If you spend your entire day managing complex multi-monitor setups, editing video, or plowing through spreadsheets, you know that standard mice aren't always the best fit for long-term comfort. While ergonomic vertical mice get plenty of spotlight, trackballs have retained a dedicated, almost legendary following for a reason: pure, effortless efficiency.
And when it comes to trackballs, Kensington is royalty. Celebrating 40 years of innovation in the space, the company is preparing to launch its most ambitious peripheral yet: the Kensington Expert Mouse Pro TB900 EQ Trackball.
I’ve been spending some quality hands-on time with an early review sample—specifically the eye-catching red ball variant (it also comes in silver)—to see if it lives up to four decades of heritage.
Here are my early impressions of what might be the ultimate desk upgrade for power users.
Kensington had no input, nor did it see the contents of this hands-on preview prior to publication.
The TB900 EQ keeps the commanding footprint and symmetrical silhouette that made the original Expert Mouse series famous. The ambidextrous chassis ensures lefties and righties get the exact same ergonomic comfort.
At the center sits that signature, massive 55mm ball. The red sphere on my unit gives the trackball a vibrant, premium look against the dark chassis. One notable departure from legacy models: there is no wrist rest included in the box. While classic Expert users might miss the snap-on rubber pad, the naturally sloped angle of the body still feels surprisingly natural during extended typing-and-navigating sessions.
Also, buttons. LOTS of buttons and dials everywhere.
Kensington didn't just update the chassis; they overhauled how you interface with your PC. The hardware features a wealth of physical input options, including:
Without physical mechanical tension dials on the bottom—where you’ll only find connection toggles labeled A, B, and C along with the power switch—the scroll behavior and button mapping are handled digitally. That gives power users deep flexibility to map complex workflow macros, application-specific commands, or multi-display shortcuts without relying on physical switches.
That Expert scroll ring is also like butter on this device. Super satisfying to use.
Historically, trackballs have lagged behind high-end desktop mice in polling rates, making cursor movement feel a bit sluggish on fast, high-refresh-rate displays. The TB900 EQ completely eliminates that bottleneck.
It boasts a 1kHz polling rate, bringing gaming-mouse responsiveness to productivity workflows. Paired with Kensington’s DIAMONDEYE Optical Tracking with Dual Sensors, the tracking is razor-sharp. Flicking the 55mm red ball sends the cursor smoothly gliding across high-res ultrawide monitors without a hint of jitter or smoothing.
Flip the device over, and the underside reveals clean, minimal physical toggles (A, B, C) for device switching and power. The TB900 EQ supports robust multi-device flexibility across four channels:
Whether bouncing between a primary Windows desktop, a secondary laptop, or a tablet, switching inputs is quick and intuitive. Better yet, the built-in rechargeable battery promises up to four months of productivity on a single USB-C charge, meaning battery anxiety is virtually non-existent.
While originally slated for an earlier release, the launch of the Kensington Expert Mouse Pro TB900 EQ has been pushed back slightly into late Q3. Official pricing details put the Expert Mouse Pro TB900 EQ at $129.99 USD, and given the specs—1kHz polling, dual optical sensors, quad-connectivity, and deep software customization—it is clearly positioning itself at the top tier of ergonomic desktop gear.
So far, the TB900 EQ feels like the definitive modern trackball. It honors Kensington’s 40-year legacy while delivering the high-refresh accuracy and macro density modern workflows demand.
Total disclosure: Trackballs aren't my cup of tea, so there is definitely a learning curve when switching from my current favorite mouse, the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro 35K, but I'm trying my best. I guess that segues into who this trackball is for, and it's definitely not your average office worker, but for those who love 'em, the Expert Mouse Pro TB900 EQ looks to be the pinnacle of this form factor. It'll very likely make our best PC mice for 2026 list.
You can find more information about the Expert Mouse Pro TB900 EQ directly from Kensington's website.
Stay tuned for our full, in-depth review on Windows Central as we get closer to launch!
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I've been reviewing Turtle Beach headsets for a long time. The firm has a huge array of products for Xbox and PC gamers, hitting every price point and use case. Many of Turtle Beach's products have easily landed on our best Xbox and PC gaming headsets lists. Where I've personally found Turtle Beach to be most exciting is on the higher-end, where the firm has a tendency to really push the envelope with regards to functionality and value.
