In this guide
Yes — a standard USB-A to USB-B printer cable can transfer data between a computer and any compatible USB-B peripheral, including scanners, keyboards, MIDI controllers, and audio interfaces.
- Cable uses USB-A to USB-B connectors (standard printer format)
- Device has a USB-B port and the correct driver installed
- Cable length is under 5 metres (USB 2.0 limit)
- Your device only has a USB-C port — the connectors won’t fit
- Cable exceeds 5m, causing signal degradation or dropout
- The peripheral lacks driver support for your operating system
What Is a Printer Cable?
Most modern printer cables are USB 2.0 Type-A to Type-B. The flat, rectangular end (Type-A) plugs into your computer, and the squarish end with bevelled corners (Type-B) plugs into the printer or other peripheral. This is a fully functional USB data cable — not a power-only cable.
What Can You Use It For?
Because it carries standard USB 2.0 signals at up to 480 Mbps, a printer cable works with any device that has a USB-B port. Common uses include:
- Flatbed scanners (HP, Canon, Epson, Brother)
- MIDI keyboards and controllers
- Audio interfaces and mixing desks
- Some USB hubs and label printers
If you are connecting devices with different port types, check out our guide on whether USB-C can connect to HDMI for related compatibility tips.
Compatibility at a Glance
| Setup | Works? | Need | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC USB-A → Scanner USB-B | Yes | Printer cable | Standard use case |
| PC USB-A → MIDI controller USB-B | Yes | Printer cable + driver | Driver required |
| PC USB-C → Device USB-B | No | USB-C to USB-B cable | Wrong connector |
| Cable over 5m | No | Active USB extender | Signal loss risk |
Cable Quality Matters
Not all printer cables are equal. Cheap cables with thin wiring can cause slow transfers or intermittent disconnects. Look for cables with braided nylon shielding and gold-plated connectors for stable, consistent signal — especially for audio interfaces where dropouts are noticeable. Cable Matters’ USB 2.0 Type-A to Type-B cable is a reliable example with good build quality.
Length Limits
USB 2.0 has a maximum recommended cable length of 5 metres (about 16 feet). Beyond that, signal integrity drops and the device may disconnect or transfer data unreliably. If you need a longer run, use an active USB extension cable rather than a longer passive cable.
For setups involving video alongside data, our article on whether USB-C supports video explains how USB handles multiple signal types at once.
Bottom line: A printer cable is a perfectly valid data transfer cable for any USB-B peripheral — scanners, MIDI gear, and audio interfaces included. Just check that the connectors match your device, keep the cable under 5 metres, and ensure drivers are installed. If your device uses USB-C, you will need a different cable entirely.