ZDNET’s key takeaways
- These 140W and 240W USB-C connectors have a MagSafe-type mechanism that makes them safer and highly effective to make use of than conventional adapters.
- With costs beginning at $28 for a two-pack, this accent is a must have for vacationers, tech lovers, and people who usually change between completely different cables and ports.
- Simply be conscious of the place you retailer these connectors, as they’re small and probably simple to misplace.
This is perhaps probably the greatest USB-C equipment I’ve ever bought. Though easy and easy, it has protected my USB-C ports from injury quite a few occasions and prevented laptops from being pulled to the ground by individuals (often me) tripping over the charging cable.
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It is a magnetic breakaway USB-C connector just like Apple’s MagSafe connector, appropriate with all of your units, from smartphones and tablets to energy banks, docks and laptops, together with MacBooks that lack MagSafe. I’ve acquired handful of those connectors and I take advantage of them each day.
The perfect factor of all is that it would not decelerate knowledge switch or charging. The connector has 24 pins, so each channel on the USB-C cable is carried via the connector, leading to no pace compromises.
I do know this as a result of I have been busy testing a bunch of them to search out you the most effective and least expensive mannequin.
A magnetic breakaway USB-C connector consists of two elements: the primary half is the USB-C port that plugs into the machine you need to shield — be {that a} laptop computer, smartphone, charger, energy financial institution, or in any other case — and the opposite half that goes on the tip of the cable you are going to use.
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A brilliant-strong neodymium magnet retains the 2 elements collectively when in use till there is a pull on the connector, after which the 2 elements come aside. The magnets are very sturdy and pull the 2 elements along with a really decisive snap. It is a easy concept, but brilliantly designed.
Magnetic breakaway USB-C connector tech specs
- Energy: 140W and 240W variations
- Knowledge switch: As much as 40Gb/s
- Video output: As much as 8K@60Hz
- Connection sort: 24-pin
- LED indicator: Sure
- Dustproof: Sure
Only a observe on the completely different variations of this product: I’ve examined each the 140W and 240W variations of this connector, and each reacted identically within the thermal and resistance exams. This make sense, as these are simply pass-through connectors, with the one energetic factor being the LED gentle, main me to conclude that the 140W variations simply have the older branding.
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I’ve used comparable breakaway USB-C connectors earlier than, again when Apple eliminated the MagSafe charging port from the MacBook Professional. Fortunately, issues have come a great distance since then: These connectors have been given a revamp, enhancing the design and the magnet, and bringing them updated with assist for options resembling 140W charging.
These breakaway connectors are available in three differing types — straight, 90° elbow, and right-angle.
Personally, I just like the elbow design. It looks like probably the most versatile and safe. In my testing, I discovered that the straight and right-angled connectors have been simpler to tug aside, leading to extra unintended breakaways. Nonetheless, I would a lot choose to cope with an unintended breakaway than a laptop computer that is been dragged to the bottom.
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The connectors additionally function a helpful LED gentle, so you may inform if a tool is charging.
The a part of the connector that goes into the USB-C port can generally be a bit exhausting to take away, particularly if, like me, you could have garbage fingernails. This pack comes with a loop of string to help in removing, which I discover to be a very nice contact.
ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation
The excellent news is that these connectors are cheaper than ever. I bear in mind paying nicely over $20 for a single connector, however now you may get a 2-pack for around $22 with a 30% off coupon on Amazon.
They are a easy, but efficient approach to shield ports from injury and forestall laptops from being pulled to the ground. Investing just a few {dollars} in a few these may prevent hundreds down the road.