Red Mechanical Switches—
Full-size 104-key mechanical keyboard provides smooth and lightweight linear action. Designed as a gaming keyboard, but great as an office keyboard too with no tactile "bump" or "clicky" sounds when pressed. Outemu switches are rated for 50 million actuations. 60±15 grams actuation force with 4.0±0.2mm of keystroke travel.
Plug and Play—
Compatable with Windows, Mac and Linux devices. Driver and software free for a fully plug-and-play experience
Ergonomic Layout—
Keycaps are ergonomically sculpted and individually lit for ease of use even in the darkest environments
Durable Build—
Robust frameless build features a steel backplate and doubleshot injection ABS keycaps. This rugged design reduces flexing and common wear that shortens the lifespan of other keyboards
2 Year Warranty—
We love our Plugable products, and hope you will too. All of our products are backed with a 2-year limited parts and labor warranty as well as Seattle-based email support
This product is discontinued.
Enhance Your Computing Experience With the Plugable Full-Size Mechanical Red Switch Keyboard (USB-MECH104RW)
Plugable is well known for docking stations, hubs, and more. This keyboard is one of four models in our Performance line of products.
It's time to enjoy typing again with a mechanical switch keyboard. Mechanical switches offer greater typing precision and improved typing feedback, along with a more satisfying feel and sound when compared to traditional rubber dome, membrane, or chiclet switch style keyboards.
Enjoy smooth, lightweight, and rapid response linear action from the Outemu Red MX style switches. Built with a metal frame, our keyboard feels solid and won't flex while you type. The durable ABS plastic keycaps have double-shot (a two-step manufacturing process) translucent legends with subtle white back-lighting to aid in visibility in low light situations while also offering a clean aesthetic.
Mechanical Advantage
Plugable engineers carefully evaluated a large variety of potential switches during the development of this keyboard. We chose the Outemu brand red switch, a high quality clone of the well known Cherry brand MX Red linear switch.
What is a Red switch?
This type of switch has no tactile “bump” or audible “clicky” sound from within the switch when pressed. It offers a lightweight yet snappy feel that allows for quicker typing.
Rated at 60±15 cN of force (1 centinewton equals roughly 1.02 grams of force) with 4.0±0.2mm of keystroke travel.
These switches are rated for an average of 50 million actuations (presses) which means the keyboard should last you for many years without failure.
Enhanced Typing Experience
Our keyboard offers more than just a mechanical switch advantage:
Double-Shot ABS Keycaps
Double-shot refers to a process where the keycap legend and keycap itself are two separately molded parts. Benefits of this design prevent the legend (text on the keycap) from wearing off.
Full N-Key Rollover (NKRO)
Each key switch is individually addressed by the keyboard's controller, enabling full N-Key rollover for multiple key presses to register simultaneously. Great for users who need custom macros.
Anti-Ghosting
Entry level keyboards may sometimes register phantom key-presses when typing certain key combinations. With anti-ghosting you will never get an unexpected input.
Ergonomic Design & Special Functions
Not all keycaps are alike
Featuring an ergonomic sculpted profile, our keycaps provide a gentle sloped arc preventing hand fatigue.
Gaming Functions
Ability to swap WASD and Arrow key functions (useful for retro games or left handed users) and Windows and menu keys can be disabled.
Multimedia Function Key Shortcuts
For convenient control while maintaining a compact form factor, we’ve programmed numerous built-in F1 through F12 keyboard function shortcuts for multimedia and volume controls along with shortcuts to launch the calculator, email, and web browser apps (functions may vary depending on your computer operating system).
Adjustable White Backlighting
Back-lit keycaps ensure easy key visibility regardless of ambient light
Featuring not only on or off control, set the brightness to your desired level with fully dimmable brightness.
In addition there is a "breathing" mode where the light gently pulsates on and off. No special drivers or software required!
Additional Features
Compact Desk Footprint
Desk space can be at a premium, this tenkeyless keyboard measuring in at just under 14 inches wide and 5.25 inches deep is perfect for users who don't need a numeric pad but do need more desk space.
Flip out rear feet
Elevate the keyboard about 0.5 inches for a more relaxed typing position. Unlike most entry level keyboards the feet have rubber pads to prevent the keyboard from slipping.
