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Review: Syntech VR Headset Fast Charging Link Cable (16FT)
Since the release of the Meta Quest 2, I’ve been using the same official Oculus Link Cable for PC VR gaming with both the Quest 2 and later the Quest 3. Recently, it began to exhibit signs of wear and tear, which is to be expected after years of use. Therefore, I decided it was time to replace this old cable. Then, I got the chance to test Syntech’s fast charging link cable. Now, I’ve been testing how it compares to the official cable I’ve relied on for so long.
Product Details
Brand: Syntech
Price: US $35.99
Reviewed On: Meta Quest 3
* Product Provided For Review *
What’s In The Box
The package includes only the charging link cable, which features a breakout box for the charging port directly on the cable. Additionally, the cable is neatly stored in a spool within the box, secured by a Velcro strap. This strap can be utilised to attach the cable to the headset strap, preventing it from hanging loosely by your side. Along with this, you will receive a user manual that provides instructions on how to connect it all up and prepare it for use with your PC.
Benefits
The primary advantage of the cable is that it enables you to connect your Meta Quest 2, Quest 3, Quest 3S, and Quest Pro to PC VR through a direct wired link. One of the key benefits of using this wired connection is that it minimises image compression, which can occur with wireless setups. Additionally, it keeps your headset charged simultaneously, ensuring that your gaming session isn’t limited by the headset’s battery life, thus eliminating the need to replace external batteries.
Moreover, the Syntech link cable supports fast charging through a breakout box that is connected to the cable. This box allows you to plug in a power cable from your wall socket, which can be the same charging cable used for your headset to enable the fast charging feature.
Quality
Upon removing the cable from the box, I immediately noticed its robust construction and high-quality materials. The flexible PVC jacket of the cable ensures durability while allowing for easy movement without the fear of damage. The connections to the USB-A, USB-C, and both sides of the breakout box are safeguarded by sturdy plastic sleeve covers over the PVC jacket, providing excellent support for the connections.
The breakout box itself is crafted from decent quality plastic and is positioned closer to the USB-A end of the cable. This design minimises concerns about it being bumped, stood on, or pulling on the connected socket when utilising the fast charge feature.
Every element of this link cable exhibits a quality finish, designed for durability and longevity, even with regular use. Additionally, despite its solid construction, the cable remains impressively lightweight during use.
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Testing The Product
When it comes to testing the product, I aimed to explore various types of games, just as I do when reviewing hardware. For this evaluation, I wanted to cover seated, standing, and physical/active games.
As anticipated with the seated games, where I played Glassbreakers: Champions of Moss and Moss Book 2, the cable management was quite simple. I secured the cable along the back of the head strap using the Velcro cable tidy to prevent it from dangling down from the USB-C port on the side of the Quest 3.
For the standing titles, I played Onward, Half-Life Alyx, Skydance’s Behemoth, and Defector. Once again, I fastened the cable at the back of the head strap, and it never felt like it would fall, even while moving around my play space. When it came to twisting in the cable, I had no significant issues; it was merely a matter of side-stepping to navigate around it, which is typical when playing wired VR without a ceiling pulley system for cable management.
Lastly, I delved into more active games, including Synth Riders, Beat Saber, and Clone Drone in the Hyperdome. Once again, I employed the method of securing the cable to the head strap, and despite the extensive physical movement and activity, I never had any worries about the cable becoming loose. In both Synth Riders and Beat Saber, you primarily remain in one position (unless you choose to dance while playing), but these games involve a lot of arm movements, and at no point did my arm get tangled in the cable. This was also true during the combat in Clone Drone, even with the potential for movement throughout the play area.
As mentioned earlier, the cable is also feels lightweight, which is crucial for standing or active gaming. You certainly don’t want to feel burdened by a connected cable, and with Syntech’s product, that’s not an issue you’ll encounter.
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I conducted several USB tests using both my official link cable and Syntech’s fast charging link cable through the Meta PC Link software on my computer. The findings showed that the official cable achieved a bandwidth of 2.8 Gbps, while Syntech’s cable reached 2.4 Gbps. Although there is a .4 Gbps difference, I couldn’t perceive any noticeable difference in performance or image quality between the two cables. Everything operated smoothly, and the image appeared clear and crisp within the headset.
Now, let’s discuss the final aspect: charging the headset while it’s in use. Using the official link cable, after two to three hours of usage, the headset’s battery would decrease to about seventy-five to eighty percent from fully charged. I tested Syntech’s cable both with and without fast charging. Without the fast charge connected, after two to three hours of gameplay, the battery level dropped to sixty-four percent. However, when I connected it to the fast charge socket, I still had ninety-six percent battery remaining on the headset, which is an impressive amount for two to three hours of use.
The Verdict
I have been thoroughly impressed by Syntech’s VR Headset Fast Charging Link Cable in every way. Its performance, durability, and build quality are exceptional, all while maintaining a lightweight feel during use. Although the cable is thick, it remains flexible, allowing for easy manoeuvring to avoid cable twisting while in action (unless you utilise a ceiling pulley system for cable management). The cable delivers a lag-free performance, and the visuals in the headset are remarkably crisp and clear, even though its bandwidth is .4 Gbps lower than the official link cable on my PC setup. However, the most remarkable feature is the breakout box on the cable, which enables fast charging during use. I was genuinely surprised to find that after two to three hours of gaming, I still had ninety-six percent battery life left, whereas the official cable typically leaves me with seventy-five to eighty percent after a similar session. Syntech’s link cable effectively matches everything the official cable offers, but its fast charging capability provides that extra edge for a significantly lower price – the official cable retails for $79.99, while Syntech’s is just $35.99.
Copyright / The VR Realm / 2016 -