6 ms·

> GX12 or GX16 4-pin aviation connector (Aliexpress) for decoration. Aesthetics is subjective of course, but I've never really liked things that are added for

by jolmg 7y ago

> GX12 or GX16 4-pin aviation connector (Aliexpress) for decoration. Aesthetics is subjective of course, but I've never really liked things that are added for decoration but have no functional purpose. It's like fake drawers on cabinets or fake pockets on shirts or blazers. In this case, I imagine that connector even adds weight to the cable for no reason at all. It's got to make it a bit uncomfortable when using the keyboard off the desk which I imagine is the purpose of the coiling. My kind of beauty is the adminbook[1]. Everything has a functional purpose in that. Nothing is added simply because it looks pretty. Is there a name for this kind of aesthetics? [1] https://habr.com/en/post/437912/ https://habr.com/en/post/437912/

PascLeRasc 7y ago
Let's say you were very into mechanical keyboards and DIY boards (and I think that's a fair assumption if you're building your own cables). You might do this to let you have one cable run from your computer/monitor hub and easily switch between different keyboards with USB-C or micro/mini connectors. What's the idea behind the key coloring on the Adminbook? (https://hsto.org/webt/2-/mh/ag/2-mhagvoofl7vgqiadv3rcnclb0.jpeg https://hsto.org/webt/2-/mh/ag/2-mhagvoofl7vgqiadv3rcnclb0.j...). I think there's a certain "it's extra bulky and ugly because it looks more functional that way" to both the Adminbook and the 4-pin industrial connector, and that's fine.
- jolmg 7y ago
  > You might do this to let you have one cable run from your computer/monitor hub and easily switch between different keyboards with USB-C or micro/mini connectors. And the cable does have a microusb connector, but what I was talking about was the inclusion of some aviation connector right in the middle. Even the post said it was purely decorative. > What's the idea behind the key coloring on the Adminbook? The post on the adminbook does talk about the rationale behind the colors: > To hit the buttons faster, different key colors are used. > For example, the numeric row is specifically colored gray to visually separate it from the QWERTY row, and NumLock is mapped to the “6” key, colored black to stand out. > the function keys can be pressed without Fn. These are separate keys that are even divided into groups of 4 using color coding and location. > That is, it’s an LED above the display, illuminating the keyboard from the top. In this case, it is better than a backlight from below, because it allows you to distinguish the color of the keys. > Indicators are color-coded. With regards to: > I think there's a certain "it's extra bulky and ugly because it looks more functional that way" to both the Adminbook and the 4-pin industrial connector, and that's fine. I don't think the industrial connector itself is not functional, but rather its inclusion in a USB cable. On the keyboard coloring scheme of the Adminbook, whether you would use it or not, it definitely can be used to distinguish different key groups. Besides the ones mentioned in the parts I quoted, there's also the light background color for the keypad buttons, the dark background color for the '0', '-', and '=' keys which are used for controlling zooming in multiple applications. The F key is where the nub for your index finger is to quickly position your hand correctly, etc.
  - nerdponx 7y ago
    You're already spending all this extra money to build your own USB cable when you can buy one online for $5, and you want some kind of quick disconnect that doesn't put strain on the USB port itself. Might as well go whole hog and get something that looks badass.
  - PascLeRasc 7y ago
    Ok, you got me. The real answer is that the aviation connector looks cool and it's fun to use. That's all there is to it.
    - godelski 7y ago
      The aviation connector is a quick disconnect
      - squarefoot 7y ago