In The Box
Keyboard with integrated 6ft / 1.8m gold plated USB connector
Off or
Static or
Breathing or
Brightness Adjustment
Connection To Host
Port
Placement
Version and Link Rate
Features
1x USB-A
Cable End
USB 1.1 (12Mbps)
Physical Stats
Item
Size (H x W x D) or Length
Weight
SKU or Part Number
104-Key Mechanical Keyboard
4 x 43.5 x 12 centimeters 1.6 x 17.1 x 4.7 inches
1030 grams 36.3 ounces
USB-MECH104RW
Get Started
No special drivers are necessary.
The keyboard is fully plug and play and will use the built in USB HID class drivers provided by Windows, Mac OS, Linux/Unix and all other modern USB host systems.
1. To swap WASD and arrow key functions press [Fn] + [W] to convert the [W][A][S][D] keys into arrow keys [Up][Left][Down][Right]. This will also make the arrow keys function as [W][A][S][D]. Press [Fn] + [W] to return key functions to normal.
2. To turn the backlight on or off press [Fn] + [ScrLk]
3. To adjust the backlight brightness press [Fn] + [-] to lower and [Fn] + [=] to increase.
4. To turn "breathing" backlight on or off press [Fn] + [Home]
5. To adjust the "breathing" frequency press [Fn] + [-] to lower and [Fn] + [=] to increase.
6. To disable the Windows and Context Menu keys (useful while gaming) press [Fn] + [Win]. Press [Fn] + [Win] again to enable Windows and Context Menu keys.
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Many users assume that USB-C devices can work with older Thunderbolt 2 Macs if they use a Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter, such as the one made by Apple. However, this is not the case. These adapters are specifically designed to support Thunderbolt devices only -not standard USB-C peripherals.
While Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C share the same connector type, they use different underlying data protocols. Non-Thunderbolt USB-C devices, rely on USB standards for data and power. The Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter does not carry USB signals; it only passes Thunderbolt data. Because of this, plugging a USB-C device into a Thunderbolt 2 Mac using this adapter will not work - the computer will not detect or communicate with the device.
If you need to connect peripherals to a Thunderbolt 2 system, we recommend using a USB-A dock or hub (if available on your system). This ensures compatibility without relying on unsupported adapter chains.
In short, even though the connectors may fit, USB-C devices are not compatible with Thunderbolt 2 Macs via Thunderbolt adapters - only Thunderbolt devices will work in that setup.
For most modern Windows and Mac systems, Thunderbolt devices are automatically approved and will ‘just work’ once connected.
The main exception is Apple Mac laptops with Apple CPUs running macOS Ventura (13) or newer, where you’ll be prompted to manually approve the device the first time you connect it.
The summary table below provides the specific details at a glance, and the text that follows explains the table in more detail.
To expand further, Thunderbolt 3, 4 and 5 are in essence external connections to the host computer’s internal PCI Express bus. This type of low-level and high speed connection warranted security protocols to prevent unauthorized access to user data.
Windows: From Intel Software to Native OS Support
When Thunderbolt 3 Windows systems were first introduced in late 2015 it was necessary to use Intel Thunderbolt software to manually authenticate and approve external Thunderbolt devices.
With the introduction of Thunderbolt 4 Windows systems in 2020, it was still necessary to have Intel Thunderbolt software installed on the host computer. However, in most cases the authentication and approval process would happen automatically greatly simplifying the process.
Starting with Windows 11 version 21H2 released in October of 2021, Microsoft integrated support for both USB4 and Thunderbolt into the Windows operating system → LINK
This means that with most modern Thunderbolt 4 and Thunderbolt 5 computers running the latest version of Windows 11 it is no longer necessary to install Intel Thunderbolt software on the host computer in order to manage Thunderbolt devices. In most cases, the authentication and approval process will still happen automatically.
macOS: From Intel CPUs to Apple CPUs
When Thunderbolt 3 Mac systems with Intel CPUs were first introduced in 2016, the authentication and approval mechanism was built-in to macOS and was transparent to the end user.