The Stealth Pro II absolutely encompasses that. Yes, it isn't cheap, but it comes in at a comparable price to lifestyle Bluetooth headsets that offer far less functionality and features, often with subpar durability and audio.
With the Stealth Pro II, I'm sitting here well and truly asking myself if this headset isn't just a competitor in the gaming space, but also the general everyday lifestyle space. With a subtle and stylish design, obscene amounts of functionality, and absolutely crystalline audio — the Stealth Pro II could be (should be) your next Xbox / PC gaming headset pick.
The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II headset is a monster on paper, boasting an impressive array of features, functions, and premium-end specs.
Here's an overview of what you can expect to get out of the box.
Category | Specification |
|---|---|
Drivers | 60mm Eclipse™ Dual Drivers (separate woofers + tweeters) |
Frequency Response | 10Hz – 40kHz |
Wireless Audio Quality | Hi‑Res 24‑bit / 96kHz over 2.4GHz; LC3plus & LDAC |
Wireless Connectivity | 2.4GHz USB wireless + Bluetooth 5.3 (dual‑audio) |
Active Noise Cancellation | Advanced ANC with four internal mics |
Microphone (Boom) | 9mm floating shock‑mount, unidirectional, flip‑to‑mute, AI noise reduction |
Internal Mics | Integrated beamforming microphones |
Microphone Frequency Response | 100Hz – 16kHz |
Battery System | Dual swappable Li‑Polymer packs, 40 hours each (80h rotation) |
Charging | Transmitter dock + USB‑C cable |
Design & Build | Anodized aluminum frame, chrome accents, soft‑touch surfaces, diamond‑cut controls, dual‑layer memory‑foam cushions with athletic fabric, mesh suspension headband |
Form Factor | Over‑ear |
App Support | Swarm II app with 10‑band EQ, mic tuning, noise gate, presets |
Audio Presets | Bass Boost, Signature Sound, Treble Boost, Vocal Boost |
Compatibility (Xbox / PC Version) | Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Bluetooth mobile devices. Additional USB transmitters for PlayStation / Nintendo sold separately. |
Included Accessories | Hard‑shell case, transmitter dock, USB wireless transmitter, USB‑C cable, two batteries |
Price | £299.99 / $349.99 / €349.99 |
At $349.99, it's not exactly what I'd call cheap, but that seems to have become the standard for headsets that are really pushing the bar when it comes to premium audio and "do everything" specs.
You can swap between two 40-hour batteries, with one permanently charged and ready to go in the transmitter dock. It comes with an additional USB transmitter for PC, with the main charge dock functioning as the radio for Xbox. It also sports Bluetooth 5.3 audio with LDAC, with simultaneous mixing with a USB sound source. It grabs the Hi-Res certification that has become all the rage lately, and boasts a massive speaker upgrade over the previous gen, with dual 60mm drivers and a huge frequency spectrum from 10Hz to 40kHz.
What's it like to actually use, though?
I think this is quite easily Turtle Beach's most attractive headset design. The Stealth Pro of yesteryear was fantastic, but it was still quite bulky in that typical "gamer" way, designed for isolation rather than fashion. Somehow, the 'Beach has managed to thread both needles with a single line here. Absolutely stunning engineering and design here.
The brushed metal speaker plates look great on the outside, and there remains a very subtle Turtle Beach imprint that stays out of the way and won't cramp anyone's style. The speakers are accented with the same metallic trims, and the headband connects with these bending connectors that look very futuristic.
The microphone is simultaneously flip-to-mute and detachable, allowing you to go fully wireless. It has internal microphones as well for taking calls on the go without using the full mic boom.
The tapered cans reduce the visible footprint of the headset, which I feel reduces its visible "bulk" over some of Turtle Beach's previous attempts at a headset like this. And this is without compromising on speaker size or features. The 60mm drivers are a noticeable upgrade over the previous model, with separated tweeters and woofers.
