How best to model an input connector?

Question

Newbie here. Would like to get advice on how to approach modelling an input connector, such as the one shown in this image.

Answer 1

One way to do this,is just to use some simple basic Modelling Tools, like Inset Bevel and Loop Cut.

Here I have created a Cylinder. First I moved its top face down in Z axis to flatten it. Then I use Inset, that can be found for example from the face menu (Ctrl+F). While pressing Ctrl when the Inset tool is active, I can offset the inset geometry along its normal.

Next I add few loops with Loop Cut and Slide, and push them inward with Shrink/Flatten, to get some curvature to those parts

Then I bevel the edges I want to keep sharp, with 2 segments and Profile Shape set to 1:

Then I add Subdivision and Smooth by Angle modifiers, some material and get this:

I'm not saying that this is the best way, as I would personally prefer some procedural solution in most cases, same or similar to quellenforms answer, as I'm nearly never satified with the first version, and with this method it is much harder to change the design once it is done. I could have used Bevel Modifier here, istead, so it would be a bit easier to modify. But pure direct modelling is fun some times

Edit:

Material Settings, as they were asked in commends:

Viewport Shading Settings :

Answer 2

There is no "best way" to model this object, because there are always several ways and it always depends on what exactly you want to do.

A classic method would be to model the whole thing directly, but you can also solve this with Geometry Nodes.

To do this, simply use a curve as input and the Curve to Mesh node.

Something like this:

---

PS: The/Another classic method would of course be, as Gordon aptly and emphatically pointed out in the comments, to edit this curve with a Screw Modifier.

...Make sure you select the correct axis and that the curve is in the right place.

A personal note:

I personally prefer solutions created with GN (as you can easily see). Since Blender is increasingly moving in this direction, I think it's wise to learn how GN works and familiarize others with it. Solutions with GN are often easier than expected, and I personally want to break down barriers and reservations.