Besides the obvious reasons (it’s smaller than usb and can work both angles of insertion unlike micro-usb), why is usb-c considered superior? I understand it’s more able to handle fast charging and better data transfer, but what are the mechanics behind that?
In: 3
There’s really two factors here; the physical design of the connector (USB-C compared to USB Standard-A, Standard-B, Mini-B, Micro-B etc), and the electrical specifications and features of the associated USB standard it’s compatible with (USB 3.2 Gen 1×2 vs USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, USB 4.0 onwards).
The physical connector is superior because it’s stronger, more resilient, safer, smaller and reversable. One example of that is the improved retaining mechanism, you can [read more about that here](https://superuser.com/questions/1577898/how-does-the-retaining-mechanism-work-on-usb-c-and-what-will-wear-out). The cable also doesn’t require different connectors on the host side (USB A family) vs the device side (USB B family), the C connector can be used at both ends. That’s determined during a negotiation phase upon connection.
The associated USB standards are superior because they are capable of faster data transfer and higher power delivery. Mostly these are just the normal result of evolving hardware tech (faster clock speeds, better processors, better USB controllers) and higher design standards (cable thickness, materials, insulation, quality assurance etc). The USB C connector is only required from USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (“SuperSpeed 20Gbps”) and USB4 onwards, although the USB standard remains backwards compatible with older connectors.
Latest Answers