Kensington offers a diverse line-up of accessories for office and home office workers as well as students. These range from backpacks to privacy screens, USB-C docks, headsets, keyboards, mice, and more. At CES 2024, the company is launching several new products, including four new USB docking stations, a rechargeable ergonomic keyboard, and, in keeping with a theme of sustainability, eco-friendly backpacks, cases, sleeves, and other tech accessories. Here’s a look at everything that’s being showcased at the show.
New docking stations
Kensington is offering three new docking stations to help facilitate productivity for both workers and students. The SD4880P USB-C 10Gpbs quad video docking station helps provide a clutter-free workspace thanks to its 17-in-1 driverless dock design that supports Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, USB, and USB-C laptops. As the name suggests, it delivers transfer speeds of 10Gbps through its four high-power USB-C and six USB-A ports, two HDMI, two DisplayPort, a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port, SD card reader, and combo audio jack. You’ll get up to 100W dynamic power so you can charge multiple devices without needing a host laptop connection.
The SD4781P USB-C and USB-A Dual 4K docking station and SD4782P USB-C and USB-A Dual 4K docking station both support new and legacy USB laptops with video, data, and power powered by DisplayLink. They offer dual monitor support for MacBook M1, M2, and M3 laptops and can support up to two external Ultra HD monitors with 4K at 60Hz resolution and frame rate. This is through the two HDMI 2.0 and two DP++ 1.2 ports. These docks also have a Gigabit Ethernet port and audio combo jack and offer connection at speeds up to 10Gbps via one USB-C port and five USB-A ports. Both also deliver up to 100W to power USB-C laptops, the docking station, and other connected accessories. The SD4782P adds a 100W Power Splitter to power USB-A laptops.
All three docks are made using 73 percent post-consumer recycled content (PCR). With zero-footprint mounting options, you can maximize desktop space by mounting the docking station out of the way. Security cable lock slots support Kensington cable locks for protecting the dock when used outside of the home.
As a Thunderbolt 5 Dock, the SD5000T5 supports throughput speeds up to 120Gbps, three times that of Thunderbolt 4. It delivers up to 140W of power and supports up to two external monitors at 8K @ 60Hz.
Eco-friendly backpacks, laptop cases, and sleeves
Many tech accessory companies are focusing on sustainability efforts, and Kensington is doing so with a new line of eco-friendly backpacks, cases, and input devices. The goal is to help reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills, and this will be achieved through the incorporation of post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic in these new products, as well as some upgraded ones.
For example, the new Eco-friendly 14-inch backpack is made from 4.6 250mL ocean-bound plastic bottles and includes 24 percent PCR polyester, while the 16-inch version is made with 8.4 250mL ocean-bound plastic bottles and includes 24 percent PCR polyester as well. They are both stylish, compact, and lightweight, and come with padded shoulder straps that offer support for your neck and shoulders. There’s also coated and breathable mesh fabric and a trolley strap for hooking it to your luggage while traveling. The dedicated internal padded compartment can accommodate a 14-inch and 16-inch laptop, respectively, with additional space for files and accessories. A front zippered pocket offers quick access to essentials, and a side pocket can be used for a water bottle or even an umbrella.
There’s also the eco-friendly 16-inch Clamshell laptop case, which is made from 25 percent PCR polyester and 10.4 250mL ocean-bound plastic bottles. It has a TSA-friendly laptop compartment, a troller strap, padded shoulder straps, an internal padded compartment for a laptop up to 16 inches in size, extra space for files and accessories, and a front zippered pocket.
For use on their own or with an existing backpack, the eco-friendly 12-inch, 14-inch, and 16-inch sleeves are made using 32 per cent, 33 per cent, and 33 per cent PCR polyester, respectively, along with 4.4, 4.6, and 4.8 250mL ocean-bound plastic bottles. The laptop compartment is padded while the outer design has high quality zippers and stitching. These sleeves can easily slide into one of Kensington’s eco-friendly backpacks, or even the new clamshell carrying cases. There’s an added zippered front compartment for accessories as well.
Rechargeable keyboard and mice
Also part of the eco-friendly line, the Pro Fit Ergo KB675 TKL rechargeable keyboard is made with 65 per cent PCR material and comes in plastic-free packaging. With an ergonomic, sculpted design that helps reduce wrist and arm strain, it’s compatible with Windows or macOS and features Swift Pair Technology for fast and easy connection to devices via Bluetooth or 2.4Ghz with 128-bit encryption.
The LED indicators make it simply to see connection status, caps lock, and battery life. The keyboard is powered by a built-in 500mAh rechargeable battery that charges via USB-C so you don’t need to use disposables, another factor that makes it eco-friendly. It comes with a non-detachable wrist pad for enhanced comfort and keyboard legs for raising it up when needed. Kensington Konnect software enables customization of keyboard functions. There are 20 programmable keys including 12 function keys and four productivity keys.
Combine this keyboard with the new MY430 Dual Wireless 6 Key Silent rechargeable mouse or MY630 Dual Wireless Ergo rechargeable mouse (or others in the existing line). Both include 65 per cent PCR ABS and come in plastic-free packaging. Both support multi-device connectivity via one 2.4GHz receiver and two Bluetooth Low Energy connections with security provided by 128-bit AES government-grade encryption.
Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Chrome, the mice feature high-definition optical sensors with three DPI settings (1000/1600/2400), whisper-quiet clicking, dongle storage, and long-lasting rechargeable batteries. KensingtonWorks software can be used to personalize five programmable buttons.
The MY430 features the traditional mouse design while the MY630 incorporates a vertical form factor with an ergonomic tilt that places the hand in a neutral handshake posture, which Kensington says can provide a more comfortable experience during longer work sessions. The MY630 also features a metal scroll wheel for precise scrolling.
Further focusing on sustainability, Kensington will upgrade several of its existing products to include PCR plastic. This includes the MY310S Pro Fit Wireless Mid-Size Mouse (K72481WW); Wireless Mouse-in-a-Box made with Recycle Plastic (K72480WW); KB100S Wired Keyboard (K63727UK); KB150 Wireless Keyboard (K75561UK); KM150 Wireless Desktop Set (K75562UK); and KM270 Rechargeable Desktop Set (K75560UK).
See all these products and more at CES 2024.
