Cable Matters Launches USB4 20Gbps 3-Port Switch for Seamless Multi-Device Connectivity

[TheLostSwede]

Cable Matters, a leading innovator in connectivity solutions, proudly announces the release of its new USB4 20 Gbps 3-Port Switch-an advanced upgrade to its popular 2-port model. This next-generation switch is designed to meet the needs of professionals, content creators, and tech enthusiasts who rely on high-speed, multi-device workflows.

The 3-port USB-C switch empowers users to effortlessly toggle between up to three host devices while maintaining top-tier performance: support for up to 8K video at 30 Hz, 20 Gbps data transfer speeds, and 140 W Power Delivery for charging the device in use. Ideal for use with USB-C or Thunderbolt 4 monitors and docking stations, this switch delivers a unified, efficient workspace experience.




"With more users adopting hybrid and multi-device setups, our new 3-Port USB4 Switch is built to simplify and enhance their workflow," said Jeff Jiang, President of Cable Matters. "This device enables seamless switching at the press of a button or with the included remote control-without compromising on speed, video quality, or power."

Compatible with all major operating systems across PCs, tablets, and mobile devices, the switch delivers seamless transitions between connected hosts-typically taking about 7 seconds for Windows and 12 seconds for macOS. The switch supports 20 Gbps throughput, but is not compatible with 40 Gbps signals. For optimal performance, two USB4 20 Gbps cables are included in the package.

View at TechPowerUp Main Site | Source

 

[igormp]

$80 for it seems a bit expensive, specially when it has no other ports for switch, such as USB-A. There are many other options on aliexpress with a lower price point that offer more features.

Well, I guess they do call it just a "switch" and not really a KVM switch, so there's that.

 

[AnarchoPrimitiv]

I'm confused....how is it called "USB4" when it's only 20Gbps? I hate stuff like that so much, USB4 should mean, and ONLY mean, 40Gbps (in reality is it even 40Gbps? I assume it's really 32Gbps minus overhead)

 

[trsttte]

I'm confused....how is it called "USB4" when it's only 20Gbps? I hate stuff like that so much, USB4 should mean, and ONLY mean, 40Gbps (in reality is it even 40Gbps? I assume it's really 32Gbps minus overhead)

Yup, the usual confusing mess USB has been doing for more than a decade now. It is really 20/40gbps though, the overhead is a rounding error since USB4 uses PAM-3 encoding.

$80 for it seems a bit expensive, specially when it has no other ports for switch, such as USB-A. There are many other options on aliexpress with a lower price point that offer more features.

Well, I guess they do call it just a "switch" and not really a KVM switch, so there's that.

It's a bit expensive, but are there really KVM options like this using USB4 on aliexpress?

With USB4 you don't need more than a single USB-C for it to be a KVM switch, they show as much with the use case of connecting this to a dock, it's a pitty this doesn't include the dock by it self but then the price would escalate quickly.

 

[igormp]

It's a bit expensive, but are there really KVM options like this using USB4 on aliexpress?

Yup. I bought mine that has TB3 support a couple years ago for ~$60, 2x USB-C inputs (which I use for my MBP and desktop), HDMI or DP output at 4k120 + some USB-A ports.

Friend of mine recently purchased an USB4 one for ~$70 with 3x inputs.

 

[_roman_]

Two or three mainboards here have USB 20gbps with USB 3, afaik usb 3 gen 2x2 or what they call it.

I see more the issue with claims for a delay time of around 13 seconds to switch something. I'm quite faster by switching the cables myself.

 

[trsttte]

Friend of mine recently purchased an USB4 one for ~$70 with 3x inputs.

Fair enough

I see more the issue with claims for a delay time of around 13 seconds to switch something. I'm quite faster by switching the cables myself.

You being faster switching cables yourself doesn't mean the link will re-negotiate any faster

 

[texh]

That means 20gbps upscale usb to 40gbps...