Review

For me, 75% layout keyboards strike the perfect balance of functionality and a small gaming-friendly footprint. While they’re still not as common as full-size, TKL, or even 60% keyboards, we are starting to see the number for 75% layouts growing from big-name brands like Razer, Glorious, and now Corsair with the K65 Plus. Wireless, hot-swap, packing multiple layers of sound dampening, and coming in at just $160, the Corsair K65 Plus has a lot going for it. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

Princess Peach: Showtime isn’t slated to land on Nintendo Switch until next month, but ahead of time, I got to play it. Last week, I spent an afternoon exploring the company’s latest first-party title and Peach’s big break as she finally stares in your own game.

Today we are going hands-on with the new Journey Apple Find My Passport Wallet. The brand has found itself bringing its design approach and penchant for creating accessories for all of your Apple gear to the Find My-equipped space with its latest LOC8 lineup. Today we are taking a look at the passport wallet holder, but the family of gear also features a MagSafe wallet and item trackers, all of which with hidden internal batteries and mini speakers to support Apple’s location-tracking Find My network. Head below to dive into our impressions of the Find My passport wallet and for a notable 20% discount on it.

Last fall, mophie launched a MagSafe charger that dared to extend what’s possible from the 3-in-1 form-factor – quite literally. I’ve been using the new mophie Telescoping 15W MagSafe Stand for the past few months, and have fallen for its adjustable design and premium build.

Today we are taking a closer look at the latest leather alternative iPhone case from MUJJO. We have become huge fans of the brand over the last few years – its iPhone 15 genuine leather cases are best in class, landing atop our roundup of go-to iPhone 15 covers at the tail end of last year. The same can be said for its wonderful real-leather MagSafe wallets that match the cases perfectly – here’s our hands-on review of those. And now it’s time to see if the brand making some of our favorite real leather cases can also create the best leather alternative iPhone case as well. Our hands-on impressions of the MUJJO MaizCase are waiting below. 

Just last month, ESR announced and quickly began shipping one of the very first Qi2 car mounts. The company was quick to send one over to me, and I’ve been using it for the past few weeks. At just $36, the spoiler of this review is that Qi2 is finally getting to shine as the perfect merger of affordable pricing and high-end features.

We’ve covered many EarFun budget earbuds on 9to5Toys and typically, my take on them has been pretty positive. For an affordable price, EarFun often delivers a surprisingly comfortable earbud with an incredible feature list and good audio. But can its latest release, the$50 EarFun Air 2 carry that torch of budget greatness? Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

Today we are taking a closer look at Peak Design’s Everyday camera backpack. But just as the brand’s marketing would suggest, and after testing it out for myself for the last couple weeks, it’s really a great backpack for just about anyone. It has more than a few interesting elements you won’t find on a bargain bin carrier, with a price to match, so we thought we would put it to the test to see if its modular organization system was really as good as it sounded. Head below for our hands-on impressions of Peak Design’s Everyday camera backpack. 

Sonos launched the new Move 2 portable smart speaker last fall, and I’ve been putting it through the paces of everyday listening for the past several months. Winning me over with a fresh olive green colorway, there’s far more to be excited like AirPlay 2, newfound stereo playback, and 24 hours of battery life.

COSORI has created an impressive lineup of smart ovens, air fryers, dehydrators, and more. They are on a mission to create more innovative products that make life easier and better, which is why they debuted the COSORI 26-Quart Ceramic Air Fryer Oven. It’s easy to cook with and easy to clean up, with an impressive range of cooking functions – 13 to be exact. These include Toast, Bagel, Pizza, Air Fry, Air Bake, Air Roast, Air Sous Vide, Proof, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate, Warm, and Reheat. This oven does way more than just air fry. I was able to get my hands on a unit and put it to the test.  

CASETIFY tonight is launching one of its most long-awaited collaborations to date. The popular manga-turned-anime series, Jujutsu Kaisen, is finally getting the case treatment with a collection of iPhone 15 covers and a themed AirPods Pro case. Ahead of launching tonight, we’re taking a hands-on look at some of these new accessories.

Anker is one of the first to the market with a Qi2 power bank, and I’ve been daily driving the new portable 15W MagSafe stand for the past few weeks. Complete with an iPhone 15-ready design and 6,600mAh battery, this new release fixes many of the issues that have plagued previous MagSafe-compatible power banks.

With the release of EA’s WRC rally game last year, more people might be dipping their toes into the wild world of driving very fast cars very fast down narrow dirt roads. One piece of hardware that can make the experience more immersive is a sequential shifter. It might be a bit of a one-trick-pony compared to some more expensive offerings from other brands, but the quality for $130 price tag, the Moza SGP Sequential Shifter seems to be a sweet spot for those looking for something specific. I’ve been slamming through the gears so be sure to hit the video below and see it in action. 

