AUKEY CB-CMD38 USB-C Cable Review

AUKEY CB-CMD38 USB-C Cable
AUKEY CB-CMD38 USB-C Cable

AUKEY CB-CMD38 USB-C Cable

AUKEY CB-CMD38 USB-C Cable - Offering a right angle USB-C connector on both ends

Summary

The AUKEY CB-CMD38 USB-C Cable functions like any other 60W USB-C charging cable. But with connectors are right angles. Allowing for new cable orientation you may want for specific connection needs.

Overall
4.8
  • Performance
    (5)
  • Design
    (5)
  • Safety
    (4.5)
Sending
User Review
0 (0 votes)

Pros

  • USB-C connectors are at right angles of normal cables, allowing for unconventional fits
  • Supports USB-C PD up to 60W
  • USB 2.0 data transfer rates up to 480 Mbps
  • Braided nylon for better durability
  • Includes a velcro cable tie

Cons

  • Only available in the 2-pack
  • Right angle connectors can block other USB ports

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. AUKEY provided the product in this review.

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[wpcd_coupon id=11149]
Model: CB-CMD38
AUKEY CB-CMD38 USB-C Cable specs

AUKEY CB-CMD38 USB-C Cable specs

Tech Specs:
  • Power: 60W
  • Data: 480Mbps (USB 2.0)
  • Color: Black & Red
  • Length: 6.6 feet | 2 meters (also available in 3.3 feet | 1 meter)
  • Weight: 2.8 oz | 79 grams

Learn more about Fast Charging.

Included In Box:
  • AUKEY CB-CMD38 USB-C Cable x2
AUKEY CB-CMD38 USB-C Cable box and contents

AUKEY CB-CMD38 USB-C Cable box and contents

Good For:
  • Commute
  • Travel
  • iPhone
  • Android
  • Power banks
  • Nintendo Switch
  • iPad Pro
  • 12-inch laptop
  • 13-inch/14-inch laptop

First Impression

The AUKEY CB-CMD38 USB-C Cable is a nice, normal working USB-C to USB-C cable. Nylon braiding adds strength without too much flexibility loss. The included velcro wrap is basic, but useful. The 2-pack including a black and red cable offers better selection than all black. Oh, and both of the USB-C correctors are at right angles.

The connector ends are larger and heavier than with a regular USB-C cable. The act of turning everything 90° requires more space. AUKEY went with a zinc alloy-housing to keep the connector safe. It also helps with the added strain from pulling the cable out at more of an angle than normal. All that protection does add a bit of weight. But nothing you’d notice in your bag.

 

Compared To Similar Cables

ChargerNo products found.JAXAS USB-C to USB-C Right Angle Cable, 2-PackUGREEN USB-C to USB-C Cable Right Angle CableUGREEN USB-C to USB-C Cable Right Angle Cable
Cable TypeUSB-C to USB-C cable

Nylon braided
USB-C to USB-C cable

Nylon braided
USB-C to USB-C cable

Nylon braided
USB-C to USB-C cable

Nylon braided
ConnectorsTwo right anglesOne right angle, one regularOne right angle, one regularTwo right angles
Charge Rate3A (60W)3A (60W)3A (60W)3A (60W)
Data Rate480 Mbps480 Mbps480 Mbps480 Mbps
Lengths6.6 feet, 2-pack6.6 feet, 2-pack6 feet6 feet
PriceNo products found.Price not available$8.99$12.99

Prices are from Amazon Product Advertising API, last updated on 2024-05-04.

You can see more USB-C cables here.

Device Testing

Check with your device’s manufacturer to verify which charging standards it supports.

USB Power Delivery & Quick Charge 4+ Phones

  • Apple iPad Pro (USB-C)
  • Essential Phone
  • Google Pixel
  • LG ThinQ/V30
  • Razer
  • Samsung Galaxy S8/S9/S10/S20
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 8/9/10
  • Xiaomi Mi 8/9
  • ZTE Axon Pro 9/10

I didn’t have a USB-C PD phone for direct testing. But all other testing results indicated this cable would match any Android’s fast charging needs. Likewise for the iPad Pro models using USB-C. It will not work with any current model iPhone, as those require a Lightning connection on one end.

