Surely when you look at the USB ports of different devices and peripherals you will have noticed that there are many of them with different colors. Something that at first glance may seem for aesthetic reasons. However, this is not the case and it is important to know the USB ports color code. To know what is the usefulness of each of them.
The universal serial bus has earned its name by hand in all this time. The interface with more than twenty years behind it has surpassed VGA in longevity and has left in the way a large number of interfaces for devices and peripherals. However, it was from version 3.0 of the standard that the color code began to appear.
This was initially done to differentiate the so-called new high-speed or third-generation USB from the rest. However, over time new colors have been appearing that make it more confusing for the end user. However, these do not have any complications and can help us know where to connect our devices in the most appropriate way possible.
Color coding of USB ports and cables
The USB port is a dual function port. On the one hand, it is used to communicate a peripheral with our computer and on the other hand it is used to power it. Apart from other extra functions that have been added over time. Regarding the color code of the USB, we refer to the standard ports, that is, those of type A., although we also have to add those of Type B, less used, but which they also share.
- The White color it helps us to identify if the interface is USB 1.0 or 2.0. Actually, as of today there is not a single existing peripheral that is 1.0. Therefore, a port of this type indicates that its transfer speed is 480 Mbits per second. That is, 60MB/s. So it’s ideal for keyboards, mice, speakers and headphones.
- If the port is black colorso it means it is type 2.0. Today this color is no longer used.
- The dark blue color indicates that the port is USB 3.0 and therefore can transmit up to 5Gbps, that is, more than ten times more than 2.0. So it is ideal for external hard drives.
- On the other hand, if the color is a lighter blue, then we’re talking about USB 3.1 and 10 Gbps speeds.
- In case the connector is redthen it is telling us that it is USB 3.2 and therefore reaches 20 Gbps.
Charging related USB connectors
The next type are fast charging USB ports and cables. These are ports that can transmit more power than normal through an increase in their amperage, but conserving their voltage. However, due to the use of a different color code in these USBs, we find that they cannot be differentiated to which generation they belong. Which greatly complicates its identification. So an additional identifier is necessary. For example, the illustration below, which tells us that it is a SuperSpeed of 10 Gbps, that is. One USB 3.1. In addition, fast charging ports are usually identified with a charging icon, in the case of Type-C or use the color orange.
Another variant are yellow USBwhich indicate that these ports are always active. Even when the system is idle, they continue to function and transmit power. So if you have a laptop with this port then keep in mind that you can use its battery as a PowerBank. So you can charge the mobile in emergency situations. We hope that this quick guide to USB color ports has been useful to you.
