Why you possibly can belief TechRadar
We spend hours testing each services or products we assessment, so that you might be positive you’re shopping for the most effective. Discover out extra about how we take a look at.
Razer Handheld Dock Chroma: One-minute assessment
The Razer Handheld Dock Chroma is probably the most trendy Steam Deck dock I’ve ever seen, providing a glossy all-black aesthetic that compliments the hand held PC completely along with some pleasingly vibrant RGB lighting.
Whereas an analogous worth to the official Valve providing (and notably dearer than the numerous customary laptop computer docks on the market that additionally work with Steam Deck), it ranks amongst a number of the finest Steam Deck equipment due to a nifty built-in stand that gives a neat technique to modify the place of your Deck should you intend to play with out an exterior show. This can be folded down for straightforward transport and using sturdy metallic elements makes it simple to stash in a rucksack on the transfer with out having to fret about potential harm.
There’s additionally no scarcity of ports, with the dock coming geared up with a USB-C enter for charging, three 5 Gbps USB-A ports to your numerous controllers, a Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) port, and an HDMI 2.0 video output. The dearth of a DisplayPort possibility is a disgrace, particularly as there may be one current on the official Steam Deck Dock, however realistically the as much as 4K 60hz / 1440p 120Hz of HDMI 2.0 goes to be greater than sufficient should you’re eager to hook your Steam Deck as much as a TV.
Whereas clearly designed with the Steam Deck in thoughts, the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma can be absolutely appropriate with different handheld PCs together with the Asus ROG Ally and even some Android gaming tablets.
There may be cheaper options on the market, however the total proposition of the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma makes it effectively price contemplating should you’re after a premium possibility.
Picture 1 of 3
Razer Handheld Dock Chroma: Value and availability
- Prices $79.99 / £79.99 / AU$149.95
- Obtainable through Razer and Amazon
- Dearer than your common laptop computer dock
The Razer Handheld Dock Chroma is available within the US, UK, and Australia through Razer and on-line retailers like Amazon. It is available in at $79.99 / £79.99 / AU$149.95, which places it across the worth of the official Valve Steam Deck Docking Station (which is $89 / £69). It’s fairly good worth in comparison with Valve’s providing, because it advantages from the adjustable stand and addition of RGB.
If you happen to’re on a price range, nevertheless, you’re higher off going for one of many numerous cheaper laptop computer docks accessible through Amazon. These are usually not particularly designed for the Steam Deck, however typically will nonetheless work. To provide an instance, the Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1) prices simply $34.99 / £19.99 and affords a less expensive however nonetheless efficient technique to get your Steam Deck on an exterior show.
Razer Handheld Dock Chroma: Specs
Value | $79.99 / £79.99 / AU$149.95 |
Dimensions | 7.64 x 3.62 x 7.64 in 194 x 32 x 194mm |
Weight | 0.92kg / 2.03lbs |
Energy supply | As much as 100W |
Connectivity | 1 x HDMI 2.0, 3 x USB-A Gen, 1 x GbE, 1 x USB C (enter), 1 x USB-C (output) |
Razer Handheld Dock Chroma: Design and options
- Strong and durable design
- Adjustable stand
- RGB lighting
The Razer Handheld Dock Chroma has a really glossy design, coming in a slick matte black. It seems like a small rectangular field when taken out of the packaging, with the adjustable stand portion positioned flush on prime of the field.
To set all of it up, you merely have to drag the stand out and slot it into place, which creates a sturdy little shelf the place your Steam Deck can relaxation whereas it’s plugged in through the hooked up USB-C cable. A ribbed rubberized strip helps help the Steam Deck when it’s docked, stopping it from sliding out simply and stopping it from choosing up any scratches from the dock itself.
The stand is adjustable, with a number of positions permitting you to angle your Steam Deck or a extra vertical or horizontal orientation – which is nice should you don’t intend to make use of an exterior show and need a clear view of the system’s display out of your seat. It additionally helps once you’re utilizing the opposite supported units, be that the Asus ROG Ally or a gaming pill. I examined the just lately launched Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 within the dock and, after some small changes, it was within the good place for watching movies or enjoying some Name of Responsibility: Warzone Cell with a wired controller.
