Computers, Laptops & Tablets Accessories & Hardware 78 78 people found this article helpful USB Type B Everything you need to know about the USB Type B connector by Tim Fisher General Manager, VP, Lifewire.com Tim Fisher has 30+ years' professional technology support experience. He writes troubleshooting content and is the General Manager of Lifewire. our editorial process Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Tim Fisher Updated on April 06, 2020 Accessories & Hardware The Quick Guide to Webcams Keyboards & Mice Monitors Cards HDD & SSD Printers & Scanners Raspberry Pi Tweet Share Email USB Type B connectors, officially referred to as Standard-B connectors, are square in shape with either a slight rounding or large square protrusion on the top, depending on the USB version. USB Type-B connectors are supported in every USB version, including USB 3.0, USB 2.0, and USB 1.1. The second type of "B" connector, called Powered-B, also exists but only in USB 3.0. USB 3.0 Type B connectors are often the color blue while USB 2.0 Type B and USB 1.1 Type B connectors are often black. This is not always the case because USB Type B connectors and cables can come in any color the manufacturer chooses. A male USB Type B connector is called a plug while a female connector is called either a receptacle or port. USB Type B Uses Lifewire / Collen Tighe USB Type B receptacles are most commonly seen on larger computer devices like printers and scanners. You'll also sometimes find USB Type B ports on external storage devices like optical drives, floppy drives, and hard drive enclosures. USB Type B plugs are typically found at one end of a USB A/B cable. The USB Type B plug fits into the USB Type B receptacle on the printer or another device, while the USB Type A plug fits into the USB Type A receptacle located on the host device, like a computer. 1:49 What is USB 3.0? USB Type B Compatibility The USB Type B connectors in USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 are identical, meaning that the USB Type B plug from one USB version will fit into the USB Type B receptacle from both its own and the other USB version. USB 3.0 Type B connectors are a different shape than previous ones and so the plugs do not fit in previous receptacles. However, the new USB 3.0 Type B form factor was designed in such a way to allow previous USB Type B plugs from USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 to fit with USB 3.0 Type B receptacles. In other words, USB 1.1 and 2.0 Type B plugs are physically compatible with USB 3.0 Type B receptacles, but USB 3.0 Type B plugs are not compatible with USB 1.1 or USB 2.0 Type B receptacles. The reason for the change is that USB 3.0 Type B connectors have nine pins, several more than the four pins found in previous USB Type B connectors, to allow for the faster USB 3.0 data transfer rate. Those pins had to go somewhere so the Type B shape had to be altered somewhat. There are actually two USB 3.0 Type B connectors, USB 3.0 Standard-B and USB 3.0 Powered-B. The plugs and receptacles are identical in shape and follow the physical compatibility rules already outlined, but USB 3.0 Powered-B connectors have two additional pins to provide power, for a total of eleven pins. See our USB Physical Compatibility Chart for a graphical representation of physical compatibility, which should help. The mere fact that a Type B connector from one USB version fits in the Type B connector from another USB version doesn't imply anything about speed or functionality. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Email Address Sign up There was an error. Please try again. You're in! Thanks for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. Thank you for signing up. Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit