iVANKY RGB Dock Review: Turn Your Steam Deck Into a Desktop Gaming Beast

It’s interesting to note that seldom do people mention, when they splurge $600 on a Steam Deck, their subsequent search for methods to lessen its handheld feel when they’re at home. While I adore portable gaming, there’s an element of melancholy in leaning over a 7-inch screen playing Apex Legends, especially when there’s an excellent monitor just three feet away that could be utilized instead.

These handheld gaming devices occupy an unusual territory – they boast advanced technology that’s remarkable on-the-go but surprisingly restrictive when gaming from your chair. After experimenting with three less-than-ideal adapter configurations, I decided to test the iVANKY RGB Gaming Dock to find out if it could bridge this divide. Surprise! It definitely does an impressive job.

Design And Build Quality

Initially, the iVANKY Gaming Dock With RGB Illumination catches the eye immediately due to its customizable RGB lighting system, offering seven unique modes. It’s an excellent method to inject some style into your gaming environment. However, it’s not just about aesthetics; the dock boasts a well-considered design with various adjustable positions.

As a movie buff, I can switch between three modes that cater to different viewing experiences: The standard 0° mode offers a comfortable, typical setup for my desktop, while the 45° cooling mode ramps up the airflow if I’m working on something intense or power-hungry. If I just want an open, breezy experience, I can opt for the 45° full-open mode.

Among tech gadgets, two aspects I deeply appreciate and observe are their reliability and robustness (since I’m quite clumsy and prone to dropping things). Thankfully, our device boasts a strong, non-slip foundation that ensures your valuable equipment stays firmly in place. The removable braided cable is an added convenience, especially if you frequently adjust your dock to various positions while using it. Unlike many other docks on the market, iVANKY seems to be crafted with durability as a priority, offering a perfect blend of long-lasting quality and easy portability.

The feature that catches my attention most in the device’s physical layout is its unique dual-foldable stand design. This setup ensures that the cooling vents stay clear, which is particularly beneficial since many portable gaming devices tend to heat up quite a bit.

As a fellow movie enthusiast who’s also fond of handheld gaming devices like the Steam Deck OLED or Legion Go, I empathize with you if you’ve encountered that pesky issue of thermal throttling during extended gameplay sessions. It’s frustrating, I know! To help alleviate this problem, I strongly advise you to consider investing in a cooling dock designed specifically for these devices. Trust me, it could make all the difference in maintaining optimal performance and uninterrupted gaming sessions.

Port Selection And Connectivity

A key feature that makes any excellent dock stand out is its abundance of ports, as this aspect is essentially what it’s all about. Impressively, the iVANKY excels in this area, offering a comprehensive 12 connection options that cater to almost every peripheral you might require for connection.

Without a doubt, the standout feature is the advanced HDMI 2.1 port that supports 4K resolution at a rapid 120Hz refresh rate – a significant advantage in the specialized yet thrilling realm of competitive handheld gaming.

The full port selection includes:

1x HDMI 2.1 port (4K@120Hz)
1x Gigabit Ethernet port (1000Mbps)
2x USB-A 3.2 ports (10Gbps)
2x USB-A 3.0 ports (5Gbps)
1x USB-C charging port (100W max output)
1x 3.5mm audio jack
1x SD card slot (312MB/s transfer speed)
1x TF/microSD card slot (312MB/s transfer speed)

How does the iVANKY 14-in-1 Gaming Dock compare to other popular docks? Let’s examine some well-known brands and determine if there are any compromises with the iVANKY. In crucial aspects important for hardcore handheld gaming, the iVANKY dock surpasses the JSAUX 12-in-1 RGB Dock.

The iVANKY boasts a consistent high-speed data transfer rate across all its USB ports, with at least 5Gbps for basic ports and up to 10Gbps for premium ones. This is different from JSAUX’s assortment, which includes slower USB 2.0 connections of 480Mbps that might slow down your peripherals.

On the iVANKY device, a two-in-one card reader system is implemented, enabling true concurrent access to SD and microSD cards at a speed of up to 312MB/s. However, as JSAUX advertises faster theoretical speeds for their dock, they don’t actually support simultaneous access to these card types. In terms of heat management during prolonged gaming sessions, the adjustable positioning feature on iVANKY offers real advantages that the fixed design of the JSAUX product fails to replicate.

JSAUX provides joystick protectors as additional accessories for Steam Deck and ROG Ally, which adds another thoughtful feature to their products. However, when it comes to the JSAUX HB1201S versus iVANKY, while the former includes DisplayPort support for higher resolutions (up to 8K@30Hz) and gaming features like ALLM and VRR, the latter consistently performs well and boasts a practical design, making it the preferred choice for gamers who seek seamless transition between portable and desktop-level gaming.

Moving forward, we find the Corsair TBT100, which offers fewer USB connections but boasts dual HDMI outputs, though they are limited to 60Hz. Conversely, the Razer Core X Chroma presents four USB 3.1 ports and a Gigabit Ethernet connection, but trades off display outputs for its graphics card features. In contrast, the Plugable USB-C Dock adopts a more minimalist design with only one HDMI port, one USB 3.0 port, and two USB 2.0 ports.

