As far as skins and cases for electronic devices go, I'd argue that few companies — if any — make products as unique and cool as Dbrand's. Even more than for its edgy and provocative tone on social media, Dbrand is widely known for its premium enclosures that often sport standout and eye-catching designs.
One of these is (or was; more on that below) its Portal Companion Cube case for Valve's newly released Steam Machine that makes the compact gaming PC look exactly like the beloved Weighted Companion Cube from the publisher's legendary puzzle game series. The $99 enclosure quickly went viral and launched to extreme success last week...but ultimately, I'm sad to report that success was very short-lived.
On Monday, soon after fans noticed the Companion Cube case was recently wiped from all Dbrand channels and platforms, the brand announced that the skin has been canceled following a takedown request from Valve. It explained that it neglected to acquire a license from Valve to create and sell a Portal-themed product, leading to the cease and desist.
"The blunt version is that we made the Companion Cube without a license from Valve. Everyone who purchased a Companion Cube will have their refund issued by end-of-day," Dbrand wrote in its statement.
"On November 12th 2025, the day the Steam Machine was announced, we put up a concept render and sign-up page to see if anyone would be interested in a Companion Cube enclosure. It went moderately viral, with over fifteen thousand people signing up to be notified in the first day," it continued. "In the months that followed, we built the idea into something real without ever asking Valve if we could. We’re going to regret that decision for a very long time."
Dbrand went on to say that it invested seven months of hard work into the project and was extremely proud of how the case turned out, but also acknowledged that all the time and effort still didn't give it the right to create the enclosure without licensing or permission.
"Unfortunately, being proud of the thing we made did not give us the right to make it. We launched around 3am on Monday, June 22nd. Overnight, it became the second-fastest selling product in our 15-year history, behind only the Switch 2 Killswitch," it said.
"Shortly after, Valve’s legal team reached out. They stated that the Companion Cube is Valve intellectual property, for which dbrand does not have a license," the brand added. "They requested we take down the product and launch film immediately. This was entirely within their rights, and they were direct, fair, and respectful throughout."
Dbrand attempted to see if Valve would be willing to license the case, but it ultimately said no, leading to the project's cancellation. It noted that "Given our backwards approach of building first and asking permission later, it was a fair answer."
"To everyone who was as excited about this project as we were: thank you, and sorry. Refunds are being issued today. If it hasn’t landed in your account by the end of this week, you know how to reach us," the company concluded. "To Valve: thank you for Portal, and sorry for the headache. We should’ve asked first."
It's true that Valve ultimately didn't do anything wrong here, but regardless, I'm really sad that the sale of this Steam Machine case has been halted, as it's incredibly cool and undoubtedly one of the sweetest ones we'll ever see for the system.
Would you like to see Valve change its mind and work with Dbrand to license a Portal Companion Cube case for the Steam Machine after all? Let me know in the comments, and in our poll.
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
I hate the fact that Prime Day still requires hunting for deals. You'd think an event centered around shopping would guarantee great prices, but that's not the case.
I was pleasantly surprised to see the Logitech MX Vertical discounted by 44% on Prime Day.
"I honestly can't think of a thing I'd change about the Logitech MX Vertical. I dislike having to use other mice because I've been spoiled by the Logitech MX Vertical. " ~ Sean Endicott, news writer, Windows CentralView Deal
Are Prime Day deals worth it?
Some Prime Day deals are worth it. The shopping event is genuinely a good way to save money on some items. But that doesn't mean anything you see on sale during Prime Day is a good deal.
It's normal to see an item marked up a few weeks before Prime Day to make the Prime Day "discount" look better.
In the worst cases, an item actually becomes more expensive than usual during Prime Day. Retailers manipulate price history to make a bad price look good.
These are the types of things our team of experts looks out for when finding Prime Day deals. It's also why hand-picked Prime Day deals are better than blindly trusting a sale tag.
The Logitech MX Vertical is currently $67.67 for Prime Day. According to CamelCamelCamel, that is almost the lowest price ever for the mouse (it once hit $63.79 on Amazon). Perhaps more importantly, the price is significantly lower than what we've seen the majority of this year.
Why buy the Logitech MX Vertical
The Logitech MX Vertical is an ergonomic mouse that allows your wrist and arm to rest at a natural angle. That results in less muscle strain and reduced wrist pressure.
Because of the shape of the mouse, you don't have to move your hand as much. Tiny movements add up, and being able to keep your hand in place does a lot to reduce strain.
The Logitech MX Vertical is by far the best mouse I've used.
Over the years, its rubber grip has held up well. The mouse still lasts for ages when running on battery. It's easy to top up through USB-C when it's time to charge.
It checks all the boxes I want in a mouse.
The only downside of the Logitech MX Vertical is its retail price, but the massive discount on the mouse makes that a non-factor.
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
The Razer Seiren V3 Pro arrives as a pro‑level streaming microphone that finally feels like the centerpiece of Razer’s recent run of impressive peripherals. It pairs studio‑grade hardware — a large 30 mm dynamic capsule, USB‑C and XLR outputs, and tactile controls — with deep Synapse software and Chroma RGB flair, aiming to satisfy both serious creators and RGB enthusiasts.
This review cuts through the marketing: I’ll show what the mic actually sounds like, how its software and features stack up against rivals, and whether it’s worth swapping in for your current setup.
