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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'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.

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.