When I was originally approached to review the ATEN US3310 2-Port USB-C Dock Switch with Power Pass-through, I was not sure what I was agreeing to. With humble apologies to ATEN, it also took me a little while to get around to it.
First Impressions
The ATEN US3310 is a compact 2 node USB-C dock, actually not that much larger than my wallet. It allows you to share a single keyboard, mouse and monitor across two devices.
The unit feels solid with a textured silver metallic finish, black front and back fascia and a couple of indicator lights. It’s the epitome of computer hardware and it does not pretend to be anything else.
The front of the unit are two USB Type-A ports, USB 3.2 Gen 1 to be specific.
On the back is two USB-C, an HDMI port capable of 4k throughput, power input and a “remote” port. The last element is a little switch included to toggle between the two connected devices.
In Use
Getting the US3310 to work was ridiculous. As in, ridiculously simple.
I had a few laptops I had to deploy SOE images to. Nothing much to it just boot, sequence the install and check on it occasionally. Usually I would just line them up on the dinner table and take what space I have, go back and forth from my workspace to do the needful.
This time around, I plug in the ATEN US3310 into my main rig and the build laptop. The beautiful thing is, I did not need to install a driver to get it to work. All I needed to do was to plug in the supplied USB-C to USB-C cables into each computer and it automagically started working. Because I was running off laptops I did not even need to power the dock, it really was that simple.
The US3310 has a power input and I did test it for due diligence. But for the rest of the time I was using it, I was happy to go without.
So this time instead of hogging the dining table for a bunch of laptops, I just have one at a time building next to me where I can easily monitor without having to move. All that was needed was a single USB-C cable and I can easily check everything off using the Logitech MX Keys and MX Vertical that I live on for everything. No need to turn to the side and go onto a different set of input devices. It was simple, effective and efficient.
Other Features
The US3310 is marketed to allow quick switch between computer and mobile device. I tried it with my laptop and my Pixel 5 and again, it simply just works. No fuss, no issues. The Pixel 5 doesn’t get displayed on the HDMI output but I can quickly type messages and fire them off via a physical keyboard.
Gripes
One .. an extra USB port for sharing a USB drive would be nice. I am a keyboard jockey so I can largely go without a mouse if I need to, but that one extra port would just be peachy.
More of a heads up, it only work with USB-C native devices (surprise!). There is no love when you use a USB-C to USB-A dongle.
Conclusions
The ATEN US3310 just works. It is a great space saving device, allowing two machines to be connected to the same keyboard, mouse and monitor. If you are like me and regularly working on multiple machines, it is definitely worth considering. The only down side is the RRP$299 price tag which is on the hefty side. However if you add up all the separate elements you need to set up a second workstation, then the sticker price is a bit more palatable.
The ATEN 2-Port USB-C Gen 1 Dock Switch with Power Pass-Through US3310 is available at your favourite technology resellers, and also on Amazon.
DRN would like to thank ATEN for their on-going support. And to everyone in the DRN team, yes I am capable of a short, punchy review. 😉
Specifications
Computer connections: 2
Computer: USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C Port 1 (Laptop) , USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C Port 2 (Android : Samsung Dex or Huawei Desktop mode)
Device: 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A Female
Video Output: 1 x HDMI Female
Power: 1 x USB-C DC-in Female* , Port 1 : Supports USB-C PD laptop charging at 5V, 9V, 15V, 20V output* , Port 2 : Supports max. 5V, 2A output
*Supports maximum 100W USB-C PD power adapter input.
*For device charging, a Limited Power Source (LPS) certified USB-C PD Power Adapter over 65 Watt is recommended. The minimum system power requirement for basic USB functions and video output should be at least 5V, 3A.
*The first 15W will supply the US3310, the next 10W will supply USB-C device connected to Port 2, and the balance power will supply USB-C device connected to Port 1.
Input: Remote port selector
Video Resolution: Up to 3840 x 2160@30hz
System Requirements Windows 10 and above, USB-C enabled computer with DP Alt Mode*
* With Intel 7th-Generation Core Processor (Kaby-Lake) and above. More info about CPU generation, please find: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/processors/processor-numbers.html
Mac OS X 10.12 and above, USB-C enabled computer
Android 8.0 and later, USB-C enabled Smartphone with DP Alt Mode**
**Only Samsung and Huawei support PC-like operation, others only support mirror mode. For a list of supporting mobile device, refer to US3310’s user manual.
iOS 12.1 and above, iPad Pro 3rd generation (2018)***
*** For better HID experience, iPad OS 13 and above is recommended.
Power Consumption: DC5V:1.24W:406BTU
Physical Properties
Housing: Aluminum
Weight: 0.33 kg ( 0.73 lb )
Dimensions: (L x W x H) 14.30 x 11.90 x 2.38 cm (5.63 x 4.69 x 0.94 in.)