Razerhad no input, nor did it see the contents of this review, prior to publication.
What it is
The Razer Seiren V3 Pro ($249.99 / €289.99) is a hybrid dynamic microphone tailored specifically for streamers, podcasters, and music producers.
At its heart sits a custom 30 mm dynamic capsule purpose-built to capture broadcast-style depth and natural warmth.
Structurally, it features a robust, resonance-resistant zinc unibody frame paired with an integrated, vibration-dampened adjustable arm mount.
To round out its premium aesthetic, it includes a gorgeous Razer Chroma RGB lighting ring that doubles as a real-time status and live mute indicator, which can be enabled by the mic button.
Quick set up
(Image credit: Daniel Rubino)
Unboxing the Razer Seiren V3 Pro is refreshingly simple. Unlike many high-end microphones that leave you scrambling to buy external accessories, this mic is entirely ready to rock right out of the box.
It features an included desktop stand, a built-in shock absorber, and a removable pop filter. Just plug it in via the included USB Type-C cable, complete a quick configuration, and you are up and running.
If you want to jump into the pro tier immediately, you can just as easily route an XLR cable (not included) straight from the base into an audio interface or mixer.
It’s a frictionless setup that gives you studio-grade enhancements with zero technical expertise required.
How it's different
USB, XLR, microphone port, and gain control are on the bottom of the Seiren V3 Pro. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)
The Seiren V3 Pro separates itself from the pack by flawlessly bridging mainstream USB convenience and professional XLR performance.
Its primary direct competitor in this hybrid category is the HyperX Flipcast, which we've also reviewed. However, the Seiren V3 Pro secures a massive hardware victory right away: it includes a high-quality desktop stand and integrated shock mount in the box, whereas the Flipcast notoriously ships without a stand or boom arm, forcing an immediate extra purchase.
Furthermore, the software support here is on an entirely different level. While HyperX’s NGENUITY app offers rudimentary controls, Razer Synapse unlocks deep, granular audio customization:
32-Bit Float Support: Available via Synapse, this format captures a dramatically wider dynamic range to effectively eliminate digital clipping and distortion.
Advanced Audio DSP: Houses an advanced parametric EQ, noise gate, compressor, limiter, and AI noise remover directly powered by an onboard hardware engine.
Synapse Advanced Mixing: Allows for multi-channel stream routing right within the application interface.
What it's great at
A big mute button on the side is enabled/disabled with a light tap, so you don't disturb the mic while on a mount. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)
The biggest hardware triumph here is the dual-connectivity workflow. Having both USB-C and XLR connections on one microphone offers massive advantages, though it comes with standard hybrid trade-offs:
The Pros: It provides immense versatility. Newcomers can start with a simple, plug-and-play desktop configuration and seamlessly transition into an advanced analog signal chain down the road without buying a new microphone. Interestingly, you can keep both the USB and XLR cables plugged in simultaneously and dynamically switch between them on your Windows PC.
The Cons: You are paying a premium for dual internal electronics, and advanced Synapse software functions (like 32-bit float, the parametric EQ, and advanced mixing) are strictly limited to the digital USB connection.
During testing, there wasn't a noticeable difference in tonal warmth when swapping between the two connections, but the USB interface emerged as the clear favorite for me purely because it unlocks Synapse's superior sound features and DSP suite.
My experience otherwise with the mic has been great. You can hear it in action in the short review video accompanying this article, as well as on our recent Windows Central Podcast, Episode #396.
For now, I plan to keep using this mic over my HyperX ProCast. While the ProCast is an excellent, gold-sputtered large-diaphragm XLR condenser, it is strictly analog, requires 48V phantom power, and entirely lacks the modern digital conveniences, RGB integration, and software agility that make the Seiren V3 Pro so effortless to use daily.
Plus, while the ProCast had an original MSRP of $199.99 and dropped as low as $99.99 on sale, it now appears to be discontinued and increasingly hard to find, completely out of stock at both Best Buy and HyperX.
Daniel RubinoDaniel RubinoDaniel Rubino
The Razer Synapse software features offer brilliant audio tuning, particularly the automatic environment noise test and AI noise remover. They do a spectacular job of silencing background hums and room reflections.
The Razer Synapse setup here was awesome: Hit a button and record yourself talking for 10 seconds. Hit another button and say nothing for 10 seconds. Then answer a few questions, e.g., what is your goal here (streamer, podcast, general, etc.) and what do you have fans running, environmental noise, etc. From that data, the system suggests your tuning, which you can then accept, and you're done. You can re-run the process anytime in Synapse should anything change.
The only minor catch is that the aggressive noise cancellation can occasionally cut your voice out a bit during quieter moments. Because of this, some manual tweaking of the noise gate threshold may still be needed to get it dialed in perfectly.
Finally, if you are already invested in Razer’s ecosystem—sporting a Razer keyboard, mouse, or monitor—adding this mic beautifully completes the package. The Chroma RGB ring integrates flawlessly into your existing lighting profiles, satisfying RGB enthusiasts while giving clear visual feedback on your live mute status via the tap-to-mute sensor.
Who's it for
The mic is "naked" without its pop-filter, which slides off. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)
This microphone is built for the forward-thinking content creator. It is perfect for game streamers, podcasters, and hybrid musicians who want beautiful aesthetic flair and USB simplicity today, but demand the studio-grade security of an XLR output as their production setup grows.
