[troupo]

> Insane difference between thunderbolt vs competitors.

> Clearly we are paying for quality here

It's not just quality. It's because Intel did the sensible thing and made a bunch of things that are optional in USB-C mandatory in Thunderbolt certification. So you always know what you're getting.

[keep_reading]

That's why I prefer to pay the premium for Thunderbolt cables. You know exactly what you're getting.

[Dylan16807]

The problem is that cables are not clearly marked by speed. Being able to get a $5 slow cable is a good thing.

[usrusr]

Unfortunately with USB-C, it seems to be impossible to get those really lightweight thin charge only cables. I really miss those for traveling. My lightest A/micro-B examples even do some slow data, which has occasionally been useful as a contingency.