I usually don’t get very excited about reviewing charging cables, but I made an exception for Belkin’s MIXIT Lightning to USB Keychain (available for as little as $22.47 through Amazon — affiliate link). This durable Lightning to USB cable is now on my crowded keychain and has come in handy more than once, and I think Apple World Today readers will like it, too!
The design of the MIXIT Lightning to USB Keychain is brilliant — a durable and lightweight aluminum casing connected to a keychain ring holds a pivoting 3-inch (7.62 cm) Lightning to USB cable. When the cable is parallel to the aluminum casing, both ends are protected from damage from your keys or other objects in your pockets.
When you need a cable, just reach into your pocket and grab the keychain, flip to the MIXIT, and swivel the cable 90 degrees. It’s a short cable, but very durable and capable of sending 2.4 amps to your iOS device for charging. I’ve used it in my USB-equipped car several times when I’ve needed to top off my iPhone 7 Plus and didn’t have a longer cable available.
After the charging is done, just flip the cable back into the protective aluminum shell and it’s ready to go back in your pocket. Unlike longer cables that get tangled and break, the MIXIT Lighting to USB Keychain is able to hold up to a lot of abuse… and it’s ALWAYS with you.
Compared to regular off-brand USB to Lightning cables, the MIXIT is a bit pricey, but you can’t put a price tag on convenience. The MIXIT Lightning to USB Keychain comes in blue, gold, gray, silver, and purple.