Dockcase Smart USB-C Hub 10-in-1 Explorer Edition Impressions
PC accessories manufacturer Dockcase recently launched a Kickstarter campaign for its new product, the Dockcase Smart USB-C Hub 10-in-1 Explorer Edition which we’ll take a look at here. As usual with crowdfunded campaigns, caution is advised but this is Dockcase’s 10th campaign and they seem to have delivered on their other products so far.
Pledges for this new USB hub start at $119 and comes in a minimalist package with the hub itself and a USB-C cable:
The 10 ports that are featured on this hub and its specs are as follows:
While there are a range of USB hubs or docking stations differing in the number of ports and price range such as UGREEN’s $23 6-in-1 USB-C Hub or its $330 13-in1 Docking Station, Dockcase’s new hub mainly differentiates itself with its looks. It will instantly appeal to fans of clear shell products like myself and this one bears a futuristic, cyberpunk look that is quite unique among USB hubs. The see-through aspect is only for the top of the device though and the rest of the shell is of a sturdy aluminium build.
Plugging it into a PC will reveal its other special feature: a built-in screen. It can be a handy feature to view information about each individual port such as HDMI resolution and input/output wattage. There’s a dedicated button to navigate through it as well as for adjusting its orientation. While this addition can be handy for troubleshooting, if you’ve used PC ports without such a screen, you won’t find much use for this screen either. However, it’s a distinctive feature of Dockcase hubs (also included in their previously-reviewed 6-in-1 hub) which can have niche use cases and interests.
As for using the device, it is a plug-and-play affair, and instantly offers access to a suite of ports. With its dual 4K@60Hz display (via the HDMI+DP ports), it is a great add-on for multi-screen workstations and its 100W PD USB-C port can even power your laptop/accessories while in use.
I particularly find such hubs appropriate for handheld gaming PCs such as the AYANEO and Steam Deck as these lack certain ports. Having a portable add-on like the Dockcase Smart USB-C Hub 10-in-1 can be handy to transfer files (up to 312 MB/s via the SD slot) or even mirror the screen to a bigger display via the HDMI port. Given the clear-shell design of this hub, it is a great companion to the original AYANEO Founder Edition which bears a similar see-through aesthetic.
Ultimately, I think that the decision to purchase a Dockcase Smart USB-C Hub 10-in-1 Explorer Edition will hinge on its looks. It’s not the cheapest USB hub out there but it offers a decent number of ports and works as needed. It also offers some handy information about the ports in use with its built-in screen, although most users might not find a need for it. However, it does rock a unique, futuristic look that sets it apart from other USB hubs.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Dockcase Smart USB-C Hub 10-in-1 Explorer Edition, you can head to its campaign page which has already hit its funding goals and is expected to start deliveries in October.