Nomad ChargeKey is a compact USB-C to USB-C cable that you always have at hand on your key ring, without having to take a long cable with you in your bag. The small keychain cable is made for anyone who regularly needs to charge an iPhone, iPad, MacBook or accessory or who wants to quickly transfer data, for example from an external SSD.
Despite its minimalist design, the Nomad ChargeKey is equipped with advanced specifications, including support for 240W charging power and data speeds of up to 10 Gbps via USB 3.1. This makes it function as a full-fledged, pocket-sized USB-C cable, ideal for the minimalist user looking for a compact and practical tool for Apple products and other USB-C devices.
Nomad ChargeKey in short
ChargeKey is a compact USB-C to USB-C cable that attaches to a metal loop, making it easy to attach to your key ring, bag, or backpack. Nomad promotes this accessory as an emergency cable that’s always within reach, so you can easily charge or connect your iPhone, iPad, MacBook or other USB-C devices.
The cable supports a variety of charging and data transfer configurations up to 240W and 10Gbps, making it ideal for both fast charging and transferring larger files. With USB-C on both ends, you can effortlessly connect the ChargeKey to modern MacBooks, iPads and iPhones with USB-C.
Design and materials
Nomad is known for premium materials and this is reflected in the ChargeKey, which is equipped with a braided nylon cable for extra strength and wear resistance. The connector housings are made of electro-plated zinc, which provides a solid and luxurious appearance that fits well with the design of modern Apple devices.
The cable is available in a dark Carbide version and in a striking Stellar Orange color that matches Apple’s orange tones. The orange variant certainly stands out on your key ring, while the dark version looks a bit more discreet in combination with, for example, a black or silver MacBook.
Compact size for your key ring
One of the most important features of the ChargeKey is its compact size, with a usable cable length of 12 centimeters. When closed, the whole is approximately 7.6 centimeters long, making the accessory comparable to a regular key on your forest.
The two USB-C ends are held together magnetically, so the cable doesn’t dangle loose and stays neatly in place when you’re not using it. Thanks to the metal loop, you can easily attach the ChargeKey to your key ring, backpack or lanyard, so you always have a USB-C to USB-C cable at hand without taking up extra space in your bag.
Payload and data speeds
ChargeKey offers up to 240W charging power via USB Power Delivery, which is more than enough to power even a MacBook Pro or other powerful USB-C laptops, provided you use a suitable adapter. For an iPhone, this means you can take advantage of fast charging, as long as you use a compatible USB-C adapter that delivers the required power.
In addition to power, the cable supports data speeds of up to 10 Gbps via USB 3.1, making it suitable for quickly transferring larger files such as video and photos. Think of working directly from an external SSD or draining a camera or iPhone with high-resolution images, without having to fish a long cable out of your bag.
Nomad ChargeKey in practice
In practice, you will notice that the Nomad ChargeKey mainly excels as an emergency solution that you always carry with you, unlike a regular cable that often stays at home. The short size is ideal for situations in which you want to quickly charge your iPhone from a MacBook, power bank or USB C adapter that is close by, for example at the office, on the train or in a hotel room.
If you unexpectedly need a cable, for example to quickly transfer data from an external SSD or to charge your iPhone, the ChargeKey turns out to be a particularly handy tool that comes in handy surprisingly often. Thanks to support for up to 240 W and 10 Gbps, you don’t have to compromise on speed and you can charge quickly and copy files smoothly, as long as the rest of your setup supports this.
The compact size, sturdy braided nylon cable and magnetic closure make ChargeKey feel like a well-thought-out accessory that fits well with a mobile Apple workflow on the road, traveling or in the office. Unfortunately, there is also a disadvantage to report: the paint on the ChargeKey wears off quickly, so you quickly see scratches on the housing.
Where can you buy the Nomad ChargeKey
The Nomad ChargeKey is available directly from the official Nomad webshop, where you will find the Carbide and Stellar Orange variants, among others. In addition, the cable is offered by various resellers and web shops, including European retailers that carry Nomad products, so you can also order it closer to home.
