TechShelf Guide

Choosing Between Retro Keyboards, USB Sharing, Vintage Mice, and Power Cords

For computers peripherals, the right pick depends on whether you need a working input device, USB sharing, a repair lot, or a simple cord extension.

Last updated Jul 21

Buying computers peripherals gets tricky when the choices are not interchangeable: a keyboard solves a typing need, a USB sharing switch manages connected devices across computers, a vintage mouse lot is mainly for repair or collection work, and a power cord extension fills a cabling gap. The best choice here depends less on picking the lowest number and more on matching the item type, condition, and connector style to the job you actually need done.

Quick take

  • Best for a retro Mac-style typing setup: Apple Keyboard Computer OS X A1048 White Clear USB Wired Numeric Good, thanks to its wired USB connection, QWERTY layout, numeric keypad, and clear-and-white A1048 design.
  • Best for switching USB peripherals between computers: USB 2.0 Sharing Switch for Multiple Computers Peripherals LED Device Indicator, with USB 2.0 sharing, LED device indicators, and Sabrent USB-SW20 identification.
  • Best for repair benches or vintage parts sorting: Lot Vtg Computer Mice Peripherals Serial PS/2 Trackball Wacom \*PARTS/REPAIR, because it is explicitly a vintage lot with serial, PS/2, trackball, and Wacom-related peripheral pieces.
  • Best for a basic extension need: Arista 6' Power Cord Extension for Computers and Peripherals - New Old Stock, the most focused pick when the goal is simply extending power reach for compatible computer equipment.

Listed price comparison

The spread runs from USD 11.99 to USD 26.24, with the lowest listed item 54% below the highest. That makes the price differences meaningful, but each item serves a different peripheral role.

ProductListed priceRelative bar
Apple Keyboard Computer OS X A1048 White Clear USB Wired Numeric GoodUSD 26.24
USB 2.0 Sharing Switch for Multiple Computers Peripherals LED Device IndicatorUSD 12.99
Lot Vtg Computer Mice Peripherals Serial PS/2 Trackball Wacom \*PARTS/REPAIRUSD 19.50
Arista 6' Power Cord Extension for Computers and Peripherals - New Old StockUSD 11.99

Decision matrix

If your priority is...Best matchWhy it fits
A full-size wired keyboard with numeric inputApple Keyboard Computer OS X A1048 White Clear USB Wired Numeric GoodIt is a wired USB Apple A1048 keyboard with QWERTY layout, enhanced function keys, Plug & Play, and a numeric keypad.
Sharing USB peripherals across computersUSB 2.0 Sharing Switch for Multiple Computers Peripherals LED Device IndicatorIt is a Sabrent USB-SW20 sharing switch with USB connectors, LED indicators, and stated data transfer speeds up to 480 Mbps.
Vintage repair, parts, or restoration sortingLot Vtg Computer Mice Peripherals Serial PS/2 Trackball Wacom \*PARTS/REPAIRIt is explicitly sold as a vintage peripherals lot for parts or repair, including mouse/mice and a writing pad type.
Extending power cable reachArista 6' Power Cord Extension for Computers and Peripherals - New Old StockIt is a 6-foot Arista power cord extension with manufacturer part number 78-1131.

Concise product notes

Apple Keyboard Computer OS X A1048 White Clear USB Wired Numeric Good

The Apple A1048 is the most complete input-device choice in this group. It suits shoppers who want a white and clear wired USB keyboard with a standard QWERTY layout, numeric keypad, enhanced function keys, Plug & Play, and integrated USB ports for low-power peripherals. The vintage-style clear acrylic look is also part of its appeal for a Mac OS X-era desk setup. The limitation is condition: it is listed as used, and the description mentions adhesive residue on the underside of the clear casing. It is also the highest-priced item in the comparison, so it makes the most sense when the keyboard itself is the main need.

USB 2.0 Sharing Switch for Multiple Computers Peripherals LED Device Indicator

The Sabrent USB-SW20 is the practical choice when the task is switching USB peripherals between multiple computers rather than replacing a keyboard or mouse. Its core appeal is the combination of USB 2.0 sharing, a single-button computer switch function, LED indicators to distinguish computers, and compatibility described as universal. The black color may also blend easily with many desk setups. The tradeoff is that it is listed as open box, and it is a switch rather than a hub replacement for every possible connection need. Choose it for USB sharing workflow; do not treat it as a standalone input peripheral.

Lot Vtg Computer Mice Peripherals Serial PS/2 Trackball Wacom \*PARTS/REPAIR

This vintage lot is the specialist option for someone sorting older computer mice, serial and PS/2 peripherals, trackball pieces, or Wacom-related repair items. The reason to choose it is right in the title and type: it gathers mouse/mice and writing pad hardware in a vintage parts context, which can be useful for restoration projects, donor parts, or display-oriented collections. The limitation is substantial and should shape the decision: it is marked \*PARTS/REPAIR, and the description says the items have defects or may not work at all. It is not the right pick for someone who simply needs a dependable everyday mouse.

Arista 6' Power Cord Extension for Computers and Peripherals - New Old Stock

The Arista cord is the simplest and most narrowly defined item here. Its appeal is straightforward: a 6-foot power cord extension for computers and peripherals, identified with manufacturer part number 78-1131 and described as new old stock. That makes it a focused choice when the missing piece in a setup is cable reach rather than a keyboard, switch, or pointing device. The limitation is equally clear: it only addresses power extension needs and does not add USB switching, typing, or pointing functionality. Its condition is listed as New other, so it is not positioned the same way as a standard newly released retail accessory.

How to choose among these computers peripherals

Start by separating functional needs. If you need to type, only the Apple A1048 directly addresses that use case. Its wired USB connectivity, numeric keypad, English QWERTY layout, and Apple model information make it the most defined everyday input device in this set. If you already have peripherals but need to move them between computers, the Sabrent USB 2.0 sharing switch is the more relevant tool because its role is connection management, not typing or cursor control.

Condition language matters here. The Apple keyboard is used, the Sabrent switch is open box, the Arista cord is New other/new old stock, and the vintage lot is explicitly for parts or repair. That means the vintage lot should be approached differently from the others: it is best aligned with repair-oriented buying, not plug-in-and-use expectations. By contrast, the Arista cord is low in complexity because it is a single-purpose extension accessory, but that also limits its usefulness to a narrow cabling scenario.

Price should support the decision, not drive it alone. The Arista cord is the lowest listed item at USD 11.99, but it will not solve a USB switching or typing problem. The Sabrent switch at USD 12.99 is close to that low end and has a clearer desk-management role for multiple computers. The vintage parts lot at USD 19.50 sits in the middle but carries the strongest condition limitation. The Apple keyboard at USD 26.24 is the highest listed item, and the justification is strongest if you specifically want the A1048 wired keyboard form, numeric keypad, and white-clear Apple styling.

Final recommendation

For most shoppers comparing these computers peripherals, pick by purpose first. Choose the Apple Keyboard Computer OS X A1048 White Clear USB Wired Numeric Good if a wired Apple keyboard with numeric keypad is the target and the used condition is acceptable. Choose the USB 2.0 Sharing Switch for Multiple Computers Peripherals LED Device Indicator if the goal is sharing USB peripherals between computers with LED indicators. Choose the Arista 6' Power Cord Extension for Computers and Peripherals - New Old Stock if the lowest listed price and a 6-foot extension are the deciding factors. Choose the **Lot Vtg Computer Mice Peripherals Serial PS/2 Trackball Wacom \*PARTS/REPAIR** only when a vintage repair lot is the point of the purchase.

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