What is USB Passthrough on a Keyboard?
If you are confused what is the function of a USB Passthrough on a keyboard. Why can there be a USB port on a keyboard. What exactly does a USB Passthrough do on a keyboard?
What Can You Put in USB Passthrough?
Here is a list of some of the devices you can connect with USB Passthrough on the keyboard:
- Mouse
- Smartphone Charger
- USB Speaker
- USB Microphone
- Thumb Activator
- External Hard Drive
- Flashdisk
- Other USB powered devices
- USB Headset
Benefits of USB Passthrough
USB Passthrough can provide many benefits such as ease of connecting your devices such as gadgets, headsets, microphones, and other devices. USB Passthrough can also be the right solution if you want to maximize cable management on your desk.
Should I Get a Keyboard with USB Passthrough?
The thing that must be considered before you decide to buy a keyboard that has USB Passthrough is that the electricity supply required is more than that of an ordinary keyboard in general. Keyboards with USB Passthrough are not for everyone, but having an embedded keyboard with the USB Passthrough feature can be a plus considering the functions are also quite a lot.
USB Passthrough is perfect for those of you who put your PC away from your work position, for example you put your PC under your desk so that accessing the USB port on your PC is quite a hassle. In cases like this, USB Passthrough on the keyboard is certainly the most appropriate solution besides using a USB terminal.
Why Does my Keyboard Have 2 USB Cables?
To maximize the flow of a larger power supply
You may have found the keyboard by default getting a weird USB post with 2 USB heads. The two USB heads function to maximize the power supply on a keyboard.
For example, the keyboard has several USB Passthrough ports that are connected to several devices such as gadget chargers, Flashdisks, and USB Headsets or speakers. This means that with the addition of connected devices, the required electricity supply becomes larger. With the use of 2 USB heads on the keyboard, the electrical needs for these additional devices will be met so that the distribution of electric power becomes more balanced.
Best Keyboards with USB Passthrough
On the market today, there are quite a few brands that have started releasing keyboards with the USB Passthrough feature. We will cover several other important aspects of each of these keyboards so that it will be easier for you to decide which keyboard best suits your preferences. The following are recommendations for the best keyboards with USB Passthrough on the market today:
1. Corsair K95 RGB Platinum
| Layout | Full Size |
| Switches | Cherry MX Switches |
| Keycaps | Doubleshot PBT Keycaps |
| Connectivity | Wired/USB |
Corsair K95 RGB Platinum provides one USB Passthrough that you can use to connect your devices such as flash drives, USB headsets, USB microphones and others.
If you want a quality gaming keyboard with USB Passthrough, the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum is one option you should consider, you can find this keyboard on Amazon.
2. SteelSeries Apex 7
| Layout | Full Size |
| Switches | Cherry MX Switches |
| Keycaps | ABS Keycaps |
| Connectivity | Wired/USB |
In addition to having USB Passthrough, SteelSeries Apex 7 is also equipped with some cool features such as an OLED display that you can use to display your favorite animated images or you can also use it to select a keyboard profile that you have saved in the Onboard memory.
SteelSeries Apex 7 is also equipped with quality components such as thick ABS keycaps which are very comfortable for typing.
3. Das Keyboard 4 Professional
| Layout | Full Size |
| Switches | Cherry MX Switches |
| Keycaps | ABS Keycaps |
| Connectivity | Wired/USB |
Das Keyboard 4 Professional is one of the most fun keyboards to type on. Das Keyboard 4 Professional is equipped with various cool features such as volume knob, Multimedia Keys, and also 2 USB Passthrough ports which is quite a lot.
Because Das Keyboard 4 Professional provides 2 USB Passthroughs, this will make it easier for you to connect 2 of your devices at the same time for example you can charge your gadgets and also connect a USB Headset.
If you want a keyboard with USB Passthrough that can meet your multimedia needs and is very comfortable to use for typing, Das Keyboard 4 Professional is an option that you shouldn’t miss. You can find this keyboard on Amazon.
