Connectors having improved signal paths. An illustrative embodiment of the present invention may provide a connector having a pair of first contacts adjacent to each other. Two second contacts may be located on each side of and adjacent to the pair of first contacts. The second contacts may include a front beam portion that contacts a front shield located along a front face of the connector. The front shield may in turn connect to a top shield that at least partially covers a top, sides, and back of the connector.