I generally use a full external USB-C to USB hub rather than the little plug-in dongles, since (a) it offers more ports, (b) it's powered, and (c) I don't have the problem you noticed with the dongles being so close together.

I really, really like this one:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NP7B9WK/

Photo gallery, all about me, and more: www.xeromag.com/franklin.html