Over the past couple of years, I’ve tested a handful of multi-connector USB-C charging cables. You’ve probably seen them for sale on big-name e-commerce websites, and maybe on social media platforms. It’s a single cable that terminates in a box, out of which sprouts a few charging cables. The idea is that you can use the one charging port on a wall wart to power up multiple devices.
It’s quite a simple idea really — the box acts as an intelligent splitter, diverting power to where it’s needed.
Also: This clever 4-in-1 keychain charger has made traveling with devices much easier for me
Up until now, they’ve all been dreadful in one way or another — fragile cables, the splitter box bursting open, appallingly slow charging rate, or the cable starts off working then just randomly stops working and never comes back to life.
All in all, a pretty poor show.
Hydra triple Type-C cable
Then a few weeks ago, interspersed among the ads served while I was doing a bit of downtime scrolling, I started seeing ads for the Hydra by Futurizta).
Also: My favorite USB-C accessory of all time just got a magnetic upgrade
The splitter box — which is in reality a charging hub — is built solid, making use of a metal shell that not only adds robustness, but also helps dissipate excess heat.