On comfort, this is the only part where I think more attention could've been paid. The headband is made of this odd nylon mesh which, while looking pretty, is actually quite tight and uncomfortable over longer sessions. I imagine it's something one could get used to, but it seems like an odd oversight given how painstaking the rest of the design work is. The mesh is also great at trapping dust and is a bit difficult to clean effectively. Additionally, it doesn't seem to be replaceable ... so if you rip it somehow, you're kind of screwed.
I'm also not a huge fan of the fabric material used on the cushions. While it is comfortable, Turtle Beach's previous materials felt a little smoother on the skin. I am someone who vastly prefers leatherette over fabric, though, so take that as you will.
Where this headset absolutely dominates is audio. This is by a country mile the best-sounding headset Turtle Beach has ever produced. As I write this, I'm listening to Tool at maximum volume and enjoying my very own personal concert in an absolutely vast virtual soundscape with impressive separation, thundering, warm bass, and enjoying distortion-free treble, mids, and highs.
The intros on songs I've been intimately acquainted with for decades come through with details I've not experienced prior. Regardless of what I threw at it, from thundering double bass-peddle metal tracks to haunting electronica, it has been a really really fun time testing this headset out. For music and cinematic delivery, this headset is goosebumps-inducingly good, truly ethereal, regardless of genre. For lifestyle and daily mobile use, it also rocks up with active noise canceling, which is very good too. I put it through its paces with noisy fans and my air filter on maximum settings, and felt myself fully isolated with my Spotify playlist.
But what about gaming?
You can indeed expect a similarly amazing experience in games, too. Rocking up with Overwatch and the review build of Halo Campaign Evolved was as immersive as you might expect. Halo's intro music somehow never fails to enchant, and it's only elevated with a good sound system like these.
Where things get even more impressive, particularly in competitive play, is with Turtle Beach's famed SuperHuman Hearing.
Using the bundled Swarm II app, you can set it to focus either on footsteps or gunshots; there's also a legacy setting for those who prefer the old-school profile. SuperHuman Hearing does negatively impact the "cinematic" feel of games, creating an unnatural soundscape — but that's entirely the point. It's supposed to look for and emphasize sound cues that will give you a tactical advantage. And it does work. Games that are already designed with tactical sound design have always worked well with Turtle Beach's SuperHuman Hearing system, but with this headset it hits another level. If Battlefield 6 or Overwatch were Olympic sports, this headset would probably get you banned for cheating.
Another part of this headset that's utterly impressive is the microphone. It's detachable and sports flip-to-mute capabilities as mentioned, but it also has a miniature shock protector, which I've simply never seen before in a gaming headset.
Above is an audio sample with the headset's AI-powered noise cancellation feature turned on. In the first half, you can hear my voice come through clearly despite having a fan blowing directly on the mic, which is impressive. It sounds a lot better without the fan on, of course, but the clarity is rock solid for gaming comms.
I think I'd even be comfortable dropping my XLR mic and using this headset for actual game streaming, which is not something I find myself saying often these days. Turtle Beach really nailed it across the board when it comes to audio here.
I absolutely adore this headset. The sound is a true pleasure, and it's always a joy when a headset like this delivers so much. It makes the review process fun, as I have an excuse to listen to several albums and play several games as part of my "extensive" testing process ...
I was a bit disappointed with the headband and materials on the earcups. I'm also a bit disappointed that Turtle Beach still can't seem to nail dual-USB sound source mixing, although I admit the requirement for that is pretty niche, and not something 99% of people will actually use. Being able to mix Bluetooth in simultaneously with your Xbox or PC is a nice consolation, though.
Where this headset just shines above all is the sound delivery. The soundscape is incredibly immersive for its category, and the microphone is also a cut above what I'd typically expect from a gaming headset.
At this price point, there aren't really a ton of competitors out there worth considering in this range. I absolutely don't think you'll be disappointed with this if you're a dedicated Xbox and PC gamer who wants a bit of Bluetooth and music capabilities on the side. This is an immaculate "do everything" headset that definitely feels worth the price of admission for me.
The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II is an absolutely stunning headset that sports arguably some of the best audio reproduction I've experienced in such a fully-featured gaming headset.
