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Are the LTT TrueSpec Cables actually good?

Cameron Dougherty Tech

529,985 views

⚡️ Are the new TrueSpec cables from Linus Tech Tips actually worth the inevitable “influencer tax” that they include?

👀 Check out the LTT Channel: ‪@LinusTechTips‬
👀 Buy LTT TrueSpec Cables: https://www.lttstore.com/collections/...

⚡️ USB Cable Tester Shown
🔗 ChargerLAB Power-Z KM003C (Affiliate Link): https://amzn.to/4sjGej6

In this video, we take an objective look at the new TrueSpec cable lineup from Creator Warehouse, the product arm of the YouTube channel Linus Tech Tips. With a massive variety of lengths and specific power and data ratings, these cables aim to solve the long-standing issue of inconsistent USB standards and misleading marketing throughout the cable industry. We explore the backstory of why these were created and dive into the physical build quality, including the unique silicone material and the standout labeling system.

To see if they live up to the name, we put several versions to the test using the Power-Z KM003C tester. We cover everything from E-Marker validation and charging protocols to data transfer speeds and display output capabilities. Whether you are a fan of LTT or just someone looking for a cable that finally meets its specifications, this review breaks down the performance, pricing, and potential dealbreakers to help you decide if they belong in your tech setup.

👨‍💻 See all my links: https://bio.site/camerondoughertytech
📸 Follow on IG: Instagram: camerondoughertytech

⏱️ Timecodes:
0:00 Introduction
0:48 Background
2:24 Lineup
5:35 My Cable Experience
9:56 Testing
16:51 Pricing
18:00 Differentiators and Dealbreakers

✅ Don't forget to like and subscribe for more reviews! ‪@CameronDoughertyTech‬

Note: The product links above are Affiliate links. I receive a small commission on purchases made through these links.

#LTT #LinusTechTips #LTTcables #TrueSpec

20 Comments

@scottnash70 5 months ago (edited)

One of the things that's nice about the cables is that they not only set out a baseline performance, but also show the limits of the tech. If you don't see a 10-foot 10-Gbps cable, it means it's not possible at a reasonable price point (because physics and yield management). If you watch the LTT video on the cables, it's also crazy how long it took them to find a manufacturer that could guarantee the manufacturing specs they wanted. It's a corrosive effect of always favoring lower prices that means it's difficult to find true quality even when you're willing to pay for it.

Edit: "Because physics" means that while it's possible to manufacture longer cables, because those are starting to push the limits, the yield would fall precipitously, increasing prices because you'd have to do wide-scale burn-in tests rather than spot checks (not cheap) and would end up throwing away a bunch of cables to protect the reputation of the product. And that's even before you consider the issue of those discarded cables mysteriously disappearing and ending up for sale on discount sites.

@shallmaddocks4690 5 months ago

I believe thunderbolt certification is an added cost. I think they chose to meet the spec but not pay for the labeling.

@afe9269 5 months ago

I'm just sad about the huge import taxes. Paying a premium isn't a deal breaker, but paying a premium on the premium is just insanity.

@timduncan6750 5 months ago

The crazy part is how quickly every one sold out so fast. Just proves there is a market for good cables and everything shouldn't be a race to the bottom...

@Goodmanperson55 5 months ago (edited)

What I appreciate from this lineup is that they're only available at the max spec for a given length. The 2 meter cable will ALWAYS be 20 Gbps. They avoid the confusion by not offering another variant of the 2 meter cable that is somehow only 480 Mbps. The length determines the data transfer speed.

@Py6607 5 months ago

the silicone outside reminds me of dmx and xlr cables and those are super durable

@Squid_Life 5 months ago

Honestly there are not enough cable reviews put there! Great job, would love to see the difference between those common amazon brands as ive found they break after a few months.

@HeroesLeftInMan 5 months ago

These cables are such a good deal for production work. I wouldn't replace every cable in my house with them, but at work they are a godsend.

@douglasmerk3924 5 months ago

Welcome back! Great to see you recuperated and producing videos again. As always, thanks for being so thorough and clear.

@awwastor 5 months ago

16:10 As you may know, since the release of USB 3.0, USB ports include separate USB-3 and USB-2 lanes in one trench coat. USB-C complicates this by adding alternate modes, which technically aren’t part of the 3.X spec on their own, but share the wires. So, USB-C DP Mode requires SuperSpeed (3.x) lanes while the long C-C cable doesn’t have those, only featuring USB-2 support. This monitor apparently supports a cursed little proprietary feature called DisplayLink (utterly unrelated to DisplayPort), which you can actually also use over USB A-C or A-B as well, that captures and packages video in software and sends it over a USB2 cable. Quality deterioration occurs even with a single 1080p60 display

@paxmuster 5 months ago

I really liked your openness about the limits of the tests you could run. Makes the tests you did run way more believable

@Nokikuji 5 months ago

One of the best uses for one of these cables is Android Auto/CarPlay. Not only do you need a cable for high-speed data transfer, but the cable itself will be subjected to extremely hot car interiors and UV rays, as well as jostled everywhere and become stuck between seats.

@dimboump 5 months ago

Good to have you back Cameron! Great and honest review as always!

@gwynbleidd69 5 months ago

7:40 the difference in thickness comes not from shielding, but from number of conductors: 40Gbit USB-C cable needs around 16 conductors + shielding for some of them, 480Gbit USB-C cable drops that to 8 conductors (I think it would be 7 if it wouldn't go above 60W, as there will be no e-marker chip), USB-A 10Gbit cable needs 8 as well, but more of them need shielding compared to the USB-C 480Gbit one

16:03 your monitor supports DisplayLink, which is a protocol letting you to use external monitors over normal USB. The drawback is latency and compression required to squeeze that data, but for browsing spreadsheets or documents it would be totally fine. This is probably what the USB mode indicates here, and that's why this display works over the longer cable. Displays without DisplayLink will not work in such scenario.

@sable2008 5 months ago

Glad to see you back! Really appreciate the dealbreakers and differentiators section at the end for the quick summary they provide.

@TwilightWolf032 5 months ago

I really appreciate LTT for making those cables and putting the specification on each end, and appreciate even more channels like yours testing to make sure they work as advertised!
Seriously, it's a pain in the ass to get quality cables for what you need, I'm glad someone is trying to change that! USB should be simplified, not made to confuse!

@Inehmo42 5 months ago

Few times during the video I thought it's buffering because I saw the loading icon on your cable tester and then felt like an idiot.

@maxmyzer9172 5 months ago (edited)

4:07 - do note, i believe they have said all USB 2.0 speed cables physically do not have the USB3 lane conductors. For the USB-3 capable, iirc, the 20/40 speeds come from expected signal loss in the spec - you can achieve higher speeds in some conditions. This is also at 16:05 the display can't use alt-mode.
Being able to test 240W is difficult - theres very few devices (like the Framework 16) and chargers that support it

@aayyej 5 months ago

First video i’ve seen from this channel. As someone who’s into tech but not the craziest amount, your explanation and detailing was spot on

@Vendar-CGW 5 months ago

Hey, great test! One idea for future testing: since these seem particularly sturdy, they could appeal to people carrying cables in their tech pouches or backpacks for on-the-go use — so weight might be a worthwhile metric to include as a pro/con.