What USB-C to USB-C cable do I need to get peripherals working with my MBP?

[kasakka]

I'm trying to get a mechanical USB-C keyboard working with my MBP so I can just plug in a USB-C cable to the MBP without having a USB-A to USB-C dongle adapter in between. So far I've tried four different USB-C to USB-C cables and all will only power my keyboard but not transfer any data.

There is nothing wrong with the keyboard as it works perfectly fine with USB-C to USB-A cable and the afore-mentioned adapter.

What cable do I need to get this working? Are there some special requirements for USB-C cables with the MBP?

 

[leman]

Is it possible that you are using charge-only cables? Actually, any USB-C cable that supports USB3 should work...

 

[kasakka]

I even bought some cables that specifically said on the packaging that they should transfer data as well. Tried two of those and neither worked and could not connect my Android phone either. I tried the cable on my Apple charger and as expected Apple have been cheapskates and it's most likely a charge only cable, like I believe the last one I tried to be.

Dude at the store when I returned the cables said that Apple might have compatibility issues with USB-C and that I may have to try several cables before finding one that works.

 

[jmoore5196]

'Dude at the store' is an idiot. I've had a 'new' MBP since early 2017, and have never had any compatibility issues. Even USB-C devices made by Samsung work as they're supposed to.

Out of curiosity, are you able to take your MBP to an Apple Store and try the current iteration Magic Keyboard?

 

[kasakka]

Out of curiosity, are you able to take your MBP to an Apple Store and try the current iteration Magic Keyboard?

How would that help?

 

[jmoore5196]

In order to easily pair the new iteration keyboard with your MBP, you'd need a USB-C-to-Lightning cable. I'm sure the Apple Store would provide one. If your problem is not with the cables but rather with the USB-C ports themselves, then that's useful information and someone may be available to help you troubleshoot.

In your OP, you said you were trying to get a mechanical keyboard to work with your MacBook Pro. I'm not sure why you'd need a mechanical keyboard, and I'm not trying to 'sell' you on a Magic Keyboard. I'm just trying to understand why your MBP ports apparently differentiate between various types of USB-C cables while mine have worked for more than a year without a problem.

 

[kasakka]

In order to easily pair the new iteration keyboard with your MBP, you'd need a USB-C-to-Lightning cable. I'm sure the Apple Store would provide one. If your problem is not with the cables but rather with the USB-C ports themselves, then that's useful information and someone may be available to help you troubleshoot.

In your OP, you said you were trying to get a mechanical keyboard to work with your MacBook Pro. I'm not sure why you'd need a mechanical keyboard, and I'm not trying to 'sell' you on a Magic Keyboard. I'm just trying to understand why your MBP ports apparently differentiate between various types of USB-C cables while mine have worked for more than a year without a problem.

My mechanical keyboard feels much better to type on than any Apple product and is programmable which allows me to add a lot of extra functionality to it for my work as a programmer. Looks like this:

It's weird because it works perfectly fine over USB-C to USB-A with a MacAlly USB-A to USB-C hub in between but can't seem to get it working with USB-C to USB-C cables at all. The fact that my phone cannot interface via USB-C either points to me that the cables are somehow incompatible. Maybe I just need to try a more expensive cable or something.

I truly and utterly loathe the 2016 MBP keyboard on my work computer and that's why I just drop the mechanical keyboard on top and disable the internal one with Karabiner Elements. It's pretty much the only peripheral I need so skipping the hub would be nice.