Elecom has released the "Fuwatto Marshmallow Cable," a USB Type-C cable that uses foamed silicone for its outer sheath[1]. Its defining feature is a light, soft, marshmallow-like texture, and the company emphasizes how easily it handles: it does not catch on the desk and resists tangling even when bundled[1]. The cable comes in two lengths, 1 m and 2 m, and two colors, white and gray, with prices starting at 1,980 yen[1].
A Light, Soft Feel Made Possible by Foamed Silicone
The cable's biggest distinguishing point is the foamed silicone used for its outer sheath[1]. Unlike a typical resin-coated cable, the silicone contains fine air bubbles inside, giving it a light and soft texture much like a marshmallow[1].
The surface feels smooth, so the cable is less likely to snag when you pull it toward you, making it easy to handle on a desk or along the edge of a table[1]. It also resists tangling when bundled, which helps with the common frustration of cables knotting into a ball inside a bag or around a desk[1]. For a charging cable that you plug and unplug every day, the small reduction in handling stress can add up.
The connector housings feature an aluminum decorative finish, and the product specifications are printed on the back[1]. Even while using a soft material, the design pays attention to the look and feel of the finish.
60 W PD Charging and 480 Mbps Data Transfer
Beyond its softness, the cable also covers the basic performance expected of a cable. For power delivery, it supports USB Power Delivery (USB PD) and can charge at up to 60 W (20 V / 3 A)[1]. That is enough output to charge a PC, tablet, or smartphone, and even notebook-class devices can be powered as long as they support it[1].
For data transfer, it conforms to the Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) standard, with a transfer rate of up to 480 Mbps (theoretical value)[1]. It can be used to move files such as photos and videos. Both ends use USB Type-C connectors, so a single cable can connect PCs, smartphones, and tablets equipped with Type-C ports[1].
Note that the actual power delivered varies with the connected device's support and performance, so the cable is meant to be used with USB PD compatible equipment[1].
Safety, Environmental Considerations, Lineup, and Pricing
The cable also accounts for internal signal quality and safety. It uses gold-plated pins with high conductivity to limit signal degradation, and it employs flame-retardant materials to improve safety[1]. It also complies with the EU's RoHS Directive, which restricts the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment[1].
On the environmental side, it is a "THINK ECOLOGY" certified product that meets Elecom's own certification standards, and the packaging has been reviewed so that it consists only of paper, cardboard, and plastic bags[1].
The lineup consists of a 1 m model in white (model number MPA-CCFS10WH) and gray (MPA-CCFS10GY) at a street price of 1,980 yen, and a 2 m model in white (MPA-CCFS20WH) and gray (MPA-CCFS20GY) at a street price of 2,180 yen[1][2]. The combination of length and color gives a total of four models to choose from[1].
Summary
The "Fuwatto Marshmallow Cable" is a USB Type-C cable that highlights the soft, light feel of foamed silicone and the convenience of a cable that resists tangling even when bundled. It supports up to 60 W PD charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, so it also secures the basic performance expected of a cable. For anyone bothered by tangled or hard-to-handle cables around their desk, it looks like an option worth considering.
Source: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000001402.000026881.html
