This is the English edition of a review from my Japanese YouTube channel, iestaLife. I review gadgets from my home studio in Japan, so product links go to Amazon Japan.
Quick take
The DAIAD 9-pin magnetic USB-C adapter has a tip that spins and a neck that swivels (540 degrees in total), so the cable can leave the device in whatever direction suits you. I compared it with three fixed magnetic adapters: CIO, ELECOM and an L-shaped adapter that supports video output. For charging an iPad mini in a tight spot it is the most convenient of the four. But it does not pass video, and its round tip can hit the edge of some phone cases.
What I tested
- DAIAD 9-pin magnetic USB-C adapter with 540-degree rotation (¥1,490 at the time of recording; ¥1,790 for a set with two tips)
- CIO magnetic adapter, straight (¥1,580)
- ELECOM magnetic adapter
- An L-shaped magnetic adapter that supports video output (¥1,280)
- Weight on a scale, tip compatibility, charging an iPad mini, an iPhone with a case, and a monitor connection
What I found
- Rotation: the contacts are arranged in a circle, so the tip stays connected as it turns. The magnet snaps on and off nicely.
- Weight: 3.7 g, the lightest of the four.
- iPad mini: charging next to a wall or on a small desk became much easier.
- Phone cases: the round tip is thick. With some cases (hard materials or narrow port openings) it would not plug all the way in.
- No video: I tried a monitor and got no picture, so it behaves like the CIO and ELECOM adapters.
- CIO vs ELECOM: the ELECOM tip works on the CIO body, but the CIO tip does not fit the ELECOM. The ELECOM connector sometimes did not seat, so I prefer the CIO.
| Item | DAIAD (rotating) | CIO (straight) | ELECOM | L-shaped with video |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product |  |  |  |  |
| Weight (my scale) | 3.7 g | 5.2 g | 5.5 g | 4 g |
| Direction | Rotates and swivels | Fixed | Fixed | Fixed L-shape |
| Contacts | Round | Pins | Pins | Bar |
| Video output | No (tested) | No | No | Yes |
Who it's for
- People who charge tablets or other devices next to a wall or desk edge
- If you also plug in a monitor, the L-shaped video-output adapter is the better pick
- Check your phone case before buying if you plan to use it on a phone
Watch the review
The video is in Japanese. The iPad mini and phone case tests start around 4:52.
Limitations
I tried one phone case and one monitor, and I did not measure charging speed. Prices are in yen at the time of recording, and I did not check the ELECOM price in the video. These adapters are sold through Amazon Japan; availability elsewhere may vary.
Products
DAIAD 9-pin magnetic USB-C adapter (540-degree rotation): on Amazon Japan
L-shaped USB-C magnetic adapter with video output: on Amazon Japan
CIO magnetic adapter (straight): on Amazon Japan
ELECOM magnetic adapter: on Amazon Japan
The Amazon Japan links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Check the listing for the exact model, current price and shipping availability in your region.
More reviews in English
All Chargers & Cables (29) →Browse all English reviews →
This review is also available in Japanese.