However, the problem is that the USB ports have no guide to lead the USB in so they stick on the edge and no matter how hard you push it just sits on the edge and makes you think you have it upside down. You would improve usability greatly if the ports just readily allowed the plug to slide in.
I've never had to make an effort to plug in a 3.5mm as the plug design complements the port design. You either miss or it's in.
Of course, if the slots are oriented vertically...
Of course, you can always just look at the end of the plug and orient it so the white plastic key is on the bottom, but where's the fun in that?
Also doesn't help when the lighting's not so good and you have a USB logo embossed in black plastic on a black plug with the manufacturer's logo embossed in the same way on the other side. Trial-and-error probably isn't as bad as squinting at it trying to figure out which side is "up"...