There’s no scarcity of USB-C hubs out in the marketplace that you would be able to choose from, starting from round $15 to $60. These dime-a-dozen units are helpful for attaching a number of peripherals to your USB-C-equipped pc with a single port, and whether or not you choose for an inexpensive or costly mannequin, you may count on largely the identical efficiency from every, albeit a less expensive mannequin may need fewer bells and whistles or not look as good.
However one firm known as DockCase is attempting to introduce one thing new and distinctive to the market known as the Explorer Version 6-in-1 USB-C Hub, and it strives to disturb this area by providing novel options that you simply simply gained’t discover on any of the peculiar USB-C hubs you could find in all places on Amazon. It’s presently being featured in a KickStarter marketing campaign, which has already reached its funding purpose.
Enter the DockCase Explorer Version USB-C Hub
A fast look on the DockCase Explorer Version 6-in-1 USB-C Hub, and also you’ll see that it takes a clear method to the physique, permitting you to see the technological guts contained inside. However while you plug it in, that’s when the magic occurs. An built-in 16-bit LCD show exhibits dwell information concerning the hub in real-time, together with energy draw, show decision information throughput speeds, and extra…
As I mentioned when exhibiting off the SharGeek Storm 2 Battery Pack, I’ve an affixation with see-through enclosures as a result of I like seeing what makes issues tick on the within. DockCase simply hits that very same observe with me with their Explorer Version 6-in-1 USB-C Hub, and it’s neat as a result of you may see the standard of the electronics and the soldering from the skin.
So let’s take a better have a look at this factor, lets?
The Ports
The DockCase Explorer Version 6-in-1 Hub options six totally different ports. Our mannequin comes geared up with:
- Energy In: USB-C Energy Supply @ 100W
- HDMI: As much as 4K decision @ 60Hz
- Knowledge: 1x USB-C @5Gb/s (USB 3.2 Gen 1), 3x USB-A @ 5Gb/s (USB 3.2 Gen 1)
An non-compulsory Professional mannequin can be accessible that replaces one of many USB-A ports with a Gigabit Ethernet port, however that isn’t the mannequin we’ve on this assessment.
The LCD Show
The obvious characteristic of the DockCase Explorer Version 6-in-1 Hub is the 1.44-inch 16-bit LCD show, which gives a dwell readout of all of the totally different data regarding the ports of the hub which might be in use.
When you’re utilizing any of the USB ports, then the show will let you know how a lot information bandwidth is obtainable for every port. When utilizing USB-C, it is going to present how a lot energy is being drawn by means of it, not simply as a wattage quantity, but in addition the connection between voltage and amperage. And naturally, the HDMI readout exhibits the show output decision, refresh fee, and bandwidth used as that dwell information switch occurs.
This hub doesn’t have the Gigabit Ethernet port just like the ‘Professional’ version does, but when it did, then you definately would additionally see a Gigabit Ethernet pace readout instead of one of many USB-A readouts.
It’s a USB-C Hub, however a neat one
The DockCase Explorer 6-in-1 USB-C Hub is a tool that works with nearly any system that helps USB-C, together with all Macs, USB-C iPads, some Home windows computer systems, some Android handsets, and even recreation consoles such because the Nintendo Change and Valve Steam Deck.
To be clear, the DockCase Explorer 6-in-1 USB-C Hub is barely a USB-C hub, not a Thunderbolt hub, and it’s considerably bare-bones because it lacks help for SD or microSD playing cards, doesn’t present a DisplayPort port, and doesn’t provide any USB speeds quicker than 5Gb/s as in comparison with a few of the competitors.
For a USB-C hub that strives to have an MSRP of $100 (or $110 for the Professional mannequin), which is anyplace from 3-5x the price of comparable hubs from competing manufacturers, the one characteristic that stands out to me most is the LCD show and I can’t actually justify the added price for such a characteristic. For $30 extra, you may get an precise Thunderbolt 3 hub from OWC with simply as many USB ports on it and all of the bandwidth to attach the identical units you may to the DockCase Explorer.
That’s to not say that I feel the DockCase Explorer or Explorer Professional aren’t cool units, as a result of as I mentioned, I just like the see-through aesthetic and the flexibility to view dwell information data on the LCD show. These options simply don’t carry the worth I’d wish to see at a $100 value level, nonetheless. As an alternative, I feel the KickStarter early chook backing value of $69 could be nearer to an appropriate value, and positively not $100.
My ideas on the DockCase Explorer 6-in-1 USB-C Hub
I’ve compiled a brief listing of execs and cons regarding the DockCase Explorer 6-in-1 USB-C hub to summarize:
Execs:
- Neat clear design
- Constructed-in dwell information LCD show
- Loads of I/O to get the job executed
- Sturdy aluminum enclosure
- Braided USB-C to USB-C cable included
Cons:
- Price ticket is tough to justify
- Clear high cowl is a fingerprint magnet
Conclusion
When you’re searching for an attention-grabbing USB-C hub that gives what the DockCase Explorer or Explorer Professional carry to the desk that many of the market doesn’t – particularly the LCD show and the clear high cowl, then you may head over to the KickStarter web page to again the venture for as little as $69 for the non-pro USB-C hub.
Do you suppose the DockCase Explorer 6-in-1 USB-C Hub is a worthwhile funding? Tell us within the feedback part down beneath.
