Review: Razer USB 4 Dock

The Razer USB 4 Dock, a product from a company often associated with vibrant aesthetics, is surprisingly sleek and understated. Its substantial weight and wraparound silicone base ensure stability on any surface.

What is the Razer USB 4 Dock?

The Razer USB 4 Dock is a connectivity hub designed for gaming laptops or professional notebooks with a USB-C port. It facilitates the connection of up to two external displays via an HDMI and a DisplayPort output. The dock also accommodates a variety of USB devices with different formats and versions. An Ethernet port enables a wired network connection, consolidating all connections to the laptop through a single cable – its primary benefit.

Additional features include a dedicated 2.5 GHz port optimized for peripherals like keyboards and gaming mice, as well as a dedicated 20-watt charging port for mobile devices.

Versatile Applications of the Razer USB 4 Dock

Beyond its primary function, the dock offers versatile applications. While designed for laptop connectivity, it can also be utilized in alternative configurations. For example, with a desktop computer already connected to a display and a laptop not in use, a smartphone can be readily connected to the dock. Featuring a 3.5 mm audio output, it provides a convenient solution for audio playback. The integrated DAC (Digital Audio Converter) offers acceptable audio quality, suitable for casual listening, though it may not match the performance of a dedicated external sound card in terms of depth and fidelity. To discern a significant difference, high-quality headphones such as the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MK II are recommended. The connection is established immediately without requiring any specific configuration.

The dock features a single on/off button and requires no software installation. This makes it a true plug-and-play device compatible with PC, Android, and iOS. Performance is consistent across platforms; connecting a MacBook yields seamless functionality.

Limitations

A potential improvement would be the inclusion of direct display inputs, in addition to the USB ports. Currently, video signals are solely processed through the USB-C connection and then distributed to the connected displays. The Razer USB 4 Dock operates as intended. This suggestion is merely a consideration for future iterations.

Value Proposition

Assessing the value proposition requires careful consideration. The Razer USB 4 Dock is designed to seamlessly connect a gaming laptop to dual displays, minimizing latency by offloading wireless connections and managing connected peripherals like mice, speakers, and keyboards, while simultaneously providing charging capabilities. Cable management is a significant advantage, although not unique to this device. With a price point of 3,000 kronor, the Razer USB 4 Dock represents a premium investment.

A comparative analysis against alternatives, such as the Acer USB-C Dockningsstation 100 W (899 kronor at Inet), Belkin USB-C 11-i-1 Pro (1790 kronor at Webhallen) and Plexgear Multiadapter (1190 kronor at Kjell and Company), reveals functional similarities, albeit with minor variations in output port configurations. Features such as memory card readers, multiple display outputs, USB-C charging, 3.5 mm audio outputs, macOS and PC compatibility, 4K support, and Ethernet connectivity are commonly found across these devices.

The Razer USB 4 Dock differentiates itself through its support for a 120 Hz refresh rate on a single connected display, its implementation of the high-speed USB 4 standard (up to 40 Gbps), and its substantial 180 W power delivery. If these specifications are critical to your setup, the Razer USB 4 Dock warrants consideration. Otherwise, functionally similar alternatives are available at a lower cost.

Conclusion: Razer USB 4 Dock

The Razer USB 4 Dock is a well-constructed and aesthetically pleasing device that performs its intended functions effectively and is compatible with multiple operating systems. While its premium price may be a barrier for some, its specific feature set caters to users with demanding requirements. The Razer USB 4 Dock is a suitable choice for discerning users who prioritize high-bandwidth connectivity and power delivery.

Razer provided the review sample for this evaluation. The provision of review samples does not influence our editorial independence; our reviews are conducted objectively and with the reader’s interests as the primary focus.