I've been testing these magnetic USB-C connectors and while they are not recommended I continue using them on a couple devices.

Mentioned Links
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Magnetic USB-C Connectors - https://amzn.to/3vADaHS
Reddit Thread -   / magnetic_usbc_cables_are_not_recommended  


Video Description
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Around the house we have a couple Amazon Fire tablets that are used for very specific things. We have one here on our desk in the office that we use to view a security camera pointed at our porch and driveway. I have another of these cheap tablets next to my side table in the bedroom because it's difficult for me to fall asleep unless there's some background audio.

The one here on the desk is so far out of the way that it can take some effort to plug in the USB cable when it needs to be charged.
And the one next to my bed can be difficult to plug in at night when it's dark and I'm half asleep.

So when I came across these magnetic USB-C connectors, it piqued my interest.

I bought a set to test out for a review here on the channel and then shortly after that I bought more connectors so that me and my girlfriend could use them on all of our devices.

And I have to say I really enjoyed using these things.

Then I began doing a bit of educational research about these connectors so that I would know more about them before doing this very review. And that's when I learned of their potential issues.

So this is the first thread I saw, where the folks over in the USB C Hardware subreddit have an announcement thread from 3 years ago about how these are just not recommended.

This post made me curious about the risks so I began reading through the thread and most of the comments are from people who have first-hand experience with these connectors and most, if not all, of them claim to have never had any device damaged by these connectors.

He's saying the risk of using these devices comes when you detach the cable from the device. Saying that depending on how they are made, the magnet might grab the connector at a wrong angle while the 20v pin is still connected.

And while he does not have proof that these connectors are made poorly, he has doubt that they are investing enough into research and development to actually be protecting the device properly.

But again, Benson is not convinced that is enough testing and he believes that you should be using a cable or a connector that is 100% compliant with the USB standard. Sadly, the standard does not include magnetic connectors but Benson believes that may happen in the future.

Due to the risks, I will not be using these connectors on devices that I need or are expensive to replace.
So I stopped using them on my daily driver, I stopped using them with my Steam Deck, and I recommended my girlfriend do the same.

However, I still have a couple of devices that I will continue to use them on.
The tablet here on the desk that we use to monitor our security camera is still going to be using one because it's just out of arm's reach so being able to hold the cable and have magnets make the connection to charge it up is incredibly convenient.

The same with the tablet next to my bed. I don't want to wake myself up trying to find the USB plug so that the tablet doesn't die. So I'll continue to use the connector there as well.

But I'm only doing that because they are cheap Amazon Fire tablets that can be replaced incredibly easily.
If I end up noticing the magnetic USB connector frying tablet after tablet, then of course I will stop using them there as well.

But the actual instances of damaged hardware with these seem to be low enough that this is unlikely to be an issue with me.

So, the question remains, would I recommend that you all go out and buy these magnetic USB-C connectors? It's difficult for me to recommend something could potentially cause damage to one of your devices.

However, if you have found yourself having difficulty plugging in a USB-C connector. Whether that is due to placement, your environment, or anything else that is personal to you. . .then yes, these magnetic USB-C connectors can be incredibly convenient.

I really like that they serve as a dust blocker for the USB port. And even more, using them can prevent the area around your USB port from being scratched up by the USB cable when you go to plug it in.

The Gear I Use
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5W "Slow" Charger - https://amzn.to/2OaUMV8
Fast Charger - https://amzn.to/3rtBsC6
MicroUSB Cable - https://amzn.to/38dkpeM
USB-C Cable - https://amzn.to/2OqlTvi
TPU Cases - https://amzn.to/38g9b9w
USB-C to 3.5mm Dongle - https://amzn.to/3rVt7c3
USB-C to 3.5mm DAC - https://amzn.to/3CyksSJ
NVIDIA Shield TV - https://bit.ly/3KA17RV
Telescopic Controller - https://amzn.to/3uDrvY9