Razer’s latest docking station promises better gaming performance with a dedicated wireless dongle port… and 13 more beside that

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What you need to know

  • Razer has announced a new docking station, this time powered by USB4.
  • Costing $100 less than Razer’s Thunderbolt 4 docking station, this hub has more ports, faster device charging, and a unique feature.
  • There’s a dedicated port for your 2.4GHz wireless dongles, which Razer claims massively reduces latency and improves stability for wireless accessories.
  • The Razer USB4 Dock is available starting today for $229.99 in both black and silver.

As a seasoned tech enthusiast and researcher with a knack for portable gadgets, I can confidently say that Razer’s new USB4 Dock has caught my attention. Having reviewed their previous docking station, I was eager to see how they would improve upon it. The lower price point and the addition of more ports, faster charging, and a dedicated wireless dongle port are clear game-changers for me.

The Razer USB Type-C Dock we reviewed (and that I still carry in my bag) enjoyed a lot of praise for us, but there was a limit to its capabilities. Now, Razer is taking the wraps off a new option for hardcore users — the Razer USB4 Dock is here, and it’s less of a standard USB hub and more of an all-in-one docking station to transform your workstation.

Over the past few days, I’ve been using the Razer USB4 Dock, and it seems to offer an attractive balance by incorporating all the features of a high-end Thunderbolt 4 dock without the premium price associated with the T4 label. The Razer USB4 Dock retails for just $229.99 on the Razer website, and it’s available in both sleek black and silver designs. With a total of 13 usable ports (excluding the main input), this dock is quite versatile, and it can even enhance your gaming setup by providing a dedicated port for your 2.4GHz wireless dongle.

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Individuals seeking to maximize their docking station’s potential – such as connecting external monitors, accessing additional storage, and utilizing preferred accessories – are probably in search of a Thunderbolt-equipped dock. Known for its versatility on the USB Type-C foundation and endorsed by Intel, Thunderbolt is an indispensable asset for creatives and power users due to its extensive functionality, but it does come at a premium cost.

Currently, a fresh universal standard known as USB4 has emerged, offering capabilities similar to Thunderbolt (as presented on paper), without the need for pricey licensing fees. In comparison to Thunderbolt, USB4 holds its own and laptops equipped with comprehensive USB4 ports can even utilize Thunderbolt-licensed docking stations and accessories. It’s heartening to see a forward-thinking company like Razer capitalize fully on the potential of USB4 with a new docking station that retails for $100 less than their Thunderbolt 4 dock, while boasting arguably greater capabilities.

The Razer USB4 Dock is a 14-in-1 docking station made of sleek, CNC anodized aluminum. My review sample is the classic Razer black, but the company also sells a more professional silver version that would look right at home alongside any Macbook, Surface, or Dell XPS. It’s bigger in every dimension and much heavier than Razer’s ultra-portable USB Type-C hub, but it’s also much more compact than something like the more expensive UGREEN Revodok Max 213 Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station I reviewed.

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As a tech enthusiast, I wouldn’t typically use the word “beautiful” to describe docking stations, but Razer’s USB4 Dock has certainly changed my perspective. This device is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it’s also brimming with practical features that make it a standout option from any company I’ve come across.

Of course, I can’t forget about this docking station’s most unique feature. On the side you’ll find a fifth USB Type-A port, which is specially designed for 2.4GHz wireless dongles — you know, the kind you use to connect your wireless mouse and keyboard to your PC? It’s common for users to experience increased latency or stability issues when their wireless dongle is connected to a hub or dock rather than to their PC directly, but Razer claims to have solved that with this port, making it perfect for mobile gaming setups.

180 watts of power flow into the Razer USB4 Dock, with the option to send up to 100 watts to your connected device through the USB4 upstream port. Additionally, there’s a USB Type-C port on the front, offering 20 watts of Power Delivery for charging devices like phones or other accessories. Compared to many Thunderbolt 4 docks, including Razer’s own model, this is quite remarkable as they typically only provide up to 90 watts for device charging.

In terms of connectivity options, this setup offers a fantastic variety without any noticeable gaps. The Razer docking station doesn’t compromise on display output, providing both HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4. This allows for smooth operation of dual displays effortlessly. Moreover, the Razer USB4 Dock is capable of supporting 4K at 120Hz or FHD at 240Hz across all its ports. The placement and spacing of these ports are thoughtfully designed, ensuring easy access, and overall build quality is top-notch.

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Despite not having had ample time for a thorough test, my initial feelings towards the Razer USB4 Dock are extremely favorable. It seems to match up well against many top-tier Thunderbolt 4 docking stations, and Razer manages to offer it at a lower retail price by foregoing the Thunderbolt label. Rest assured, you won’t be making any sacrifices; just like most Thunderbolt 4 docks, this Razer USB4 Dock works with devices that use both USB4 and older Thunderbolt versions (3/4/5).

The Razer USB4 Dock is now on sale at Razer for just $229.99, and it could potentially rank as one of the top value choices for individuals seeking a versatile all-in-one docking station. Keep an eye out for my comprehensive review, which I’ll be publishing in the near future.

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2024-11-14 19:09