Why is it that on that day when you are the most stressed and pushed for time, your micro USB cable goes missing? This has happened to all of us, leaving us unable to use a charge a flat device, print or transfer data, causing further delays.

We use connector cables for many applications daily, like charging, powering or transferring data between devices. 

Currently, the most common cables are micro USB, mini USB and Type-C. The differences and uses of these connection types will be explained here to ensure you always have the right option.

Original USB Connector

The origins of USB connections date back to the 1990s as a means of communication between computers and peripheral devices such as printers, scanners, keyboards and mouses. These original connectors are now referred to as Type-A connectors. By today's standard, this connection method offers a very slow data transfer rate, originally at only 1.56 Mbits per second.

Mini USB Connector

The next type of connector to emerge was the mini USB, primarily used on smaller devices such as MP3 players, cameras and cell phones. While these connectors were not as fast as their larger predecessor, they were conveniently smaller and much longer lasting.

Micro USB Connector

In 2007, the micro USB connector was released with significant improvement in data transfer speeds, up to 480 Mbits per second. As the name implies, the micro USB connector is small and well suited to the smallest, most compact devices such as cellphones, cameras, GPS devices, game controllers, mini game consoles, tablets, watches and many more. 

Even more durable than the mini USB, the micro USB boasts an additional pin that functions as an A and B type connector, giving it a broader application base.

The most significant upgrade, however, is that micro USB connectors support USB On The Go, enabling connection of a full-sized USB flash drive, mouse, keyboard or other devices to phones and tablets, which was not previously possible with the mini USB.

USB Type C

Introduced for slim laptops, certain cellphones and game controllers, this oval-shaped connector can be plugged in either way. Touted as the way forward in connection technology and, in the future, will replace a host of other connector cables for printers, laptop charging, cameras, cellphone charging, scanners and HDMI connection.

Whatever connection cable you need from micro USB to Type C, contact iGadget today. We have a full range of cables to meet your every need. Search by connection type or by device type to find the perfect fit.