Should you buy the Razer Seiren V3 Pro?
I ended up liking the Seiren V3 Pro more than I expected, largely due to the software and DSP controls. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)
You should buy it if ...
✅ You want USB‑C now, XLR later.
✅ You use Razer Synapse/Chroma and want full integration.
✅ You need onboard DSP (32‑bit float, AI noise removal) to cut post‑work.
You should not buy this if ...
❌ You prefer a pure XLR, software‑free workflow.
❌ You’re on a tight budget and don’t need RGB or Synapse.
❌You need full feature parity on macOS without Windows Synapse.
Admittedly, my "you should not buy ifs" here are nitpicky. You can just use this as an XLR mic with a software-free workflow if you want and not worry about USB or software. But there are also more affordable XLR-only mics, hence the con.
At $249.99, Razer positions the Seiren V3 Pro firmly in the higher-end premium tier compared to the HyperX Flipcast (which currently sits at $179.99 against a $229.99 MSRP) and the now-evaporated ProCast.
However, for me, the incredible Razer Synapse DSP more than makes up for that higher cost. The sheer quality of the out-of-the-box hardware processing saves massive time in post-production. I didn't expect that to be the big selling point, but it's clever software and the kind of "don't think about it" setups I prefer.
While you could look at other heavy hitters at this price point like the Shure MV7+ or SteelSeries Alias Pro, Razer brings an unmatched physical build quality, out-of-the-box completeness, and ecosystem synergy to your desk. It delivers studio sound, simply and effortlessly.
Razer
Razer Seiren V3 Pro Microphone
Razer's new studio‑grade mic with 32‑bit float clarity, USB/XLR flexibility, built‑in DSP and pop filter, RGB status ring, and durable zinc design for clean, professional sound in streaming or recording setups.
Out of all the gaming accessory manufacturers, Razer has got to be my absolute favorite. From providing comfortable gaming chairs to esports-ready controllers and headsets, Razer's products have enriched mine and many others' lives, and it's about to enrich a lot more of them.
Razer is hosting an Amazon Prime Day sale on several of its top-grade PC gaming peripherals, lifestyle furniture, controllers, and more for a limited time, and we've rounded up some of its best for you to check out.
"The Razer Viper V3 Pro is the new champion of Razer's high-end esports gaming lineup, and it packs a ton of impressive tech into a lightweight package." ~ Zachary Boddy, former Staff Writer
"The Razer Basilisk V3 Pro 35K takes an already great mouse and elevates it further. Its bulk and weight won’t be for everyone, but there’s no doubt it brings an awful lot to the table." ~ Alex Blake, Freelance Contributor at TechRadar
"The Razer Huntsman V3 Pro is undeniable as the world's most advanced gaming keyboard. Adjustable actuation and endless customization make it a boon for any professional esports gamer." ~ Zachary Boddy, former Staff Writer
"The Razer Huntsman V3 Pro is undeniable as the world's most advanced gaming keyboard. Adjustable actuation and endless customization make it a boon for any professional esports gamer." ~ Christopher Coke, Contributing Writer at Tom's Hardware
"The Razer Kraken V4 refines the comfortable design to be slimmer and more attractive, adds more RGB lighting, and improves the audio quality across the board." ~ Zachary Boddy, former Staff Writer
"Razer has finally made a wireless controller for the Xbox and overall it's absolutely brilliant. Combining the best aspects of previous Wolverine controllers, Razer has updated it for the present day with its excellent mouse switch technology, hall effect sticks and an ergonomic design that I would argue is better even than Microsoft's own." — Richard Devine, Managing Editor
"The Razer Kishi V3 Pro takes everything great about Razer's excellent Kishi Ultra and adds more buttons and features and plenty of other enhancements. It's truly the ultimate mobile gaming controller, as long as you don't mind the size." ~ Zachary Boddy, former Staff Writer
This is the extra-large version of the Kishi V3 Pro controller built to accommodate Android and iPad tablets up to 13-inches big.View Deal
"The Razer Basilisk V3 Pro 35K takes an already great mouse and elevates it further. Its bulk and weight won’t be for everyone, but there’s no doubt it brings an awful lot to the table." ~ Rhys Wood, Hardware Editor at TechRadar
"Despite its stiff backrest and lumbar support, the Razer Iskur V2 X is a great gaming chair with high-quality seat cushioning and padded armrests that will keep you relaxed during long periods of gaming." ~ Alex Corden, Staff Writer
This is the upgraded version of the Iskur V2 X chair built with Razer Gen-2 EPU leather and Cool tech, so it's 13 times more durable, breathable, and comfortable to sit in. View Deal
FAQ
When does Amazon's June Prime Day event start?
Amazon's Prime Day June event starts on June 23, 2026 and will last until June 26, 2026.
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
SteelSeries is widely regarded by many to be one of the top manufacturers of gaming accessories. Whether it's wireless gaming headsets or responsive keyboards and mice built for esports competitions, there's little that SteelSeries can't provide for PC and console gamers.
However, most of their highest-quality products can be pretty expensive to buy at their listing prices. Fortunately, Amazon Prime Day's June 2026 sale has nerfed the prices of many SteelSeries gaming accessories to more affordable levels for a limited time, and we've rounded up some of the best deals it's offering for your perusal.
