How-To Geek - Peripherals

Don’t judge a USB-C cable by its wattage alone—here's what to look for instead

Patrick Campanale — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 10:00:15 GMT

I love USB-C, but I also hate USB-C. We're in a weird relationship. But one label is the most frustrating of all — wattage. You see, it's entirely possible to have a USB-C cable that charges your device at 240W, but only moves data at 480Mb/s, so here's what you should look for instead.

Switching to a dual-mouse setup is the best thing I’ve done this year

Goran Damnjanovic — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 16:01:17 GMT

After almost two decades of using gaming mice, I switched to an ergonomic mouse about a month ago. The move is already paying dividends because my Logitech MX Master 3S is super comfortable to use, but I still decided to keep my Logitech G305 and switch to a dual mouse setup. Here’s why.

This tiny 3D print solves my biggest complaint about USB-C cables

Tim Brookes — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 20:00:14 GMT

Receiving a power adapter with every tech purchase is a thing of the past, but the same can’t be said of cables (thankfully). With almost everything now charging via USB-C, you’ll quickly amass a collection of cables that have seemingly universal compatibility.

Your new high-refresh monitor isn't running at full speed—here's why

Ismar Hrnjicevic — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 15:30:13 GMT

Skip the expensive USB mics: Your phone already has what you need (I have proof)

Zunaid Ali — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 22:00:14 GMT

Are you planning to record some professional audio but don't own a good microphone? Turns out, that old phone you've been keeping in your drawer for years is nearly as good, if not as good, as some of the cheap USB microphones out there. With some setup around your recording space, you can get good audio quality without compromising your wallet.

6 tiny 3D prints that save your USB ports and cables from an untimely demise

Tim Brookes — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 16:30:15 GMT

Are you always throwing out old USB cables? You’re not alone; cables and the ports into which they fit can be frustratingly delicate.

Replacing your webcam won't fix your video quality, but this affordable accessory will

Sydney Butler — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 10:30:13 GMT

A high-end or "professional" webcam can cost hundreds of dollars these days, which will give you a major sense of disappointment when you set it up and realize you don't look any better than before, using a cheap camera.

USB dock vs. KVM switch: There's a better way to expand your PC's capabilities

Goran Damnjanovic — Sun, 20 Sep 2026 23:30:13 GMT

USB docks and KVM switches are more like two different coins than two sides of the same coin. They can both upgrade your desk setup, but they do it in quite different ways. Let me walk you through their differences and, as someone who uses both, help you decide which one is right for your needs (hint: they aren't mutually exclusive).

I labeled every cable at my desk with NFC stickers, now I never need to guess which is which

Ismar Hrnjicevic — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 19:00:13 GMT

This simple setting doubled my mouse's battery life, and I'm not sure why I didn't try it sooner

Monica J. White — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 15:30:13 GMT

I used to majorly neglect my peripherals, but once I made the swap from a wired to a proper wireless mouse, I never went back. How could I?