See at: Amazon
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At the 2026 NAB Show 2026, Seagate Technology formally introduced its latest generation of high-capacity enterprise hard drives built on the Mozaic 4+ platform. These drives, (model ID ST4400NM002M) reaching up to 44TB, represent the current peak of commercially deployed hard disk capacity and are already being shipped to select hyperscale cloud providers. The announcement reflects ongoing demand for higher-density storage as data generation continues to accelerate, particularly in artificial intelligence and large-scale cloud environments.
Rather than targeting general consumers, these drives are designed specifically for hyperscale data centres where efficiency, density, and cost per terabyte are critical considerations. The Mozaic 4+ platform is also notable for its reliance on heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR), a technology that has moved from experimental development into production-scale deployment. With broader qualification underway, the 44TB model serves as both a milestone in current storage capabilities and a step toward projected capacities approaching 100TB in future generations.
The 44TB drives are built on Seagate’s Mozaic 4+ platform, which represents the company’s production-ready implementation of heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR). Unlike earlier perpendicular magnetic recording approaches, HAMR uses localized heating via a nanophotonic laser to temporarily reduce the coercivity of the disk surface, allowing data to be written at much higher densities. This enables significantly greater areal density without requiring a complete redesign of the underlying hard drive architecture, allowing Seagate to scale capacity incrementally across generations.
At a physical level, the drives use a multi-platter design, widely understood to consist of 10 platters, each delivering over 4TB of capacity. This results in the total 44TB figure within a standard 3.5-inch enterprise form factor. The spindle speed is expected to remain at 7200 RPM, consistent with other enterprise-capacity drives, balancing throughput, reliability, and power consumption. Early estimates suggest sustained transfer rates in the region of 300 MB/s, though final performance characteristics depend on deployment conditions and firmware tuning. I think we are likely much more liekly to hit 280MB/s or so, such as you find in the 30TBs.
A key aspect of the Mozaic 4+ design is its vertically integrated photonics system. Seagate has developed its own laser components in-house, embedding them directly into the recording head. This allows precise, nanosecond-scale heating during write operations, which is critical for maintaining data integrity at such high densities. Vertical integration also gives Seagate tighter control over manufacturing consistency, yield, and long-term reliability, all of which are essential when deploying drives at hyperscale volumes.
The recording stack itself incorporates several advanced components. These include a Gen 2 superlattice platinum-alloy media designed for improved magnetic stability, a Gen 2 plasmonic writer responsible for delivering the heat-assisted write process, and a Gen 8 spintronic reader that improves read accuracy from increasingly smaller data bits. Together, these components enable higher density while maintaining error rates and durability within enterprise requirements.
Supporting these physical advancements is a 7nm integrated controller, which manages drive operations with improved precision. This controller enhances servo control, allowing the read/write heads to maintain accurate positioning over narrower tracks. It also contributes to improved power efficiency, reducing watts per terabyte and helping data centres optimize energy usage at scale. These gains are particularly relevant in large deployments where power and cooling costs scale with capacity.
From a manufacturing perspective, the Mozaic platform is designed to scale without requiring disruptive architectural changes between generations. Each iteration builds on existing processes, allowing Seagate to increase per-platter capacity over time. The company has indicated a roadmap toward 10TB per platter, which would enable drives approaching 100TB within a similar physical footprint. This approach prioritizes continuity in deployment while steadily increasing storage density.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Platform | Mozaic 4+ |
| Recording Technology | HAMR (Heat-Assisted Magnetic Recording) |
| Maximum Capacity | 44TB |
| Form Factor | 3.5-inch |
| Number of Platters | 10 |
| Capacity per Platter | 4TB+ |
| Spindle Speed | 7200 RPM (expected) |
| Recording Method | CMR |
| Estimated Throughput | ~300 MB/s (speculative) |
| Target Market | Hyperscale data centres |
| Controller | 7nm integrated SoC |
Despite the push toward higher capacities, the 44TB drives based on the Mozaic 4+ platform use conventional magnetic recording (CMR) rather than shingled magnetic recording (SMR). This distinction is relevant because SMR typically achieves higher capacities by overlapping data tracks, which can negatively impact rewrite performance and latency in certain workloads. By retaining CMR, Seagate is prioritising predictable performance characteristics, particularly for enterprise environments where consistent throughput and low latency are required.
