Cable Matters Launches USB4 20Gbps Switch for All-in-One Connectivity Solution

[TheLostSwede]

Cable Matters, a leader in developing cutting-edge connectivity solutions, introduces a USB4 20 Gbps Switch, meeting the diverse needs of today's dynamic remote workforce. This versatile, powerful device seamlessly blends performance, adaptability, and cost efficiency, offering users an unparalleled connectivity solution.

"The vision of this product grew from the needs of today's remote workforce," says Jeff Jiang, CEO of Cable Matters. "People are doing more than ever with multiple devices and require connectivity solutions that provide performance and flexibility at an affordable price." Unlike traditional switches, the USB4 20 Gbps Switch is engineered to handle two USB-C, USB4 or Thunderbolt enabled devices concurrently, effortlessly scaling to match the demands of gadget-intensive users. Users can instantly share a USB-C, USB4 or Thunderbolt monitor or docking station between two devices, and easily switch between them using either the unit's button or the included remote control.




Here are some key features of the switch:

• No power adapter is required for operation.
• The switch supports a 20 Gbps throughput and is not compatible with 40 Gbps signals. For optimal functionality, it comes with two USB4 20 Gbps cables.
• It supports high video resolutions up to 8K at 30 Hz and multiple resolutions including 6144x3456 at 60 Hz, 5128x2880 at 60 Hz, and 3840x2160 at up to 144 Hz, provided DSC is activated in the video chain.
• The switch offers 140 W Power Delivery (PD) charging, capable of meeting the power needs of most portable devices, making it extremely useful for users with high power requirements.
• It includes an RF remote control for convenient switching between devices without the need for extra cables.
• The switching time between macOS and Windows systems is efficient, approximately 12 seconds on macOS and 7 seconds on Windows. This is only slightly slower (< 1 second) than direct monitor connections.

The launch of the USB4 20 Gbps Switch represents a significant shift in the digital connectivity market. With this innovation, Cable Matters continues to exhibit its commitment to delivering high-quality, cost-effective connectivity solutions for everyday needs, fulfilling its mission of empowering the world's remote workforce.

The USB4 20 Gbps Switch is available now through Amazon and the Cable Matters website.

[Editor's note: The switch has an MSRP of US$59.99]

View at TechPowerUp Main Site | Source

 

[utmode]

Handy item, when you work from home

 

[Alan Smithee]

I would temper expectations since there is no mention of persistent EDID -- this appears to be a "dumb" switch. That means your windows will all resize every time you switch devices.

 

[bonehead123]

I would temper expectations since there is no mention of persistent EDID -- this appears to be a "dumb" switch. That means your windows will all resize every time you switch devices.

This makes it an auto no-buy IMHO, and until that changes, as well as the 20gbps limit (up to 40), I can & will live without it for now

 

[A Computer Guy]

Humm out of stock already it seems. The RF switch is a nice touch. I/O Gear has a similar but older product that's more of a plain USB-C switch (limited to 10Gbps, Supports PD, 3xUSB-A, 1xUSB-C, 2xUSB-C inputs, and manual wired switch) which is great for older RGB keyboards that used dual USB cables for power but I wonder if Cable Matters product suffers from the same issues I/O Gear has. For example not all rear panel USB-C outputs from motherboards can seem to power the unit. My X570 Taichi's and B550 Phantom Gaming ITX motherboards can seem to do it but other lesser quality X470 and B450 boards could not. I was never quite clear if hooking up the additional power delivery connection would resolve the issue or not.

 

[LabRat 891]

USB 4 'switch' that supports Thunderbolt, but is neither a hub nor a (packet) switch.

 

[TheLostSwede]

USB 4 'switch' that supports Thunderbolt, but is neither a hub nor a (packet) switch.

USB4 = improved Thunderbolt 3.

 

[LabRat 891]

USB4 = improved Thunderbolt 3.

Oh, I know. I was more poking fun at the nomenclature.

-for PCIe and Ethernet, a "switch" means something closer to "hub" in USB terms.
Since USB4 and TB both can carry PCIe, I thought it was funny.

 

[TheLostSwede]

Oh, I know. I was more poking fun at the nomenclature.

-for PCIe and Ethernet, a "switch" means something closer to "hub" in USB terms.
Since USB4 and TB both can carry PCIe, I thought it was funny.

Actually, USB4 allows for USB only data, PCIe can be optional, oddly enough, as can display data.
That's how we end up with devices like this.
I presume this thing would only do 10 Gbps when connected via Thunderbolt, since Thunderbolt 3/4 doesn't support faster USB data speeds.

 

[Prima.Vera]

The switch supports a 20 Gbps throughput and is not compatible with 40 Gbps signals.

Hard pass on this DOA faulty product.

 

[Baba]

Someone educate me on the USB KVM switches. I see some monitors have them as well. Initially, I was really excited to see a built in KVM switch as most on the market have bad reviews. Then, I see that it's USB 3.2 Gen 2 KVM switch. Video cards have DP and HDMI. The USB based KVM switches might be DisplayPort over Alt Mode which equals to DP1.4. Will this ever work on a desktop or is this only for Alt Mode equipped USB laptops?

Can anyone recomment a good KVM switch based on DP and/or HDMI. Are there DP2.1 KVM switches yet?

Another option, let's say I just want to connect Keyboard and Mouse to both my laptop and desktop. No need to display my laptop screen on my monitor. What's the best switch for that?

