Summary
- USB-C is a powerful and versatile connector, capable of interfacing with a wide variety of gizmos and gadgets.
- The modern Type-C ports found on laptop and desktop PCs are also compatible with legacy USB-A peripherals.
- With the help of a USB-C hub, here are five quirky USB gadgets I plugged into my PC just for the fun of it.
Universal Serial Bus, or USB for short, is arguably the most important industry standard within the computing space. The USB specification itself has been iterated upon on a number of occasions, all with the express purpose of uniting peripherals, displays, chargers, and data under a single, universalized roof.
Of course, USB, even in its latest Type-C iteration, isn’t perfect technology. That being said, it’s inching ever closer towards the ideals envisioned by the USB Implementers Forum and its many big tech members.
The current tech landscape is saturated with USB-based accessories, ranging from mice, keyboards, trackpads, printers, webcams, external drives, and everything in between. Aside from these computing staples, there also exists a flourishing industry of unique and utterly fascinating USB peripherals.
Here are five of the quirkiest USB products that I’ve ever laid eyes on. Surprisingly, each entry in this list offers at least some level of utility, and they’re all entirely plug-and-play with any and all existing computer setups.
1
A giant enter key
Far more effective than any stress ball
Who needs stress balls when giant enter keys exist? This oversized, plushy throw pillow serves double duty as a genuinely functioning enter key, inputting the command in the same way as pressing the enter key on a keyboard would. The product plugs directly into one of your PC’s available USB ports, and, from there, it’s off to the races. The soft, spongy material is infinitely satisfying to press down upon with a fist, allowing for some much-needed stress relief while at the office.
2
A miniature fan
Keep yourself cool while getting work done
Depending on what part of the world you live in, a fan is an essential item to have at your disposal during the warmer months of the year. We’re all familiar with larger outlet-powered fans, but there also exists an entire world of miniature USB-powered options on the market. For example, the Gaiatop USB Desk Fan is sleek and lightweight, weighing in at less than 8 ounces (227 grams). While powered by nothing more than a single USB port, the fan offers three speed settings, a quiet operating volume of less than 50dB, and vertical rotation from anywhere between zero and thirty degrees.
3
A miniature paper shredder
Useful tools often come in petite packages
In the modern age of paperwork, bills, mail, and bureaucracy aplenty, a paper shredder is an essential household item. It ensures that sensitive documents are disposed of safely, removing the possibility of your personal information falling into the wrong hands. You could always spring for a full-sized paper shredder that plugs into a wall outlet, but where’s the fun in that? Alternatives like the Auroraoffer Mini Paper Shredder are USB-compatible, adorably miniature and therefore highly portable, and perfect for grab-and-go functionality both at home and at the office.
4
A Piranha Plant webcam
It’s not exclusively locked to the Nintendo Switch 2
In a remarkably uncharacteristic move, Nintendo’s Switch 2 console is compatible with generic, non-proprietary USB webcams. Webcams are supported for the purpose of facilitating the company’s GameChat service, which functions similar to something like Discord for video conferencing during gameplay sessions. Hori has made an officially licensed Piranha Plant webcam, based on the common enemy found within the Super Mario universe. While only 480p in resolution, the camera is in fact compatible with all PCs, making it the cutest Zoom and Teams companion the world has ever seen.
5
A room freshener
Enhance your mood with the power of aroma therapy
Who doesn’t love a pleasantly scented living environment? There are countless diffuser, essential oil, and scent-producing products on the market, but USB-based solutions are underappreciated when compared to their wall outlet contemporaries. This is a shame, because options like the Aromahouse Aromakey are slim and aesthetically pleasing, compatible with whichever oils you already have at your disposal, and capable of enhancing mood and promoting restfulness simply by being plugged right into your PC.