This approach also differentiates Seagate’s offering from competing high-capacity drives, such as those being developed by Western Digital, which have explored SMR and related technologies like UltraSMR to reach similar capacity points. While SMR can be effective for archival or sequential workloads, CMR remains better suited to mixed or write-intensive applications commonly found in hyperscale deployments. In this context, the use of HAMR allows Seagate to increase density without relying on SMR trade-offs, maintaining compatibility with existing data centre workloads and software stacks.
The introduction of 44TB hard drives based on the Mozaic 4+ platform reflects a continued focus on increasing storage density within the constraints of existing data centre infrastructure. By combining HAMR with incremental architectural improvements, Seagate Technology has demonstrated that higher capacities can be achieved without fundamental changes to form factor or deployment models. The emphasis remains on scaling capacity per rack and per watt, which aligns with the operational priorities of hyperscale environments.
At the same time, these drives remain firmly positioned within enterprise and cloud use cases, with limited relevance to consumer or small-scale storage in the near term. Factors such as cost, workload requirements, and integration complexity restrict their adoption outside large data centres. However, as with previous generations, advancements at this level are likely to influence broader storage markets over time, particularly as manufacturing scales and newer technologies mature.
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IOCREST, also marketed under the Lekuo name for consumer channels, is preparing a broader range of USB4, M.2, and PCIe expansion products aimed at users who need higher speed networking, storage expansion, or more flexible external PCIe connectivity. Based on the product information provided and the accompanying interview material, the current lineup combines shipping devices with several products still in development or not yet formally listed on the company’s official product pages, reflecting a portfolio that spans compact 10GbE adapters, SFP+ connectivity, multi-drive enclosures, and USB4 based PCIe breakout designs.
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The Lekuo DTB3R61 is a compact USB4 hub that combines 10GbE networking with basic peripheral and removable media expansion in a single enclosure. It is built around a USB4 upstream connection and is intended for hosts that support USB4 or Thunderbolt 3/4/5, rather than older USB 3.x only systems. In practical terms, this positions it as a multi function dock for users who need wired 10GbE, a small number of USB ports, and SD or TF card access without moving to a larger desktop class dock.
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The port layout is relatively simple, consisting of 1x 10GbE RJ45 port, 3x 5Gbps USB Type A ports, and a TF/SD 3.0 card reader. The supplied specifications list a 40Gbps host link, support for Windows, macOS, and Linux, and a compact metal chassis. Although your transcript refers to a fanless design, the specification sheet provided here states an aluminum alloy casing with fan assisted cooling, so that distinction should be treated carefully in the article unless you want to frame it as pre release versus final spec variation.
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| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Lekuo 6 in 1 USB4 Hub |
| Model | DTB3R61 |
| Host Interface | USB4 |
| Host Compatibility | USB4 / Thunderbolt 5 / Thunderbolt 4 / Thunderbolt 3 |
| Legacy USB Support | Does not support USB 3.2 / 3.1 / 3.0 / 2.0 hosts |
| Network Port | 1x RJ45 10GbE |
| Network Speeds | 10 / 100 / 1000 / 2500 / 5000 / 10000Mbps |
| USB Ports | 3x USB A |
| USB Data Rate | 5Gbps |
| Card Reader | 1x TF/SD 3.0 |
| Card Reader Speed | Up to 104MB/s |
| Upstream Bandwidth | 40Gbps |
| Cooling | Aluminum alloy casing + fan |
| OS Support | Windows / Mac OS / Linux |
| Included Accessories | 40Gbps cable, user manual |
| Product Size | 90.2 × 92.2 × 28.4mm |
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This unreleased Lekuo adapter is one of the more bandwidth focused products discussed in the interview material, built around a USB4 host connection and 2x 25GbE network ports. Based on the information provided, the design uses an SFP based approach rather than RJ45, which is consistent with the higher thermal and signal demands of 25GbE. It is positioned as a compact external network adapter for systems that need significantly more throughput than 10GbE, while still relying on USB4 as the host side connection.
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The transcript also indicates several design details that help distinguish this unit from more common USB or Thunderbolt network adapters. It is described as a silent design with no active fan, includes an external barrel power input, and features a physical power button on the enclosure. The company indicated that the product was expected around Q2 and priced below $200 at the time of filming, but as it is not yet listed on the official product page, those details should be treated as pre release guidance rather than final retail specification.
