But, how do you distinguish between micro vs mini USB (and Type C connectors), and what functionality do they offer?

What you might not have known is that there are many other USB types than the traditional rectangular one.It also has 5,000 connect-disconnect cycles, meaning it can be plugged in and removed 5,000 times before wearing down. Available in three colours, the modules are supplied with cables, and have twin USB ports to simultaneously charge laptops, tablets and mobile phones. If you are interested in USB chargers for your office but are unsure of your choices, read our guide on how to choose a USB charger here. Type C connectors are also smaller than their standard Type A counterparts, but they are essentially an updated version of the Type A connector. Modern USB devices are starting to appear with just one USB C port replacing all others, this means you are restricted on what older equipment you can use.

At CMD Ltd, we design and manufacture workstation power modules to help provide easy power access for businesses, including USB Type A ports. The mini USB was introduced in 2005 and was one of the first miniaturized USB forms to be released onto the market. For instance, the C-Spin Type-C USB Flash Drive has a Type A connector on one side and a Type C on the other, and you can simply spin the device to pick whichever connector type you need. Still, certain products continue to have a mini USB port and connector, keeping this option from being completely obsolete.A plug to Mini B plug lead for portable devices; right angled USB Mini B plug for connecting devices in hard to reach areas. Ensure your office environment has sufficient opportunities for charging USB devices by considering the number and types of ports in the charging station. Type C connectors differ in appearance compared to the previous USB types, as they are asymmetrical and have a small and thin appearance. Most modern technology devices have started including USB Type C outlets, including Apple MacBooks and Chromebooks.

In more technical terms, USB-C connectors have a transfer rate of between 5 and 10 gigabits per second and can provide 100 watts of charging power at any given time. At its outset, the mini USB was used for a variety of devices including mp3 players, digital cameras, and mobile phones (including Blackberry, Motorola, and HTC devices). Most flash drives come with the standard rectangular USB connector, but there are also models that offer both. This is primarily due to the fast data transfer rate, as the cable has 24 pins, and is ideal for connecting monitors, charging high-powered devices, and transferring data in a business environment. The micro USB, by contrast, was released two years later, and improved on both the functionality and convenience of the mini USB.Our friends at iPromo have a 4-in-1 option that even has a mini USB cable and a 3-in-1 option, as well. The VEL05 series of wall plug adaptors comply with the very latest energy efficiency VI standards with high active mode efficiency and extremely low no load power consumption. After all this, you might be thinking that the micro vs mini USB debate is a bit one-sided, and you wouldn’t be wrong.