USB 3.1 Type-A and Type-C?

[Live_Ammo]

Hi,

I have the Z270E mobo. On the rear I/O I have 2 ports on the mobo labelled TYPE-C and SS10

I checked the manual and these are listed as:

USB 3.1 Type-A port EA1
USB 3.1 Type-C port EC1

Question: What are these used for? Or what kind of devices?

More importantly, can the TYPE-A USB port be used as a standard 2.0 USB to plug in devices like mics, keyboards, speakers, USB extension devices, etc. The plastic bit inside this port is coloured red, whereas I understand 3.0 USB ports are blue and 2.0 are black.

[JustinThyme]

Type C is limited to a few devices.
Lots of 3.1 devices like external drives on the market
Yes It’s backwards compatible. *

[MasterC]

The are a few USB 3.1 Gen 2 (faster) flash drives available, and some monitors can be connected via Type-C: https://www.asus.com/us/Monitors/MX27UC/specifications/

[Live_Ammo]

Thanks Guys, my main concern was having an additional USB port on the back as I don't want cables running to the front I/O panel. Thank God it's backwards compatible....thought I only had one spare remaining on the back, now i got 2! FUTURE-PROOFING at its best!