        It's threaded, no quick disconnect is possible and in case of accidental pulling it wouldn't protect the USB connector/socket. To add quick disconnect to a cable with some damage protection, one should add a weaker point than the USB connector, that is, magnetic contacts or a plug that needs less force to disconnect than the USB one. A bayonet connector, such as the ones used in military equipment, would meet at least the quick disconnect requirement.
        nerdponx 7y ago
        Quick or not, it protects the USB port from repeated plug/unplug cycles. Lemo-style connectors are another popular option for keyboard nerds.
roywiggins 7y ago
Brutalism?
- dmix 7y ago
  aka taking functionalism too far
- dmurray 7y ago
  No, that's specifically a style of architecture featuring (inter alia) raw concrete external finishes, and not a catchall for things you find ugly.
  - tomjakubowski 7y ago
    You're being harsh. There's more to brutalism than the material: for instance, the style tends to visibly expose functional elements like elevator and ventilation shafts to the building's exterior.
  - roywiggins 7y ago
    The idea of brutalism is at least partly to avoid artifice and emphasize materials and function over ornament. Of course, applying it to anything that's not actually architecture is analogizing.
- kevin_thibedeau 7y ago
  I'd go with post-modernist electronics. Pretty much everything case-mod/gamer related.
pbalau 7y ago
The device looks interesting and I think I can find uses for it in other domains, than sys admin. I just skimmed over the article, but I can't find a price and from where to buy.
- Rebelgecko 7y ago
  It doesn't exist, it looks like just renderings. Maybe the closest you can get is something like the GPD MicroPC. Although I don't know of anything that has some of the features on their wishlist, like reversible input/output video ports.
Excel_Wizard 7y ago
Architects call it functionalism. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Functionalism_(architecture) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Functionalism_(architecture)
deckar01 7y ago
Doesn't the connector make it modular?
- cptskippy 7y ago
  The cable? Yes but why? It's already removable from the keyboard.
  - moftz 7y ago
    You could have a setup where the other end of the USB cable is hard to reach so you can use the circular connector to swap the keyboard-side of the cable for a different style USB connector. But then why not just have a USB extender mounted to the desk in an easy to get to spot? You would need to make a bunch of variations of the USB to circular connector pigtails to plug into the main one. Seems like a lot of work for something that usually only takes a couple seconds if you have an easier to reach USB port. If the guy says the circular connector is just decorative, I'd believe him. Nothing else really makes sense.
- jolmg 7y ago
  If there's ever a need for a GX12-to-MicroUSB or GX12-to-USB-A cable, then sure, but I doubt it, and the poster specifically said it was only for decoration.
ofrzeta 7y ago
As others have pointed out this kind of aesthetics can be categorized by "functionalism" and also goes with the slogan "form follows function" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Form_follows_function https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Form_follows_function). Also see Adolf Loos' essay "Ornament and Crime" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ornament_and_Crime https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ornament_and_Crime).
artsyca 7y ago
There's structural functionalism and then functional structuralism, you feel me?
deleted 7y ago
[deleted]
shard 7y ago
Some people enjoy making things look interesting or exotic, see steampunk electronics. I am guessing that such stylistic designs in electronics does not appeal to you.
throwaway286 7y ago
I suspect the purpose is to put something in a cable that a commercial manufacturer would never put in a cable. That way, he can look at it and be reminded that "I made that", or he can brag about it when someone else sees it and asks.

