Octopus Overlords

Posted: **Wed May 11, 2022 11:03 am**

After three duds in a row, I'd like to solicit some suggestions for a USB hub that isn't junk. It isn't for gaming. I have one PC in the bedroom by my workbench/crafting table. It's an antique system, and it is under the desk, but I need a few bits and bobs available above the desk. For the most part, all that it's supporting is a keyboard dongle, a mouse dongle, and a USB 3.0 wifi adapter.

All I need is that it is relatively cheap, reliable, doesn't have a dinky, short little cable, and isn't covered with blinding, bright-blue LEDs (this is a bedroom.)

/edit - wall mountable with forward facing ports would be a big plus.

Posted: **Wed May 11, 2022 11:22 am**

I've been using an Atolla hub for the last couple of years. I haven't had any issues with it. It is probably more than you need, but maybe they have a cheaper option with less features?

I specifically wanted one that came with a separate power supply that I could also plug into a USB 3.0 port on my computer for better performance. I think I used double-sided tape to stick it to my desk.

Posted: **Wed May 11, 2022 11:59 am**

TheMix wrote: ↑Wed May 11, 2022 11:22 am I've been using an Atolla hub for the last couple of years. I haven't had any issues with it. It is probably more than you need, but maybe they have a cheaper option with less features?

I specifically wanted one that came with a separate power supply that I could also plug into a USB 3.0 port on my computer for better performance. I think I used double-sided tape to stick it to my desk.

My son has the same hub. The only issue I have is the blinding blue LEDs, which would go badly on the wall of my bedroom (and I really don't want to have to crawl under my desk to plug/unplug it every single time I turn use the PC.)

Posted: **Wed May 11, 2022 12:10 pm**

It has buttons next to each outlet so you can individually power them off, it's only lit when it's on.

Atolla makes a different one that has fewer lights (4 Port USB 3.0 Ultra Slim Data Hub), but it's highly unlikely that you will find one without any lights that's not a cheap Chinese knockoff.

Posted: **Wed May 11, 2022 12:11 pm**

We apparently have different definitions of "blinding".

Good luck with your search.

Posted: **Wed May 11, 2022 1:10 pm**

gilraen wrote: ↑Wed May 11, 2022 12:10 pm It has buttons next to each outlet so you can individually power them off, it's only lit when it's on.

I have the same one Mix linked (it even has my "Last purchased Nov 21, 2020." at the top of the page), and the lights are permanently on regardless of the toggles. I checked that first.

Posted: **Wed May 11, 2022 1:11 pm**

TheMix wrote: ↑Wed May 11, 2022 12:11 pm

We apparently have different definitions of "blinding".

Good luck with your search.

In a bedroom with blackout curtains drawn and all of the lights off, almost any blue LED becomes extremely bright.

Posted: **Wed May 11, 2022 1:18 pm**

I did find this one, which seems to have LEDs where they can be covered up, but the reviews are all over the place, and not terribly reliable (ReviewMeta knocks it down by a full half star.)

I honestly don't get the fascination with bright blue LEDs. I get the need to know power status, but some of them - like the Atolla - seem to go out of their way to make it as glowy as possible. It's hard to keep my computer area from looking like a Christmas tree.

Posted: **Wed May 11, 2022 1:29 pm**

I've kind of been wanting to know too, as I've been considering getting one for my PS4. 2 USB ports isn't enough these days with all that I'm plugging them into, ie charging the controller/headset, one which is always used for the headset's transmitter, and for the external drive. Newer consoles should have more ports than 2. But reviews for ones I've looked at that have stated as being PS4 compatible then go on to say they don't support things like drives.

Posted: **Wed May 11, 2022 1:30 pm**

Blackhawk wrote: ↑Wed May 11, 2022 1:18 pm I did find this one, which seems to have LEDs where they can be covered up, but the reviews are all over the place, and not terribly reliable (ReviewMeta knocks it down by a full half star.)

I honestly don't get the fascination with bright blue LEDs. I get the need to know power status, but some of them - like the Atolla - seem to go out of their way to make it as glowy as possible. It's hard to keep my computer area from looking like a Christmas tree.

Electrical tape over the LEDs?

Posted: **Wed May 11, 2022 1:33 pm**

gbasden wrote: ↑Wed May 11, 2022 1:30 pm
Blackhawk wrote: ↑Wed May 11, 2022 1:18 pm I did find this one, which seems to have LEDs where they can be covered up, but the reviews are all over the place, and not terribly reliable (ReviewMeta knocks it down by a full half star.)

I honestly don't get the fascination with bright blue LEDs. I get the need to know power status, but some of them - like the Atolla - seem to go out of their way to make it as glowy as possible. It's hard to keep my computer area from looking like a Christmas tree.
Electrical tape over the LEDs?

I have dimmers that work for most LEDs, but that Atolla - along with a lot of other USB hubs - put the LEDs behind a clear plastic bit that outlines the entire slot. There's no way to cover them.

I was just hoping someone knew of a simple USB hub that was reliable (that's the thing I keep failing on - like I said, I've had three duds in a row), and maybe just had a nice, red power on light rather than a separate bright blue LED for each and every slot.

