Does it not work at all when only one USB cable is connected? In that case, the keyboard probably requires some additional voltage (although I find that hard to believe). But no, it is definitely not normal. What is normal for gaming keyboards is to include a USB to PS/2 adapter for motherboards that support it for full N-key rollover support and faster reaction.

Yeah, I believe it is for those with USB passthrough. At least I don't remember seeing a keyboard with USB passthrough and not having one of those extra thick cables, with two USB ports at the end. Here's a bit more info.

I like those with detachable cable (my current one being such keyboard), and now, for me, it is a must-have feature. I don't think I'll buy another keyboard without a detachable cable. I currently have my eyes on this SPC Gear GK650K Omnis, in case my current one breaks anytime soon.

Well, I have a couple of older (normal office) Dell keyboards which require only one USB port (using a normal slim cable), and they have TWO USB passthrough ports. Then again they don't have any lightning, so they don't need extra power for LEDs.

I normally just connect my wired mouse to one of those extra ports and that way my keyboard + mouse take only one USB port from my PC (=laptop), which is great. Also it kinda makes sense the mouse is connected to the keyboard as they are close to each other all the time, no two cables going towards the PC.

Damn it, I need to google if Dell is still making those keyboards, and buy ten of them so that I will never run out of them... The reason I was looking for a replacement was that those Dell keyboards are so old and used that the symbols especially on the WASD keys have worn out, and the volume control knob is acting funny (sometimes lowering the volume to the minimum when I am trying to increase it, etc.). Oh and I also wanted a keyboard with LED lightning so that it is usable also in a darker room. Then again it might be I could even connect an USB LED light to the second passthrough USB port, in order to light up they keyboard.

Otherwise those keyboards are still working great also for gaming, they must be well over 10 years old by now (I got them used from my previous workplace). I have no idea if they have any "ghosting" etc., they still work great for the games I play with them.

THIS is probably the modern version of the DELL keyboard I am looking for (DELL KB522):

https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-business-multimedia-keyboard-kb522/apd/331-9653/pc-accessories Now I just need to find out whether they are selling those anywhere with Finnish/Swedish keyboard layout... The price is right as well.

why not just get a normal keyboard?

I know what you're saying. I too have an old office chiclet keyboard with two USB 2.0 passthrough ports (one on each side) and only one USB port on its cable. I should've been more specific in my previous post, as I was referring only to these "modern" mechanical keyboards with illumination.

Edit: I think you can use your new keyboard without any issues with only one USB port, if you don't use the passthrough. Give it a try.

Hmm, I might but then I guess I don't achieve anything. I still need to use an extra USB port for the mouse, if I can't use the passthrough for that...

I guess I can live with this, this laptop has two or three USB-C ports as well so I guess I can buy some USB-C hub which offers 4 USB 3.0 ports.

What is a "normal keyboard"? Does it mean any keyboard without mechanical switches, or something else?
No keyboard illumination? No anti-ghosting?

you go into a media markt and buy the first on the shelves , thats normal whatever it happens to be

what is antighosting? :O

so why mecha keyboards are better?

The closest Media Markt is over 400km away, and there is a sea between that point and where I am now.

So how do you suppose I go to that Media Markt? Swim? The sea is damn cold, especially this time of the year.

https://support.steelseries.com/hc/en-us/articles/223763768-What-is-anti-ghosting-technology-

https://store.patriotmemory.com/blogs/news/why-are-mechanical-keyboards-better-for-gaming

https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-a-mechanical-keyboard?r=US&IR=T

https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/12/why-mechanical-keyboards-are-becoming-more-popular-among-techies.html

so just marketing slogans

Passthrough and hub are two different things. Passthrough can be passive passive. Imagine a short cable with appropriate connectors to pass USB through a wall. That's all it is, some wire and connectors. An extension cord that passes through the keyboard, if you will.

A hub is something different. It's implemented with active circuitry, it shows up on the bus, bandwidth is shared between downstream devices, power must be managed, and if they ever update the standard without changing the connectors, well, you gotta update your hub too if you want the improved bandwidth/current/whatever it offers. Of course, this means it's also more expensive to implement, especially if you want a fast one. Hubs can also incur limitations (such as lower max current than what you'd get straight from your PC's port) and, well, sometimes they're just another cog that can squeak and seize. I have a keyboard with a hub but I ended up never using these ports because they only worked half the time, if that.

So... which is the one that e.g. the Dell keyboard has?

I have two of such DELL keyboards (with two additional USB ports) in use and at least a generic USB mouse has worked perfectly with both in all PCs where I've used them. Not sure if there would be enough juice to keep a small USB LED light that would illuminate the keyboard (I have one such USB keyboard light, bought from IKEA of all places imaginable), but I can always try it. If it doesn't work, oh well, no biggie.

I am actually going to some place today to buy one or two of those Dell keyboards today, as I found a local store selling them...

if you are after the silent mechanical(feel) keyboard nothing can beat the Topre keyboard. Be prepared to pay the premium but it's what you are asking, really.