M4 mac mini peripherals support

[FossilPhill]

Looking at buying the new M4 MacMini, but having only USB-C ports is very inconvenient.
Yes, I can replace my perfectly good wireless mouse (USB-A), wired keyboard (USB-A) external hdd docking station (USB-A), scanner (USB-A) at a not insignificant cost to my pocket, and the environment, but also the uncertainty of what is going to work perfectly.

Using adaptors is out of the question given the number of issues I have come across in my research on this option, so I am pretty much resigned to replacement, however, replacement with what is the question.

People have had issues with bluetooth keyboard and mouse (non Apple) connectivity to the M4 M.M. Wireless isn't a real option because the transmitters are USB-A, and even wired keyboards with USB-C are scarcer than unicorns. (I need an ergonomic wave style or split style keyboard)

So my question is, does anyone reading this, have first hand experience of NON-Apple peripherals functionality on the M4 Mac Mini as yet?
Cheers.

 

[Mitchell Clark]

You've ruled out adapters which is fair enough, but have you considered a Thunderbolt dock? I use one from OWC and it has four USB-A ports. I run my mouse and keyboard through it and haven't had any issues in the four or so years I've had this setup. Granted this is on an M1 Mac, but since it's all wired I wouldn't expect there to be any issues with bluetooth.

 

[MarshallG]

Looking at buying the new M4 MacMini, but having only USB-C ports is very inconvenient.
Yes, I can replace my perfectly good wireless mouse (USB-A), wired keyboard (USB-A) external hdd docking station (USB-A), scanner (USB-A) at a not insignificant cost to my pocket, and the environment, but also the uncertainty of what is going to work perfectly.
Using adaptors is out of the question given the number of issues I have come across in my research on this option, so I am pretty much resigned to replacement, however, replacement with what is the question.

People have had issues with bluetooth keyboard and mouse (non Apple) connectivity to the M4 M.M. Wireless isn't a real option because the transmitters are USB-A, and even wired keyboards with USB-C are scarcer than unicorns. (I need an ergonomic wave style or split style keyboard)
So my question is, does anyone reading this, have first hand experience of NON-Apple peripherals functionality on the M4 Mac Mini as yet?
Cheers.

USB-A and USB-C are only connectors. You can buy cables and adapters to attach USB-A devices to a USB-C connection, no problem. Or a hub which gives you a bunch of USB-A connectors. There are loads of these devices available.

 

[JPAlbert]

OP:

You are over-thinking and over-worrying.

I predict that everything you now have will continue to work with USBa-to-USBc cables or dongles.

Your wired keyboard is almost 100% guaranteed to work, just use a short USBc to USBa dongle.

Same for the mouse.

You might need new drivers/scanning software. But this has nothing to do with the ports.

Again, the connections are NOT problems. Just make the necessary "adapt-tions" and you'll be fine.

The USB docking station should work without problems.

Go on amazon and look here:

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Adapter-Converts-Technology-Compatible/dp/B01COOQIKU/ref=sr_1_16?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.1BSZTgFQ8oSbkJYYb6ROZ338eMQOYpYwAh-So9nIKdfBGNMWUi2QMuGuz_2GzfZxWVWcjwsgnkSJzKLKfcPuqj-R97k4PxAhAZf3a3JDfikW5fnTqot79-XpbM4uo7oq-iIc-SA9OI5Q2zPO5KDQ58zG4vD95noJRFXsiY_bspuvhBYrEk4rjFWu4djOmrQC1qUBFVfjXwnRCkZVbRZ5crFsZK0jAydiZ9ZG77fKXUg.ZN5Kzj1eZcLfZ2foEkfk7_EQvuq8FeOuo1O5UwF6GFk&dib_tag=se&keywords=usb-c%2Bto%2Busb-a%2Badapter&qid=1731982262&sr=8-16&th=1

and here:

https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-Adapter-USB-C-Inches/dp/B00UUBQ0U8/ref=sr_1_5?crid=SGFCDUO60PBE&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.rwGIflEUf__sxLGAz4a7YbWOACAGDXPSuWx3QU_bBekzedZVIG9Bv12gVE3wiqjGUyFINPBYqa2lCqJao_tF7kKmMYacXvpke0KH9nHtDIxERY9t4uf1g4kNk7pki8rA3KTKFrwV2Rn2-icIz-NWix5G9hy9ComgmiDroHf1o6nuIaV_y33FDVyZcEEj0dgcszrFHBAVowAH5EKJP0MQblkYbXvAXuA7WRZ3LjclHzk.u95gMe-jqJ6tXbiy8F0Xbm8tFcohJD35hsrRiw--GDE&dib_tag=se&keywords=cable%2Bmattersusb-c%2Bto%2Busb-a%2Badapter&qid=1731982303&sprefix=cable%2Bmattersusb-c%2Bto%2Busb-a%2Badapter%2Caps%2C112&sr=8-5&th=1

(sorry for the long links)

 

[Lettermanian]

Not sure what type of monitor you're going to get, but some monitors have a usb hub built in. I use a Lenovo P24h-20 QHD monitor (from 2020) with my M2 Mac Mini, and it has four USB-A ports. I have two large external hard drives connected to two ports; one is for file storage and one is for an Apple Photos Library. The other two ports are used occasionally to charge my wireless keyboard and to connect a back-up drive for the mini. With the Mini connected via USB-C cable to the monitor, I'm able to see all connected drives. Works great for me, and still leaves the two USB-A ports on the Mini free.

 

[bakubo]

My inexpensive UGREEN dongle works fine with my USB-A keyboard and mouse.