We've been in a lot more foursomes than threesomes, and our threesomes are mostly really better described as a foursome with one taking a break. But, do have some experience there. We've seen it both ways where all three are equally and actively involved, and also where it's mainly two with the third sort of just in an auxiliary role. It's usually been more like the second example.
With a foursome, there are different ways of doing it, same room, separate room, two sets of one on one, all four involved in more of an orgy, and all shades of gray in between. We've experienced all of those, and I don't know that one really felt any more or less "apart" than any other way. When we were new, we leaned more toward separate rooms. That's the opposite of most folks, but it's all about what you think will work best for you as a couple, and there's no right or wrong answers.
Your concern about the "taken from" feeling kind of makes me think that maybe separate room wouldn't be the best choice for you starting out. Rather, same room with two sets of one on one would still give you some visual connection and also feel a little more comfortable since you are still in each others presence. Then once you've got a little experience under your belt and are more comfortable that swinging can be something you are experiencing together even if physically not in the same room together, then if the separate rooms things is something you want to try, could always give it a shot then. May like it, may not, it's all good, everyone has their own swinging style.
Honestly, our best swinging experiences were freeform and covered everything above in one evening as two couples just flowed from one thing to another depending on what each person's mood was at the time. Orgy foursome to threesome to one on one in separate rooms to threesome to foursome one on one all on same bed and so on. That takes couples who are familiar with each other, so probably not going to get one of those freeflowing marathon sessions right at the start with a couple, but it's definitely possible once you have spent some time together and everything has gelled.
Whatever you decide, wishing you the best of luck! We're happy to have you here with us as members, and hope you'll stick around as a permanent part of the community.