Satechi’s Stand and Hub is easily one of my favorite Mac mini accessories ever, and now it’s getting an upgrade. Earlier this year at CES, the company refreshed the aluminum-clad stand to feature improved NVMe SSD support. I’ve been putting it to the test with my Mac Studio since, and am happy to report it’s even more of a must-have than before.

For the past two months, I have been using one of the most unconventional cases on the market for my iPhone 15 Pro. Well, if you can call all of the minimalism that is the Arc Pulse a case, that is. This aluminum bumper has been one of my favorite accessories for the past few iPhone generations, and now I am putting that adoration to the test with a long-term review.

Nvidia is starting the year off with some new GPUs – the 4070 Super, 4070 Ti Super, and the 4080 Super. The first to be released is the 4070 Super, which is now available. The 4070 Ti Super comes out on January 24, and the 4080 Super will be released on January 31st. To start things off, we got our hands on the PNY 4070 Super Verto Overclocked card. How does it perform for the $599 price tag? Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

Anker’s first wave of new Qi2 chargers have officially begun shipping after months of waiting. I’ve been trying out a few of them for the past few weeks, and out of everything, the new MagGo 3-in-1 Charging Station has been my favorite. It’s the first from the company, and has won me over by shipping all the bells and whistles like 15W MagSafe, Apple Watch fast charging, and a compact build – all for $110.

Twelve South today is launching its first product of the year today, giving you a premium place to dock your MacBook. The new BookArc Flex features a unique and elegant design that on top of celebrating the company’s 15th anniversary with a return to its original product category, delivers a one-size-fits-all approach to Clamshell Mode stands.

After getting a chance to go hands-on with the Harber London leather tech pouch, iPhone 15 sleeves, and more, we thought it would be a good idea to also check out its leather desk mats. The brand, for those unfamiliar, handcrafts gorgeous leather goods covering just about all tech accessory categories, and now it’s time to give its at-home or office space work surface accoutrement a run for its money. Head below for our hands-on impressions of the Harber London Leather Desk Mat. 

We covered one of the best budget controllers for Xbox last year with the Gamesir G7 SE but Turtle Beach has since released the Stealth Ultra which comes in on the opposite side of the spectrum. And given the state of other “premium” controllers on the market (I’m looking at you, Microsoft Elite 2 Core), it’s a welcomed addition to the line-up. Wireless with Hall Effect joysticks, mechanical buttons, and a smart, digital menu, the Stealth Ultra comes in at $200. For that price, has Turtle Beach released the new controller king? Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

Anker is starting off CES 2024 with some exciting updates on the availability of its first Qi2 chargers and power banks. We first got a look at the lineup last fall, and now devices with the refreshed 15W magnetic charging tech are finally here. There’s seven new debuts that all pack the recent Qi2 charging tech.

As has become a tradition around 9to5Toys as the year comes to a close, all of the writers here on the site are getting a bit retrospective on all of the gear we’ve taken a look at in 2023. Alongside all of the tech, toys, and fashion we’ve reviewed since January, there is a selection of things each of us bought for ourselves that might not have been covered – or perhaps that we just want to highlight again. You’ll find all of 9to5Toys’ Favorite Things of 2023 down below, including Fujifilm cameras, PreSonus speakers, and more.

Now that the holidays are officially behind us, it’s time to continue an annual tradition here at 9to5Toys – Write-Off Week. The year is winding down and time is running out to make last-minute purchases to deduct from 2023’s taxes. Many have been on the work-from-home journey for well over a year, and some are just starting out. It doesn’t matter what camp you’re in, this week is your last chance to score some tax deductible gear that’s able to be written off in April. Keep reading for all of our favorite Write-Off Week deals.

As more direct-drive wheelbases become available, and some of them at a more entry-level torque power, the need for an affordable sim-racing cockpit that supports direct-drive wheelbases is growing. Next Level Racing, which provides entry-level wheel stands up to robot-like robust sim racing cockpits saw the need and now has the GTRacer that we are looking at today. Coming in at $399, it’s a setup from the foldable GTLite for those who need a bit more stability for more powerful wheelbases. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

Remember Apple’s MagSafe Duo? Because Twelve South sure does. The company just launched its new ButterFly portable charger earlier in the month with a design that looks and feels like the next-generation of Apple’s 2-in-1 charger. I’ve been using it the past few weeks and have to say that it really is everything I’ve wanted from a portable MagSafe and Apple Watch charger.

