This is why we saw the value in something like Rolling Square’s inCharge 6—a compact data cable that adapts to a variety of connectors. In this review, we’ll be taking a look at an even better version: the inCharge X. It follows the same philosophy as the 6, being a keychain-able data cable with multiple connectors. But, with a serious-sounding moniker like “X,” there’s bound to be a major feature or two the inCharge 6 doesn’t have—let’s see what they are. Materials & Aesthetic Cons: Convenient as it might be for on-the-go charging, this cable takes longer to charge than the wall charger with Apple Watches. In addition, you may face issues with the charger not fully charging your watch or turning off on its own. It also tends to grow hot to the touch, which may prove a safety hazard. The inCharge 6 is very short, spanning just under 3 inches when folded. It’s very compact, and we think they nailed the length just right so that it behaves more like a keychain accessory rather than a lengthy cable hanging off your keyring. Rolling Square inCharge 6 | There are visible scratches on the metal finish.

Durability: Since a keychain cable is likely to be carried around and used frequently, choosing one made with high-quality materials and durable enough to withstand wear and tear is important. Look for braided nylon or reinforced plastic cables that can withstand bending, twisting, bumping, and other stresses. But when the alternate connector is revealed and the hinged part is out of the way, the hinged part has nowhere to go…you can swing it to either side, but the product design fails to make this as elegant and sturdy as the rest of the cable. The piece just swings, or juts out at an awkward angle. Where it counts more is how well the cable holds up against wear and tear. Our previous experience with Rolling Square’s inCharge 6 was mostly positive, with the notable exception of how the metal finish was prone to scratches. The good news is that the inCharge X fares a lot better than the 6. There are still some scratches on corners and edges, but not close to the degree that the inCharge 6 had. The TPU-reinforced, aramid fiber cable does well, too, with no fraying or looseness around the area where it meets the metal housing. The joint where the cable itself meets the head of the connector is often a point of failure for many data cables, so we’re glad to see the inCharge X’s braided nylon hold its own here. Rolling Square inCharge X | There are scratches, but not as bad as the inCharge 6’s. In those situations, having a compact cable with you can be a lifesaver. But how do you carry a cable around conveniently? Rolling Square’s take on it is a keychain-style cable that blends in with your keys and other accessories. The inCharge 6’s length probably won’t wow you, nor will the scratch-prone finish. But the versatility its various connectors offer might be compelling for those looking for a cable that’s easy to carry around and just gets the job done—or even as a neat little gift idea for the techy person in your circle. Materials & AestheticThe one kink in the metal armor of the inCharge 6 is its finish. Our sample here gathered a lot of noticeable scratches and marks from being acquainted with our keys throughout a two-week test period. It doesn’t affect usability or performance, just the aesthetics. Whether you mind that or not, that’s down to you, but once you throw this in with a bunch of keys, expect it to get scuffed. Usage A keychain charging cable is a practical and convenient accessory that can benefit anyone who uses a mobile device. With the ability to attach them to your keyring or clip them onto your bag or purse, you’ll always have a charging when needed. Forgetting or losing your charging cable is no longer a concern, as you can simply plug your keychain cable into a USB port and charge your device anywhere. There are specialty versions, such as a keychain charging cable designed specifically for smartwatches. Some models even double as impromptu flash drives, allowing you to transfer data between your device and your computer. Not to mention that keychain charging cables are often less expensive than regular charging cables, making them a cost-effective alternative.

Keychain Charger: Our Lightning, USB-C, USB and Micro USB charger cable is lightweight, portable and easy to use; The magnetic design allows you to easily snap the heads together and hang it on your keyring To switch either end’s male connector between USB-A, USB-C and iPhone Lightning, you pull and rotate the main connector out of the way of the other, achieved using a hinge (see last two photos). The first real caveat of the inCharge 6 is the length. Since it’s so compact, length was always going to be limited as expected. We use a laptop cooling pad on our MacBook Pro to keep things nice and cool, and using the inCharge 6 to connect our devices meant they hung off awkwardly at the side. For file transfers, we didn’t notice a difference between the inCharge 6 and the usual cable we use for transferring photos from our iPhone 12 Pro Max to our 15” MacBook Pro. Furthermore, there were no annoying connection dropouts or disconnects. We think the latter is a crucial aspect of any cable. The last thing you’d want during a long file transfer is it suddenly disconnecting and potentially corrupting valuable data. Cons: The connectors are too short to work with some smartphones or tablets if those devices are in a protective case or cover. The magnetic closure also isn’t as strong as it could be and pops open easily.The words “small and compact” don’t really seem to mix well when you think about them in relation to cables. A cable is used to connect things at a distance, so being compact sounds contradictory. But, times are changing, and so do use cases. We often find ourselves with little desk real estate, and the digital nomad lifestyle keeps us busy and on the go. It’s under circumstances like these where a forgotten data cable is a major inconvenience. Rolling Square inCharge X | Be connected when you need it by always having a cable on you.

One tip we’re carrying over from the inCharge 6 is to keep the adapters facing up when they’re not in use so that they don’t get in the way. Thankfully, USB C is reversible so flipping the entire cable is easy to do. Pros: If you st ruggle with tangled cables and multiple chargers, this near-universal cable is the solution you’ve been looking for. With five cable inputs/outputs, including USB-A and USB-C inputs and Type C, Micro USB, and IP outputs, you can easily charge any of your devices. You can also charge more than one device at a time. The magnetic attachment abilities make it more compact, and the protective cap made of silicone material keeps the input/output heads safe when not in use. The 60-watt fast charge and sync feature and 60-watt power delivery for USB-C laptops allow you to charge all your devices with just one cable. With transfer data speeds of up to 480 Mbps, you can seamlessly transfer data from your portable device to your PC or laptop while charging.The one concern I have is the plastic flip mechanism used to attach and remove the different end options can sometimes detach when switching between options. One just has to be careful it’s secured after use.