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nukeNinja
5
Sep 1, 2018
I just got my CTRL (typing from it). Very nice keyboard!
At first, I connected it to my macbook using a usb-c to usb-c cable, which didn't work. Then I connected using the usb-c to usb-A cable that comes bundled into a usb-hub first and it worked.
Is it not supposed to work connected directly to a usb-c port?
iakobou
23
Sep 1, 2018
nukeNinjaI’ve heard C to C cables won’t work. I recall the reason being power related but can’t remember. I’ve seen this issue come up on /r/MechanicalKeyboards a few times.
nukeNinja
5
Sep 1, 2018
iakobouWell, this is not really acceptable and completely defeats the purpose of having a keyboard that connects through a USB-c port. I got photos of this... unexpected situation (to put it mildly) and got in contact with support center.
iakobou
23
Sep 1, 2018
nukeNinjaThe reason USB C is the keyboard connection is a universal instead of unidirectional connection like mini or micro USB, and it seems it is stronger and not nearly as breakable as micro USB.
nukeNinja
5
Sep 1, 2018
iakobouHow is connecting my keyboard using a USB-c to USB-A cable, then a USB-A to USB-c adapter then to my laptop universal? I'm forced to disagree with you. That is not even an excuse, let alone a reason to me.
In any case, I did not come here to rant about the keyboard. I will wait for an answer from support before commenting further on this issue.
iakobou
23
Sep 2, 2018
nukeNinjaCome on, don't go nuclear on me. I provided you with an explanation, not an excuse. There's nothing to disagree with. I'm a consumer of the CTRL too and want USB-C to USB-C for future-proofing as well.
Universal in this sense is like the Lightning connector for iPhones. USB-C can be plugged in right side up or upside down, it makes no difference. Contrast that to mini/micro USB that can only be plugged in one way. Also contrast USB-C durability to that of mini/micro USB which are known to break easily.
I did find that some USB-C to USB-C cables do work. I found it on Reddit. Here's an example: https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/837zjn/help_dz60_cannot_connect_with_a_usbc_to_usbc_cable/
I hope that helps you get things resolved with Massdrop.
nukeNinja
5
Sep 2, 2018
iakobouI apologize if my answer sounded too aggressive. I certainly did not mean it as a personal attack. You see it as a reason, and that is fair enough! But for me, that is not even an excuse. This is a $200 keyboard that we are talking about.
I understand what you mean by reversibility of the plug but realize that if you use a usb-c to usb-a cable, you can plug right side up or down only on the keyboard, not on the computer.
In any case, thank you for the reddit link! I will read through it while I wait for an answer from them. You might be interested on this though: https://www.massdrop.com/buy/massdrop-ctrl-mechanical-keyboard/talk/2188217
A community member
Sep 2, 2018
nukeNinjaI have a very thin USB-C to USB-C cable that I got off of Amazon (one of the amazon basic versions) that works with my Macbook Pro USB-C port so I don't need any adapter. If I try to use a thicker USB-C 3.1 cable it will not recognize a keyboard.
They may have a better explanation, but I was relieved to see that I can still use a USB-C to USB-C cable with my new keyboard.
nukeNinja
5
Sep 2, 2018
I'm glad you found your solution, and thank you for letting me know.
However, that will not satisfy me. The point of USB-C as a universal port for me is that I can use any cable, connecting in any direction. This keyboard should work with something as standard as the USB-C cable that comes bundled with the MBP to charge or the one that comes with a USB-C monitor to connect the video. If I have to pick a specific USB-C cable to connect my keyboard, it is no different than having a micro/mini-USB cable just to connect the keyboard. My standards of universal means that the same cable can be used to connect a charger, monitor, external HD, mobile, tablet or a keyboard. The burden of universality is primarily on the device implementation, then on the cable, not the other way. My charger, monitor and external HD can satisfy this fundamental criterion, so why can't a $200 keyboard?
I will accept something like flashing the keyboard or even replacing a relatively simple component such as a resistor. In other words, I will accept a fix to the problem. However, buying a specific cable is not acceptable. That is not only a workaround, not a fix, but is also shifting the blame and the burden somewhere else.
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