Which is the most satisfying IO connector system, in your opinion?
Which is the most satisfying IO connector system, in your opinion?
Do you like a tactile click? Are you a sucker for screws? Or something you can put in any direction? Maybe it's yours or another country's power plugs?
This is sounding more sexual than I intended I think
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- Best insertion: Displayport Locking
- Runner-up: Ethernet (RJ45), Apple 30-Pin (Locking)
- Best removal: Magsafe 3
- Runner-ups: USB-C, USB-B 3.0
- Best differential pair connector: Lightning (because it's so consistent feeling)
- Runner-up: USB-C
- Best residential AC plug: British BS1363 (Type G)
- Best lightbulb base: Bayonet B15s
- Runner-ups: GU10, GU24, Fluorescent Bi-pin
- Best audio port: 6.35mm TRRS (1/4")
- Runner-ups: Banana Jacks, Neutrik SpeakON
- Best video port: HDMI
- Runner-ups: RCA Composite/Component, DVI, BNC, USB-C
- Best device-internal connector: JST GH series
- Runner-up: any miniature mezzanine connector
- Worst differential connectors: USB micro B 3.0, any ethernet cable with a bubble boot or broken latch, mini-HDMI, micro-HDMI
- Worst HF connectors: Coaxial, all miniature HF wire to board connectors (holy crap the naming is inconsistent) i.e. UFL, IPEX
- Worst audio connectors: cheap 3.5mm, spring clip terminal, binding posts (especially plastic knob ones)
- Worst residential AC plug: Europlug
- worst device-internal connectors: wire soldered through-hole, any Molex connector or power connector inside a computer
Worst internal connector by far is dual USB3, the cable is so thick and unwieldly, I always feel like the pressure from trying to bend it is going to rip the header off the board
TRUE especially since the pins are tiny. I bent two of them inside the shroud somehow and they snapped, so now I only have one front USB 3.0 port.
Solid ranking, but on audio you're neglecting XLR. Quarter inch jacks are indeed very satisfying, but XLR is so reassuring.
The few that I've used either require too much force to connect, or are just friction-fit only (like those Neutrik combo XLR + 1/4" receptacles you find on audio interfaces), but I'll take your word for it. XLR looks like it should feel solid.
What's wrong with europlug?
Had to go too far for BNC. You don't often question of that's seated properly... just if it's terminated properly
BNC RG59 twist on locking coaxial connector is the superior locking cable form factor.
I dislike the US power plug way more than the Europlug (or compatible sockets like Schuko). It just slides in, only thing holding it in is friction. Also, there is a connection while the contacts are exposed, exposing the user to the risk of shock.
Also, I like DisplayPort more than HDMI, it clicks really nice on insertion and in my opinion pulling it out is also more satisfying.
I have to agree on display ports. Best fit feedback ever.
Even after silicone lubing all my molex they still suck ass. Hate those things so much
Really, inserting HDMI is more pleasurable than RCA/composite?
- Best insertion: Displayport Locking