SteelSeries Headset deals
"The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro incorporates practically every feature you could ever want in a headset, but most importantly, it does it well. Sublime sound, next-level quality and construction, a feature-packed DAC, and connectivity with basically every device on Earth makes this headset simultaneously the jack of all trades, and the master of all trades." — Jez Corden, Exec Editor
The Pro X edition of the Arctis Nova Pro wireless headset drops the multi-platform compatibility for a lower price. Otherwise, it features the same stellar build and audio quality as its Nova Pro counterpart.View Deal
"The Arctis Nova 7X Wireless Gen 2 impresses with its ability to work with virtually anything over wireless or wired means, plus has nice-to-haves such as better battery life and stronger software support." ~ Reece Bithrey, Contributor at PC Gamer
"The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7P has become a mainstay in my gaming and work setup, thanks to a comfortable design that has very few pain points. The on-headset buttons and controls pair perfectly with the PS5 and feel great to use." ~ Jake Green, Contributor at TechRadar Gaming
"Overall, this is a really great and discrete headset, complete with active noise cancelling, 2.4 GHz USB-C connectivity, and Bluetooth on mobile devices. The sound quality is decent, the price is right, and the feature set is impressive. If you're an earbuds fan, this might be your best option for multi-platform use with an Xbox and PC focus." ~ Jez Corden, Executive Editor
"A beautiful design built from high-quality parts, this tiny mechanical keyboard makes fast-paced gaming a breeze with adjustable actuation and dual per-key bindings." ~ Ben Wilson, Senior Editor
"The smallest version of SteelSeries' best gaming keyboard boasts top-notch performance and countless software features thanks to its unique magnetic switches." ~ Zachary Boddy, former Staff Writer
"SteelSeries’ new budget-minded keyboard boasts some impressive features, even if they come with a few concessions." ~ Sam Desatoff, former writer of TechRadar
"The SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless is another fine entry in the SteelSeries line of gaming mice. Though some might be deterred by the high price, you're getting your money's worth with high performance, tons of customizable features, and a lightweight design that fits your grip type." ~ Allisa James, Computing Staff Writer (TechRadar)
UPDATE: Amazon drops the Aerox 5 from $66.48 to $64.11
This is the wired edition of the Aerox 5 Gaming mouse, which features the same high-quality build, responsiveness and battery life while sacrificing wireless connectivity for a cheaper price.
Amazon's Prime Day June event started on June 23, 2026 and will last until June 26, 2026.
What do I do if my SteelSeries accessory isn't being detected?
If a SteelSeries headset, keyboard, or mice accessory isn't being detected by your computer or console, you will need to switch which USB ports they're connected or check if the device drivers are up to date.
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
Amazon Prime Day has arrived to treat PC gamers with discounts on various high-quality gaming accessories that will make you never settle for regular keyboards again.
One such keyboard is the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless Keyboard. It features near-flawless responsiveness, wireless connectivity that suffers no lag, customizable magnetic and keycap bindings, and more that can now be yours for less with this 40% discount that has reduced its listing price from $239.99 to $132.94 at Amazon.
"A beautiful design built from high-quality parts, this tiny mechanical keyboard makes fast-paced gaming a breeze with adjustable actuation and dual per-key bindings." — Ben Wilson, Senior Editor
SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini wireless rear. (Image credit: Windows Central (Ben Wilson) | SteelSeries)
SteelSeries has produced some fine PC gaming accessories over the years, and one of its more recent standout products, the Apex Pro Mini Wireless Keyboard, is one shining example of the company's standard for high-quality peripherals.
It has a vast array of customization, as it will allow you to adjust its per-key actuation (0.1 – 4.0mm), create shortcut keybinds for triggering complex in-game actions more easily, and program two different actions to one key so you can activate more fluidly based on how hard you press it (like walking with a light touch or running with a hard push).
With these features combined with OmniPoint 2.0 Adjustable HyperMagnetic switches and Rapid Trigger features that activate keys based on a player's finger travel distance, what you get is an incredibly fast keyboard whose controls can be heavily customized to play whatever genre of PC gaming you throw at it, whether it's first-person shooters like Call of Duty or MMORPGs like World of Warcraft.
Other notable selling points of this keyboard include a 60% compact form that saves up space on your work desk, ultra-fast 2.4GHz wireless or Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity that does not suffer from lag, and some vibrant RGB lighting to brighten your room late at night while gaming.
So, if you're looking for a high-level keyboard whose responsiveness can help you keep up with the fastest-paced games out there, we highly recommend the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless Keyboard.
FAQ
When does Amazon's June Prime Day event start?
Amazon's Prime Day June event started on June 23, 2026, and will last until June 26, 2026.
Can it be connected to a PC wired?
Yes. In addition to wireless connections, the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless Keyboard features a USB-C cable so it can connect to PC's with a USB-C port to play games that way and update its firmware.
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
When you want to listen to your favorite games while traveling, sometimes using traditional headsets can be a drag. Due to their bulky designs, they can be troublesome to store; they tend to make you stand out when you don't want to, and they're uncomfortable to wear while doing intense exercises.
