Ask HN: Why aren't there any USB-C hubs with only USB-C connectors?

13 points by epistasis 4y ago ↗ HN

Since the introduction of USB-C, I have looked for the USB-C analog of the venerable USB-A hub: multiple expansion ports with a single connector back to the host computer.

My application is being able to plug in multiple USB devices with USB-C cables. I can find guns with USB-C to multiple USB-A ports, but then I lose the benefit of being able to plug in the connector on the first try, without trying three orientations.

The only USB-C "hubs" I can find are expensive docking stations that have Ethernet, HDMI, etc. but do not significantly expand the number of USB-C ports.

Is there a technical reason for this, or is it just a product marketing choice by manufacturers?

6 comments

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addaon 4y ago ↗

There's a few out there [1] if you really need one -- most include some USB-A ports as well because the cost difference is small.

[1] https://www.coolgear.com/product/usb-power-delivery-4-port-t...

epistasis 4y ago ↗

Thanks! That one is out of stock, and $300.

But inspired by your find, I searched again and found this on Amazon for a mere $100

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07M68BNQQ/ref=ox_sc_act_t...

musicale 4y ago ↗

I've been all in on USB-C/Thunderbolt since 2016.

Unfortunately still using the same 2016 monitor (LG Ultrafine 5K) as well since there don't seem to be any decent 5K alternatives.

However, the Ultrafine does have one USB-C connection to the computer (for video in and power out) and three additional USB-C ports, qualifying it as a USB-C hub with only power and USB-C connectors. ;-)

musicale 4y ago ↗

> I can find guns with USB-C to multiple USB-A ports

That sounds like a useful feature for firearms.

> but then I lose the benefit of being able to plug in the connector on the first try,

You could permanently attach compact USB A-to-C adapters to get some of this benefit.

moondev 4y ago ↗

My usb-c keyboard has an integrated usb3.2 hub 4 full speed ports, 2 type c and 2 type a

https://system76.com/accessories/launch/?gclid=CjwKCAiAlrSPB...

When I need to plug 4 usb-c devices in, I use 2 usb-a to usb-c adaptors and it works great

ompaLompa 4y ago ↗

There is a technical reason. USB-C is not just a data connection standard like ethernet. Each pin has specific limitations on what it can/cant be used for to stay in spec.

Here is a good summary https://www.dell.com/community/Laptops-General-Read-Only/Dem...

So most manufactures pick the standard modes that are cheap to implement. This means they minimize the hardware on their side of the cable.