 

[TheLostSwede]

Someone educate me on the USB KVM switches. I see some monitors have them as well. Initially, I was really excited to see a built in KVM switch as most on the market have bad reviews. Then, I see that it's USB 3.2 Gen 2 KVM switch. Video cards have DP and HDMI. The USB based KVM switches might be DisplayPort over Alt Mode which equals to DP1.4. Will this ever work on a desktop or is this only for Alt Mode equipped USB laptops?

This is not a USB KVM as such though. This simply switches between two devices that can do USB data and video over USB Type-C, when connected to a display that has a USB Type-C video input. It would require the keyboard and mouse to be attached to the monitor and those signals being passed over an internal USB hub to the Type-C interface, which not all monitors do.

As for monitors with built in KVM support where one input is via USB Type-C, it wouldn't work with most desktops, unless you use the onboard graphics, as you might not get the keyboard and mouse functionality if you use a DP to USB Type-C converter (note that these aren't super common and may or may not work with certain setups). There are a few graphics cards have have a Type-C output, but sadly most OEM's didn't include them, despite reference designs from AMD doing so. Nvidia put VirtualLink ports on som of their RTX 20-series cards, which aren't proper Type-C ports, so I don't know if those would work, as they don't support USB 2.0.

Can anyone recomment a good KVM switch based on DP and/or HDMI. Are there DP2.1 KVM switches yet?

Aten was the gold standard in KVM's. Afaik there are no DP 2.1 KVM switches.
I guess something like this would be the best you can get.

Amazon.com

Another option, let's say I just want to connect Keyboard and Mouse to both my laptop and desktop. No need to display my laptop screen on my monitor. What's the best switch for that?

You've been able to get some pretty cheap USB 2.0 switches for years, but at least now you can get something that doesn't look like it belongs in the 90's, like this. They seem to have USB 3.0 switches too if you want to share things like USB drives. Technically they're breaking the USB standard though, as A-A cables aren't allowed.

Amazon.com

This is a cheaper USB 3.0 one, but I'm not familiar with this brand.

Amazon.com

Super basic alternative that is also available with USB 3.0 support.

Plugable USB 2.0 Sharing Switch

Swap a single USB 2.0 connection between 2 USB 2.0 enabled hosts two hosts with a single button press using the Plugable USB2-SWITCH2.

plugable.com

Hard pass on this DOA faulty product.

How is that DOA when it meets the USB4 spec? 20 Gbps is the lowest allowed transfer speed for USB4 peripherals.
Also, keep in mind that 40 Gbps USB cables can only be 1 meter long, unless you use active cables, whereas 20 Gbps can do 2 meters.

 

[trsttte]

How will this handle power delivery? They claim it supports 140W passthrough - which is pretty wild as very few monitors provide that, even 100W is not that common sadly - will it charge the active laptop only or split the power among both devices? If it charges only the active device, who'd want that? If it splits power, good luck with that, even with a monitor that does 100W it would be just 50W for each laptop, not to mention the hole PD negotiation problem.

How is that DOA when it meets the USB4 spec?

Because it's crap, 20gbps is bad, it should use the 40gbps USB4 allows, ideally it would use the higher bandwidth video modes, but 40gbps should be the bare minimum. The spec should not have allowed for 20gbps, it opens the door for devices like this.

 

[TheLostSwede]

How will this handle power delivery? They claim it supports 140W passthrough - which is pretty wild as very few monitors provide that, even 100W is not that common sadly - will it charge the active laptop only or split the power among both devices? If it charges only the active device, who'd want that? If it splits power, good luck with that, even with a monitor that does 100W it would be just 50W for each laptop, not to mention the hole PD negotiation problem.

You do understand how this works, no? It's a dumb 1/2 switch, so whichever device is active, will get power. Also, USB PD doesn't work the way you think, based on your comment.

Because it's crap, 20gbps is bad, it should use the 40gbps USB4 allows, ideally it would use the higher bandwidth video modes, but 40gbps should be the bare minimum. The spec should not have allowed for 20gbps, it opens the door for devices like this.

Did you even read the rest of my comment above? It has to do with cable length. Had it been 40 Gbps, everyone would've complained it only supported 1 meter or shorter cables, which is shit because it puts your devices too close to the monitor. Some people are never happy

 

[trsttte]

You do understand how this works, no? It's a dumb 1/2 switch, so whichever device is active, will get power. Also, USB PD doesn't work the way you think, based on your comment.

I understand, that's why I think this is dumb. The point of a switch like this is having both devices available at moments notice, but only one will be charged.

Did you even read the rest of my comment above? It has to do with cable length. Had it been 40 Gbps, everyone would've complained it only supported 1 meter or shorter cables, which is shit because it puts your devices too close to the monitor. Some people are never happy

It's an active device, it could use a longer active cable if it was designed properly.

 

[TheLostSwede]

I understand, that's why I think this is dumb. The point of a switch like this is having both devices available at moments notice, but only one will be charged.

Since only one device is active at a time, how do you expect both to charge? Besides, USB PD doesn't allow for the power to be split. It might be possible to make this device take 140 W in and split it as 65 W out per port, but as USB PD allows for 20-240 W... How is the splitting supposed to work if the input is lower than 140 W?

It's an active device, it could use a longer active cable if it was designed properly.

Uhm, it's already doing that, as it has a fixed cable at the rear... If that cable was included, the range would be even shorter for the cables used with the attached devices.