USB-C head-to-head comparison (lumafield.com)

Article summary

A comparison of four USB-C cables using CT scans reveals significant differences in internal construction, despite identical connector geometry. The Apple Thunderbolt 4 cable has a complex nine-layer PCB, while a $5 cable claimed to support 10 Gbps data transfer but actually only supports USB 2.0. The scans show that USB-C is a connector standard, not a capability guarantee, and that packaging specifications do not necessarily reflect the actual capabilities of a cable. This highlights the need for better testing and labeling of USB-C cables.

Main themes

• USB-C cable quality
• cable testing and verification
• Amazon sales practices
• trademarking and branding
• cable standards and specifications
• counterfeit and low-quality products

What commenters say

• Some commenters want a built-in cable tester in computers to verify the capabilities of USB-C cables.
• Others suggest that a separate testing device is needed, but it is hard to find an affordable one that can test all aspects of a USB-C cable.
• There is a concern that Amazon does not do enough to prevent the sale of low-quality or mislabeled cables on its platform.
• Some commenters think that trademarking pseudorandom brand names is a way for Chinese resellers to avoid trademark laws and get their products upranked on Amazon.
• Others argue that it is not about avoiding trademark laws, but rather about taking advantage of Amazon's algorithm that favors trademarked brands.
• A few commenters mention that there are some devices available on AliExpress that can test various aspects of USB-C cables, but their accuracy and reliability are unclear.