Posted: **Wed May 11, 2022 1:47 pm**

Kiddo has this one with a webcam, Yeti mic, and wifi adapter in it. Cable is 3 feet but replaceable.One small blue led dot, easily covered. It's worked well for her.
www.amazon.com/dp/B07RM6QWHP/

I have this on one of the Nucs. Only 3 ports but has card readers. 2.5 foot cable, I think it's attached but I have a drawer full of USB extension cables. Small blue LED dot.
www.amazon.com/dp/B083W6VH1S/

Edit because BBCode was getting funky with Amazon links.

Posted: **Wed May 11, 2022 1:50 pm**

These dimmers have been a huge boon. I really, really get tired of looking across the living room when I'm watching a movie in the dark, or in the bedroom when I'm ready for bed and seeing a dozen (or two dozen, or more), colored lights scattered all over.

I'm
not
alone.

Posted: **Wed May 11, 2022 2:31 pm**

Blackhawk wrote: ↑Wed May 11, 2022 1:10 pm
gilraen wrote: ↑Wed May 11, 2022 12:10 pm It has buttons next to each outlet so you can individually power them off, it's only lit when it's on.
I have the same one Mix linked (it even has my "Last purchased Nov 21, 2020." at the top of the page), and the lights are permanently on regardless of the toggles. I checked that first.

I have two of their 4 port hubs and just went down to check. turning them off definitely turns the lights off for me on both of mine. Maybe yours is defective or you aren't holding the button for a couple seconds to actually turn it off?

Posted: **Wed May 11, 2022 2:32 pm**

...and yes I totally agree that blue LEDs are a menace.

Posted: **Wed May 11, 2022 2:39 pm**

coopasonic wrote: ↑Wed May 11, 2022 2:31 pm you aren't holding the button for a couple seconds to actually turn it off?

Wait... you can do that?

So, uh... yeah. They turn off. It was a complex hardware workaround that I discovered on the internet.

Posted: **Wed May 11, 2022 2:39 pm**

Posted: **Wed May 11, 2022 3:31 pm**

I have this one from Anker. Anker 4-Port USB 3.0 Unibody Aluminum Portable Data Hub with 2ft USB 3.0 Cable

Have it for a little more than 4 years now. Still working completely good.
the only light is a small green power light, could be easily covered if needed.

No troubles with looseness or slowness. Its metal, and seems really solidly built.
the back is flat, comes with velcro for attaching.

Its not a powered hub, so its best for data, won't quick charge a phone, just slow charge. I use it for thumbsticks, headphones, and control pad.

attached cable is only 2 feet long though. but a usb3 cable extention will work

Posted: **Wed May 11, 2022 3:45 pm**

Jay linked this but didn't add the url tags so it didn't show.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O0KISQE/

You'd think they'd make it longer than 2 foot. Thats barely enough to reach the front of the case.

Posted: **Wed May 11, 2022 3:53 pm**

Blackhawk wrote: ↑Wed May 11, 2022 11:03 am After three duds in a row, I'd like to solicit some suggestions for a USB hub that isn't junk. It isn't for gaming. I have one PC in the bedroom by my workbench/crafting table. It's an antique system, and it is under the desk, but I need a few bits and bobs available above the desk. For the most part, all that it's supporting is a keyboard dongle, a mouse dongle, and a USB 3.0 wifi adapter.

All I need is that it is relatively cheap, reliable, doesn't have a dinky, short little cable, and isn't covered with blinding, bright-blue LEDs (this is a bedroom.)

/edit - wall mountable with forward facing ports would be a big plus.

I would echo Jaymon's sentiments. Broadly speaking, most Anker products in my experience have proven to be remarkably reliable. Though they are a wee bit pricier as a result. But as you've already discovered, cheapest can be dearest.

Also, the Wirecutter recommends a couple of different Anker models in their write-up on The Best USB Hubs.

Posted: **Wed May 11, 2022 5:16 pm**

Blackhawk wrote: ↑Wed May 11, 2022 1:10 pm
gilraen wrote: ↑Wed May 11, 2022 12:10 pm It has buttons next to each outlet so you can individually power them off, it's only lit when it's on.
I have the same one Mix linked (it even has my "Last purchased Nov 21, 2020." at the top of the page), and the lights are permanently on regardless of the toggles. I checked that first.

Then you don't have the same one. I'm looking at mine now. I have 1 port shut off, and the associated led light is definitely off.

Edit: Please ignore. I should have read a bit more... Sorry about that. (Though, it's worth noting that even when off, I do see a tiny bit of bleed from the ones on either side that are on.)

Posted: **Wed May 11, 2022 5:19 pm**

*Cough*. Yeah, I addressed that above.

Posted: **Wed May 11, 2022 5:20 pm**

Blackhawk wrote: ↑Wed May 11, 2022 5:19 pm *Cough*. Yeah, I addressed that above.

Sheesh. Give a guy a chance to actually finish reading the rest of the thread.

Posted: **Wed May 11, 2022 6:05 pm**

Posted: **Thu May 12, 2022 9:30 am**

I have a few of these, they do have blue lights behind the button that illuminates around the button when on, so it's not a glaring light but my room is not pitch dark either. The blue light is off when the button is not pushed in.
Sabrent 4 Port

Posted: **Thu May 12, 2022 5:37 pm**

I bought Tripp-Lites for work and brought one home at the start of the pandemic. It hasn't given me any trouble.

Octopus Overlords

USB hub that doesn't suck?

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