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| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Lekuo USB4 to 2x25GbE Adapter |
| Model | Not provided in supplied materials |
| Host Interface | USB4 |
| Host Compatibility | USB4 / Thunderbolt host systems |
| Network Interface | 2x 25GbE |
| Port Type | SFP based 25GbE connectivity |
| Cooling | Passive / no fan, based on interview statements |
| Power Input | Barrel power input present |
| Power Control | Physical on/off button present |
| Availability Status | Not yet listed on official product page |
| Reported Launch Window | Q2, as stated in interview |
| Reported Price Guidance | Below $200, as stated in interview |
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The Lekuo DTB3F21 is a dual port USB4 network adapter designed around 2x 10GbE SFP+ connections. Unlike simpler USB to Ethernet devices that target single port RJ45 connectivity, this model is positioned for users who need higher density fibre or DAC based networking from a single external enclosure. The supplied specifications identify the Intel 82599 controller, placing it closer to a traditional server class 10GbE design than a lower cost USB NIC.
From the product information and transcript, this adapter is part of Lekuo’s broader push into USB4 based external networking, especially for systems that lack internal expansion but still need multi port high speed network access. The enclosure is described as compact and externally connected over USB Type C, with support across Windows, Windows Server, Linux distributions, and several enterprise networking features such as VLAN support, jumbo frames, interrupt moderation, and virtual machine queue support. In the transcript, a dual 10GbE version is also discussed alongside the dual 25GbE model as part of the same general product family.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Lekuo USB4 to Dual 10Gb Fiber SFP+ Ports Network Adapter |
| Model | DTB3F21 |
| Host Interface | USB |
| Output Interface | 2x SFP+ |
| Motherboard Slot | USB |
| Network Speed | 10Gbps per port |
| Controller | Intel 82599 |
| Host Cable | Type C to Type C |
| Product Size | 142.5 x 69.5 x 25.6mm |
| USB Standard | Universal Serial Bus 3.2 Revision 1.0 compliant |
| Ethernet Standards | 10Gb/s and 1Gb/s Ethernet / 802.3ap, 10Gb/s Ethernet / 802.3ae, 1000BASE-BX |
| Jumbo Frames | Up to 15.5KB |
| VLAN Support | 802.1q |
| Offload Features | TCP segmentation offload up to 256KB, IPv6 checksum offload, fragmented UDP checksum offload |
| Interrupt Support | MSI, MSI-X, interrupt throttling |
| Virtualization Support | Up to 64 virtual machines per port |
| Additional Features | Flow control, multiple receive queues, dynamic interrupt moderation, DCB support |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +55°C |
| Storage Temperature | -40°C to +70°C |
| OS Support | Windows 10/11, Server 2022, RHEL/CentOS 7.3/7.6/7.9/8.2/8.3, Deepin 15.11/20/20.6, Ubuntu 16.04.3/18.04.5 and later |
| Package Contents | Adapter, user manual, Type C to Type C cable |
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Lekuo is also developing an M.2 to 10G SFP+ adapter, extending the same general idea seen in its M.2 to 10GbE RJ45 products toward fibre based networking. In the transcript, this product is described as a refined version of an existing concept rather than a completely new direction, aimed at compact systems that only have an M.2 slot available for expansion. That makes it relevant for small servers, mini PCs, and embedded platforms where a full PCIe slot is not available but higher speed network connectivity is still required.
