Universal Serial Bus, orUSBfor 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 andits many big tech members.
The current tech landscape is saturated with USB-based accessories, ranging frommice,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.
If you don’t have a USB-C hub for your phone, you’re missing out
USB-C hubs are relatively inexpensive, and owning one unlocks a whole new world of possibilities - particularly when it comes to your smartphone.
1A giant enter key
Far more effective than any stress ball
OMGOD USB Big Enter Key
This oversized Enter Key is a plush stress-relief toy that connects to your PC via USB, functioning just like the dedicated Enter key found on your keyboard.
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.
I plugged a USB fan into an iPhone, Kindle and 4 other dumb things
I’m here to answer questions you’ve probably never had.
2A miniature fan
Keep yourself cool while getting work done
Gaiatop USB Desk Fan
This USB-powered desk fan is capable of low, medium, and high-speed settings, with a compact build and a low-noise operating volume.
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.
4 things you should never plug into your TV’s USB port
Prepare to be surprised by the unexpected risks of plugging certain devices into your TV’s USB ports.
3A miniature paper shredder
Useful tools often come in petite packages
Auroraoffer Mini Paper Shredder
This USB paper shredder is compact and portable, suitable for both A6 and A4 paper sizes, and capable of shredding material into strips of 2-3 mm in width.
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.
I need this Piranha Plant Switch 2 accessory (for taking my Zoom calls with)
Nintendo’s Switch 2 is compatible with external USB-C cameras - this third-party Piranha Plant themed variant is as silly as it is endearing.
4A Piranha Plant webcam
It’s not exclusively locked to the Nintendo Switch 2
Hori Piranha Plant Camera (for Nintendo Switch 2)
A third-party external USB-C camera intended for use with the Nintendo Switch 2 console, this Hori model is themed after a piranha plant from the Super Mario universe.
In a remarkably uncharacteristic move,Nintendo’s Switch 2console 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 itthe cutest Zoom and Teams companionthe world has ever seen.
5 things you should be doing with your iPad USB port that aren’t charging
It can do more than you might think.
5A room freshener
Enhance your mood with the power of aroma therapy
Aromahouse Aromakey USB Aromatherapy Diffuser
This compact diffuser can be plugged into any USB outlet, and it releases mood-enhancing fragrances via a set of five included essential oil pads.
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.
4 things you should be doing with your PC’s USB ports (that isn’t syncing your phone)
Just some food for thought if you want to get the most out of your laptop or desktop.
