I’m very particular about the settings on my desktop PC. That’s because you do almost all of your work on your desktop PC, and you spend a significant portion of your relaxing time on it. If you doubt us, check out the “battlestation” subwoofer on Reddit. I’ve recommended a lot of small upgrades in the past, like headset holders and power cable trays, but the one I use most often is the humble carabiner.
You see, no matter how secure your system is in place, all you ultimately need is a USB cable. As a big fan of wireless devices, I regularly need to charge various gadgets like keyboards, mice, headsets, and gaming keypads, not to mention transferring data and connecting microphones. Even if you spend literally hours managing cables like I do, there’s no such thing as a cable-free desktop.
Michael Crider/Foundry
Michael Crider/Foundry
Michael Crider/Foundry
My solution is to make something like a “keychain” for the external cables I use most often. I take the essential data and charging cables, loosely loop them, then tie a knot so they don’t get tangled with each other. Then thread the top loop through the carabiner. I added a basic household hook to one of the legs of my standing desk so it’s always within reach.
Currently, my “keychain” comes with four cables and a flash drive, but I’ve added and subtracted them as needed over the years. I have his MicroUSB-to-USB-A cable with a Razer proprietary head so that I don’t have to charge my Razer Naga Pro mouse and customized keypad often. I have two USB-C-to-USB-A cables for various charging and data transfer purposes, especially for phones and tablets. And finally, we use USB-C-to-USB-C for super-fast data from cameras connected through the desktop’s front port and for programming Keychron keyboards using VIA.
Previously, I used an even older cable, MiniUSB-to-USB-A, to connect to an old Yeti microphone for meetings. But I rigged up a small adapter that permanently attaches to that suction cup to further reduce it.
Michael Crider/Foundry
Michael Crider/Foundry
Michael Crider/Foundry
Adding a camera card reader covered about 99 percent of my connectivity needs and saved me from having to dive into multiple drawers full of cable rat nests looking for something specific. All of these are within reach in seconds, can be easily removed via the carabiner’s loop, and in many cases you don’t even need to untie them to accomplish your goal.
I should mention that tying these cables in loops is bad for the cables and will wear them out faster. That may or may not be true. In over 20 years of working with computers professionally, he has only seen cables wear out from overuse three or four times. And they aren’t difficult to replace, and none of them conduct dangerous amounts of electricity.
Well, we recommend this method for people who use their desktop PC in combination with many wireless gadgets. You probably have a cheap carabiner lying around somewhere (he recommends Nite-Ize if you want to look classy). Sturdy hooks are also available for a few dollars. Please, try it. We promise you will save time searching for cables.
References: USB-C cable for data transfer and charging