Quick Charge 3.0 Phones

  • HTC
  • LG
  • Motorola
  • Nokia
  • Samsung Galaxy
  • Sony
  • Xiaomi Mi 5/6
  •  ZTE
Moto G6 power meter

Moto G6 power meter

Using a Moto G6 for testing we don’t see Quick Charge engage. So charging is at its normal rate. This is normal with Motorola phones when QC is offered over USB-C. Samsung Galaxy, LG, and other QC supporting Android phones would be expected to fast charge.

Nintendo Switch

Switch power meter

Switch power meter

Works well for all model Nintendo Switch in any mode.

  • Nintendo Switch (original) – Charges near its max rate while playing and sleeping.
  • Nintendo Switch (2019 update) – Charges near its max rate while playing and sleeping.
  • Nintendo Switch Lite – Charges near its max rate while playing and sleeping.

It also supports the Switch’s dock. But connecting it to the official dock will be tricky, given the right angle approach. Best to use a regular USB-C to USB-C cable and save this for other needs.

Learn more about charging the Switch.

USB-C Laptops

MacBook Pro 13-inch power meter

MacBook Pro 13-inch power meter

Using a 13-inch MacBook Pro for testing we can draw up to 55W from this charger. That’s expected, after accounting for efficiency loss.

This cable can support up to 60W power transfer. Different model laptops have different power demands. But in general up to 60W can support a 12-inch, 13-inch, or 14-inch laptops under any condition. It can also support a 15-inch laptop under light use. Or charge it while sleeping.

Right Angles

If you’re looking at this cable it is specifically for its right angle connectors. Otherwise it is a nice, but ordinary USB-C to USB-C cable.

AUKEY CB-CMD38 USB-C Cable right angle connector

AUKEY CB-CMD38 USB-C Cable right angle connector

This cable offers right angle connectors on both ends, while others only offer it on one. If using a wall charger the second right angle shouldn’t matter. But with some power banks it could block other USB ports. Decide for yourself if that’ll actually be a problem or not.

For phones it works great when in landscape mode. The cable fits in your palm rather than having to hold it around an outgoing cable. It is more comfortable when watching videos or gaming. And the cable can down toward a charger that is likely beneath it.

With larger devices the advantage depends on how you want the cable to run. It’ll go alongside the edge of the device, either up or down. It saves desk space with a laptop whos charger is directly behind it. But gets in the way when connecting your phone to the laptop.

Again, you probably already have an idea of why you want such a cable. So I’ll let you worry about how to connect it.

Summary

The AUKEY CB-CMD38 USB-C Cable works well as a USB-C charging cable. Supporting all functions expected from its specs. And capable of fast charging any USB-C device up to 60W. Where it stands out from the crowd is its less common right angle connectors.

For phones it works great with most Androids with USB-C. Old Moto models won’t fast charge due to their own limits. But Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel, and LG phones have no problem with USB PD or Quick Charge.

The cable can support power for a Nintendo Switch in any mode. But it isn’t the best option, except maybe in tabletop mode. In handheld the cable will run along the bottom toward one of the Joy-Cons. It can connect to the dock, but won’t run through the cable catch on the side. Where it might excel for the Switch is in tabletop mode. It minimizes how much cable is sticking out straight down. It still won’t work with the built-in kickstand. But could work with a shorter stand.

All that is well and good, but you’re looking at this cable for its right angle connectors. They have an advantage with phones in landscape mode, for videos and gaming. Otherwise it depends on how you want the cable to run. It going straight up or down alongside the device then you’re good to go. You should already have a reason why to get a right angle cable.

The nylon braiding adds durability and some bend resistance. While not as flexible as a non-braided cable I had no problems manipulating it during testing. Nor any issues wrapping it up for storage. The included velcro cable tie helps there. Overall it is an improvement, giving a lot more benefit than it takes away.

About AUKEY

AUKEY has U.S. based support (web and email) and a 24 month warranty. You must have purchased the product either from them or through Amazon for support.

Bottom Line

The AUKEY CB-CMD38 USB-C Cable is a solid charging cable. But only if you want the right angle connectors for something specific. Whether a more comfortable hold on your Android while charging. Or something else you have in mind. Its nylon braiding and velcro wrap make it a solid travel companion.

Buy if you:
  • Need right angle connectors on one or both sides
  • Regularly use your phone for video or gaming while charging
  • Want to run your USB-C cable parallel to your laptop or other desktop devices
Don’t buy if you:
  • Need to also charge an iPhone or 15-inch laptop
  • Are looking for a regular USB-C cable without the 90° connection

Available at:

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Be sure to check the Deals page to see if this or a similar charger is on sale.


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