In this case, earbuds are a better option due to their smaller size, which makes them more discreet and portable. One such headset is the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds, which is now on sale for $159.99 at Amazon, courtesy of Amazon's Prime Day sale.
"Overall, this is a really great and discrete headset, complete with active noise cancelling, 2.4 GHz USB-C connectivity, and Bluetooth on mobile devices. The sound quality is decent, the price is right, and the feature set is impressive. If you're an earbuds fan, this might be your best option for multi-platform use with an Xbox and PC focus." — Jez Corden, Executive Editor
The SteelSeries Arctis Gamebuds in hand. (Image credit: Windows Central | Jez Corden)
The SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds rank among the best Xbox headsets we've covered on this website. I know my colleague, Jez Corden, certainly believes so, as he said, "the SteelSeries Arctis Gamebuds are the first Xbox and PC "gaming" earbuds that I feel truly check all the right boxes, across performance, features, and price."
They're equipped with custom Neodymium Magnetic Drivers that deliver some of the best sound quality you'd never expect from an earbud, complete with a punchy bass and 360° Spatial Audio for extra immersion for the listener.
They also feature a long battery of 10 hours, a Qi charging case, 2.4GHz wireless connectivity for Xbox and other home consoles, Bluetooth 5.3 for mobile devices, 4-mic hybrid Active Noise Cancellation, over 100 game audio presets to adjust a game's sound to your tastes, and a smooth, ergonomic design that makes it comfortable to wear in your ear.
So, if you're looking for a viable gaming earbud to take with you while on holiday or riding a plane, then nothing tops the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds.
FAQ
When does Amazon's June Prime Day event start?
Amazon's Prime Day June event started on June 23, 2026 and will last until June 26, 2026.
What platforms are they compatible with?
The SteelSeries Arctis GameBud's system compatibility depends on its model.
The PlayStation model supports PlayStation 5, PC, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices, while the Xbox model is compatible with Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC, and Nintendo Switch.
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
SteelSeries is, without a doubt, one of the best go-to providers of high-quality gaming headsets, as their offerings are built to last for years with their immaculate sound quality, sturdy builds, and useful features such as active noise cancellation.
One of SteelSeries' best works, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro, is one such headset, and it's now on sale on Amazon Prime Day at a 34% discount, priced at $249.99.
"The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro incorporates practically every feature you could ever want in a headset, but most importantly, it does it well. Sublime sound, next-level quality and construction, a feature-packed DAC, and connectivity with basically every device on Earth makes this headset simultaneously the jack of all trades, and the master of all trades." — Jez Corden, Exec Editor
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro is not only a jack of all trades, it's a master of them. (Image credit: Windows Central (Jez Corden) | SteelSeries)
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro earned a spot among our favorite Xbox headsets for very good reasons, and that starts with its sound quality.
With its Premium Hi-Fi Drivers, 360° Spatial Audio, and adjustable EQ, this headset can deliver extremely immersive, balanced, and broad soundscapes while isolating specific sound details that make a game's sound design heavenly to listen to.
The soundscape also provides a competitive edge with multiplayer games like Call of Duty, as it can help isolate specific sounds like enemy player movements so they don't get the drop on you.
Other welcome features of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro include active noise cancellation to shut out distracting background noise, 44 hours of battery life (22 hours with Bluetooth), connectivity with every console and device, comfortable ear cushions, and a decent-quality microphone with active noise cancellation.
It's even got a bundled digital-to-analog (DAC) converter base that can recharge the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro's hot-swappable batteries, connect it to multiple devices, and adjust its audio settings.
While the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Omni may be the new hotness, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro proves it's still got it in 2026, and we highly recommend it now for audiophiles looking to upgrade the auditory experience of their games.
FAQ
What devices are compatible with the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro?
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro is compatible with Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC, mobile phones, and laptops.
What connectivity does it use?
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro connects to devices wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.0 and 2.4GHz wireless or wired via USB-C cables.
When does Amazon's June Prime Day event start?
Amazon's Prime Day June event starts on June 23, 2026 and will last until June 26, 2026.
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
I’m going to come out and say the obvious: this is a backpack. In the grand scheme of technology journalism, dedicating a full review to a textile housing system for my laptop feels kind of daft. Or at least it should.
But if you are getting ready to drop over $100 on a laptop bag, it couldn't hurt to do some actual research. When I first saw Razer’s updated Rogue lineup, my immediate reaction was: "Why on earth would I spend $100-plus on a backpack when the $30 no-brand bag I bought on Amazon two years ago still works completely fine?"
Yet, in a way that only Razer can consistently pull off with their ecosystem accessories, I suddenly get it. Just like what happened with their unassuming USB-C dock, another product category I previously cared absolutely nothing about, I now care a hell of a lot about a simple backpack.
Razer Rogue V4 Backpack: Price, availability and specs
The Razer Rogue V4 comes in two size options (Image credit: Razer)
The Razer Rogue Backpack V4 line officially dropped on June 4, 2026, making its way to Razer's official store, and is also available on Amazon. The Rogue V4 comes in two sizes, priced differently depending on what you need.
Razer Rogue 16” Backpack V4: Retails for $109.99 / £109.99.
Razer Rogue 18” Backpack V4: Retails for $139.99 / £139.99.
