In the age of immediate satisfaction, where online orders arrive via drone right when you realize you need them, there’s value in introducing a bit of delay and drama into routine tasks. Enter the Power Button Extension V2, potentially the most delightful way to start your desktop yet.
The Inspiration
Created by a Redditor known as veloci_official, this setup incorporates flip switches and a key activator as the gatekeepers to the all-important “Start” button, cleverly enclosed under a transparent, flip-up cover. Each control is labeled with uppercase letters labeled POWER, FUEL, IGNITION, and START to create a satisfying military-style aesthetic.
How It Works
The toggle switches and turn-key act merely as contact switches for the main Start button. Therefore, once your PC is on, accidental nudging of these switches or the key won’t disrupt the operation, which helps prevent unintentional shutdowns—especially from roaming pets.
PC power button extension v2 - YouTube
An unexpected green LED above the Start button indicates hard drive activity. For enthusiasts of flight or driving simulations, this setup could enrich your desktop experience.
Some militaristic aficionados might argue this arrangement needs two keys, spaced appropriately to eliminate unintentional startups. However, I prefer more eccentric methods, like poking the motherboard’s headers directly if it comes to that!
If you enjoy shouting “CONTACT!” during boot-up, good news: there’s a GitHub listing offering extensive guides, circuit diagrams, and all part links. They’re beginner-friendly, which means you don’t need to be a seasoned electrical engineer to create one.
Cost Effectiveness
The total cost is around five bucks, plus any fees for 3D printing housing. Unbelievably, this amount includes the USB-C trigger board necessary for powering the toggle switch LEDs. Alternatively, if 3D printing is not an option, crafting it from wood could be a budget alternative,
With today’s skyrocketing component prices, a fun project like this is not only affordable but a welcome distraction.
