USB 3.2 Gen1 2x4 Sharing Switch ATEN US5324 with Host A + C and 4 Device Ports

ATEN US5324 is a compact USB 3.2 Gen1 2x4 sharing switch that lets two computers — one with a USB Type-A host port and one with a USB Type-C host port — share up to four USB devices. The switch supports SuperSpeed data transfer up to 5 Gbps and is USB-powered, making it suitable for desktop and multimedia workspaces where fast peripheral sharing between two systems is required.

Advantages

The US5324 enables fast switching between two hosts without swapping cables, using either the built-in pushbutton or the included remote port selector. InstaSync technology provides smooth and uninterrupted USB switching, while hot-pluggable operation and OS independence (Windows, macOS, Linux) remove the need for additional drivers or power cycling. Its compact black enclosure with accent lighting minimizes desk footprint.

Suitable for

• Office environments where two computers share keyboards, mice and other USB peripherals
• Multimedia or content-creation setups requiring fast transfer of large files to/from shared USB storage
• Workstations that mix USB Type-A and Type-C hosts

When it may not be suitable

This switch is intended for sharing standard USB peripherals and storage devices; it is not a network device and does not provide Ethernet or video switching. Extremely high-throughput or specialized USB devices that require proprietary drivers or vendor-specific features may not function fully through a simple sharing switch.

Key specifications

• Host interfaces: one USB Type-A and one USB Type-C (USB 3.2 Gen2 compatible)
• Device/hub interfaces: mix of USB Type-C and USB Type-A ports supporting USB 3.2 Gen1/Gen2 speeds
• Number of shared device ports: 4
• Maximum data transfer rate: up to 5 Gbps (SuperSpeed USB)
• Power: USB-powered (no external power supply required)
• Enclosure colour: black
• Hot-pluggable: supports adding/removing devices without powering down

How to use

Connect the two host computers to the US5324 host ports (one Type-A and one Type-C). Plug the up to four USB peripherals into the device ports on the switch. Use the front pushbutton or the included remote port selector to toggle which host has access to the shared devices. The switch operates without driver installation; devices can be hot-plugged while the switch is powered by USB.

What to consider before purchase

• Confirm your peripherals are standard USB devices and do not require special drivers that may not work through a hardware switch
• Verify your hosts have the required Type-A and Type-C ports or use appropriate adapters as needed
• Consider cable lengths and workspace placement since the unit is compact but requires connection to both hosts and devices

Recommendations

For best results, use high-quality SuperSpeed USB cables and connect mass-storage devices directly to the device ports labeled for high-speed transfer. When switching hosts, allow the operating system a moment to re-enumerate devices before starting data-intensive operations.