With the iVANKY, you’ll experience a swift 100W power delivery system, surpassing the 85W setup of the Corsair TBT100 and equaling the Razer Core X Chroma. It allows for the connection of numerous peripherals, external storage devices, and even an Ethernet cable (perfect for LAN parties and competitive gaming). Additionally, it enables you to switch your handheld device into full-PC mode by connecting it to an external display without worrying about running out of ports.

Consider situations where you have a capture card in operation, an external solid-state drive for game storage, a gaming keyboard, mouse, controller (for specific games), and perhaps a microphone or webcam. Often, with many docks, you find yourself juggling the challenge of deciding which device to unplug each day, causing inconvenience.

As a gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but appreciate the divine intervention of an Ethernet port during my competitive gaming sessions. Too often, I’ve seen fellow gamers exit out of frustration due to lag issues while battling for victory on congested WiFi networks. In the heat of a final showdown in Fortnite or a championship match in Rocket League, that hardwired connection is truly a game-changer.

Performance And Compatibility

Moving on from ports discussion, let’s delve into the performance aspect and its consistency across various devices. The exciting part is that the 4K@120Hz output performs as anticipated when hooked to a compatible screen, offering you noticeably smoother visuals compared to native screens on these gadgets. This is particularly advantageous for those who play shooter-genre games, as it enhances the refresh rate and resolution, providing an improved gaming experience.

Which systems are suitable for it? We’re perfectly fine with the latest handheld gaming PCs, such as the Steam Deck (both original and OLED versions), ROG Ally, and Legion Go. These platforms deliver exceptional performance, with the dock identifying devices instantly and ensuring steady connections.

Delivering power is just as important a function of the dock as providing a place to connect your devices. This device offers power delivery support of up to 100W, ensuring it can charge your devices at their fastest possible speed, thereby removing any potential delays in charging.

As a passionate moviegoer reviewing portable gaming devices, I must highlight that the Steam Deck caps at 45W charging, whereas the ROG Ally and Legion Go can reach 65W and 85W respectively. This implies that these three devices can charge fully, and even beyond, when connected to this dock. The benefit? You can effortlessly power your dock and handheld device simultaneously while immersed in your favorite games, without ever encountering speed hiccups due to insufficient power supply.

The iVANKY dock’s built-in RGB lighting system allows for marquee effects and individual color changes across seven hues (red, yellow, green, cyan, blue, purple, white). This feature enables you to harmonize the lighting with other RGB devices in your setup, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere within your gaming environment. A significant improvement over their original dock which lacked RGB capabilities.

Compared to its competitors, the Corsair TBT100 and Plugable USB-C Dock prioritize functionality over lighting effects, whereas the Razer Core X Chroma takes a different approach by offering a comprehensive RGB Chroma system with 16.8 million color options spread across two separate zones. The Razer product features 13 LEDs on its side and 15 on its front underside, which adds an attractive touch. However, customizing these lights requires using the Synapse 3 software provided by Razer.

Instead of needing additional software, the iVANKY has its own built-in lighting abilities that function seamlessly. A quick adjustment or two will allow you to customize it according to your taste, resulting in a visually appealing arrangement within minutes.

Portability And Form Factor

When considering portability, it’s important to note that the Razer Core X Chroma is quite substantial in size and weight. This powerhouse of a dock stands at approximately 14.72 inches deep, 6.61 inches wide, and 9.06 inches high, making it more akin to transporting a small desktop than an accessory. Although it delivers exceptional performance with its impressive eGPU capabilities, it’s not the kind of device you’d casually carry in a backpack for a gaming session away from home.

From my perspective, at the far end of the scale, the Plugable USB-C Dock (UD-CUBE) is remarkably compact, standing at only 2.5 inches long, 2.3 inches wide, and 1.4 inches high, while tipping the scales at a feathery 130g. Without a doubt, it’s the most portable choice you can find, but that portability does come with some trade-offs—it offers fewer connectivity options, lacks RGB lighting, and is limited in its display capabilities, only supporting a single HDMI output.

The Corsair TBT100 has dimensions of approximately 8.98 inches by 3.27 inches by 0.98 inches, placing it in a medium size range. Its sleek aluminum design makes it relatively portable, although it doesn’t fold like the iVANKY, which gives it an advantage for travel.

The JSAUX RGB Docking Station (HB1201S) has dimensions of approximately 5.9 x 3.6 x 1.1 inches (or 150 x 92 x 28.2mm) and weighs around 170g, making it a convenient travel size. Although lightweight and compact enough to carry, its inflexible design means it occupies more space than ideal when being transported. Its non-collapsible construction provides a solid feel on your desk, but reduces its suitability for travel when you’re looking to minimize baggage in your gaming backpack.

As a movie critic, I must say that the iVANKY dock stand truly shines for mobile gaming enthusiasts. With its compact dimensions (6.38 x 5 x 1.73 inches and weighing less than 500 grams), it’s as portable as a lightweight backpack. Yet, this pocket-sized marvel doesn’t compromise on connectivity, boasting an impressive 14 ports – far more than its competitors like Plugable.

