[Libs-Or] Tech-Talk: HARDWARE - The ABC's of USB Types and Sizes

Tue Mar 24 16:42:43 PDT 2026

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HARDWARE - The ABC's of USB Types and Sizes

Intermediate

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USB cables, ports and plugs are everywhere…on your computer, phone, and printers ... televisions and power sources. Then there is the USB drive ... a small, portable, file-storage device with no cable.

Just referring to all of these as "USB's" was enough in the past. Now we need to add a letter ... to indicate which type and size we want. There is, at a minimum, USB-A, USB-B and USB-C.

You’ve probably wondered what do they actually do? And what is the difference between them all?

What Is a USB and What Does It Do?

At a basic level, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) is a connector.

There are different parts associated with the connection. To put these in simple terms:
1.  Port - the hole in the device. The USB plugs in here.
2.  Cable - has a plug at each end. Sometimes they are the same; other times they're different.
3.  Plug - the actual USB ... the part that sticks out and gets inserted into the port to connect.

This hardware combination allows devices to connect so that they can:
·     Transfer data…like files, photos, and documents.
·     Provide power to charge your device.
·     Communicate between devices…like your phone to your car or your computer to the printer.

Some USB connections do all three. Others do only one. This is where knowing the different types can get tricky. The type of USB you use determines what is possible…and how fast it happens.

Understanding the differences between USB-A, USB-B, Micro-USB, and USB-C can save time. It can also reduce frustration. The biggest difference is the shape of the connector. Each type is different and can do different things.

[A close-up view of a standard USB Type-A plug with a black plastic casing and a metallic connector, showing the USB symbol embossed on the casing.]
USB-A: The Familiar Classic

USB-A is the rectangular plug/connector most people recognize. You’ve definitely seen it on phone chargers and computer mice. It’s been around for decades!

Key Features of USB-A:
·     Plugs in only one way.
·     Often used for flash drives, keyboards, and mice.

USB-A is still very common, but it is slowly being phased out on newer devices. Now, computers may have only one (or no) USB-A slots.

NOTE: Often the USB-A is just referred to as a USB (little mention of the "A")

[A close-up of a black USB Type-B connector cable against a white background.]
USB-B: The Specialist

USB-B ports are larger and more square-shaped. They are used on devices that stay put. This is why you still see them on devices like printers and scanners.

This is a case where the ends of the cable are different. One end typically has the USB-B connector plugging into the device. The other usually connects to the computer using a USB-A plug.

[Close-up of a hand holding a micro USB cable connector, showing the metal tip and its internal pins against a blurred background.]
Micro-USB: The Former Mobile Standard

Before USB-C, Micro-USB was the most common charging port on small devices, like your phone. Most cell phones and tablets (except Apple) use Micro-USB for data transfers and charging. So you might still have a few of these around.

Micro-USB plugs only fit in one way. They were also less durable than newer USB-C models. While many devices still use it, Micro-USB is no longer the preferred standard and is being phased out.

NOTE: The Micro-USB and the USB-C are both small and similar at first glance.

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USB-C: The New Standard

One of the best features of USB-C is its oval shape. There’s no flipping to find the right way! It can plug into your device either way. Besides being reversible, it can transfer more data faster than older methods.

Technology companies are standardizing around USB-C for a few big reasons. They have a higher power delivery and faster data speeds. There’s also regulatory pressure. The European Union requires USB-C for most small handheld electronics. The idea is that if you don’t need as many different chargers to power your devices, you will reduce electronic waste.

CAUTION: Not all USB-C cables are built the same. Even though two USB-C connectors may look identical, sometimes the actual function is different. For instance, some cables are for charging-only. Others may be for data transfer, such as using Apple CarPlay with your iPhone.

What to Do If Your PC Has Only USB-C Slots, But Your Mouse Cable Uses a USB-A Connector ... Get a USB Adapter!

As devices transition to USB-C, adapters are becoming more common.

These can let a USB-A, USB-B, or Micro-USB cable connect to a USB-C slot.

This can be helpful when you’re working with older devices or accessories. NOTE: You need a different adapter for each USB type. One end will plug into the USB-C slot; the other end will match the device ... which may be a USB-A, USB-B, etc.

Just keep in mind that the adaptors don’t add new capabilities. If a cable only supports charging, the adapter won’t make it transfer data. It can only pass along what the cable already supports.

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Communications: Listening

The Gentle Art of Asking

One of our subscribers recently recommended a communications book she found useful: Humble Inquiry: The Gentle Art of Asking Instead of Telling by Edgar H. Schein.

“… all too often when we interact with people … especially those who report to us … we simply tell them what we think they need to know.

This shuts them down.”

When we do this (and we all do) we miss out on bold new ideas. We may not avoid disastrous mistakes. We erode trust and collaboration.

So to tap into the talent around us, we need to actively inquire (and listen to the answers).

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Cheers,
Darci Hanning, MLIS (she/her/hers)
Public Library Consultant / CE Coordinator
Continuing Education Resources: https://slo.oregon.gov/conted/
State Library of Oregon | Library Support and Development Services
971-375-3491 | darci.hanning at slo.oregon.gov<mailto:darci.hanning at slo.oregon.gov> | www.oregon.gov/library<http://www.oregon.gov/library>

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