You know what nobody talks about when they drop $600 on aSteam Deck? How quickly you’ll start hunting for ways to make it feel less… handheld-y when you’re actually at home. I love gaming on the go, but there’s something sad about hunching over a 7-inch screen playingApex Legendswhen there’sa perfectly good monitorthree feet away.
That’s the awkward middle ground these gaming handhelds exist in - incredible tech that’s revolutionary on a bus but strangely limiting in your gaming chair. After cycling through three different janky adapter setups, I tested the iVANKY RGB Gaming Dock to see if it could bridge that gap. Spoiler alert: it is absolutely badass.
Design And Build Quality
Right off the bat, theiVANKY Gaming Dock With RGB Lightingmakes a hell of an impression with its RGB lighting system, which gives you seven distinct lighting modes. This is a great way to add a touch of pizzazz to your gaming space, but also, beyond just looking pretty, the dock features averythoughtfully engineered design with multiple positioning options.
You can use it in standard 0° mode for typical desktop setups, 45° cooling mode if you want to bump up the airflow to your device, or the 45° full-open mode, depending on what you’re in the mood for.
Two things I absolutely love and notice about any tech are stability and durability (mostly because I have a tendency to drop things a lot). Fortunately, we’re working with a sturdy, non-slip base that keeps your expensive hardware quite secure. The detachable braided cable is a nice touch, definitely useful if you’re used to playing with your dock in weird positions. Most docks out there feel flimsy to hold as well, but the iVANKY appears designed with permanence in mind while still giving you that beautiful portability.
What stands out most to me about the physical design is the dual-foldable stand configuration. It’s mapped out in a way that the cooling vents remain unobstructed, and that’s great news because, well, most handheld gaming devices are extremely hot.
For Steam Deck OLED,Asus ROG Ally, orLegion Goowners who may have experienced that slight tinge of volcanic thermal throttling when your sessions run too long, I offer you my condolences, and a sincere recommendation to check out this dock.
Port Selection And Connectivity
The primary selling point of any good dock is the number of ports on it, because, after all, that’s sort of the point. The iVANKY is doing pretty great for itself in that area, considering we have a total of 12 connection options that cover virtually every peripheral you may need to hook up to.
The highlight is undoubtedly the HDMI 2.1 port capable of outputting 4K resolution at 120Hz refresh rate, which is, again, a massive bonus for the very niche but also very cool handheld competitive world.
The full port selection includes:
How exactly does it hold up to some of the other well-known docks on the market, though? Let’s take a look at some of the big-names and seeifwe have any trade-offs with the iVANKY. The iVANKY 14-in-1 Gaming Dock pulls ahead of the JSAUX 12-in-1 RGB Dock in several key areas that matter for serious handheld gaming.
While both support 4K@120Hz output, the iVANKY delivers consistent high-speed data across all its USB ports (minimum 5Gbps, with premium ports at 10Gbps), unlike JSAUX’s mixed bag that includes slower 480Mbps USB 2.0 connections that can bottleneck your peripherals.
The dual card reader system on the iVANKY allows true simultaneous SD and microSD access at 312MB/s, which JSAUX explicitly states its dock cannot do despite advertising faster theoretical speeds. For thermal management, the iVANKY’s adjustable positioning provides tangible benefits during extended gaming sessions that JSAUX’s fixed design can’t match.
The included joystick protectors for Steam Deck and ROG Ally are another thoughtful touch that JSAUX makes you purchase separately as add-ons. While the JSAUX HB1201S does counter with DisplayPort, supporting higher resolutions (up to 8K@30Hz) and gaming features like ALLM and VRR, the iVANKY’s consistent performance and practical design make it the more reliable choice for gamers who want their handheld to seamlessly transition between portable and desktop-class gaming.
Moving on, we have the Corsair TBT100, which comes with fewer USB ports, but it also includes dual HDMI outputs (limited to 60Hz), while the Razer Core X Chroma providesfourUSB 3.1 ports and Gigabit Ethernet. However, it also sacrifices the number of display outputs for its graphics card functionality. The Plugable USB-C Dock, on the other hand, takes a minimalist approach with just one HDMI port, one USB 3.0 port, and two USB 2.0 ports.
What do we get with the iVANKY? A superfast 100W power delivery system that matches the Razer Core X Chroma andexceedsthe Corsair TBT100’s 85W setup (keep in mind that the Plugable dock doesn’t provide host charging at all). you’re able to also connect multiple peripherals, external storage, hook up an ethernet cable (great for LAN parties and competitive gaming, by the way)andgo full-PC mode by connecting your handheld to an external display without having to worry about running out of ports.
