What USB-C cable for 2017 MacBook 12"

[mk313]

I need to buy a replacement USB-C cable for my MacBook 12". I'd like to get a black one to better blend in with my desk, so the Apple Branded ones are out, but when I look on amazon, there are several different types. Would a USB-C to USB-C 2.0 Charger cable work? I'm not sure what the difference between USB 2.0, 3.0, 3.1 and 3.1 Get 2 are. I'm just using it to power the computer from the wall charger, nothing else.
Thanks,

 

[Erehy Dobon]

Since you are only worried about power delivery, the data support is irrelevant. That said, a cable that features faster data transfer speeds is likely made to a quality level higher than something with a very low transfer speed.

I would stick with a reputable, well-established brand and not buy the cheapest offering.

Generally speaking, I am not compelled to shave $5 off the price of a cable intended for power delivery simply to cut costs.

But that's just me...

 

[mk313]

Generally speaking, I am not compelled to shave $5 off the price of a cable intended for power delivery simply to cut costs.

I would stick with a reputable, well-established brand and not buy the cheapest offering.

But that's just me...

What? I'm not trying to cut costs. I'm happy to pay whatever I need to, I just don't know which cables will work with the Macbook 12". I'd like to buy a black cable (not a cheap cable, but a black one) to better blend in with my desktop, but that's the only requirement I mentioned.

I don't know what USB-C versions will work with the Macbook 12". Up till now, I didn't even know there were different versions of USB-C. I thought the whole point of it was that it was a universal standard & every cable would work with every connector.

 

[Mike Boreham]

What? I'm not trying to cut costs. I'm happy to pay whatever I need to, I just don't know which cables will work with the Macbook 12". I'd like to buy a black cable (not a cheap cable, but a black one) to better blend in with my desktop, but that's the only requirement I mentioned.

I don't know what USB-C versions will work with the Macbook 12". Up till now, I didn't even know there were different versions of USB-C. I thought the whole point of it was that it was a universal standard & every cable would work with every connector.

"USB-C" is just a description of the physical plug and socket connection. It may be used for any of USB-PD (power supply) USB 2, USB 3 gen 1, gen 2, USB 4, TB3 etc etc or combinations. Which is why we have to be very careful what lead you are buying.

That said I have never heard of a lead which is not capable of being used for power supply/charging. The problem usually is the other way round.... people try to use charging leads for data transmission. Most leads supplied for charging will only transmit at USB 2, Apple's own included.

So I am sure any lead you find will be suitable for charging so it is just a matter of build quality. If you buy a USB-C lead certified for Thunderbolt 3 you will be paying much more than you need to for charging only.

 

[mk313]

"USB-C" is just a description of the physical plug and socket connection. It may be used for any of USB-PD (power supply) USB 2, USB 3 gen 1, gen 2, USB 4, TB3 etc etc or combinations. Which is why we have to be very careful what lead you are buying.

That said I have never heard of a lead which is not capable of being used for power supply/charging. The problem usually is the other way round.... people try to use charging leads for data transmission. Most leads supplied for charging will only transmit at USB 2, Apple's own included.

So I am sure any lead you find will be suitable for charging so it is just a matter of build quality. If you buy a USB-C lead certified for Thunderbolt 3 you will be paying much more than you need to for charging only.

Thanks Mike! That's exactly the type of info I was hoping to find. i appreciate the clarification,