There are a few problems with USB 2.0 devices such as mice and keyboards on the new MacBook Air 2020: the devices simply stop responding and require a reboot.
via: macrumors, Sources: Apple, reddit
Since the current MacBooks are models that only come with a Thunderbolt 3 port (in USB-C form), you always have to use an adapter or hub if you want to connect USB 2.0 devices. And with these there are apparently sometimes problems. With the new generation Apple has switched from the Intel Alpine Ridge TB3 controller to the newer Titan Ridge Controller, both of which are also responsible for USB management. Maybe that’s one reason for the problems.
Some users have noticed that hubs that simply pass the USB connection through (proxy hub) cause problems, others that connect and disconnect and then connect to the MacBook a new one, so to speak, interpose themselves, but not. We assume that this circumstance should be solved with a future software update.
It’s ironic that even USB 2.0 devices can’t be used on a new Mac without errors – how nice it was when there were real ports. Our tip, if you can’t wait that long for the update: just take a simple mechanical adapter from USB-C to USB-A. This saves you any management logic and simply adapts the port.