Choosing between them comes down to a quick assessment of your daily haul. The 16” variant is beautifully compact and tailored perfectly for mid-sized setups like the Razer Blade 16.
However, if you are rocking an absolute behemoth of a desktop replacement, like the Razer Blade 18, or you just happen to travel heavy with massive mechanical keyboards and full-sized audio gear, you'll definitely want to step up to the 18” version for that maximum volume capacity.
Specs
Razer Rogue 16” Backpack V4
Razer Rogue 18” Backpack V4
External material
Recycled 600D PU fabric (A1)
Recycled 600D PU fabric (A1)
Internal material
Reinforced polyester lining with PU coating
Reinforced polyester lining with PU coating
Dimensions
444.5 x 323.8 x 152.4 mm (17.50 x 12.75 x 6.00 in)
533.4 x 330.2 x 190.5 mm (21.60 x 13.00 x 7.50 in)
Approximate Weight
0.72 kg / 1.59 lbs
0.96 kg / 2.12 lbs
Razer Rogue V4 Backpack: What's good
Despite my items spilling out, rest assured this was a stylistic choice and the backpack has more than enough room for all of my tech. (Image credit: Jennifer Young - Windows Central)
Despite my heavy skepticism about whether a premium backpack could actually impress me after years of relying on a bargain-basement Amazon special, I have found myself completely smitten with this Razer number.
And no, it’s not just because it looks great, though I need to mention that the clean matte-black finish, subtle leather-effect accents, and iconic Razer green stitching look incredibly sharp.
When you first unzip this bag, it immediately feels a hell of a lot more intensely engineered than a cheap import. The shoulder straps are seriously reinforced and heavily padded. During particularly chaotic weeks, my everyday carry scales up aggressively. I can be hauling anything from my standard daily laptop to both my personal and work laptops simultaneously, alongside an ROG Ally, a Kindle, a full-sized gaming headset, and all the mandatory cable paraphernalia required to keep them alive.
The sneaky back pocket for secret items (or... your passport)Jennifer Young - Windows CentralThe straps can be secured further across your chest for more supportJennifer Young - Windows CentralPen pockets, pockets for pens!Jennifer Young - Windows CentralThe front pocket wasn't quite big enough for my Kindle but thankfully there are around 700 other pockets it can go in (hyperbole)Jennifer Young - Windows CentralThis is the Razer Blade 18 housed perfectly in the padded pocket, and this thing is huge. Jennifer Young - Windows CentralManaged to squeeze two laptops and these Razer Blacksharks in. Still got room for a packed lunch. Jennifer Young - Windows Central
My normal bargain bag regularly leaves me with aching, sore shoulders under that kind of load because the straps lack substance. The Rogue V4, by contrast, features wide, ergonomically designed padded straps paired with a highly ventilated mesh back panel that distributes dense weight beautifully.
The velcro on the front is begging to be accessorized (Image credit: Jennifer Young - Windows Central)
There's also a really neat velcro strip on the front of the bag for attaching badges. My partner has an entirely too large for him Xbox jacket with a stash of gaming related velcro badges that I'm about to raid.
Razer Rogue V4 Backpack: What's bad
The green lining is super bright which I enjoy, but won't be for everyone. (Image credit: Jennifer Young - Windows Central)
When taking a hard look at what I missed from my old, cheap but trusty backpack, my initial critique was that the Rogue V4 seemed to lack an external charging cutout to comfortably feed a power bank cable out to my phone. Alas, as it turns out, when studying the specs, I saw that Razer actually did think of this. The backpack features a fully integrated, stealthy cable passthrough that routes charging cables from the interior to the exterior without leaving your main compartments open. It was simply buried so deeply within the bag's complex ecosystem of pockets that it managed to evade my first few looks (I found it eventually). Just goes to show exactly how many damn pockets, nooks, and crannies this thing has.
Beyond that, the only real negative here is the price tag. At $110 to $140, it's a substantial investment for an accessory that doesn't actually have a processor inside it. However, that premium cost is undeniably reflected in the build quality, heavy-duty zipper tape, and material longevity you will get. If you are a die-hard Razer enthusiast, the Razer tax is a familiar trade-off.
Razer Rogue V4 Backpack: The competition
(Image credit: Cases & Bags)
Almost every major PC manufacturer manufactures a proprietary laptop backpack line to accompany their gaming laptops, though few manage to carry the same streetwear aesthetic appeal as Razer. If you want to keep your accessories strictly brand-loyal, here are a couple of other options in the same ballpark budget.
Hovering right around the $95–$120 mark, depending on active sales, the Legion 16" Armoredis Lenovo’s ultimate protective shield. It features an aggressive, weatherproof EVA-molded front armor shell and an ultra-rugged base. It offers excellent structural protection against accidental drops, though its rigid, hard-shell design looks vastly more utilitarian and bulky than the Rogue V4.
Finally, we haveAlienware's 18 gaming backpack sitting right in the premium sweet spot at $129.99; this is Dell’s heavyweight champion built explicitly for massive 18-inch desktop replacements. On the inside, it features heavy-duty 360-degree EVA foam cushioning and a soft, anti-scratch Nylex lining to keep your chassis completely pristine.
Razer Rogue V4 Backpack: Should you buy?
You should buy the Razer Rogue V4 if ...