The main distinction here is the move from copper 10GbE to SFP+, which allows use of fibre modules or DAC cabling depending on deployment requirements. That gives the adapter a different role from the RJ45 version, particularly in longer distance links or environments already using SFP+ switching infrastructure. Based on your notes, this product is not yet available on the official product page, so the current information is limited to what was shown and discussed during the visit rather than a finalized retail specification sheet.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Lekuo M.2 to 10G SFP+ Adapter |
| Model | Not provided in supplied materials |
| Host Interface | M.2 |
| Network Interface | 1x 10G SFP+ |
| Port Type | SFP+ |
| Intended Use | Adds 10GbE fibre connectivity to systems with available M.2 slot |
| Deployment Focus | Compact systems, mini PCs, small servers |
| Design Status | Shown during visit / discussed in transcript |
| Official Product Page Status | Not yet listed |
| Cooling | Not specified in supplied materials |
| Controller | Not specified in supplied materials |
| OS Support | Not specified in supplied materials |
| Included Accessories | Not specified in supplied materials |
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This unreleased Lekuo USB4 expansion box is designed to expose 2x PCIe slots from a single external USB4 connection, using the same basic enclosure approach shown on the company’s 8x 1GbE adapter. In the transcript, the unit is described as a small PCIe dock originally used internally for testing, with the USB4 connection bridging to 2 separate PCIe paths inside the enclosure. The concept is straightforward: rather than delivering fixed networking or storage, it provides a more flexible external PCIe breakout for users who want to install their own cards.
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That flexibility is the main point of interest here. The transcript suggests use cases such as network cards, SATA cards, and other compact PCIe devices, with bus power available over USB4 and a barrel power input included for cards that need more power than the host connection can provide on its own. Since this product is not yet listed on the official product page, the available information is still limited and some details remain unconfirmed. The requested naming of this section as a PCIe Gen4 x1 slot box reflects the intended lane configuration you provided, but that specific wording was not fully documented in the supplied official specification text, so it should be treated as based on your product notes.
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| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Lekuo USB4 to 2x PCIe Gen4 x1 Slots Box |
| Model | Not provided in supplied materials |
| Host Interface | USB4 |
| Host Compatibility | USB4 / Thunderbolt host systems |
| PCIe Expansion | 2x PCIe slots |
| PCIe Lane Configuration | 2x PCIe Gen4 x1 slots |
| Enclosure Basis | Uses casing shown on Lekuo 8x 1GbE adapter |
| Power Source | USB bus power supported |
| Supplemental Power | Barrel power input present |
| Intended Use | External PCIe expansion for add in cards |
| Example Use Cases | NICs, SATA cards, other low power PCIe devices |
| Cooling | Not specified in supplied materials |
| Official Product Page Status | Not yet listed |
| Retail Status | Development / internal test derived design |
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Lekuo is also preparing a multi drive USB4 enclosure that combines 4 HDD bays with a single PCIe Gen4 M.2 NVMe slot in the same chassis. Based on the transcript, this is a DAS rather than a NAS, so it is intended to provide direct attached storage expansion over USB4 instead of functioning as a self contained network appliance. The inclusion of the M.2 slot adds a layer of flexibility beyond a standard 4 bay enclosure, allowing for SSD caching, a dedicated fast volume, or a separate high speed workspace alongside the hard drive array.
The product is described as relying on software RAID rather than including a hardware RAID controller, and the transcript also notes a dual port TB4 style design for daisy chaining. At the same time, the core concept is clear: this is an external storage enclosure aimed at users who want a mix of larger capacity HDD storage and faster NVMe storage within a single USB4 connected device. As with several of the other products shown during the visit, this unit does not yet appear on the official product page, so the available details should be treated as pre release rather than final retail specifications.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Lekuo USB4 to 4 HDD and 1x Gen4 M.2 Box |
| Model | Not provided in supplied materials |
| Host Interface | USB4 |
| Drive Bays | 4x HDD bays |
| SSD Slot | 1x PCIe Gen4 M.2 NVMe slot |
| Product Type | DAS |
| RAID | Software RAID |
| Hardware RAID Controller | No |
| Daisy Chain Support | Dual port TB4 style connectivity mentioned in transcript |
| Intended Use | Direct attached storage expansion with mixed HDD and NVMe storage |
| Official Product Page Status | Not yet listed |
| Retail Status | In development / shown during visit |
| Cooling | Not specified in supplied materials |
| OS Support | Not specified in supplied materials |
| Included Accessories | Not specified in supplied materials |
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Lekuo is also developing a PCIe expansion card that combines USB and storage connectivity on a single board, aimed at systems where slot space is limited and adding multiple separate controller cards is not practical. In the transcript, the card is shown with 2x USB Type C ports, 1x USB Type A port, 4x SATA ports, and an integrated 2.5GbE network connection. Rather than focusing on a single function, it is intended as a compact multi purpose expansion card for small form factor systems, embedded builds, or storage focused PCs that still need additional external connectivity.