Think about streaming sessions where you’ve got a capture card running,external SSDfor game storage, gaming keyboard, mouse, controller for certain games, and maybe a mic or webcam. With most docks, you’d be playing a frustrating game of “which device gets unplugged today?”
The Ethernet portaloneis a godsend for competitive gaming. I’ve witnessed too many rage quits from players blaming “lag” when they’re trying to play ranked matches on crowded WiFi. When you’re in the final circle in Fortnite or the championship match in Rocket League, that hardwired connection makes all the difference.
Performance And Compatibility
But enough about ports, let’s talk about the performance and how it’s looking across different devices. The good news is that the 4K@120Hz output actually delivers as promised when connected to a compatible display, giving you significantly smoother visuals than the native screens on these devices. This is a massive advantage if you’re working with shooter-genre games because you end up getting a better refresh rate and a higher resolution.
What is it compatible with, you ask? We’re absolutely A-OK with the current generation of handheld gaming PCs, including the Steam Deck (original and OLED models), ROG Ally, and Legion Go. Performance is absolutely solid across all these platforms, with the dock recognizing devices super-quick and also maintaining stable connections.
Power delivery is another huge part of the dock’s output. With support for up to 100W power delivery, you can rest assured that this handy little creature can charge your device at its maximum supported rate, eliminating any lag.
But the Steam Deck tops out at 45W charging, the ROG Ally at 65W, and the Legion Go can utilize up to 85W, meaning all three devices can charge at their full rates (and more) through this dock. This also means you can consistently power your dockandyour handheldwhileplaying your favourite games without having to worry about speed issues.
The RGB lighting system on the iVANKY dock supports marquee, as well as seven-color single-color light switching (red, yellow, green, cyan, blue, purple, white). You can totally sync these up with any other RGB devices in your setup, bringing together a little cozy vibe in your gaming space. A definite step up from thecompany’s OG dockwhich didn’t come with RGB.
How does it stack up against the competition? Well, the Corsair TBT100 and Plugable USB-C Dock don’t really bother with lighting features, while the Razer Core X Chroma goes all-in with their Chroma RGB system boasting 16.8 million colors across two lighting zones. The Razer solution has 13 LEDs on the side and 15 on the front underside, which is pretty sweet, but requires you to run their Synapse 3 software for customization.
The iVANKY, on the other hand, keeps things simple with standalone lighting capabilities that just work, no extra software needed. Just tweak it a little to work with your preferences and you’ll have a rather aesthetically pleasing setup in no time.
Portability And Form Factor
Let’s compare the dock in terms of portability : The Razer Core X Chroma is an absolute beast measuring 14.72 inches deep, 6.61 inches wide, and 9.06 inches high. At a hefty 15.23 pounds (6.91 kg), it’s more like transporting a small desktop than an accessory. Sure, it offers incredible performance with its magical eGPU powers, but you’re not casually tossing this in a backpack for a gaming session across town.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Plugable USB-C Dock (UD-CUBE) is adorably tiny at just 2.5 x 2.3 x 1.4 inches and weighing a mere 130g. It’s undeniably the most portable option, but that comes with significant compromises—fewer ports, no RGB, and limited display capabilities with just a single HDMI output.
The Corsair TBT100 falls somewhere in the middle with dimensions of 228mm (8.98 inches) × 83mm (3.27 inches) × 25mm (0.98 inches). Its slim aluminum design makes it reasonably portable,butit lacks the folding capabilities that give the iVANKY its travel-friendly edge.
The JSAUX RGB Docking Station (HB1201S) measures approximately 5.9 x 3.6 x 1.1 inches (150 x 92 x 28.2mm) and weighs around 170g, making it reasonably portable. While it’s lightweight and compact enough to toss in a bag, its rigid design means it takes up more space than necessary when packed. The non-foldable structure gives it a sturdy feel on your desk but limits its travel-friendliness when you’re trying to minimize bulk in your gaming backpack.
What makes the iVANKY dock stand out formobile gaming setupsis its collapsible design (6.38 x 5 x 1.73 inches, just under 500 grams). While maintaining all its connectivity options (14 ports compared to the Plugable’s minimal offerings), it can fold down for easy transport and then pop back into position when you arrive at your destination. The dual-foldable stand configuration is an absolute banger in terms of portability because you get both the functionality of a full-featured dockandthe convenience of a travel-friendly design.
