Summary
- Coiled cables are mostly for aesthetics, not to improve performance.
- The real practical benefit comes with the robust aviator connector, allowing you to swap between keyboards more easily.
- DIYing your own coiled cable is a fun project and can be a more budget-friendly alternative to a high-end coiled cable.
If you’re as obsessed with mechanical keyboards as I am and spend all of your free time reading articles and watching videos about them, you’ve likely come across those weird coiled cables. This begs the question: why the heck are they coiled?
Coiled Keyboard Cables Are Mostly for Aesthetics
Keyboard enthusiasts love coiled cables primarily for their aesthetic appeal. A coiled cable looks great on your desk and gives it a more organized appearance, even though it doesn’t actually manage cables in the traditional sense. Additionally, coiled cables invoke nostalgia, as they’re reminiscent of the vintage cables once used in telephones and radio equipment.
Mechanical keyboards are highly customizable, and coiled cables are yet another customizable component that can cater to a specific aesthetic. They come in a variety of color and material combinations that you can match with your keyboard. I like pink and soft pastels, which is why I opted for a pink ATTACK SHARK Coiled USB-C Cable. Its sparkly pink color and gold accents perfectly complement my two keyboards with purple and pink keycaps.
ATTACK SHARK Custom Coiled USB C to A Keyboard Cable
This custom ATTACK SHARK cable features a range of captivating colors that complement your keyboard. It also includes a gold-plated aviator connector, allowing you to quickly swap between keyboards. This budget-friendly coiled cable offers the quality and aesthetic appeal of much more expensive cables.
While some companies might try to convince you that coiled cables provide lower transfer latency and a more robust signal that’ll reliably deliver each keystroke to your PC, that’s just snake oil. The reality is that coiled cables are just regular USB-C cables with a unique look.
Even if they feature gold plating, it’s primarily for corrosion resistance (and because gold looks cool). USB-C cables transfer a digital signal that either reaches its destination or doesn’t, and transfer speeds are irrelevant for keyboards. The best that a high-quality coiled keyboard cable can offer is slightly improved shielding against electromagnetic interference affecting the keyboard or nearby devices.
However, electromagnetic interference is not a concern you need to worry about, as even basic USB-C cables are shielded, and it’s especially not an issue with shorter keyboard cables. You should only buy a coiled keyboard cable if you think it looks good, not because of any claim that it’ll perform better.
Coiled Cables Actually (Sort Of) Serve a Practical Use
The traditional purpose of coiled cables is to provide plenty of cable length as needed, as the coils allow the cable to stretch significantly. For instance, my cable has 35 coils that take up only 7 inches of desk space, but the coiled section extends to a total length of 94 inches. While you’ll probably never stretch the cable this much (and doing so would ruin the coil), it’s still nice to have the extra length without the slack.
However, the real practical benefit of coiled cables isn’t the coil itself, but rather the robust aviator connector. In addition to providing a stylish custom accent that enhances the look of your desk, the aviator connector allows you to connect and disconnect the cable without putting stress on your keyboard’s USB-C port. Granted, you’ll need to buy multiple cables for this purpose, but for those of us who frequently swap keyboards, the added durability is worth it.
Some even go a step further by opting for quick-release connectors in place of the aviator, such as LEMO and YC8. Unlike the aviator, which has a threaded collar that needs to be screwed on and off, LEMO and YC8 connectors simply pull apart, allowing for fast and easy disconnection. Until someone invents a magnetic USB-C cable that won’t pose a fire or static hazard, as noted in a Reddit post, these connectors are your best alternative to damaging your keyboard’s USB-C port.
You Can Make Your Own Coiled Cable
One of the downsides of custom coiled cables is their price. For instance, CableMod’s coiled cables are stunning and of seriously high quality, but they retail for $50. In a world where good mechanical keyboards cost less than that, the price is just out of reach for many.
The good news is that you can DIY your own coiled keyboard cable using any existing USB-C cable. If the coil is all you’re after, you can simply wind the cable around a thin rod and gently heat it, taking care not to melt the cable jacket. To take it a step further, you can DIY the paracord sleeve and install a connector, though this requires more skill and precision. Watch the following YouTube video to learn how to make your own coiled cable:
After watching this video, I think most of us can agree that it’s easier to opt for a budget-friendly alternative to high-end coiled cables. I’ve already mentioned the ATTACK SHARK one that I bought, but there’s also this GUNMJO Pro Coiled Cable and a name-brand option from Cooler Master. Alternatively, buy a keyboard that comes with a coiled cable included, like the RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61.
RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61 60% Mechanical Keyboard
The RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61 is a 60% mechanical keyboard with a coiled cable. It’s a compact, portable keyboard that can also be used wirelessly via 2.4GHz or Bluetooth. The keyboard features RGB backlighting and a hot-swappable PCB, making it easy to change switches.
You Don’t Need a Coiled Cable, but You Still Might Want It
Honestly, none of us really need a coiled cable. Even if you swap between keyboards daily, a typical USB-C port is durable enough to handle 10,000 cycles, so. While it’s reassuring to know that you’re not risking damage with a robust connector, most of us don’t switch keyboards often enough to justify it.
That said, if you like the aesthetic of coiled keyboard cables, go ahead and get one. Much like expensive keycaps, Wooting-style straps, custom switch containers, or artisan volume knobs, custom cables are a fun accessory that adds to the hobby of mechanical keyboards. I ended up loving the look of my coiled cable more than I expected, and I’d definitely buy it again.
