Charging and data transfer cables, underrated but essential

We often consider them just discounted accessories, but how much can the quality of charging and data transfer cables actually influence the performance and lifespan of the devices?

We purchase one of our devices and when we dedicate ourselves to unpacking, we often discover that it is no longer equipped with cables for connection or connection.

A perhaps ecological, often economical, choice of the producers which we often protect by purchasing the first cable we come across or by recycling an old cable. A choice perhaps praiseworthy from the point of view of recycling but probably not the best from a performance point of view.

Charging and data transfer cables. How much does it affect the quality of a USB-C or HDMI cable?

The quality of your USB-C or HDMI cable can affect the quality of the image and sound transmitted through it. A lower quality cable can cause problems such as blurry images or noisy audio. Additionally, a faulty or poor-quality cable can also cause compatibility issues or power issues for connected devices.

The advice is therefore always not to skimp on a few euros, but to opt for well-known brands or at least cables that guarantee good signal transmission quality.

Charging cables

When we go to choose a charging cable, our main concern should be, in addition to the practical one of the correct plug, also that of choosing the correct output power.

Too low power will lead to very long charging times, given that the power generated by the transformer present in the power supply mounted in the "cable" will not be adequate for that of the battery.

Even the opposite case, with too much output power, especially in the case of a "non-intelligent" battery charger, could lead to major problems, in particular that of irreparably ruining our device.

The green light is therefore given to alternative battery chargers, but always paying attention to what is stated on their nameplate.

The case of the USB-C cable

One of the latest cables to "come out" in recent years, used for both charging and data transfer, is the USB-C cable. This cable is the first worldwide attempt to unify smartphone and tablet connectors. Action pushed and supported by the European Union in order to reduce pollution, volume of electronic waste and costs for buyers.

A USB-C cable is a type of data transmission cable that uses Universal Serial Bus Type-C (USB-C) connectivity to connect electronic devices. USB-C connectivity is a newer, more versatile version of traditional USB connectivity, and is designed to provide faster data transfer speeds, greater power output, and greater compatibility between devices.

USB-C cables have a flat, rectangular connector with 24 pins, which can be inserted in both directions (i.e. it does not have a precise direction for insertion, unlike older USB-A cables).

This means that there is no longer any need to worry about the direction of insertion of the connector, with the same one being able to be inserted indifferently in one of the two directions.

USB-C cables can be used to transfer data, charge devices, and even transfer video and audio. Some devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, monitors with USB-C input can be connected to each other using only one USB-C cable, instead of using several cables for each function.

In general, USB-C cables are faster and more versatile than traditional USB cables and have become increasingly common in many modern devices.

Particularly high-performance cable types

Gold plating

Gold-plated cables are data transmission cables (such as USB or HDMI) that have gold-plated ends or contacts to improve signal quality.

Gold is an excellent electrical conductor and does not oxidize. In practice, this means that gold-plated contacts can maintain good signal quality for a longer period of time than cables with contacts made of other metals.

Some of the other benefits of gold-plated cables are:

• Better Signal Quality: Gold is an excellent electrical conductor and reduces resistance to current flow, meaning electrical signals can travel through gold-plated wires more efficiently.

• Better durability: Gold does not oxidize, which means that gold-plated contacts can maintain good signal quality for a longer period of time than cables with contacts made of other metals.

• Better Corrosion Resistance: Gold is corrosion resistant, meaning gold-plated cables can better withstand wear and tear and exposure to the elements than cables with contacts made of other metals.

Gold-plated cables are therefore not just a matter of vanity, but a quality factor for those seeking maximum performance. The downside is obviously the cost, gold is in fact an expensive metal and this affects the final cost of the cable.

The braided cable

A twisted cable is a type of data transmission cable in which the conductor wires within the cable are twisted together. This type of cable structure is designed to improve the durability and strength of the cable, while reducing the possibility of damage or breakage.

Braided cables are often used in applications where the cable must be bent or pulled frequently, such as in charging cables for mobile devices or in the case of audio connection cables for headphones. Furthermore, braided cables are also used in industrial environments, where the shock that the cables can suffer is significantly greater than in traditional use.

Twisted cables can be made of several materials, including copper, fiber optics, and composite materials. To give additional strength, braided cables can be coated to increase resistance to corrosion and external pressure.

This cable is more resistant and durable than traditional cables, an advantage which obviously entails a higher cost compared to them.

Charging and data transfer cables can be essential accessories for the performance of our devices, which is why it is not really worth saving a few euros on them, especially after hundreds, if not thousands, have been spent on the device itself.