Detachable USB cable: Helps organize your workplace

FACTS CHECKED BY  Jose George​

About the Detachable USB cable, Does your desktop setup look clumsy and cluttered?

Do you always struggle with plugging in/plugging out the cables from the host device?

If yes, you need a custom detachable USB cable for input devices like keyboards and host devices(PCs). 

However, there are innumerable customizations and qualities available in these cables.

This article details all about custom detachable USB cables. Let’s read further.

Table of Contents

What is a detachable USB cable?

A USB cable having two kinds of connectors at different ends is a detachable USB cable. 

You can connect one of its ends (i.e., USB) to any input device like a keyboard, computer, etc., and another to an output device like a monitor. 

Most detachable USB cables have a pull-out mechanism, but some may also have a twist and lock mechanism to lock the cable in its place. 

Whatever it is, these cables are highly durable and save you from replacement expenditure.

Input side /keyboard detachable USB end cable

  • Device USB: The connector you plug into your device, like a keyboard, is either USB type C, Mini, or Micro.
  • Detachable connector: This USB cable has a pinout for XLR, LEMO, and Aviator connectors.

Host side/computer detachable USB end cable

  • Host USB: The connector you plug into your PC, USB hub, laptop, or any power source is mostly USB type A.
  • Detachable connector: This host USB cable also uses pinout for XLR, LEMO, and Aviator connectors.

Non-detachable USB end cables:

Non-detachable USB cables are like that standard USB cable. 

The connector at the device end (keyboard and others) is usually a USB type C, Micro, and Mini connector. 

The connector plugged into the USB hub, personal computer, laptop, or power source is a USB Type-A connector.

Detachable USB-to-XLR Keyboard cables

Detachable USB-to-XLR Keyboard cables

Why do you need a custom detachable USB cable?

Custom detachable USB cables become handy when people handle multiple tasks from the same place. Let’s understand the topic step by step.

Make your workstation more modular and flexible with custom detachable USB cables:

Suppose you have a personal computer and an office laptop; both need to be connected to the same input device, like a keyboard or mouse. 

In such setups, it’s essential to have an arrangement so that you can switch between the two without any hassle.

When you have such an arrangement, you have your input devices easily accessible. 

During work hours, you can connect to drawing tablets for presentations. 

And after work hours, you can plug in your hard wallet to manage your cryptocurrency. 

Also, you can plug in another input device if you want. 

Keeping host/device-side connectors (USB) handy helps you switch between devices easily. This arrangement is useful when working from one place. 

Another benefit of custom detachable USB cables is keeping your workplace clutter-free.

What exactly is a “custom detachable USB cable”?

As the name clears, it is a customized USB cable built on the buyer’s order. 

The length of connector types, the color of the cables and so on depend on the buyer’s choice and requirements. 

As these cables are highly customizable, they readily gained popularity. 

People switched from boring black cables to these colorful cables to match the theme of their office or home setup. 

Of course, these cables come with a hefty price tag, but they are worth that extra cost.

So, what’s the point of a custom detachable USB cable?

There is no point in having a custom cable as they are similar to any other USB cable. 

Mostly, people buy them because they look nice and add style to their setup. 

However, selecting a cable purely based on looks would not be wise. 

Go for the custom cables but ensure they work for your intended use. 

Non-detachable USB cables

Non-detachable USB cables

Different customization options for detachable USB cables.

Look for the best configuration based on your setup, and don’t hesitate to take experts’ opinions.

Cable thickness:

You get two thickness options in custom detachable USB cables; standard 550 and Jumbo sized. 

Most generic cables come in standard 550 sizes having an outer diameter of about 4-5mm. 

On the other hand, a Jumbo cable is a 22 AWG cable with an outer diameter of about 7-8 mm (almost twice that of a standard one).

Cable thickness vs. length:

You are wrong if you think cable thickness is just for enhancing cable looks. 

The cable thickness is important in device performance if connected to a power delivery point. 

Also, cables lose signal over long distances (signal attenuation), so it is not advisable to use longer cables in modular workstations. 

Most high-power custom keyboards like DROP CTRL and CROP ALT are incompatible with longer cables. 

Furthermore, if you need to plug in different devices requiring speedy data transfer, you must use shorter cables with more thickness.

Sleeving:

Cable sleeving is a thin fabric layer that encloses the metallic components of a cable. 

The purpose of the sleeve is to provide protection and give an aesthetic look to the cables. 

Custom cable manufacturers have various color options for cable sleeving.

For sleeving types, you may have two options; Paracord sleeving and Paracord sleeving with Techflex. 

Techflex mainly adds colors, thickness, and durability to the custom USB cable. 

Generally, Techflex is available in only two-color combinations or solid colors, while you may get more designs in Paracord sleeving.

Heat Shrink:

You must have seen a thick plastic layer (basically, thermoplastic) covering the connection between the cable and the connector. 

It mainly protects the connection and makes it secure. 

You can get colorful heat shrink as a customizable option. 

Cable coil:

The cable coil is a unique, customizable feature of keyboard cables. 

You can get several customizations in the size, orientation, length, and direction of the cable coil from the manufacturers. 

You must check the USB slot of your keyboard so that you pick a coil with the right direction and orientation.

Coiled cables vs. retractable cables:

Coiled cables are made of a hard material intended to be bent. 

Thus, these cables are not meant for regular expansion and contraction. 

If you do so, they will lose their form.  

These coils enhance the look of your keyboard setup. 

On the contrary, retractable cables are the ones that can be extended as many times as you want, as they are made up of materials meant for a regular extension.

Host/device USB connectivity:

You need to check what USB connections your input and host device have. Generally, custom cable makers give USB Type A, Type C, Mini, and Micro USB connectors options.

Detachable connectors:

Detachable connectors (Aviator, Lemo, etc.) make your setup organized. 

Suppose you have multiple input devices with different USB connectors. 

You need not reach the back of the host device whenever you want to switch the device. 

Keep the host cable attached and plug another end into the new device.

Custom usb-to-aviator cables

Custom usb-to-aviator cables

Conclusion:

Look for buying custom keyboard cables.

We at Cloom have a wide range of customization options for custom cables. 

Our detachable keyboard cables come with different detachable connectors ranging from common GX16-SA12 Weipus to quick-connect YC8s.

For more details about our products, please feel free to contact us.