There are several USB articles circulating right now about the USB Type-A connector and how it often takes three tries to make a connection. We agree with the frustration — but it doesn’t have to be that way. A universal USB Type-A connector does exist; it’s just not widely available.

Would you buy this? Shoot us an email if you’re interested (gmo [@] getusb [.] info).

Pictures first. Below are three close-up images of the universal USB connector.

Physically, a USB Type-A connector appears symmetrical. It’s rectangular in shape, with no obvious marking indicating the top or bottom. Most users eventually learn that the seam on the connector indicates the bottom, while the smooth side is the top. HDMI connectors, for example, are much easier to orient because each side is shaped differently.

However, the USB Type-A connector is not truly symmetrical. Looking inside the connector reveals a slight offset in the internal contacts — one orientation places the contacts higher, the other lower.

It’s unclear why this connector design never gained broader adoption among vendors and manufacturers. Our company received samples several years ago, accompanied by the claim that products would eventually shift to this connector style. That transition, however, has never materialized.