This 4-in-1 keychain charger is my new essential travel accessory

1 month ago 27
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ZDNET's key takeaways

The InCharge XS is a 4-in-1 charging cable that fits securely to a keyring.It's compact and well-designed, and has no problem handling up to 240W of power.It falls a little short on charging larger devices like laptops.

Finding yourself carrying a bunch of cables with you when you go traveling? Or you never have the right cable with you when you need it? You could roll up a cable and shove it into a pocket, or you could get a cable specifically designed to attach on your keychain. 

Also: This ultra-portable power station gives you AC power on the move

One of the best keychain cables on the market is made by Rolling Square, and the new InCharge XS is a great 4-in-1 portable cable, especially if you're looking for a fast-charging device. It allows data transfer and ultra fast charging up to 240W along with Apple's fast charging up to 27W.

Rolling Square InCharge XS features

Cable: USB-C to USB-C with Lightning adapter on one end, USB-A on the otherMax charge: 240WData transfer speed: 480Mbps / 60MBpsSize closed: 80 x 15.5 x 15mm / 3.1 x 0.61 x 0.59inSize open: 155 x 15.5 x 15mm / 6.1 x 0.61 x 0.59inWeight: 34g / 1.2ozMaterials:
Metal housing
200 braided copper wires
N52 magnets
TPU reinforced cable
Nylon reinforcement
Aramid fiber 
Rolling Square InCharge XS
Rolling Square

The InCharge XS is a compact 4-in-1 cable that is designed for a keychain. It is a 240W USB-C to USB-C cable with a Lightning adapter on one end, and USB-A on the other, allowing it to take on four configurations:

USB-C to USB-CUSB-C to LightningUSB-A to LightningUSB-A to USB-C
The cable is easy to transform between the different configurations.

The cable is easy to transform between the different configurations.

Rolling Square

The ends of the cable are made from metal, and the cable itself is a flat ribbon that's reinforced with nylon and aramid fiber. There's also strong N52 magnets keeping the ends together, and a TPU end cap to protect the ends from wear and tear. 

Also: The best power banks you can buy: Expert tested  

I've been testing these cables for a few weeks and I have to say that they live up to the hype. They carry 240W with no problems, they convert between the different configurations quickly and easily, and they clamp onto a keychain securely. In a few weeks of use, I've not managed to lose it, so that says a lot about how well it attaches.

Yes, it fits well onto a keychain!

Yes, it fits well onto a keychain!

Rolling Square

ZDNET's buying advice

If you need a cable that's unobtrusive enough to carry about with you on a keychain, or a cable that can handle USB devices and Apple's Lightining port, the Rolling Square InCharge XS is a solid option. The only downside I can see is that the 155 mm/6 inches might be a little short for some larger devices. For example, it's a bit short for charging a laptop. 

But other than that particular use case, I find this cable to be as close to perfect as a cable can be, and has earned a place in my kit.

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