Simple USB Switch

by T_T_

47K367

Intro: Simple USB Switch

This is the most simple USB switch I could come up with. It doesn't require IC's or any other complex circuitry.
All it requires is:
One 4pdt switch
Two USB female ports
one USB cable
and a case

STEP 1: Prepare the Case

this will differ depending on what you use, I used an old power brick.
Just make a hole for your toggle switch and USB ports

STEP 2: Wire the Switch

Now the switch needs to be wired.
It doesn't really matter what order the wires are in, as long as they line up on the switch.

STEP 3: Test!

Make sure double check the wiring before testing!
It's a good Idea to test this before you put in the case, otherwise you might get all put together, plug in, and it doesn't work

STEP 4: Assembly

Now put your USB switch in it's case and your done

8 Comments

n3pla2000 3 years ago

Only 3PDT needed. if all of the ground wires are all connected together, and only the 5v power is switched noting bad will happen. Also if the switch will only allow two USB devices to connect to 1 computer or power source 5v power can remain connected to both devices, just watch the power levels of the devices do not exceed 2.1 A. If you wish to connect two computer to one device again tie all grounds together, run the 5v power from each computer to diode, then to the device. Both computer will supply power to the one device, but power from one computer can not feed back to the other. However power feed back might be desired... If one "computer" is a tablet and only has one USB, wiring it to between the USB device and the computer is good, you will then want all 5v leads tied together and all grounds tied together. This way the tablet can talk to either the computer or USB device.

Atariiatarii 11 years ago

Would this work in reverse? like, one female port and two male ports? I want to be able to switch mouse and keyboard between computers without using synergy

EttoreS1 8 years ago

Yes, it works in reverse. I needed this way too. Its fully functional. =]

pjhenry1216 9 years ago

I would also like to know if this could work in reverse. If anyone has any insight into this, that'd be appreciated. I too would like to have a usb switch that can basically act as a switch between a USB hub and two different machines.

ahussain29 9 years ago

This usb switch solve my problem of plunging unplugging USB cables. I use tenda wifi usb router with USB adapter and power bank. With this switch I can keep my usb adaptor and power bank without unplugging and just switching on power failure. This usb switch will not use any energy so that I can save my battery life. USB switcher/hub available in the market have little circuit which consume power and I do not want to loose my power bank battery.

sctirvn687 11 years ago

Does this switch turn the two USB ports on and off or does it just switch between them? Would you use this instead of plugging in and unplugging cables? Thanks.

T_T_ 11 years ago

this just switches between the two ports.
right now I don't use it, as I've upgraded my computer and have no shortage of ports, but it is much easier than unplugging the cables, especially if the ports are on the back.