Playing games on a desktop from a couch using minimal input lag
Playing games on a desktop from a couch using minimal input lag
I'm new to this and wondering if the right place is here. The issue is I enjoy fast-paced shooters, but delays make them less enjoyable. When exploring solutions, a friend recommended getting a laptop for couch use. Since my gaming PC/desk is close to my couch, spending thousands on a separate one wouldn't be ideal. I'm trying to make the most of what I already own. I've been researching and sharing what I've tried, hoping someone has similar experiences or better ideas. Right now, keeping input lag low—like 1440p at 144Hz—is important for me, and I want to minimize extra devices.
I considered streaming games using my MacBook Pro, iPad, and Surface Book. Steam Link didn't work well due to high delay; Parsec also failed. Connecting via Ethernet seemed tricky because the iPad and laptop were on Wi-Fi, which might not sync properly. Most advice suggested delays remained even with wired connections.
I thought about using a gaming monitor mounted on a portable stand, connected via HDMI to my PC directly, and pairing it with a wireless keyboard (which I already own). This would save on extra gear but still required a monitor, stand, and keyboard—potentially costly.
Another angle: since both laptops have screens and keyboards, could I repurpose one as a display and the other as input? That might avoid buying new hardware. However, most laptops don’t accept HDMI inputs for output, and keyboard signals aren’t straightforward. I’ve heard about using HDMI capture cards and software like OBS, but I’m unsure if this would reduce latency enough or be as smooth as streaming.
I’m open to suggestions—anyone have tried similar setups? The goal is to keep things simple and avoid extra spending while maintaining good performance.
6-foot USB adapter. Affordable option, likely minimal impact on input delay.
It seems almost everyone uses screen input, making streaming the main alternative with what you have. You’ve covered all your choices so far.