Overview

Your drawing tablet comes with the cables needed to connect it to a computer.

It IS POSSIBLE that you can use other cables depending on the type of drawing tablet and the type of computer.

• Pen tablets - you can almost always use a 3rd-party cable

• Pen displays - You can often use a 3rd-party cable but sometimes a manufacturer cable is really the best or only option

Using 3rd-party USB cables for pen tablets

For pen tablets, I recommend using the cables that the manufacturer provides. But sometimes these get lost or damaged. Even though I never use those cables myself, I always use 3rd party cables.

If you use a 3rd party cable you have to make sure the cable can do 2 things:

• Can carry power

• Can carry data - not all USB-C cables carry data. For example, some USB-C cables are power only.

Can you use the cable that you use for other devices? Yes, as long as it can carry power and data.

The cables I use to connect pen tablets

For the exact brands and cables I use for pen tablets: Cables I use to connect pen tablets

Using adapters for USB port types

These days the ports on pen tablets are all USB C ports. However older tablets used different kinds of ports. These could be micro USB or mini USB. And cables that have micro USB ends or mini USB ends are getting more difficult to find. For this reason I prefer to continue to use USB C cables but use adapters for these older tablets if possible.

More here: Cable adapters

Using 3rd-party cables for pen displays

Single USB-C cable connection

If the pen display was connected with a single USB-C cable, then you can TYPICALLY use a USB-C cable that MEETS CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS to connect your pen display. More here: Connecting a pen display with a single USB-C cable.

Even if the cable meets the requirements - there are some issues you should be aware of.

Recessed Ports

Sometimes the USB-C port on table goes into a recessed port and the manufacturer cable was specially designed to go into that port.

Longer connectors

Sometimes the USB-C port is not recessed, but expects the metallic part of the USB-C cable to be a little longer (an extra 1 mm for example). The manufacturer provided cable works correct, but you may find that a 3rd party cable's metallic end does not go as deep and the connection might work but is loose and might disconnect if the cable is moved slightly.

Random issues

Sometimes, in my experience, 3rd party cables are seem to - for whatever reason - sometimes not work correctly or as well as the manufacturer cables. This is rare, but happens.

3-in 1 cable connection

3-in-1 cables provided by the manufacturer are almost always proprietary. You have to get to get the same exact cable from the manufacturer.

Overview

I hate plugging and unplugging different cables when I use many different pen tablets so I standardized my home on specific USB 2.0 cables instead of using the cables provided by the manufacturer. Details on the exact cables and brands are listed below.

These cables are NOT suitable for pen displays (screen tablets) as they cannot carry a video signal.

Notes

I use these cables for many devices such as pen tablets (screenless tablets), keyboards, speakers, microphones. Any devices that need a little bit of power and the ability to transmit a small amount of data.

As USB 2.0 cables they are not meant for high-speed data transfer so I don't often use them to transfer files from a phone because there are faster options.

Monoprice Nylon Braided USB 2.0 cable USB-C to USB-A

https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-Type-C-Type-Charge-Nylon-Braid/dp/B08511STS1

• There's nothing special about about them, I just liked that they were available in a bright blue color. And I use that color to organize my cables. Whenever I see a cable with this color I know the kidn of device it is meant for.

• The cables are kind of stiff so they won't lay down down easily on a desk.

• They are available in multiple colors and lengths. I usually get the 3ft and 6ft lengths.

Anker Flow Cord USB 2.0 USB-C Cable

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Powerline-Charging-MacBook-Midnight/dp/B09FTFK4FT/

• These cables are very pliant. They will lay flat on a desk.

• These are available in black and several light pastel colors.

• They are available in 3ft and 5ft lengths.

And I use these cables with many other devices that only need USB 2.0 connectivity.