[Question] - Linus mentioned on the WAN Show that USB extension cables cause issues?

[Euphoria]

Recently on the WAN Show, I can't remember if it was the latest episode or not, Linus very briefly mentioned: "USB extension cables causing issues, or being very problematic" it was something like that, I can't find where here said it now.

When he said this I didn't pay any attention to it my brain didn't click, until today when it just occurred to me that I've been a PC enthusiast for the best part of 20 years but somehow I've never actually had to use a simple USB extension cable for anything mission critical, I'm sure I've used one or two on some little things; USB powered speakers or something like that, but never anything important like a mouse or KB used for gaming.
So this now has me a little concerned because I was just about to order half a dozen 3m or 5m USB 3.0 extension cables as I'm currently building a wall mounted rig so the system will be quite far away from my desk.

Are USB extension cables really a pain in the butt and I've somehow never heard this over the years? Do they add significant latency now since 3.0+ or something else?

I would be using 3 or 5 meters cables for a G502 mouse, mechanical keyboard, powered USB hub, and a few other non-important things.

[myselfolli]

USB cables > 5 meters can significantly decrease signal stability and may cause issues, with cable lengths of <5 meters, preferrably not more than 3 you should be fine

[YedZed]

Just now, myselfolli said:

USB cables > 5 meters can significantly decrease signal stability and may cause issues, with cable lengths of <5 meters, preferrably not more than 3 you should be fine

You can get power extensions that eliminate this issue right?

Also, maybe consider what Linus does with his personal rig, having the PC far away with one or two thunderbolt connections for everything.

[myselfolli]

1 minute ago, YedZed said:

You can get power extensions that eliminate this issue right?

Also, maybe consider what Linus does with his personal rig, having the PC far away with one or two thunderbolt connections for everything.

That'd be an option, yeah.

 

I'd opt for shorter cable runs or thunderbolt connections, although that'd probably be somewhat pricey

[Euphoria]

On 7/2/2019 at 5:55 PM, YedZed said:

You can get power extensions that eliminate this issue right?

Also, maybe consider what Linus does with his personal rig, having the PC far away with one or two thunderbolt connections for everything.

 

On 7/2/2019 at 5:59 PM, myselfolli said:

That'd be an option, yeah.

 

I'd opt for shorter cable runs or thunderbolt connections, although that'd probably be somewhat pricey

I've had a bit of a (re)measure and worked the numbers, I think with some rerouting I can get the extensions down to 2.5m plus the length of the device cable.

Also, Thunderbolt isn't an option sadly, not until my next platform update.

 

Thanks, I appreciate the info.