KiWiBiRD Ultra Slim USB Hub with Multi Port (1 USB 3.0, 3
KiWiBiRD Ultra Slim USB Hub with Multi Port (1 USB 3.0, 3 USB 2.0), USB Splitter Extension Adapter for Laptop, MacBook, Desktop PC Compatible with Flash Drive Printer Keyboard Mouse Headset Gamepad
These USB-C hubs are particularly useful on modern laptops which seem to be removing Type-A ports in favour of TYPE-C, so you soon run out if you have just a keyboard/mouse and one flash drive attached. This hub only has one USB 3.0 port, so is really aimed at devices like a keyboard or mouse which only require USB 2.0 ports. There is one USB 3.0 Type-A port which I have tested with various flash drives and it works great.
One of the best things about this hub is that it is so compact and lightweight, easy to carry around in a pocket, and you do not have to worry if it has to hang down from the port when plugged in it is so light it does not put much force on the port.
I needed a new adapter to run multiple devices on a laptop with only one working USB port. It’s a company issued Windows device which I can’t change, so I went for a hub to solve the problem.
At a minimum I’m running 3 devices through it constantly. A wireless mouse, mic / headset, and an upgraded webcam. It handles these 3 fine with no noticeable lag or conflicts. I’ve also used the 4th port (USB3) to transfer data to and from a secure USB sick. I can’t install any software to allow for transfer speed measurement, but it did the job. I can’t tell if performance would be affected if the USB was constantly being used for data transfer..
I’ve also used it successfully to run 2 wired controllers at the same time on an Xbox series X
The main housing is only 8cm long, and less than 2cm wide with a 10cm flexible cable and features 4 USB ports (1 of which is USB3).
Pros:
– it really is super compact and light, hardly taking any desk space, and can easily fit in a pocket to be carried. It’s about 1/3 the size of my previous company issued one.
– Works well on Windows PC and Xbox series X
– Comes with an 18m warranty
– Feels fairly solid, and would probably stand up to being transported, and you could re-use the sealable shipping bag to prevent damage to the ports.
Cons:
– No information on how or where to claim on warranty.
– The writing on the unit is pretty small, making it hard (if you wear glasses like me), to see which is the USB3 port. Maybe some colour coding would help.
Would I buy it again if needed? Yes