Cheap USB-C to USB-A Adapters

LTimeWaster on 17/11/2017 - 13:20
Last edited 17/11/2017 - 15:48

Hey guys, I have been a long-time browser of this site and my friends are all convinced that I am addicted because I have OzBargain as my homepage on all of my devices and browse almost once every 15 minutes! Anyways, I would like to give back to this community by showing you all how to 'make' a cheap USB-C to USB-A adapter as my first post. This is pretty handy, as some of the newer laptops (Apple) have the new Type C ports and an adapter costs somewhere in the vicinity of $30 (even cheap eBay ones are at the least about $5). However, this method does have some limitations that I will explain later.

Before any links, I would like to make it clear that I am not affiliated with anyone, I'm just a fan of China and technology.

Prerequisites and Method

USB-C to micro-USB adapter (you may already have a bunch of the Xiaomi ones that sold for 1c): GearBest Link (these work out to ~50c each)
Micro-USB to USB-A adapter: GearBest Link (77c each)

Next, you can connect them together as such and plug it into your laptop.

Cons:

As a result of this method, you are stuck with USB 2.0 speeds because that's the fastest interface a standard micro-USB slot supports. Here's a screenshot of the speed .

Pros:

Because you can potentially have this solution for 70c, it is cheap enough to attach to less bandwidth-hungry devices (like a USB mouse) and leave it on. I have ended up with about 10 sets of these for about $8 and it is now at a point where I will always have an adapter nearby (albeit with a slower speed to transfer files).
The micro-USB to USB-A adapter is also an OTG adapter, so it can be used independently for many of the older Android phones and also hobbyist devices like the Raspberry Pi Zero.
Super compact design.

TL;DR

Buy a USB-C to micro-USB and a micro-USB to USB-A adapter (totals <$1.50), but your speeds are limited to USB 2.0.

Computing

Comments

Niroshansira on 17/11/2017 - 14:28

Thanks Timewaster…
The Wololo Wombat on 17/11/2017 - 14:55

+3

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. This is useful :)
havebeerbelywillsumo on 17/11/2017 - 15:14

Funnily enough spent 2 hours this morning looking for a simple (hah) USB to USB standard at both ends ("A"?) cable only to find I appear to have everything but, damn it.

So if anyone has a link to an "Ozbargain cheap" but good cable (3.0 preferred but 2.0 would do) that would be appreciated!

At the moment it looks like the Banggood 9% off is my best chance but looking at old specials I feel I'm paying too much LOL.

Double damn, misread 2 above and thought "Bingo" but I want the other way round :( still it give me something else to look for, an adaptor, X to USB A, if they exist.
- TimeWaster on 17/11/2017 - 16:13
  
  +2
  
  Hey there sumo, I had a quick look for you and eBay seems to be your best bet for this sort of thing. I am not 100% sure what configuration you wanted, so I just found a few that you might like.
  
  USB 2.0 (all $1.00)
  
  Male to Male
  
  Male to Female
  
  Fixed Male to Female (90 degree plug)
  
  In case you were wondering on how much to price jump to USB 3.0 is…
  
  Male to Male ($2.00)
  
  Male to Female ($1.56)
  
  Fixed Male to Male (straight plug) ($1.45) or $1 each if you want 2
  
  Fixed Male to Female (90 degree plug) ($1.45) 10c more for straight plug
  - havebeerbelywillsumo on 17/11/2017 - 16:28
    
    I'll click the links in a sec but just wanted to say "thanks" timewaster…juggling tasks!
    
    …………and bought a couple of the male to male so double that thanks.
    - TimeWaster on 17/11/2017 - 16:58
      
      No worries mate, I'm glad to be of some help! Enjoy your afternoon.