Question Is USB4 port on external enclosure supposed to be wobbly?

[BrainGlue]

I recently acquired the new Satechi USB4 NVME enclosure, specifically designed for USB4 — although it might not be inherently Thunderbolt 4, it is compatible with it.

While I understand that USB-C ports can sometimes have a slight looseness, I've observed an unusual occurrence with the USB4 USB-C port on this enclosure. When gently pressing the connector up and down, it produces a distinct "click" sound and a tactile sensation (video demonstration available HERE). I've ordered multiple units, and this "clicky" phenomenon is present in all of them. The same issue persists when using different connectors. Fortunately, it doesn't impact connectivity, and the drive functions perfectly.

I'm curious to know if others have experienced a similar issue with USB4 ports, either on their computers or on external drives.

 

[Crowii]

By the looks of it, that ain't what I'd call USB-C looseness. That's looking like the connector itself is bending as it's not supported properly. The click sound seems to be happening when either the male connector is hitting the chassis, the female connector hitting the PCB, or the end of the female connector hitting the chassis (depending on tolerances).

Haven't seen it this slight before, but I have seen more extreme cases of it where it's just a solder joint/ripped off pad waiting to happen. Either that or it starts going wiggly, meaning the structural integrity of the port is compromised over time from bending back and fourth.

Most commonly I've seen is just the sourced connector being bad. Alternatively simple QC/manufacturing error where the connector just isn't seated properly before being soldered in place.

Want absolute certainty on reliability? I'd get another make/model/brand.
Can't return it? I'd try and shim it from below, or just give it a tiny dab of hot glue to prevent the bending.
Daredevil? If it works it works, use it until it doesn't work anymore.

 

[BrainGlue]

By the looks of it, that ain't what I'd call USB-C looseness. That's looking like the connector itself is bending as it's not supported properly. The click sound seems to be happening when either the male connector is hitting the chassis, the female connector hitting the PCB, or the end of the female connector hitting the chassis (depending on tolerances).

Haven't seen it this slight before, but I have seen more extreme cases of it where it's just a solder joint/ripped off pad waiting to happen. Either that or it starts going wiggly, meaning the structural integrity of the port is compromised over time from bending back and fourth.

Most commonly I've seen is just the sourced connector being bad. Alternatively simple QC/manufacturing error where the connector just isn't seated properly before being soldered in place.

Want absolute certainty on reliability? I'd get another make/model/brand.
Can't return it? I'd try and shim it from below, or just give it a tiny dab of hot glue to prevent the bending.
Daredevil? If it works it works, use it until it doesn't work anymore.

Thank you for the info. Based on what you said, it looks like the connector itself is bending.

I went ahead and contacted Satechi support and they said that this happens with their units as well (they showed me a video to prove it), and said it's normal for USB4 ports. They said they also found the same issue with a different brand enclosure, though I forgot to ask specifically which brand/model.

I'm aware that Satechi is a reputable brand (otherwise, retailers like Apple and Best Buy wouldn't be selling their stuff) and their customer support has been top notch so far. However, should I be skeptical of their claim that this is normal for USB4?

 

[Crowii]

Normal, at least for that form factor/mounting method for USB4? I don't think I'd doubt that claim, and like I said in my earlier post, badly sourced connector being the most common reason (and they don't get spat out from factories in as many varieties as you'd think). Likewise the failure cases I give were much more obvious/visible/extreme.

That said, a connector deflecting to the point of making noises at you can't be called anything other than a defect, and other products showing the same symptom doesn't make it any less of a defect.

Long term QC is up in the air. Not a complicated test jig to throw together, I'd personally love if they'd give that out just for public information, albeit overkill. Again, it really is a very small bend.

Customer service going out of their way to send a video of the same symptom from a unit? Safe to say it'll last the warranty period, however long that is. Whether it stretches past that is a brand trust thing.

Throwing personal opinion into the matter: I think you're more likely enough to have it die on you from moisture/water, dust or dropping it off a balcony before this is what kills it. I'd use it, and should the port be the problem way down the line, contact their clearly stellar support and hope they're still understanding at that point.