The Krafted Connex Is A Multi Connection Tool With Promise

The Krafted Connex is a handy multi-tool for charging and connecting tech devices with different ... [+] connectors.

I absolutely love handy gadgets. When I was a kid, my mother always used to joke that I was prepared for war as I collected all kinds of useful tools including a pen knife with a spoon and fork built in. I am a sucker for a Swiss Army knife and my bag is filled with mini screwdrivers and charging cables.

So, imaging my excitement when the Krafted Connex turned up. Described as the “future of universal connectivity” is looks like a penknife or one of those Allen key tools that cyclists use. Connex is an all-in-one connectivity tool for charge all your devices and even transferring data.

The Krafted Connex is about the size of large penknife, measuring 95mm x 31mm and with a depth of 19mm. It has six flip-out charging connectors, all with tough flexible bases covered with a silicone gaiter to give them wiggle room when plugging into devices. The connectors won’t flip out quite straight and I think I’d like to have seen a bit more movement.

With its range of connectors, the Krafted Connex offers eight different combinations of ... [+] connectivity.

On one end on the Connex are USB-C and Apple Lightning connectors. At the other end, there are a USB-A connector with a removable cap that exposes a second USB-C, plus there is a USB Micro and second Apple Lightning connector. Krafted says that gives the Connex up to eight possible charging and connecting combinations. Nice!

A few points, first, only the USB-C and USB-A/C connectors function as inputs. That shouldn’t be a problem are those are the two standards for plugging into your laptop or a power charger to resupply your phone or other gadget. If you want to charge USB-C to USB-C, simply flip off the USB-A adapter and you’re in business.

The Connex can also be used to transfer data as well as charge devices, which is handy, but it isn’t the fastest of tools. During my review, I tested the Connex with a variety of ports and SSDs, measuring with Black Magic’s Disk Speed Test software. I got read and write speeds of just 34.6MB/s on an SSD drive that normally delivers 800MBs, suggesting the chip in the Connex isn’t USB 3.2. It’s disappointing but would be fine for using in an emergency but it would take a long time to transfer and large amount of data.

The Connex folds flat like a penknife and is small enough to slip into a pocket.

On the plus side, the Connex works a wide range of connectors and it also supports fast PD charging technology. Because it has two USB-C connectors, it’s great for charging the latest iPhones and there is a second Apple Lightning connector if you need one.

The Krafted Connex is a beautifully made gadget and it feels good in the hand. The gaiter design of the connectors can make it a bit of a struggle when connecting devices. It almost feels as if you’re playing a game of tech Twister. However, if you can line up the ports with the object you’re charging, then it’s a lifesaver. But let’s face it, any cable that gives even a trickle of power when your phone is about to die is as welcome as a dirty glass of water in the desert.

Verdict: I really wanted to love the Krafted Connex and I do, up to a point, especially as the company’s European HQ is in the far north of Portugal, a place that’s sacred in my heart. However, the slightly awkward design and the slow data transfer speeds spoils the party a little. This is a great product if you only want to use it as a charging connector but it needs a small redesign and faster data transfer speeds. Then it would be the kind of gadget I’d take everywhere.

Pricing & Availability: The Krafted Connex is available now in black or jade finishes and costs £29.99 from Kraftedtech.com.

Tech Specs:

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