I purchased this StarTech 7-port USB hub for $68. It's been great for my setup so far, although I needed extension cables. I have not experienced any disconnects, even with the hub just about filled with active peripherals. Pros: -Handles a lot of devices at once. I've got two keyboards, a microphone, mouse, Stream Deck, and an audio interface all connected and working without issue. -Easy mounting. I've mounted mine to the underside of my desk with a double-sided adhesive without issue and it's stayed put. -Sturdy build quality. The metal enclosure feels very durable. Cons: -The cables are short. The included USB cable is specified as 48in, and in my layout I needed extensions for both the power and data cables to cleanly reach under my desk to the opposite side. -$70 seemed a bit pricey especially compared to other much cheaper products, and the price had since gone up to $85 after I've purchased. Bottom line: If you need a dependable powered hub to centralize a desk full of peripherals, this does the job while feeling and looking much more professional and high quality than the plethora of unpowered plastic enclosed usb hubs. Despite the price I'm happy with it, as I was able to fix an issue I was having with an unpowered hub dropping devices. If you plan to use it like I have, to provide usb access to permanent devices on the opposite side of a somewhat large desk, then you will likely need extension cables. Read more
First, the only issue I had was with the supplied USB-3 (A/B) data cable. It was defective, rendering USB2.0 speeds. Due to the apparent high quality of the hub itself, I will not deduct points for this. For years I've noticed that high performing devices often seem to ship with data cables of questionable quality. I replaced it and all is well. I've read many of the reviews and have some comments: 1) USB-3 cables are typically shorter. The potential fast data rates can be an issue with longer, standard quality cables, as well as computer tower enclosure front panel ports. The first time I experienced this was when I connected high speed devices to the front panel USB3.0 (USB3.1 gen-1) ports of a PC computer. Unlike the rear panel, where the USB connector is soldered directly into the motherboard, the front ports are subject to a long internal cable (possibly of questionable quality) leading to a motherboard header. High speed devices that I had problems with (up front) worked flawlessly in the rear ports. 2) Regarding cordless Keyboards and Mice, I plugged in a Logitech Unifying receiver to the hub, and both items work without issue. 3) On the hub that I purchased, all indicator lights function as expected. 4) My LG Android mobile phone will charge as well as transfer data via the hub. iPhones might be more demanding (re: current). 5) The hub case is metal, not plastic. 6) The unit's charger came with several AC plug adapters, certainly including one for the US. I have this hub attached to an Intel 8I7BEH NUC mini PC (i7-8559 cpu; all 5-USB ports are 3.1 gen-2). Transfer speeds are high between NUC and hub as well as between multiple hard drives and SSD's connected to the hub. Currently connected to the hub: 1-Mouse/Keyboard receiver 1-USB3.0 gen-2 StarTech enclosure with internal NAS 5400 rpm SATA-3 hard drive 2-USB3.0 gen-1 enclosures with 7200 rpm SATA-3 hard drives 1-SATA-3 SSD The NUC ports have more of the same. Everything works very well...no complaints at all. I realize that manufacturing renders an occasional defective device, but mine works great. Read more
This is a nice, sturdy device. Perfect form factor for what I was looking for. Using in audio production and all my devices comm well with it. My first unit, however, had a bad port. I'm returning for a replacement. I would recommend the unit but caution any buyers to test every port with multiple cords and devices to make sure they all work, so you don't overlook a failed port until it is too late to return. Read more
These work great with scientific equipment. Bought almost 20 of these. The bracket is kind of useless, the screw spacing is strange. Very complete: had to deploy some setups in US, EU an Asia and the plug had all the adapters. Indicator lights for the ports are great to determine that the instruments are working since they are locked away far in a box. Great addition to this product would be a USB-C to USB-B 3.0 for laptops that do not come with USB-A ports. There is no power switch for the ac adaptor or invidual ports. This is great for me not wanting the operators to fuss with things. We do like to connect disconnect the instruments sometimes to troubleshoot. If you disconnect the power adapter from this hub, the devices continue to work and be connected. This is not a negative, but if this funcitonality is critical for you, you should get a hub with individual switches for each port. Read more
