Description
The Transcend TS-HUB3K is a compact yet powerful connectivity solution designed to overcome the port limitations of modern slimline laptops. By utilizing the USB 3.1 Gen 1 interface, this hub delivers data transfer speeds up to 5Gbps, which is ten times faster than legacy USB 2.0. Its standout feature is the dedicated fast-charging port that provides a 2A output, significantly reducing charging times for tablets like the iPad when used with the included external power supply.
This product is for:
- Remote professionals needing to connect multiple peripherals like mice, keyboards, and external drives to a single laptop port.
- Ultrabook and MacBook users who require additional connectivity without sacrificing portability.
- Tablet owners, specifically iPad users, looking for a hub that doubles as a high-speed charging station.
- Creative editors transferring large files from flash drives or external SSDs who need consistent 5Gbps throughput.
- Students and home office users seeking a reliable, powered USB expansion to prevent device disconnection during heavy data tasks.
Detailed specifications:
- Interface: USB 3.1 Gen 1 (Backwards compatible with USB 2.0)
- Ports: 4 x USB Type-A (1 port supports 2A fast charging)
- Dimensions: 78.6 mm x 49.5 mm x 15 mm (3.09" x 1.95" x 0.59")
- Weight: 44 g (1.55 oz)
- Power Output: 5V/0.9A (Standard ports), 5V/2A (Fast charge port with adapter)
- Cable Length: 40 cm (15.7 inches)
- System Requirements: Windows 7+, macOS 10.2.8+, Linux Kernel 2.6.30+
Using the TS-HUB3K feels seamless due to its plug-and-play nature and lightweight 44g design. The 40cm cable provides enough reach to keep the desk tidy while the integrated LED indicator offers immediate visual confirmation of the connection status. Unlike unpowered hubs that often fail when connecting multiple hard drives, the included 12V/2A power adapter ensures that every connected device receives stable voltage, preventing data corruption or hardware disconnects during critical file transfers.
Compared to standard unpowered USB hubs, the Transcend TS-HUB3K offers superior stability for high-drain devices like external HDDs and printers. While many 4-port hubs rely solely on bus power—which is limited to 900mA total—the TS-HUB3K’s dedicated power supply allows it to meet the USB Battery Charging 1.2 specification. This makes it a more versatile choice than the basic Transcend HUB2, specifically for users who need to charge an iPad or power multiple energy-intensive peripherals simultaneously.
Q&A:
- Does the Transcend TS-HUB3K require the power adapter to work? Yes, for optimal stability and to enable the 2A fast-charging feature, both the USB cable and the power adapter should be connected.
- Can I use this hub with USB 2.0 ports? Yes, the hub is fully backwards compatible with USB 2.0, though data transfer speeds will be limited to the older standard's maximum.
- Which port supports fast charging for my iPad? The dedicated fast-charging port is located on the side of the hub; look for the specific marking to identify the 2A output port.
- Is this hub compatible with the latest macOS versions? Yes, it supports macOS 10.2.8 and all subsequent versions, making it compatible with modern MacBook and iMac setups.
- What is the maximum data transfer speed? The hub supports USB 3.1 Gen 1, providing theoretical transfer rates of up to 5Gbps, which is roughly 10 times faster than USB 2.0.