Over the last few weeks, our team here at 9to5Toys has curated our own gift guides for just about anyone on your holiday shopping gift. But now that the window for actually securing a gift is coming to a close, shoppers hoping to score the perfect gift are still in luck. We’ve all put together a selection of last-minute gifts, all of which are ready to be delivered in time for Christmas. Hit the jump for all of our top picks and easy last-minute gifts.

Friends and family each year always ask me what to get the techy in their lives, and like clockwork I am being summoned again to answer the call. As I do each holiday season here at 9to5Toys, I am back to write about my favorite smart home gear in this year’s gift guide.

Whether you’re shopping for a PC gamer in your life or you’re a gamer looking to upgrade to something better, there seems to be an endless amount of brands and options for PC gaming gear. It can be a daunting challenge when you first commit to upgrading your battlestation, especially if you’re new to the scene or shopping on a budget. That’s why I’ve put together this rundown of the most notable brands offering the best deals on quality gaming equipment, so that, hopefully, we can help you cast aside those worries and take your gameplay to the next level. I’ve taken great care to include plenty of budget-friendly options that still boast quality performance, so head below to check out all the top picks.

The folks at MEATER have changed the game with their line of wireless smart thermometers. MEATER thermometers use innovative wireless technology to monitor internal and external temperatures while alerting you every step of the way through their user-friendly app. They recently debuted their new MEATER 2 Plus, which features a higher temperature limit, more robust design, and longer range. Use this probe in any cooker and anywhere – grill, oven, deep fryer, air fryer, pan, smoker, or sous vide. They sent me one to try out, and I’m not going to lie, I’m incredibly impressed. 

As 2023 comes to a close and with Christmas just a couple of weeks away, there is still time to find the perfect gift for the exercise enthusiast in your life at an affordable price. While the fitness market can be overwhelming to navigate as a consumer, I have narrowed down my top five best fitness finds for under $50 that range from athletic apparel to a massage gun that helps your body recover from a hard workout. Keep reading below the fold for details on my favorite fitness finds under $50.

It’s that time of year when the holiday parties and family gatherings seem to never end. If you are like me, the hustle and bustle can make for a stressful time, but I’ve learned over the years that it doesn’t have to be that way. If you like to host parties or know someone who does, there are some simple products you can have on hand at all times or gift to your favorite party host that add fun and ease to pretty much any gathering. So head below for the best gift ideas for your favorite party host/hostess, or snag a few for yourself if that person is you! 

It’s now time to take a look at our favorite music gear for beat-makers, bedroom producers, and content creators. Our 2023 roundup of the best gifts for musicians features a number of brand new releases that hit the scene across 2023, from speakers and interfaces, to microphones, accessories, and even some wild new instruments. While something like the new Teenage Engineering EP–133 K.O. II sampler has now sold out, there are still plenty of fantastic gifts to score that the music geeks and beat-makers in your life will actually love. Head below to scope out our picks with options starting from $20. 

Anker launched its most capable personal power banks yet earlier in the year with the new Prime lineup. These hefty portable chargers fully embraced GaN tech in order to serve as the ultimate way to refuel your entire Apple kit away from home – and yes, even your shiny new M3 MacBook Pro. I’ve been so improved by the 27,650mAh model with its 250W power output and companion charging dock.

Backbone just sent me one of its new USB-C gamepads for iPhone 15 to check out, and it happened to arrive the same week that LEGO Fortnite launched. In what has to be the perfect opportunity to try out the new gaming accessory, I’ve been trying out the new release and have to say I’m finally sold on controller grips – especially ones as good as the Backbone One.

It’s time to go hands-on with the SANDMARC leather iPhone 15 cases. The brand took home my pick for the best leather iPhone case last year and, not to completely spoil the review here, it might very well again. SANDMARC’s cases have quickly become one of the more popular options among 9to5 readers and for good reason. They deliver real genuine leather covers with metal button covers and look great doing it – not to mention the unique metal camera array cover on the back. Head below for our hands-on impressions of this year’s SANDMARC leather iPhone 15 case collection. 

From the popular R5 bundle to the powerhouse R21, Moza’s ecosystem of direct-drive sim racing gear keeps expanding at a rapid rate. Now, Moza is releasing updated versions of some of its more powerful wheelbases to align with its more modular ecosystem. We have the updated R16 here which now features all of the connection ports necessary right on the back of the wheelbase. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details on the Moza R16 and see it in use.

After almost an entire year of waiting, the LEGO Avengers Tower is finally here. I’ve been covering the set since it was just in its infancy as far as rumors go, and now it’s siting right in front of me as an assembled model. Packed with references to the first decade of MCU movies, I’m taking a closer look at how the largest LEGO Marvel set ever made stacks up – and more importantly, if it’s worth $500.

