Official Review Hardware Updated

Review cover Yaber K3 GBAtemp review
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Yaber’s latest projector series, the K3, just launched on Amazon. Let's see how it fares in this review!

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After launching the portable T2 Plus projector earlier this year, Yaber is back with another projector model, the Yaber K3. It still touts a custom audio system in collaboration with JBL but is aimed at different use cases. We’ll take a closer look at it in this review.

Yaber K3 contents and specs

The Yaber K3 is officially priced at $600 on Amazon, but stick around till the end for a special discount if you’re interested in getting one. The package comes with the following items:

  • K3 Projector
  • Power Cord
  • Projector Remote Control
  • HDMI Cable

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Specs of the K3 can be found below:

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New projector model, new looks

Unlike the T2Plus which packed a tower-like design, the Yaber K3 adopts a more traditional, horizontal form factor. It is well built, with the fabric front adding a classy touch, and the overall device feels sturdy.

I myself prefer columnar projectors as they naturally project at a certain height, and do not require any mounts or tripods. The T2 Plus had such a design and the handle would be able to further prop the projector at varying angles. 

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Yaber’s new model doesn’t have such features and isn’t designed to be projected from heights, but it does have a small retractable stand that can give it a small boost in height and angle. It’s a nice inclusion but I would prefer if the stand was taller or a handle-like feature was included. This is because the K3 does not have tripod support or wall mounts that would enable it to project at different heights and angles easily. 

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I did query this design choice with Yaber. “The K3 series was specifically designed to provide a premium indoor cinematic experience, focusing on maximizing audio-visual quality rather than portability,” Marshall Mao, General Manager of Yaber, said. “By dedicating the design to home use, we could incorporate larger components that enhance brightness and sound output, as well as advanced cooling systems like CoolSwift, which maintain optimal performance. Additionally, the built-in Google TV dongle, high-power speakers, and other home-centric features offer greater functionality indoors where stable power is available, thus achieving our goal of delivering an immersive and uninterrupted experience.”

That said, it’s quite surprising that no such option was included as the K3 is rather wide, measuring 290*323*154mm, and has enough real estate for such features. Another feature that would be welcome would be on-device navigation controls. The K3 comes with a remote and can also be controlled with your phone via a companion app. But having on-device controls would still be welcome if the other options are out of battery.

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One of my main gripes with the T2 Plus was that its Android TV dongle was separate; leading it to stick out while in use. Yaber has corrected this aesthetic issue as the Android TV dongle is integrated at the base of the K3. It’s not even visible as it’s concealed under a small lid. This seamless integration is welcome and indicates that Yaber paid close attention to the looks of the projector.

Great audio and bright images with the Yaber K3

Projected images with the Yaber K3 are bright… very bright. Its lens can project at a resolution of 1080p and 1600 ANSI Lumens, and the output is visibly bright. In comparison, the T2 Plus can project at 1080p with 450 ANSI Lumens. This makes the K3  less reliant on darker surroundings, and you are able to use it decently even during day time. The level of brightness is quite impressive and makes it a contender for a TV substitute.

Unlike the T2 series that was made for flexible environments, the K3 series was engineered as an all-in-one solution for high-performance home entertainment, Yaber told me. “Its primary focus is on delivering enhanced brightness (1600 ANSI lumens), powerful audio (dual 15W JBL stereo speakers, with a subwoofer for the K3 Pro), and advanced features like NovaGlow and CoolSwift technology,” Marshall Mao said. “This approach allows the K3 series to meet the demands of users seeking an elevated, cinema-like experience in their homes rather than prioritizing portability.”

Whether it is video games, YouTube videos or movies, the K3 indeed displays bright images. The output is faithful, although not the most impressive or sharp that I have seen on a projector. At its current price tag, I would expect better image quality and higher refresh rate.

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The Yaber K3 supports input over USB (such as a USB stick), HDMI and the embedded Android TV; and it will display them at an adjustable projection size between 40" and 200". This range is remarkable and enables the use of the projector to suit various setups, again enabling it to be used as a TV substitute. The auto focus and auto keystone correction makes for a seamless use, while still being able to manually adjust these parameters should you need to. 

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However, I was not convinced by its intelligent obstacle avoidance feature. This is supposed to account for environmental elements such as sofas and the projector would adjust the viewing angle. I haven’t seen the K3 successfully act this out, so there is room for improvements. Luckily, the manual adjustments allow the user to better position the projected images.

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As important as visuals on a projector is the audio quality. With the K3 series, Yaber extends its partnership with audio expert JBL. This projector features custom-built 15W JBL stereo speakers with Dolby audio and the Pro model includes a subwoofer. The projector really showcases JBL’s expertise in the field. Audio output is faithful and vibrant, which complements the visuals of movies or shows being projected with a natural and clear soundscape. As the K3 has a speaker mode, it doubles as an excellent Bluetooth speaker, with a strong bass component.

“We integrated JBL’s advanced acoustic technology into our latest K3 series, enhancing audio performance to create an immersive experience,” Yaber's Marshall Mao noted. “Looking ahead, we’re excited to deepen our partnership with JBL, further innovating in sound quality to provide users with leading-edge audiovisual solutions.”

Yaber K3: two steps forward, one step back

Compared to its previous model, the T2 Plus, Yaber has addressed some downsides with the K3. The integrated Android TV dongle is welcome and the bright display is noticeable. However, there are some downsides with this model that the T2 Plus did not have.

Firstly, the height and angle adjustments are severely lacking on the K3. Even if it has a small stand, it is not appropriate to be used in a living room where you are likely to have furniture around. With a throw ratio of 1.2:1, you need to position the K3 at a decent distance from the projecting surface in order to have a large projection. But if you have furniture in the way, you will need to position the K3 at a certain height and angle for the projection to hit the wall without encountering obstacles. This is quite limited on this projector as its stand can only prop it so much and it does not support tripods or wall mounts. Yaber could have addressed this issue by making the K3 a short throw projector, or at least have tripod support.

Secondly, the K3 is not as versatile as the T2 Plus as it relies on an external power source to function. There is no built-in battery to make it portable and I think that this is a missed opportunity. With the bright visuals that the K3 outputs, it could be adequate for outdoors use and also wouldn’t need you to position it in proximity of a power socket.

Then there is the fact that the fan noise is rather noticeable. It does help to cool the projector but you’ll want to adjust the volume accordingly to drown the fan sounds.

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These downsides position the Yaber K3 as a more traditional projector for indoors use in a fixed position. It’s not necessarily bad but being more versatile would make it a more attractive option, especially at its current cost. I eventually found myself liking the Yaber T2 Plus more than the K3, so I hope that Yaber’s next projector will take the best of the two models to make a more appealing product.

Yaber K3 discount code

If you’re interested in getting the Yaber K3 for yourself, you can use the discount code below and get the project for $412 for a limited time.

  • Amazon Link
  • Discount Code: YABERK317
  • Original Price: $599.99
  • Discounted Price: $412
  • Validity Period: valid from November 11, 2024, 00:00 PST to December 2, 2024, 23:59 PST.

Verdict

What We Liked ...
  • Projects very bright images
  • High-end audio quality (with integrated subwoofer in Pro model)
  • Well concealed Android TV dongle
What We Didn't Like ...
  • No tripod or wall mount support
  • Relies on external power source
  • Limited height and angle adjustments
6.5
out of 10

Overall

The Yaber K3 projector delivers bright images that are supplemented with quality JBL audio but its lack of versatility is apparent.
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