4. Logitech G413
| Layout | Full Size |
| Switches | Romer-G Mechanical Switch |
| Keycaps | ABS Keycaps |
| Connectivity | Wired/USB Type A |
For features, the Logitech G413 is not equipped with abundant features. This keyboard is also not equipped with RGB lights, only equipped with red LED lights.
If you want a keyboard with USB Passthrough that has reliable build quality and uses quality components, the Logitech G413 is one option you should consider. You can find this keyboard on Amazon.
5. Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 Rapidfire
| Layout | Full Size |
| Switches | Cherry MX Switches |
| Keycaps | ABS Keycaps |
| Connectivity | Wired/USB 2.0 |
Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 Rapidfire also uses quality components such as thick ABS OEM profile keycaps, Cherry MX Switch, magnetic wrist rest, cool RGB with various animations.
Several other additional features on the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 Rapidfire such as a volume wheel and dedicated multimedia keys complement that this keyboard has a lot of features.
Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 Rapidfire is a quality full size gaming keyboard equipped with USB Passthrough. In addition, this keyboard is also equipped with many additional features and quality components. You can find this keyboard on Amazon.
6. Logitech G512 SE Lightsync
| Layout | Full Size |
| Switches | GX Blue Switches |
| Keycaps | ABS Keycaps |
| Connectivity | Wired/USB 2.0 |
The Logitech G512 SE Lightsync is a quality keyboard made by Logitech that is equipped with a USB Passthrough port feature. This is a quality keyboard that has a cool design and excellent build quality.
The Logitech G512 SE Lightsync is a keyboard with USB Passthrugh that has quality components such as thick ABS OEM profile keycaps and is great for typing or playing games. The Logitech G512 SE Lightsync is also equipped with a GX switch from logitech which is known for its excellent durability.
The Logitech G512 SE Lightsync has an excellent reputation for having a very cool RGB backlight and perhaps the most distinct in terms of RGB lighting. Because the RGB lights on this keyboard only penetrate the engraving of the keycaps which will look very cool when the RGB is turned on.
The Logitech G512 SE Lightsync is one of the keyboards with USB Passthrough that has a cool design, excellent build quality, and quality components.
7. ASUS ROG Strix Flare
| Layout | Full Size |
| Switches | Cherry MX Switches |
| Keycaps | ABS Keycaps |
| Connectivity | Wired/USB |
For keycaps, ASUS ROG Strix Flare uses OEM profile keycaps that are made of thick ABS plastic and are very pleasant to use for typing or playing games.
ASUS ROG Strix Flare is also equipped with a switch option from Cherry MX which is known for its excellent quality and durability.
ASUS ROG Strix Flare also has various interesting features such as cool RGB lights with various animations, volume wheel, dedicated multimedia keys, magnetic multimedia keys, and of course a USB Passthrough.
If you want a quality keyboard with USB Passthrough that has a cool design, good build quality, quality components, reliable for playing games, and the price is quite affordable, ASUS ROG Strix Flare is one option you should consider. You can find this keyboard on Amazon.
8. Redragon K550 YAMA
| Layout | Full Size |
| Switches | Outemu Switches |
| Keycaps | Doubleshot ABS Keycaps |
| Connectivity | Wired/USB |
The Redragon K550 is an affordable gaming keyboard that is equipped with a USB Passthrough port. This is a quality cheap keyboard that is equipped with very complete features.
For keycaps and switches, Redragon K550 uses ABS OEM profile keycaps that are thick and comfortable for typing.
If you want a cheap keyboard with USB Passthrough that uses components with decent quality, full features, cool design, good build quality, then the Redragon K550 is the right keyboard for you. You can find this keyboard on Amazon for a very affordable price.
Conclusion
Corsair K95 RGB Platinum, SteelSeries Apex 7, Das Keyboard 4 Professional, Logitech G413, Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 Rapidfire, Logitech G512 SE Lightsync, ASUS ROG Strix Flare, Redragon K550 YAMA are the best options for keyboards with USB Passthrough on the market at the moment. As for the keyboard with the most USB Passthrough, Das Keyboard 4 Professional is because it has 2 USB Passthrough ports.
