Ask HN: Why aren't there any USB-C hubs with only USB-C connectors?

Since the introduction of USB-C, I have looked for the USB-C analog of the venerable USB-A hub: multiple expansion ports with a single connector back to the host computer.

My application is being able to plug in multiple USB devices with USB-C cables. I can find guns with USB-C to multiple USB-A ports, but then I lose the benefit of being able to plug in the connector on the first try, without trying three orientations.

The only USB-C "hubs" I can find are expensive docking stations that have Ethernet, HDMI, etc. but do not significantly expand the number of USB-C ports.

Is there a technical reason for this, or is it just a product marketing choice by manufacturers?

Thanks! That one is out of stock, and $300.

But inspired by your find, I searched again and found this on Amazon for a mere $100

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07M68BNQQ/ref=ox_sc_act_t...

> I can find guns with USB-C to multiple USB-A ports

That sounds like a useful feature for firearms.

> but then I lose the benefit of being able to plug in the connector on the first try,

You could permanently attach compact USB A-to-C adapters to get some of this benefit.

There is a technical reason. USB-C is not just a data connection standard like ethernet. Each pin has specific limitations on what it can/cant be used for to stay in spec.

Here is a good summary https://www.dell.com/community/Laptops-General-Read-Only/Dem...

So most manufactures pick the standard modes that are cheap to implement. This means they minimize the hardware on their side of the cable.