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If you’ve recently acquired a new keyboard and observed that it includes two cables rather than one, it may have seemed unusual. The majority of keyboards are equipped with a single cable, and even those that have two can function properly with just one connected. That second cable isn’t a backup meant for when the first one fails; it’s connected to extra features on the keyboard such as USB passthrough or RGB lighting.
Typically, the dual-cable configuration is seen in higher-end gaming or mechanical keyboards, like the Logitech G513 Carbon or Corsair K70, both of which are loaded with features. One cable transmits keystrokes and commands related to the keyboard to the computer, while the other cable supplies power or connectivity for the additional features. This is why the second cable might appear unnecessary — the keyboard still operates without it, at least for its fundamental purpose. However, if you invested more in a feature-rich keyboard, you’ll likely want to utilize the second cable to ensure you are maximizing your investment.