With hundreds of air fryers on the market today, it can be difficult to stand out in a saturated market. Air fryers have become a staple in most households, which motivates companies like COSORI to create premium products that are worth every penny. This fall, COSORI released the first air fryer powered by a DC motor, and I was able to get my hands on a unit to put it to the test. 

Last month, mophie refreshed one of its most popular chargers with support for some new specs. While not all too much has changed, I’ve been using the new mophie 3-in-1 MagSafe travel charger for the past few weeks and have been in love with its newfound Apple Watch fast charging and 15W tech. And with the busiest travel season of the year around the corner, it couldn’t have come at a better time.

After having spent a month with the Tribit Stormbox Flow portable speaker, I have grown to appreciate some of its key features – particularly the ease and comfortability to take it with me while traveling – which I will dive more into later. While the Tribit Stormbox Flow is one of several portable bluetooth speakers in my house, for $79.99, you can’t ask for a better listening experience.

As we approach the holiday season, it’s a great time to reflect on some of the best tech we’ve covered this year and share what might be worth watching for upcoming deals. We’ll cover microphones, headphones, earbuds, and some of my favorite mice. Hit the links and pick one up if you find any of my favorite gear of 2023 interesting. 

Today we are taking a closer look at Spigen’s latest affordable MagSafe charging stand. The new Spigen ArcField Dual debuted shortly before the launch of its epic iMac-style iPhone 15 MagSafe case as another piece of notable bang for your buck tech for folks not looking to spend over $100 or more for a desktop or nightstand charging station. Ready to support your StandBy habits and daily desktop charging needs, we have been putting the new ArcField Dual through its paces over the last couple weeks to see if it was actually worth spending the $40 on it or not. Head below for the latest entry in the Tested with 9to5Toys series to find out. 

The brand new Samsung T5 EVO Portable SSD has arrived. After the launch of its first USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 T9 model in October, this time it is all about capacity over speed. Offering up a far more tame solution in terms of transfer rates, the T5 EVO Portable SSD has the “largest storage capacity of any Samsung portable SSD” and is being positioned as a replacement upgrade for folks still using more economic external HDDs, but the prices are going to have to come down before that becomes a reality for most users. We received an advance unit of the new Samsung T5 EVO Portable SSD ahead of today’s unveil to give it a run for its money – our hands-on impressions and all of the details are waiting down below.

After finishing a build in the NZXT H9 computer case at the beginning of 2023, I loved the look and convenience of dual-chamber designs. But the H9 is a massive case that takes up a lot of room on my desk. Enter the new NZXT H6 – a compact dual-chamber mid-tower with the conveniences of a place to tuck a PSU and cables, but it isn’t as large as the H9. And it has a handy design trick that makes it look even smaller when sitting at my desk. It might be the “just-right” case for my setup. Head below for the full video on the latest cases from NZXT.

After recently going hands-on with the brand’s gorgeous M3 MacBook-ready leather and wool felt magnetic sleeve as well as its luxurious leather backpacks, we thought it was time we gave the Harber London leather iPhone 15 sleeves a run for their money. Available in a range of styles and colors, Harber London has decided to side-step the usual case form factor altogether, instead offering up a series of premium leather sleeves for your latest Apple device to rest in. And as beautiful as they indeed are, the real question is whether or not that sleeve form factor is going to work for your needs anyway. Head below for our hands-on review of the new Harber London leather iPhone 15 sleeves. 

Last night, the LEGO Group invited me to come hang out at the flagship NYC retail store at Rockefeller Center. There was one main objective of the night, and that was to show off the shiny new Avengers Tower after it was revealed just earlier in the day. I’ve been looking forward to seeing the new set in person since we originally took a little wind out of LEGO’s sails by revealing it early, and now, I can finally report firsthand just how incredible of a model it is ahead of a full review.

Today, we are taking a closer look at the new CASETiFY Disney Villains iPhone 15 cases. The brand has quickly become one of the biggest out there, and its Co-Lab crossover collaborations with major IP, from Spider-Man and Evangelion to Star Wars: The Mandalorian and now Disney’s most wicked villains, is just one of the major reasons. The brand has been developing wonderful, if not a little bit pricey, iPhone, Samsung, and Google handset cases for years, but there’s something about its officially licensed editions that stand out from the crowd. Head below for some hands-on impressions of the new CASETiFY Disney Villains iPhone 15 cases. 

Today, we are taking a hands-on look at the new Journey NEXA MacBook sleeve with MagSafe charging. Just recently unveiled by the brand as the “world’s first 4-in-1” MacBook sleeve, it not only charges two devices at once, but it also houses your laptop and doubles as a MacBook sleeve. The question is, does anyone actually need this sort of thing? Well, the short answer is yes, some folks might. But you’ll want to read on to see if you’re one of them.