Here’s a niche device: a do-it-yourself external storage device kit with a USB 3.1 Type C interface. It’s being made by Sharkoon, and is sold in Europe for about 25 Euros. For that kind of money, the ‘Rapid-Case 2.5” USB 3.1 Type-C’, as it’s called, will allow you to insert a pre-formatted 2.5” SSD/HDD and you have yourself an ultra-quick external drive with a USB-C connector.
What are the advantages of this vs the traditional USB 3.0 Type B Micro connector you usually get with external drives?
First of all, you get the physical advantages of a Type C connector, which includes reversibility – so you don’t have to struggle with finding the right side up. The real reason to go for a set up like this is the 8Gbps transfer speed allowed. Of course, SATA drives are limited to a throughput of 6Gbps, but you wouldn’t be able to reach that theoretical limit on a USB 3.0 interface thanks to its 5Gbps limit.
The case itself is lightweight, at 83 grammes, and can be found in either black or silver with a brushed aluminium finish.