The card is described as operating over a PCIe Gen4 x1 connection, giving it a total host side bandwidth of 20Gbps to allocate across its various controllers. That does not mean every port can run at maximum speed simultaneously, but it does make the board suitable for mixed duty use where SATA connectivity, modest USB expansion, and basic 2.5GbE networking need to be consolidated into one slot. Based on the material you provided, this product was shown during the visit rather than backed by a full standalone specification sheet, so some lower level details remain unspecified.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Lekuo USB Expansion PCIe Card |
| Model | Not provided in supplied materials |
| Host Interface | PCIe |
| PCIe Link | PCIe Gen4 x1 |
| Total Host Bandwidth | 20Gbps |
| USB Ports | 2x USB Type C, 1x USB Type A |
| Storage Ports | 4x SATA |
| Network Port | 1x 2.5GbE |
| Intended Use | Multi function expansion for compact systems |
| Example Deployments | Small servers, small form factor PCs, embedded systems |
| Additional Connectivity | Extra output cable mentioned for further USB expansion depending on case layout |
| Official Product Page Status | Not specified in supplied materials |
| Retail Status | Shown in transcript / development status not fully confirmed |
| Cooling | Not specified in supplied materials |
| OS Support | Not specified in supplied materials |
| Included Accessories | Additional output cable referenced in transcript |
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Lekuo is also expanding its external 10GbE range with a USB4 to 10G SFP+ adapter, offering an alternative to the more common RJ45 based 10GbE designs already associated with the brand. In the transcript, this model is presented as a silent SFP based version of the company’s existing copper 10GbE adapter, intended for users who want fibre or DAC connectivity instead of 10GBASE T. That makes it more relevant for rackmount environments, structured fibre deployments, and users already working with SFP+ switching infrastructure.
The product appears to share the same broader design language as the other newer USB4 network adapters shown during the visit, including a compact metal enclosure, ventilation at each end, and an external power option. The transcript also notes a physical power button on this family of devices, which is relatively uncommon on compact external network adapters. As this specific single port USB4 to 10G SFP+ model is not included in the supplied formal product specification sheets, the current information is based on what was shown and described in the video rather than a final retail listing.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Lekuo USB4 to 10G SFP+ Adapter |
| Model | Not provided in supplied materials |
| Host Interface | USB4 |
| Host Compatibility | USB4 / Thunderbolt host systems |
| Network Interface | 1x 10G SFP+ |
| Port Type | SFP+ |
| Cooling | Passive / silent design, based on transcript |
| Chassis | Metal enclosure with ventilation at each end |
| Power Input | Barrel power input mentioned in transcript |
| Power Control | Physical on/off button mentioned in transcript |
| Intended Use | External 10GbE fibre or DAC connectivity over USB4 |
| Official Product Page Status | Not yet listed in supplied materials |
| Retail Status | Shown during visit / pre release context |
IOCREST and Lekuo are effectively 2 market facing identities used by the same company. Based on the interview material, the business was founded in 2000 and has operated for more than 20 years in adapter, connectivity, and expansion hardware design. IOCREST appears more closely associated with the company’s long standing OEM and B2B activity, while Lekuo is the branding now being pushed more directly toward end users and consumer retail channels.
A key point from the interview is that the company states that most of its products are designed in house, including the internal engineering and development work behind its USB, USB4, M.2, and PCIe based solutions. It also describes its product planning as being driven by practical gaps in the market, particularly in compact systems where users need to add networking, storage, or expansion features that are not available on the base hardware. That helps explain why many of its products focus on niche but increasingly relevant use cases such as M.2 to 10GbE, USB4 to multi port networking, and external PCIe breakout designs.
The other defining part of the company’s position is that much of its historical business has been behind the scenes. In the interview, Lekuo states that before its more recent consumer push, most of its sales were B2B, with products often sold through partners, distributors, or other companies without prominent IOCREST or Lekuo branding on the product listing itself. The current shift appears to be less about changing what it makes and more about putting its own name in front of products that were previously sold in a more anonymous OEM style model.
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