimal setup. The review found the unit reliable, backward compatible with USB 1.1 devices, and handy for environments where space and cable management matter.

Key Features

• Four-computer sharing: Connects one USB peripheral to four separate computers so a single printer or drive can be used by multiple users without swapping cables.
• USB 2.0 high-speed support: Supports USB 2.0 transfer rates up to 480 Mbps for fast file transfers when using compatible peripherals.
• Backward compatibility: Works with legacy USB 1.1 devices so older scanners or printers continue to function with the switch.
• Easy switching: Switch control via keyboard hot-keys, mouse, or manual button makes moving control between computers quick and intuitive.
• Active indicators: LED lights and an icon task bar provide at-a-glance confirmation of which computer currently controls the peripheral.
• Space and cost savings: Eliminates the need to buy and place duplicate peripherals at each workstation, reducing clutter and expense.

Who It's For

The switch is aimed at small offices, shared workspaces, or home setups where one printer, scanner, or high-capacity external drive must be available to several PCs. IT administrators who need a simple, low-cost way to centralize a USB peripheral will appreciate the plug-and-play setup and the keyboard/mouse switching options.

It is not intended for environments that require simultaneous multi-host access to the same USB peripheral or enterprise-grade managed KVM features; organizations needing advanced security, remote switching or concurrent multi-user access should consider more specialized equipment.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Simple one-peripheral sharing for up to four computers reduces hardware costs and desktop clutter.
• High-speed USB 2.0 support ensures good performance with compatible devices and quick transfers.
• Multiple switching methods and clear LEDs make switching fast and predictable without extra software.
• Backward compatibility preserves use of older USB 1.1 peripherals.

Cons

• Only allows one computer to control the peripheral at a time, so it is unsuitable for concurrent multi-user access scenarios.
• The feature set is focused on USB peripheral sharing and does not include advanced KVM video switching or networked management.

Specifications

Model	U215-004-R (Tripp Lite)
Ports	1 peripheral port, 4 computer ports
USB Support	USB 2.0 high-speed; backward compatible with USB 1.1
Transfer Rate	Up to 480 Mbps (USB 2.0)
Switching Methods	Keyboard hot-keys, mouse, manual button
Indicators	Active LEDs and task-bar icon for switch status

Our Verdict

The Tripp Lite 4-port USB 2.0 Peripheral Sharing Switch is a practical, inexpensive solution for users who need to share a single USB device among multiple computers. Its support for high-speed USB 2.0 and backward compatibility make it versatile, and the simple switching methods keep it user-friendly. Choose this unit if you want to reduce duplicate peripherals and desktop clutter; look elsewhere if you need simultaneous access or advanced KVM features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share a USB hard drive with multiple computers?
Yes, the switch supports sharing a high-capacity external drive, but only one computer can access the drive at a time.

Does it require drivers to work?
No, the unit is plug-and-play with most major operating systems and does not require additional drivers for basic switching.

Will older USB 1.1 devices work?
Yes, the switch is backward compatible with USB 1.1 devices, though transfer speeds will follow the older standard.