The USB sockets and modules category covers connectors that are fitted into a panel, piece of furniture, wall or computer case to give you an extra USB connection within easy reach. They suit meeting room installers, IT technicians and anyone building their own PC or display. Kindermann has the most products here, alongside Delock, InLine and Shiverpeaks.
How to choose a USB socket or module
Connector type and USB standard. Decide first whether you need a USB-A or a USB-C socket. USB 3.x sockets transfer data much faster than USB 2.0, so an external drive or camera is better served by the faster standard, while a keyboard or mouse works fine on USB 2.0.
Mounting method. Check whether the socket is fixed with screws, clips or pushed into a standard cut-out, and what size of opening it needs. With a thicker panel or furniture board, make sure the connector body is deep enough to be fastened securely.
The other end of the cable. Some modules come with a lead ending in a USB plug, others end in an internal header for a motherboard, and some are female-to-female couplers for extending a cable. Choose the version whose end connects straight to your computer or hub, so you do not need an extra adapter.
Cable length. If the socket has a short lead attached, estimate the distance from the mounting spot to the computer. Longer leads can limit USB 3.x speeds, so pick no more length than you actually need.
Where it will be used. A socket in a meeting room table or wall will be plugged and unplugged every day, so it needs a sturdy body and a firm mounting. Inside a PC case or in a rarely used spot, a simpler module is enough.
Brands we carry
- Kindermann: a German manufacturer known for presentation technology and meeting room connectivity, such as table and wall connection panels.
- Delock: known for adapters, cables and connectors for computers and networking, including internal and panel-mount connectors.
- InLine: a brand distributed from Germany that makes cables, adapters and computer accessories.
You will also find products from Shiverpeaks.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a USB socket and a USB module?
A socket is usually just the connector you fit into a panel or case, while a module is more often sold as a ready-made set with a frame or a lead. Always check the product description for the exact contents, as manufacturers do not use these terms consistently.
Can a USB socket be connected to a motherboard?
Yes, but only if its lead ends in an internal header that matches the USB pins on your motherboard. If the lead has a standard USB plug, it connects to a port on an external computer or hub instead.
Will a USB 3.0 socket work with USB 2.0 devices?
Yes, USB standards are backwards compatible, so a USB 2.0 device works in a USB 3.x socket. The transfer speed will match the slowest part of the chain: the device, the socket or the cable.
How do I fit a USB socket into a panel or furniture?
Measure the socket body first, then drill or cut an opening of the right size, taking the thickness of the board into account. Fix the socket with screws or clips and check that the lead is long enough to reach the computer.