✅ You live and breathe the Razer ecosystem
Slipping a Blade laptop into a perfectly molded, green-accented Razer protective sleeve is undeniably cool.
✅ Your daily commute is a heavy haul
The premium, thick padded shoulder straps and cooling mesh back panel turn an otherwise back-breaking load into a breeze.
You should not buy the Razer Rogue V4 if ...
❌ You are on a strict budget
If you just need a simple fabric container to get a laptop from Point A to Point B, a generic $30 option will still technically do the job.
Razer Rogue V4 Backpack: Final verdict
I heard you liked Razer so here's a Razer bag for your Razer laptop and Razer headphones. Long live Razer. (Image credit: Jennifer Young - Windows Central)
Razer has effectively treated a basic textile backpack with the exact same premium material selection and aesthetic precision that they apply to their flagship laptops. They have done the impossible: they made me genuinely care about a piece of luggage. It’s tough, and a dream bag for the meticulously organized. After all, if you've spent hundreds on your tech, what's another $100 on something to house them in? Consider me converted from the bargain basement!
Razer
Rogue V4 Backpack
It's not just a backpack, it's a Razer backpack, don't you know. While it definitely commands a premium price tag, the bag's ultra-rugged, water-resistant exterior fabric, immaculate compartments within compartments, and heavy-duty laptop shock absorption make it an incredibly stylish carry-on.
There is something entertaining about a company deciding to build a product simply because it can. Most keyboards exist to hit a price point or fill a slot in a lineup. The new Huntsman Signature Edition ($499) exists because someone at Razer clearly said, “What if we made the most overbuilt Huntsman possible?” and nobody in the room stopped them.
The result is a limited-edition showpiece that feels more like a celebration of the Huntsman platform than a normal retail product. It is expensive, shiny, and completely unnecessary for most people, which also makes it a lot of fun to test.
Razerhad no input, nor did it see the contents of this review, prior to publication.
What it is (and why)
Razer has a habit of letting its engineers run wild on small, high‑end projects that exist mostly to prove what the company is capable of. The $279 Viper Mini Signature Edition was the most recent example. It was a magnesium alloy mouse that felt like a science experiment that somehow escaped the lab. The Huntsman Signature Edition follows the same spirit. It is not meant to replace the Huntsman V3 Pro TKL 8K. It is meant to celebrate how far the Huntsman platform has come and what it can be when the usual limits are removed.
Besides the keyboard, you get a solid metal wire keycap puller, extra keycaps, a metal/polished Razer ESC keycap, optional magnetic metal feet, and the vegan‑leather sound‑dampening mat. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)
At its core, this is still a Huntsman. You get the same Gen 2 Analog Optical Switches, Rapid Trigger, Snap Tap, adjustable actuation from 0.1 to 4.0 mm, and full 8,000 Hz polling. The Signature Edition takes that foundation and builds a luxury object around it. It is a showcase piece that highlights the engineering behind the Huntsman line and the attention to detail that usually never makes it into a mainstream product.
This is Razer asking a simple question: what happens if we build the ultimate Huntsman with no shortcuts.
What is different about it
The whole kit and welcome letter from Min-Liang Tan, co-founder, chairman, chief executive officer (CEO), and creative director of Razer. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)
The Signature Edition looks and feels like a completely different class of keyboard. The chassis is CNC milled from 6063 aluminum alloy, which gives it a heavier and more substantial feel than the Huntsman Pro TKL 8K.
How heavy? I'm glad you asked, as I weighed it myself. Just the keyboard by itself weighs 3.05 lbs (1.38 kg)! Most premium boards fall between 2.0 and 2.8 lbs. Something like the GMMK Pro is heavier at 3.3 lbs, but that's with a brass plate, for goodness ' sake. And Razer's own Huntsman V3 Pro TKL 8K, which this is based on, is ~1.8 lbs (0.8 kg).
The giant, leather-style box with front metal clasps acts as an excellent presentation box for the Razer Huntsman Signature Edition. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)
The bottom case and accent pieces go through a physical vapor deposition process and are then polished by hand. Razer says the polishing takes around 50 hours. The result is a mirror finish that looks closer to high‑end watchmaking than gaming hardware. It immediately reminded me of Seiko’s Zaratsu polishing, where artisans spend days creating distortion‑free reflective surfaces. The Signature Edition has that same sense of precision and craft.
The packaging reinforces the idea that this is a special project. The keyboard arrives in a large presentation case with a vegan leather sound dampening mat, a PVD polished triple-headed snake keycap, a cleaning cloth, a keycap puller, magnetic rubber feet, and a Speedflex USB-C cable. It feels more like unboxing a collector’s item than a gaming keyboard.
What you see when you first open the $499 presentation box with the Huntsman Signature Edition. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)
Inside the chassis, Razer uses a full stack of acoustic materials. There is EPDM foam, EVA foam, an FR4 plate, and a silicone rubber sheet. The switches are individually lubricated and factory calibrated for true 0.1 mm precision. The reviewer’s guide highlights this directly:
“Calibrated right out of the factory, the switches are precisely engineered for best-in-class top deadzone management, achieving true 0.1 mm precision.”
The result is a deeper and more controlled sound profile. The Signature Edition has a full, rounded tone that feels closer to a premium custom board than a mass produced gaming keyboard.