The vast majority of the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma is constructed with sturdy-feeling plastic, with a layer of soppy foam on the underside to forestall slippage. The shelf the place the Steam Deck sits is a strong metallic, which isn’t solely hard-wearing but additionally feels suitably premium given the value. On the backside of the entrance of the dock is a skinny RGB lighting strip that illuminates when the dock is in use. That is vibrant and enticing, with a plethora of in-built modes that you would be able to cycle via through a small button on the right-hand facet of the dock.
On the again of the dock are all of your ports. There’s one HDMI 2.0, 3 x USB-A, 1 x Gigabit Ethernet port, and a USB-C port used for 100W energy supply with passthrough charging. This can be a respectable choice, although not as many choices as you’ll get with a extra specialist little bit of equipment just like the Anker Prime Charging Docking Station (14-in-1, Twin Show, 160W).
Razer Handheld Dock Chroma: Efficiency
- Excellent for Steam Deck
- Seamless arrange
- Straightforward to retailer in a bag
The Razer Handheld Dock Chroma is ideal for Steam Deck and there’s little or no to fault it on in efficiency phrases. You merely slot the Steam Deck in, plug in your show, and use the USB-C ports for any desired equipment, be {that a} keyboard and mouse or a top quality gamepad just like the Xbox Wi-fi Controller, and also you’re able to play in your monitor or TV. It’s about as seamless as you will get and I didn’t encounter any issues getting all of it arrange on a wide range of screens all through my testing.
The dearth of HDMI 2.1 help here’s a disgrace on paper, particularly in comparison with options just like the BenQ beCreatus GR10, although virtually doesn’t actually make that a lot of a distinction. In my testing, I used to be not capable of finding a single sport that I’d be capable to run on my Steam Deck OLED at an 8K decision, or in 4K at above 60 fps.
In comparison with different Steam Deck docks, the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma can be impressively moveable. Having the ability to fold all the pieces flat makes it simple to stash in your bag alongside your Steam Deck. It’s heavier than most given the incorporation of metallic, however it’s arduous to complain about that when the result’s a product that basically feels prefer it may take a beating should you occurred to drop it out in your travels.
Ought to I purchase the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma?
Purchase it if…
Do not buy it if…
Additionally take into account…
Need some options to the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma? Try these two robust choices.
| Row 0 – Cell 0 | Razer Handheld Dock Chroma | BenQ beCreatus GR10 | Anker Prime Charging Docking Station (14-in-1, Twin Show, 160W) |
Value | $79.99 / £79.99 / AU$149.95 | £109 / $109 (round AU$220) | $249.99 / £199.99 (about AU$360) |
Dimensions | 7.64 x 3.62 x 7.64 in 194 x 32 x 194mm | 5.1 x 2.16 x 1in / 130 x 55 x 25.5mm | 5.5 × 3.8 × 1.9in / 140 × 97 × 47mm |
Weight | 0.92kg / 2.03lbs | 187g / 0.41lbs | 888g / 1.96lb |
Energy supply | As much as 100W | As much as 100W | 160W |
Connectivity | 1 x HDMI 2.0, 3 x USB-A Gen, 1 x GbE, 1 x USB C (enter), 1 x USB-C (output) | 2 x USB-A Connector, USB-C Connector, 1 x GbE, 1 x HDMI 2.1 | USB-A, 1 x USB-A, 1 x 3.5mm, 1 x Ethernet, 3 x USB-A, 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x USB-C upstream |
How I examined the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma
- Examined for over every week
- Tried with a Steam Deck OLED and gaming pill
- In comparison with different docks
I examined the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma for over every week, throughout which period I performed loads of video games on my Steam Deck OLED together with numerous Disco Elysium and Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake along with a number of hours of play on the Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 gaming pill.
All through my time with the dock, I attempted a wide range of displays and TVs along with equipment such because the Asus ROG Harpe Ace Purpose Lab Version mouse, Endgame Gear Kb65he keyboard, Xbox Wi-fi Controller, and extra. I consistently in contrast my expertise with my hands-on time with different laptop computer docks just like the Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1).
First reviewed February 2025
