Brace yourself as I attempt to rationalize the purchase of a $40 paperweight designed for cable management. I’m not entirely sure how I found myself in this predicament or what led to this decision. Yet, here I am, trying to make sense of it, and I kindly ask for your understanding.

For the past week, I’ve been using the Native Union 3-cable Weighter on my kitchen table, which doubles as my makeshift workspace most days. It’s aesthetically pleasing when I notice it, and it’s reassuring to know that whenever I return with my MacBook Pro in hand, the MagSafe connector will be right where I left it.

Before owning the Weighter, my cable often ended up on the floor, leading to a routine of bending and grunting to retrieve it multiple times a day. I pondered over various cable management solutions, including numerous inexpensive clips available online, but I hesitated to adhere anything unsightly to my costly kitchen table.

The Weighter boasts precise craftsmanship and choice materials, offering a premium touch. Its jagged yet soft silicone base clings to smooth surfaces while protecting them, and it features three slots for easy cable insertion. The aluminum top, with its slightly coarse texture, feels natural and sturdy. Weighing 170 grams, it has a substantial feel that enhances its quality perception.

Admittedly, I wouldn’t mind if it were a bit heavier, provided its compact size remained unchanged. This would prevent any forceful tugs on the cables from shifting the Weighter, requiring careful realignment with the table’s edge. I confess, I’m the sort who rearranges silverware at a restaurant to get it just right—call it an obsession if you will.

The design allows cables to glide smoothly through the slots without USB-C or MagSafe connectors slipping through. However, I could do without the “Native Union” branding or the word “Paris,” likely included to justify the upscale price tag. What, after all, is fashion?