How it compares to the Huntsman Pro TKL 8K
Top: Huntsman Pro TKL 8K. Bottom: Huntsman Signature Edition. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)
The Huntsman Pro TKL 8K is already one of the fastest gaming keyboards available. It uses the same switches and the same 8K polling. It has Rapid Trigger and Snap Tap. It is a performance monster. The Signature Edition does not change the fundamentals. What it changes is the experience around those fundamentals.
The Pro TKL 8K has an aluminum top plate, but the Signature Edition is a full aluminum chassis with hand-polished PVD metal. It is heavier, larger, stiffer, and more refined. The Pro TKL 8K has a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The Signature Edition is deeper and more consistent thanks to the internal foam layers and lubrication. The Pro TKL 8K feels fast and responsive. The Signature Edition feels smooth and controlled.
That bottom is not "shiny black," but polished metal that looks black because it's so even and distortion-free. It's literally like a mirror. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)
The Pro TKL 8K arrives in a standard retail box. The Signature Edition arrives in a display case with accessories that feel curated rather than bundled.
Both keyboards deliver the same competitive performance. The Signature Edition simply wraps that performance in craftsmanship and materials that belong in a different category.
Sure, you'll rarely see the bottom, but 50 hours of polishing went into it, which is astounding. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)
tl:dr This isn't the same Huntsman Pro TKL 8K, but in metal. It's completely rebuilt from the ground up, but uses the same design principles and components.
Who should buy it
Razer's classic "for gamers, by gamers" mantra is printed on the metal rear edge with a centered (!) USB-C plug is 🤌. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)
This is a 499 dollar keyboard. That alone tells you who it is for. It is for enthusiasts who appreciate materials and finishing work. It is for collectors who enjoy limited production hardware. It is for people who want the best version of the Huntsman platform and are willing to pay for it.
Daniel RubinoDaniel RubinoDaniel Rubino
It is also worth noting that this is still 100 dollars cheaperthan the new ASUS ROG Azoth Extreme 20th Anniversary Edition, which puts the price into perspective. Razer is selling the Signature Edition in limited drops on Razer.com, and only 1,337 units will be made. If you want one, you will need to move quickly.
This is not a keyboard for everyone. It is a keyboard for people who enjoy the idea of owning something rare and overbuilt.
Should you buy it?
Huntsman Signature Edition on its bespoke vegan‑leather sound‑dampening mat. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)
You should buy it if ...
✅ You always wanted Razer's best keyboard, but at 3lbs, $499, limited edition, and with polished metal.
✅ You're a hardcore gamer, or someone who only wants the best.
You should not buy this if ...
❌ You don't clean your keyboard.
❌ You have to think about that $499.
If you want the best performance for the money, the Huntsman Pro TKL 8K is still the smarter choice. It gives you nearly everything the Signature Edition offers at a much lower price (or see my recent Razer Huntsman V3 TKL 8K review for even more affordability).
The Signature Edition is not about value. It is about craftsmanship, exclusivity, and the satisfaction of using something that feels special.
If that appeals to you, the Signature Edition delivers. If not, the Pro TKL 8K remains the practical pick.
But hey, there's something special here, and I'm glad Razer does stuff like this. For one, it's fun, and two, it often learns from these projects, and from them, that tech could trickle down into its normal projects.
And yeah, it's awesome to just use it for work for typing on, too! It's so solid, stable, and consistent it's like the world's most precise keys built into a rock.
Finally, I should also mention that, for $499, you are getting a 5-year warranty on the Razer Huntsman Signature Edition, compared to the 2-year warranty of its standard keyboards. This is the longest warranty Razer offers on any keyboard and is meant to reflect the premium materials and the limited‑edition nature of the product.
In summary, you can practically hear the moment Razer’s engineers snapped and decided to build a keyboard for the gods, and I think they nailed it.
Ultimate
Razer
Huntsman Signature Edition
The Razer Huntsman Signature Edition is a celebration of craftsmanship. It takes the proven performance of the Huntsman line and wraps it in premium materials, hand finishing, and tuned acoustics that feel closer to a custom board than a gaming product. It is expensive and unnecessary for most people, but it is also one of the most impressive keyboards Razer has ever produced.
The ASUS ROG Swift OLED 32" monitor is on a limited-time 35% discount courtesy of Amazon hosting some deals in preparation for its June 2026 Prime Day event. It can render games and other media at an astounding 4K resolution at 240Hz without any performance-inhibiting compromises.
Dell is offering a limited-time 38% discount on its 32 Plus 4K QD-OLED Monitor (S3225QC), which we gave a glowing review for its immaculate 4K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and excellent built-in soundbar.
Sharge Go Back to the Drawing Board, with the Disk Pro 2 The Sharge Disk Pro 2 is an upcoming portable storage and connectivity device that combines the functionality of a USB hub with external SSD support in a compact, credit card-sized form factor. Developed by Sharge, the device is designed to address the increasing […]
Seagate Shows Off It’s 44TB Hard Drive at NAB 2026
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.
Everything we know about the Seagate 44TB Hard Drives
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
Seagate 44TB HDDs – SMR or CMR?
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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New Cost-Effective USB4, M.2 and PCIe Adapters from IOCREST/Lekuo for 2026 Revealed
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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
Who Are IOCREST/Lekuo?
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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