HubKey G3

Open a laptop at a desk and the routine often starts with cables: HDMI for the monitor, the charger, an external SSD, a card reader. HubKey G3, presented as a Kickstarter project, is designed to absorb that clutter into a single 16-in-1 docking station covering video, power, data, networking and audio.

A screen on the dock itself

The defining feature is a 2-inch touchscreen that, according to the maker, displays the dock's status in real time. The idea is to answer common questions — is the display connected, is the laptop charging, is a transfer running — with a glance at the dock rather than a trip into system settings or a round of unplugging and replugging.

Displays, USB and power

Two HDMI outputs support a dual-display setup at up to 4K@60Hz on compatible systems, the maker says. USB is split into two groups: a 10Gbps high-speed group intended for devices such as external SSDs, and a 5Gbps group for everyday peripherals like mice, keyboards, webcams and audio gear. Power comes via PD3.0 pass-through charging of up to 100W, so the laptop can charge while video output, data transfer and networking run at the same time.

• 2-inch touchscreen for real-time status
• Dual HDMI, up to 4K@60Hz
• Up to 100W PD3.0 pass-through charging
• 10Gbps and 5Gbps USB port groups
• Gigabit LAN
• SD3.0 / TF3.0 card slots
• Audio port
• Aluminium enclosure

Compatibility

The maker lists support for Windows, macOS, Linux and Steam Deck, positioning the dock as a shared station for people who switch between USB-C devices. It also notes that video output and maximum performance depend on the host device, so the USB-C capabilities of the connected computer matter.