Macally TRIHUB9-UK Mixed-Port USB Hub review

Nine sockets with different jobs

The Macally TRIHUB9-UK is a desktop hub that combines data and accessory charging. Its nine sockets are not nine equivalent computer-data connections. Seven carry data, while two additional sockets are charging-only. Within the seven data connections, three are fast USB3-class ports and four are USB2.0.

This exact document describes the UK package, including a TypeG British mains plug. That regional distinction matters more than the shared TRIHUB9 name when planning a US desk. The review is useful for understanding the model and an existing setup; it does not certify that a different regional package has been supplied.

Put the faster devices on the right ports

The fast data group consists of twoUSB-A sockets and oneUSB-C socket, each advertised at5Gbps. Four furtherUSB-A data ports operate at480Mbps. The slower group can make sense for basic input devices, leaving the faster connections for storage or another device that benefits from them.

That layout is more useful than a simple nine-port headline suggests, but only if you connect devices intentionally. A fast external drive on aUSB2.0 socket remains limited by that slower connection. All the data ports still share the upstream path to the computer; their separate interface rates are not independent links or measured transfer results.

Accessory charging has its own groups

Macally says the fourUSB2.0 data ports support charging while syncing at up to1.5A per port, with3.5A total for that group. The separateUSB-A andUSB-C smart-charging sockets are specified at up to2.4A each, with3.5A total. These group totals matter: adding every per-port maximum together would invent a power budget the maker does not promise.

The two charging-only sockets do not become data connections because they have familiarUSB shapes. Equally, the USB-C charging socket is not documented as Power Delivery into the host laptop. The computer continues to use its own charging arrangement.

The supplied power package needs attention

The manufacturer lists a12V4A external supply and explicitly includes the British TypeG plug in the TRIHUB9-UK package. That is a peripheral-power source for the hub. It is not a48W laptop charger, and a UK plug should not be described as a directly suitable US package.

The supplied host lead isUSB-A, but the page conflicts between80cm in repeated package descriptions and80mm in one technical line. Check the actual supplied cable before deciding where the hub can sit. A cable-length typo should not be turned into a precise desk-layout promise.

A sensible role for the mixed-speed design

Macally lists Windows7/8/10 and MacOS10.6or later, with no hub driver required. Individual peripherals can still have their own software needs. The tilted aluminium port layout is intended for accessible desk use rather than the smallest possible travel kit.

Consider this design when you deliberately need several basic data devices, three faster connections and separate accessory charging. Choose a hub with more fast data ports for multiple demanding drives, and a proper laptop dock for display outputs or host charging. For a new US purchase, resolve the actual regional supply before considering the package complete.