Shielded Cat6A Keystone Jack 12-Pack - 10Gbps Network

Our review of the 12-pack Shielded Cat6A keystone jacks finds them best suited for installers and IT pros who need a compact, shielded solution for 10GBASE-T runs. The single biggest reason to buy is the full metal, die-cast housing that delivers reliable shielding to reduce EMI, NEXT and AXT crosstalk for a 10Gbps channel compliant network. Installation is straightforward thanks to a 180 degree hinged termination and tool free cap, so those wiring a small office, patch panel or wall plate will appreciate the balance of performance and practical features.

Key Features

• Full metal jacket: The die-cast housing provides superior shielding to mitigate EMI and alien crosstalk for cleaner 10G traffic.
• 10Gbps Cat6A performance: Rated for 10GBASE-T and backwards compatible with Cat6 and Cat5e, it supports high-speed channel requirements.
• Easy termination: The 180 degree hinged wide-angle jack and tool free cap speed up wiring and let you use T568-A or T568-B color codes without guesswork.
• Versatile wire support: IDC and keystone design accept 23 to 26 AWG solid or stranded wire and work with a 110 impact tool or compatible crimp tool.
• Integrated protection: An auto-closing shutter protects contacts and a metal collar helps with strain relief, useful in PoE deployments.

Who It's For

This pack is ideal for network technicians, small business IT staff, and serious DIYers who install wall plates or patch panels and need shielded connectors that meet 10GBASE-T standards. The robust metal keystone suits environments with potential EMI or where PoE plus devices like access points and IP cameras are used.

It is less appropriate for casual users who only need a single inexpensive jack or those who do not require shielded performance; if you do not need Cat6A level shielding or 10Gbps compliance, unshielded keystones or pre-terminated solutions may be simpler.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Solid build quality from a one piece metal keystone that suppresses EMI and improves signal integrity.
• Tool free and 110 IDC termination options that make installation faster and reduce the need for special punch-down tools.
• PoE plus compliant shielded RJ45 connector, suitable for powering cameras and access points up to 30W.
• Auto-closing shutter and snap-in retaining clip that protect contacts and secure the connection in a wall plate or panel.

Cons

• Some users report mixed experiences with wire retention and occasional difficulty keeping wires in place during termination, so care is required.
• Higher cost compared with basic unshielded keystones, making this pack a heavier upfront investment for non-shielded installations.

Specifications

Brand	Cable Matters
Performance	Cat6A / 10GBASE-T
Shielding	Full metal die-cast jacket (shielded)
Wire Gauge	23-26 AWG solid or stranded
Termination	180 degree hinged jack; tool free cap; 110 IDC compatible
PoE Support	PoE+ compliant (IEEE 802.3at)
Pack Quantity	12 keystone jacks

Our Verdict

For anyone wiring a small office, patch panel or wall plate where 10Gbps performance and shielding matter, this 12-pack is a practical choice that balances build quality and installation speed. It is worth the price when EMI suppression, PoE+ compatibility and Cat6A compliance are required, though installers should be mindful of careful wire seating to avoid retention issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these compatible with Cat6 and Cat5e cable?
Yes. The Cat6A keystone is backwards compatible with Cat6 and Cat5e bulk cable for mixed cabling environments.

Do the jacks support Power over Ethernet?
Yes. The shielded RJ45 connector is PoE plus compliant and suitable for devices up to 30W with proper Cat6A cabling.

What tools are needed for termination?
You can use the tool free cap for simpler installs or a 110 impact tool; they are also compatible with specified Crimp Tool Model 180087 for crimp style termination.