[SOLVED] Quality rugged USB-C to 3.5mm - Been through a ton of them

[Rugnir]

Hi all,

This summer I switched to a OnePlus7, and overall I've been happy with it. However, the main issue I have with the phone is the lack of a 3.5mm port. I have gone through a converter more than once per month since I got the phone.

Obviously, it goes through very heavy use, I'd estimate maybe 5 or more hours per day. I do not bend the cables in small radiuses, or rip them out of their socket from the cable, although it is used while running/cycling, and this could contribute to wear.

The headphones I use are very expensive and I'd really rather not switch if possible.

Instead i'd like to ask for recommendations from you guys. I'm wondering if for example the problem is the flex in the cables on the connectors. Perhaps a rigid one would last longer?

 

[Ralston18]

Where are you buying the USB-C to 3.5mm converters?

Where/how do the converter's generally break or fail?

There are Kevlar wrapped cables but they can be pricy.

I have also seen DIY "solutions" to reinforce/protect cables.

Try some DIY "fixes" and see if any of them help extend the life of your converters.

If not, then you may need to up the quality (hopefully) by paying more.

 

[Rugnir]

Where are you buying the USB-C to 3.5mm converters?

Where/how do the converter's generally break or fail?

There are Kevlar wrapped cables but they can be pricy.

I have also seen DIY "solutions" to reinforce/protect cables.

Try some DIY "fixes" and see if any of them help extend the life of your converters.

If not, then you may need to up the quality (hopefully) by paying more.

Hi there

The converters generally have no external damage. They fail in a couple different ways, usually with both channels becoming muted/garbled, one channel cutting out, and eventually becoming unusable (sound becoming completely garbled)

Often, when they break, moving the cable causes the sound to fix or break, indicating a loose connection.

I have had two fail in an interesting periodic way, where the sound cuts out and comes back on again in a regular rhythm around a second long.

I have tried several of eachthe following converters:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07T3HVV45/ (Amazon recommended)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NVDT57C/

They are cheap, obviously, but I want to get some specific recomendations if I'm going to get a more expensive one. It would suck to have it break anyway

 

[Ralston18]

Likely the wire to plug (both ends) connections weaken, break but occasionally touch, and finally stop touching at all.

You might try one or two more but just reinforce the cable around the plug ends before any use.

And be careful about some of the more expensive cables - they might look and feel tough. Metallic even. But are really just wrapped in some mesh cloth material. Not Kevlar

FYI:

https://www.theverge.com/circuitbre...ad-charging-cables-usb-c-lightning-kevlar-k29

No direct knowledge of the product and I am not promoting the manufacturer.

Use the link as a starting point for product research.