Apple introduced Mac computers based on Apple CPUs in 2020. Macs based on Apple CPUs running macoS 11 Big Sur or macOS 12 Monterey would automatically approve and authenticate Thunderbolt devices when connected.
macOS 13 Ventura was released in 2022 and for portable Macs with Apple CPUs Apple introduced a feature known as ‘Accessory Security’ (also known as ‘Restricted Mode’) → LINK
By default, portable Macs (i.e. laptops) with an Apple CPU running macOS 13 Ventura or newer version of macOS will require the end user to authenticate and approve a Thunderbolt device when initially connected.
Stationary Macs (i.e. desktops) with an Apple CPU running macOS 13 Ventura or newer version of macOS do NOT implement the ‘Accessory Security’ feature. As a result, Thunderbolt devices will be automatically approved and authenticated when initially connected.
Apple Macs with Intel CPUs (both laptop and desktops) running macOS 13 Ventura or newer do NOT implement the ‘Accessory Security’ feature. As a result, Thunderbolt devices will be automatically approved and authenticated when initially connected.
When connecting a laptop/dock to a monitor, the right direction matters. Many “converter” cables only work one way. If the cable’s intended direction doesn’t match your source (video output) and display (video input), you’ll get no signal. Even if the connectors fit.
Key terms
Source (Output): Laptop, dock, GPU port sending video
Display (Input): Monitor/TV/projector receiving video
Uni-directional: Works only one way (e.g., DP to HDMI)
Bi-directional: Works both ways (common with HDMI to/from DVI, DP to/from mDP)
Active adapter: Has electronics to convert formats/directions (e.g., HDMI to DP)
Passive adapter/cable: No electronics; relies on source capabilities (e.g., DP++ to HDMI)
What typically works and what doesn’t
Scenario
Directionality
Requirement
Notes
DisplayPort (DP) source to HDMI display
Often uni-directional (DP to HDMI)
Passive may work with DP++; otherwise use an active DP to HDMI
Many docks/GPUs support DP++, but some do not so please check specification
HDMI source to DisplayPort display
Uni-directional (HDMI to DP)
Active HDMI to DP adapter
A DP to HDMI cable won’t work in reverse.
USB-C (DP Alt Mode) source to HDMI/DP display
Uni-directional
Alt-Mode USB-C to video cable/adapter
Not reversible (you can’t feed HDMI into USB-C).
Thunderbolt 3/4 source to HDMI/DP display
Uni-directional
TB/USB-C video adapter
Behaves like USB-C Alt Mode for displays.
HDMI to/from DVI
Bi-directional (passive)
Simple adapter/cable
Same TMDS signaling.
DP to/from Mini-DP
Bi-directional (passive)
Simple cable
Same protocol.
Digital to/from VGA (analog)
Direction varies
Active converter
Digital/analog conversion required.
Rule of thumb: For DP to/from HDMI, assume DP to HDMI unless the product explicitly says HDMI to DP (Active).
Docking stations: quick notes
USB-C/Thunderbolt docks output standard HDMI/DP signals (direction rules above still apply)
DisplayLink-based docks still output HDMI/DP at the port (same direction rules)
DP MST/daisy-chain works only in DP domain; converting to HDMI at the first hop ends DP-specific features downstream
Features like HDR, HDCP, and VRR may require active adapters and sufficient bandwidth
For long runs or flaky links, prefer active solutions
Shopping checklist (esp. on Amazon)
Check the pictures: Listings often show Source to Display with icons/arrows (match this to your setup)
Read the title/bullets: Look for explicit direction (“DP to HDMI,” “HDMI to DP (Active)”)
Scan specs: “Active” vs. “Passive,” DP++, supported resolutions, and any power needs
Quick examples
Dock (DP out) to Monitor (HDMI in): DPtoHDMI cable/adapter; use active if DP++ isn’t supported or for higher reliability
Laptop (HDMI out) to Monitor (DP in): Active HDMItoDP adapter required
USB-C laptop (Alt Mode) to HDMI monitor: USB-CtoHDMI cable/adapter; not reversible
FAQs
Why doesn’t my “DP to HDMI” cable work from an HDMI laptop to a DP monitor? It’s uni-directional (DP to HDMI). Your path is the reverse and needs an active HDMI to DP adapter.
Are “bi-directional” cables truly both ways? Commonly for HDMI to/from DVI and DP to/from mDP. For DP to/from HDMI, true bi-directional products are uncommon—verify the exact directions in the listing images/text.