Ordered a set of rechargeable AA batteries and charger. They’re well reviewed and a decent brand. Specifically wanted the charger since it has USB input rather than 120v so I could top the batteries off from my laptop / power bank as they’ll be used for my wireless KB/mouse. The product description only said “USB input” and didn’t specify what flavor. Being 2025, you expect USB-C.
Received them today, and they use micro USB input. Now I have to keep yet another cable in my bag. Day mildly ruined.
If it’s just for charging, a USB-C port is just a different part. The charge controller and everything can stay “dumb” if it’s a low power device.
The USB-C spec is complicated and to take full advantage of it is expensive like you said, but I think just using a modern form factor isn’t expensive.