Term of the Moment
air tube headset
Definition: USB Type C
The latest USB connector. Introduced in 2014, Type C was designed to replace all previous USB plugs and sockets. Within a year, Android phones began switching from Micro USB. Starting in 2018, Apple began switching its proprietary Lightning interface to USB-C. See USB and Lightning connector.
Video and Bi-Directional
Type C supports HDMI and DisplayPort video as well as MHL. The latter enables a single C-to-C cable to work with a laptop and externally plugged-in monitor. MHL can send DisplayPort to the screen while the monitor charges the laptop. See HDMI, MHL and DisplayPort.
More Speed and Power
Type C supports USB 3.2 at 20 Gbps and power up to 20 volts/5 amps. See USB 3.2 and USB Power Delivery.
Beware Non-Compliant A-to-C Cables
USB Type C can draw more current than early Type A ports deliver. Therefore, if Type C devices are connected to older Type A ports, the cable must be designed with a 56K Ohm resistor to prevent damage.
Type C Is Reversible
USB-C Is Replacing Micro USB
Rather Innocuous
The Mess
Plug Into A and C
Conversion to Type C
What Were They Thinking?
A Different Type A and C in Europe
Video and Bi-Directional
Type C supports HDMI and DisplayPort video as well as MHL. The latter enables a single C-to-C cable to work with a laptop and externally plugged-in monitor. MHL can send DisplayPort to the screen while the monitor charges the laptop. See HDMI, MHL and DisplayPort.
More Speed and Power
Type C supports USB 3.2 at 20 Gbps and power up to 20 volts/5 amps. See USB 3.2 and USB Power Delivery.
Beware Non-Compliant A-to-C Cables
USB Type C can draw more current than early Type A ports deliver. Therefore, if Type C devices are connected to older Type A ports, the cable must be designed with a 56K Ohm resistor to prevent damage.
Type C (right) plugs into the socket in either direction. Type A does not. See reversible plug.
Type C has replaced the Micro USB interface, especially on high-end products.
USB Type C sockets are identified by their rounded sides, such as this one on a pair of Meta Quest VR goggles. See Meta Quest.
Type C was designed to replace this mess and has succeeded on premium products. Even the A-to-B cable that connects a computer to a printer can be eliminated because USB-C recognizes which side is which (see USB Type B).
Kingston's microDuo USB drive plugs into Type A and C. (Image courtesy of Kingston Technology Corporation.)
As soon as Type C debuted, conversion cables came to market.
Adopting Type C all the way has brought many new laptops on the market without a single Type A port. To plug in the countless USB drives we have, a C-to-A adapter is required.
The standard electrical outlet in Europe is Type C and has nothing to do with USB. (Image courtesy of Recreational Equipment, Inc.)