by jolmg 7y ago

PascLeRasc 7y ago

Let's say you were very into mechanical keyboards and DIY boards (and I think that's a fair assumption if you're building your own cables). You might do this to let you have one cable run from your computer/monitor hub and easily switch between different keyboards with USB-C or micro/mini connectors. What's the idea behind the key coloring on the Adminbook? (https://hsto.org/webt/2-/mh/ag/2-mhagvoofl7vgqiadv3rcnclb0.jpeg https://hsto.org/webt/2-/mh/ag/2-mhagvoofl7vgqiadv3rcnclb0.j...). I think there's a certain "it's extra bulky and ugly because it looks more functional that way" to both the Adminbook and the 4-pin industrial connector, and that's fine.

jolmg 7y ago
> You might do this to let you have one cable run from your computer/monitor hub and easily switch between different keyboards with USB-C or micro/mini connectors. And the cable does have a microusb connector, but what I was talking about was the inclusion of some aviation connector right in the middle. Even the post said it was purely decorative. > What's the idea behind the key coloring on the Adminbook? The post on the adminbook does talk about the rationale behind the colors: > To hit the buttons faster, different key colors are used. > For example, the numeric row is specifically colored gray to visually separate it from the QWERTY row, and NumLock is mapped to the “6” key, colored black to stand out. > the function keys can be pressed without Fn. These are separate keys that are even divided into groups of 4 using color coding and location. > That is, it’s an LED above the display, illuminating the keyboard from the top. In this case, it is better than a backlight from below, because it allows you to distinguish the color of the keys. > Indicators are color-coded. With regards to: > I think there's a certain "it's extra bulky and ugly because it looks more functional that way" to both the Adminbook and the 4-pin industrial connector, and that's fine. I don't think the industrial connector itself is not functional, but rather its inclusion in a USB cable. On the keyboard coloring scheme of the Adminbook, whether you would use it or not, it definitely can be used to distinguish different key groups. Besides the ones mentioned in the parts I quoted, there's also the light background color for the keypad buttons, the dark background color for the '0', '-', and '=' keys which are used for controlling zooming in multiple applications. The F key is where the nub for your index finger is to quickly position your hand correctly, etc.
- nerdponx 7y ago
  You're already spending all this extra money to build your own USB cable when you can buy one online for $5, and you want some kind of quick disconnect that doesn't put strain on the USB port itself. Might as well go whole hog and get something that looks badass.
- PascLeRasc 7y ago
  Ok, you got me. The real answer is that the aviation connector looks cool and it's fun to use. That's all there is to it.
  - godelski 7y ago
    The aviation connector is a quick disconnect
    - squarefoot 7y ago
      It's threaded, no quick disconnect is possible and in case of accidental pulling it wouldn't protect the USB connector/socket. To add quick disconnect to a cable with some damage protection, one should add a weaker point than the USB connector, that is, magnetic contacts or a plug that needs less force to disconnect than the USB one. A bayonet connector, such as the ones used in military equipment, would meet at least the quick disconnect requirement.
      - nerdponx 7y ago
        Quick or not, it protects the USB port from repeated plug/unplug cycles. Lemo-style connectors are another popular option for keyboard nerds.

roywiggins 7y ago

Brutalism?

dmix 7y ago
aka taking functionalism too far
dmurray 7y ago
No, that's specifically a style of architecture featuring (inter alia) raw concrete external finishes, and not a catchall for things you find ugly.
- tomjakubowski 7y ago
  You're being harsh. There's more to brutalism than the material: for instance, the style tends to visibly expose functional elements like elevator and ventilation shafts to the building's exterior.
- roywiggins 7y ago
  The idea of brutalism is at least partly to avoid artifice and emphasize materials and function over ornament. Of course, applying it to anything that's not actually architecture is analogizing.
kevin_thibedeau 7y ago
I'd go with post-modernist electronics. Pretty much everything case-mod/gamer related.

pbalau 7y ago

The device looks interesting and I think I can find uses for it in other domains, than sys admin. I just skimmed over the article, but I can't find a price and from where to buy.

Rebelgecko 7y ago
It doesn't exist, it looks like just renderings. Maybe the closest you can get is something like the GPD MicroPC. Although I don't know of anything that has some of the features on their wishlist, like reversible input/output video ports.

Excel_Wizard 7y ago

Architects call it functionalism. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Functionalism_(architecture) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Functionalism_(architecture)

deckar01 7y ago

Doesn't the connector make it modular?

cptskippy 7y ago
The cable? Yes but why? It's already removable from the keyboard.
- moftz 7y ago
  You could have a setup where the other end of the USB cable is hard to reach so you can use the circular connector to swap the keyboard-side of the cable for a different style USB connector. But then why not just have a USB extender mounted to the desk in an easy to get to spot? You would need to make a bunch of variations of the USB to circular connector pigtails to plug into the main one. Seems like a lot of work for something that usually only takes a couple seconds if you have an easier to reach USB port. If the guy says the circular connector is just decorative, I'd believe him. Nothing else really makes sense.
jolmg 7y ago
If there's ever a need for a GX12-to-MicroUSB or GX12-to-USB-A cable, then sure, but I doubt it, and the poster specifically said it was only for decoration.

ofrzeta 7y ago

As others have pointed out this kind of aesthetics can be categorized by "functionalism" and also goes with the slogan "form follows function" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Form_follows_function https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Form_follows_function). Also see Adolf Loos' essay "Ornament and Crime" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ornament_and_Crime https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ornament_and_Crime).

artsyca 7y ago

There's structural functionalism and then functional structuralism, you feel me?

deleted 7y ago

[deleted]

shard 7y ago

Some people enjoy making things look interesting or exotic, see steampunk electronics. I am guessing that such stylistic designs in electronics does not appeal to you.

throwaway286 7y ago

I suspect the purpose is to put something in a cable that a commercial manufacturer would never put in a cable. That way, he can look at it and be reminded that "I made that", or he can brag about it when someone else sees it and asks.