The standout feature here is its dual-foldable design. It folds down flat for easy transportation, making it a perfect travel companion. Once you reach your destination, simply unfold it and voila! You have a full-featured dock right at your fingertips. This versatile design is the cherry on top of an already impressive piece of tech. In short, the iVANKY dock stand offers the best of both worlds: the functionality of a high-end dock and the convenience of a travel-friendly device. Absolutely brilliant!

For regular LAN party participants or competitive gamers who often move around, the iVANKY offers a perfect balance between the compact yet limited Plugable dock and the powerful but stationary Razer Core X Chroma. This means you don’t have to compromise on functionality for portability, allowing you to enjoy a desktop-like gaming experience wherever you are.

How Does It Factor Into Everyday Use?

Speaking of gaming, let me tell you about the iVANKY dock which excels at everyday computing tasks. It offers multiple USB ports, allowing you to connect a full keyboard and mouse setup, external storage devices, and other accessories all at once. I find it incredibly handy when using my Steam Deck in desktop mode; effectively turning it into a versatile workstation that’s primed for productivity.

I value the dock’s ability to offer extensive functionality while requiring minimal space on my desktop. Its small footprint is unexpectedly convenient for those of us who work in cramped spaces. Additionally, the cable length is just right – long enough to provide positioning flexibility without becoming a tangled mess on my desk.

If I were to be overly critical, I’d note that the predetermined angles (0 degrees and 45 degrees) might not suit every scenario. At times, a precise angle in between would be desirable, and a stand with continuous adjustability would provide more adaptability. However, it is clear why such fixed positions are chosen – they offer unwavering stability, a crucial aspect when dealing with costly gaming equipment.

Drawing Up Some Comparisons

When considering whether the iVANKY dock is a good investment for your money, it’s essential to compare its features with other options available in the market. For instance, the Corsair TBT100 dock boasts Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, providing a fast 40Gbps bandwidth and the ability to support two 4K displays. However, there’s an important point to note: these displays only operate at 60Hz refresh rate.

In terms of competitive gaming, the 120Hz feature on the iVANKY truly stands out, significantly enhancing responsiveness. On the other hand, while the Plugable USB-C Dock is highly portable, making it ideal for business travelers, its limitation to a single 4K HDMI output and absence of RGB capabilities may somewhat restrict its potential uses.

If you’re seeking more substantial figures, the Razer Core X Chroma stands out as a completely distinct option. It’s an external GPU enclosure adorned with vibrant Chroma RGB lighting, capable of significantly boosting your gaming capabilities—we’re talking about potential performance enhancements up to 370% in certain benchmarks with top-tier graphics cards. However, it’s also larger and heavier than the iVANKY, making it less suitable for carrying around for a gaming session at a friend’s house.

Despite the RGB Gaming Deck from JSAUX, some gamers have expressed a sense of dissatisfaction due to its somewhat flimsy plastic construction. On the other hand, the iVANKY stands out with its robust build quality and cleverly designed dual-foldable structure that has won over many users.

The iVANKY truly shines amidst the competition due to its dedication towards compatibility with portable gaming PCs. It identifies its user base, including owners of Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and Legion Go, and addresses their unique requirements by offering a 120Hz output and thermal management solutions. Moreover, the 24-month warranty ensures you can trust that your valuable gaming equipment is well protected.

Additionally, it doesn’t require unusual concessions. The cooling mechanism operates efficiently without requiring additional fans to purchase, the RGB functionality can be managed without the need for separate software, and you can carry it conveniently in your bag without having to dedicate a large portion of the space for it. After testing numerous docks that were either excessively large, fragile, or restrictive, discovering one that functions smoothly without complications feels surprisingly refreshing.

In my opinion, the ease of use is what truly sells this device. I detest messy cables intensely, so the ability to link all components using a single cord when I need to dock my handheld device is simply perfect.

Bottom Line

If you’re truly committed to an optimal gaming experience on your Steam Deck or ROG Ally, this device addresses genuine issues. It noticeably decreases thermal throttling, streamlines adapter chaos, and eliminates any complicated setup inconveniences.

120Hz output significantly enhances performance in competitive games. The cooling system is effective. The included ports serve their purpose well. Additionally, the RGB lighting adds a stylish touch to your gaming setup.

By spending roughly the cost of a new game and a half, you can effectively convert your handheld device into one that can compete with desktop setups when needed, but still retain its portability when not in use. If you’re juggling gaming sessions between your couch, desk, and on-the-go, this dock is a logical choice for you.

From my perspective, the essence of gaming lies in the ability for choice. Choose what game, choose your playstyle, choose your location. The iVANKY Gaming Dock enhances this liberty, a concept I wholeheartedly support.

If you’d like to explore further, feel free to check out iVANKY’s official site or their Amazon storefront for additional information. Should you decide to shop from the website, remember to apply our special code 7ZRBDOX8 at the checkout for a temporary $70 discount on your order.

2025-04-16 15:06