You can’t think of a modern computer or laptop without a USB port. We use it to hook up all kinds of devices: keyboards, mice, printers, and of course, tons of flash drives. My buddy’s kid plugged a teaspoon into a USB port and fried the port along with the motherboard’s south bridge once. But aside from spoons, there are lots of other quirky and unusual gadgets powered by USB. While portable flashlights or fans are no longer surprising to people, some of the gadgets we’ll talk about today might at least cause bewilderment. But please don’t take this too seriously — it’s all just for fun.
USB Heated Slippers
They say IT professionals love working from home in the maximum comfort possible. But even in the office it’s nice to have a cozy setup: tasty coffee, a soft chair, a plaid blanket, and comfy slippers …Just imagine how great it would be if they also had a heating feature...
Heated slippers have long since moved from the realm of fantasy into reality: on one famous Chinese online platform, you can find a huge selection of self-heating slippers to keep your feet warm while you’re coding, gaming or memscrolling. These slippers come in all sorts of styles: traditional ones, or cute ones shaped like puppies, kittens, bunnies, and even crocodiles (probably for the hardcore users). They plug into a USB port and don’t need any drivers, so they’re good to go with any operating system. The heating element is in the sole, and you can adjust the temperature from 86 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. Pretty neat, isn’t it?
But IMHO these slippers should have a software timer and a feature that zaps the owner when they miss a deadline.
USB Fridge
Speaking of comfort, let’s remember that while it’s important to keep your feet warm, your beer should stay cold. That’s exactly why the innovative Chinese retail industry has rolled out tiny USB fridges designed to hold a single can of your favorite beverage.
This mini fridge actually looks like a real fridge, so there’s no chance of mistaking its purpose. Having such a device nearby saves you from having to make constant trips to the office fridge. "It's a bit disappointing that the internal volume is limited, but online I've come across USB mini-fridges that can accommodate even two standard beer cans. After all, everyone can find an appliance that suits their needs.
Of course, a USB fridge is mostly for a gag. It’s not going to keep your food stash safe during the zombie apocalypse, and it won’t chill your drink to Siberian winter levels. But imagine the satisfaction of pulling out an ice-cold cola in the middle of the workday while your coworkers keep sipping warm water from their boring mugs!
Bamboo Keyboard
I’ve seen all kinds of keyboards in my life: сustom ones with buttons that make satisfying clicks, cheap rubbery ones from the local supermarket made of rough plastic, and metal ones that could crack walnuts, but a keyboard and mouse made entirely of bamboo that’s a first for me. Yep, you heard that right: USB keyboards made from the same stuff pandas and trendy interior designers love. And they are produced behind the Great Wall of China as well.
According to the short descriptions on online stores, bamboo keyboards are eco-friendly, pleasant for touching and great at soaking up the sweat (and tears) of hardworking programmers. Also, the makers claim that the bamboo body prevents static electricity buildup. So, if your fluffy cat likes to nap on your keyboard, you definitely need a bamboo one.
Other features include «water resistance» (probably for tears when you see the price), and «high durability and reliability when dropped" — meaning you can throw at a coworker with minimal damage to the keyboard itself. And they really emphasize the environmental angle: «ensuring ecology and natural degradation. » So, it allows you to degrade in an eco-friendly way.
As for me, now I know exactly what I want from Santa for this Christmas. With a bamboo keyboard even writing a spam bot in Python could feel like a nature meditation session, but without the mosquitoes and ticks. It’s the perfect balance between modern tech and timeless values.
At the very least, I’ve confirmed that Chinese vendors can make keyboards even out of sticks. I already knew what their mass-market keyboards are made from before.
Virtual Laser Keyboard
Continuing our discussion about keyboards, we can’t forget the virtual laser or projection keyboards. Yeah, it’s almost like that cool gadget from sci-fi movies where holographic keys pop up out of nowhere and the hero starts tapping and hacking the Pentagon.
A projection laser keyboard is pretty simply designed. Its main component is a battery-powered laser projector that charges (or can run continuously) via USB. It projects an image of the keys on a flat surface and directs an invisible infrared beam over each key. When your finger breaks the beam, it registers as a key press and sends that signal to the computer either via USB cable or Bluetooth. Some models use optical sensors instead of infrared beams.
This keyboard is super compact; the projector fits easily in your pocket, but let’s be real, its practical use ends there. First off, you can’t use it outside in daylight — it’s only going to work well on a flat surface in a dimly lit room. However, all great things are done in the dark, right? Secondly, projection keyboards struggle with multiple simultaneous key presses and often freeze up when you type quickly. So, if you don't have skinny fingers, the chance of hitting the wrong key goes way up — this isn’t like a mechanical keyboard with a satisfying tactile response. Lastly, you can’t shake out a pound of breadcrumbs from a laser keyboard to have a snack on for a few days. And imagine the sound. Not from key presses (there aren’t any), but from the amazed reactions of your colleagues when they see you typing on an invisible keyboard. Maybe getting one of these weird gadgets is worth it just for that.
USB Air Fresheners
After the COVID pandemic, many of us lost our sense of smell for a while. USB air fresheners can help bring it back — these small devices look like flash drives, plug into your computer or laptop’s USB port and start emitting scents like citrus or lavender (optionally).
Inside the device, there’s a cartridge soaked with aromatic oil that heats up, filling the air with pleasant smells. There are USB air fresheners with a single scent and ones with replaceable cartridges (or a pipette to drop in your favorite scent). It’s kind of these aromatic sticks for meditation, but with the use of high technology.
The advantage is obvious: you don’t have to worry about breaking an oil lamp and spilling it everywhere. But there are downsides too: the scents can be too intense. So if you plug in an air freshener with a coffee scent, don’t be surprised if the entire development team materializes near your desk with the testers nearby. On the flip side, in an office where everyone has allergies or can’t stand certain smells, this gadget might become a source of conflict.
All in all, a USB air freshener can make your workday a bit more pleasant and maybe even lift your spirits. Especially if your aromatherapy starts early in the morning after a stinky bus ride.
USB fish tank
The USB fish tank is rounding out our gadget digest. This is a small aquarium powered by a USB port, designed for 2-3 tiny fish. Moreover, it includes an organizer for your office supplies, a desk lamp, a clock, an alarm, a thermometer, a calendar, and a portable speaker with sounds of nature. It’s also got a water filter, lighting, and heating. The kit even includes fake plants and decorative stones for that authentic aquarium vibe.
This device is both useless and funny: now you can have a tiny piece of the ocean on your desk instead of a growing mold in your tea mug. The first question that comes to mind — how do the fish feel in such a small space? Surprisingly they’re pretty okay, as long as you don’t try to fit an Atlantic tuna in there. It has a closed water filtration and aeration system, so a couple of small fish will fit there comfortably. Nevertheless fish don’t need walks or bark at the neighbors — perfect office pets. Just remember to feed them and change the water occasionally.
An office fish tank has all chances to grab everyone’s attention. Be ready for everyone to want to check out your underwater friends, and some might even decide to get their own. You, as the pioneer of USB fish farming, will be able to give tips and share your experience. At the very least, with this gadget, your office might finally get another «office plankton» to compete with.
As goofy as these gadgets might seem, they show that technology isn’t just about functionality — it’s also about the fun of using them. They add a playing element to our lives, letting us feel a bit like kids in a world full of responsibilities and stress. These gadgets make our daily routine a bit more interesting and our workspaces a bit cozier. And that’s their main purpose.
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