For frequent LAN party attendees or competitive gamers who travel around the block, the iVANKY hits that sweet spot between the ultra-portable but limited Plugable dock and the powerful but stationary Razer Core X Chroma. You’re not sacrificing functionality for portability, which means you can still enjoy that full desktop-like gaming experience wherever you go.
How Does It Factor Into Everyday Use?
So we’ve covered gaming, but what about when you’re just trying to get some work done? Well, I am pleased to inform you that the iVANKY dock handles everyday computing tasks like a champ. With all those USB ports at your disposal, you can hook up a full keyboard and mouse setup, external drives, and other peripherals simultaneously. I’ve found this particularly useful when using my Steam Deck in desktop mode; it essentially transforms into a compact PC that’s ready for productivity.
What I really appreciate is how the dock doesn’t demand much desk real estate despite all its functionality. The footprint is surprisingly modest, which is perfect for those of us working with limited space. The braided cable is just the right length too, long enough to give you positioning flexibility but notsolong that it creates a tangled mess on your desk.
If Ihadto nitpick, I’d say the fixed angle options (0° and 45°) might not be ideal for every setup. Sometimes you want that perfect angle that’s somewhere in between, and a continuously adjustable stand would offer more flexibility. That said, I understand the trade-off. The fixed positions give you rock-solid stability, which is ultimately more important when you’re talking about expensive gaming hardware.
Drawing Up Some Comparisons
Let’s talk money and what you’re getting for it. When you’re trying to decide if the iVANKY dock is worth your hard-earned cash, you need to think about how it stacks up against the alternatives. The Corsair TBT100 is a solid dock with its Thunderbolt 3 connectivity offering 40Gbps bandwidth and dual 4K 60Hz displays, but there’s a key word there—60Hz.
For competitive gaming, that 120Hz capability of the iVANKY makes a noticeable difference in responsiveness. The Plugable USB-C Dock is super portable and great for business travelers, but its single 4K HDMI output and lack of RGB hold it back.
Now, if you’re after more serious numbers, the Razer Core X Chroma is a different beast entirely. It’s an external GPU enclosure with fancy Chroma RGB lighting that can supercharge your gaming performance—we’re talking up to 370% increases in some benchmarks with high-end cards. But it’s also significantly bigger and heavier than the iVANKY, so it’s not exactly something you’re going to toss in your bag for a gaming session at a friend’s place.
Even with JSAUX’s RGB Gaming Deck, I’d say that there’s definitely an undertone of “hollow-feeling” plastic construction that’s left some gamers disappointed, while the iVANKY delivers with its solid build quality and thoughtfully engineered dual-foldable design.
What makes the iVANKY stand out in this crowd is its laser focus on handheld gaming PC compatibility. It knows its audience—Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and Legion Go owners—and caters to their specific needs with that 120Hz output and thermal management features. Plus, that 24-month warranty gives you peace of mind that this thing isn’t going to fry your expensive gaming hardware.
It also doesn’t force weird compromises. The cooling works without extra fans to buy, the RGB doesn’t need separate software to control, and I can toss it in my bag without needing to reserve half the space for it. After cycling through docks that were either too bulky, too flimsy, or too limited, finding one that just works without drama feels almost revolutionary.
For me, the convenience factor alone makes it worth considering. I hate cable clutter with a passion, and being able to connect everything with a single cable whenever I want to dock my handheld is justchef’s kiss.
Bottom Line
Look, if you’re serious about gaming on your Steam Deck or ROG Ally, this thing solves real problems. It helps significantly reduce thermal throttling, while also minimizing adapter clutter and any setup hassles you may have.
The 120Hz output makes a genuine difference in competitive games. The cooling design works. The ports are actually useful. And yeah, the RGB looks pretty sweet, lighting up your setup.
For around the same price as a new game and a half, you’re essentially transforming your portable device into something that can hang with desktop setups when you want it to, then go right back to being portable when you don’t. If you’re splitting your gaming time between your couch, your desk, and on the go, this dock just makes sense.
The way I see it, gaming should be about freedom. Freedom to play what you want, how you want, where you want. The iVANKY Gaming Dock adds another dimension to that freedom, and that’s something I can definitely get behind.
In case you’re interested in finding out more, visitiVANKY’s official websiteorAmazon storefrontto learn more. If you end up going with the website, don’t forget to use our exclusive code 7ZRBDOX8 at checkout for a limited-time $70 discount on your purchase.
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