My New Favorite PlayStation 5 DualSense Charging Stand From KMD Gaming

In this episode, we unbox and test out the KMD Dual Charge Dock and external battery pack for the Sony PlayStation 5 DualSense controllers.

One thing that I have become very particular about in recent years is having charging stands for my controllers. I don't like having controllers just strewn about on entertainment centers or storage racks. The Sony PlayStation 5 has been kind of a struggle to find a decent charger for the DualSense 5. Part of that is how most chargers charge through the port on the bottom of the controller, which can be difficult to set and align. Some of it is because other chargers can be rather big and bulky. Finally, Sony's own unit requires a proprietary power supply in an age of USB. Thankfully, the folks over at KMD have come out with a new charger for the PlayStation 5 DualSense controller, and it looks quite promising.

Where many other manufacturers have gone with a wide design to accommodate two DualSense controllers, KMD went with a taller design. This leaves an overall smaller footprint, and I use that term deliberately. The overall shape and design remind me of a platform heel straight out of the 1970s, but honestly, aesthetically it works. There are three LEDs in the base on each side under each controller to indicate whether or not it is charging. Red indicates charging, blue indicates fully charged. It appears there's a light strip towards the front under each controller, however, I could never see any light escaping from here.

One of the small details that has gone into this that really makes a difference, at least to me, is the USB-C cable that is provided. First of all, it's a good length, it's not just a foot or two long. Secondly, the cable uses a right angle where it plugs into the charging base itself. It keeps everything close, and it also prevents the cable from being strewn all over the place. Again, it's a small detail but when I really appreciate.

Where most chargers fail for me is installing the controller on them. I always feel like I have to fiddle around and mess with things to get the charging ports and connectors lined up properly. This is not the case with the KMD dock. You can literally just toss it in and the mold design of the dock aligns everything for you. It is absolutely wonderful! It is one of those things that I wish other manufacturers would follow this design cue as it is fairly flawless as far as that goes. Every time I set my DualSense controller on the Dual Charge Dock it started charging as it needed to. That's a terrific win.

In addition to the charger itself, KMD also sent us one of their external battery packs for the PlayStation 5. While I have not had an issue with my DualSense controller dying during gameplay, this is a convenient add-on to your controller that will extend out your gameplay. A few things that are interesting about this design is that first of all the USB-C port that plugs into the controller is simply for providing power. If you want to use your controller plugged in via USB cable to the console, it will not transfer data. It also appears to have a small amount of double tape if you wanted to semi-permanently adhere it to the back of your DualSense controller.

On the battery pack, four bright blue LEDs indicate the charge status. Four lights equate to a fully charged pack, one means you need to get it on the charger. When attached to the DualSense controller, it does add some weight. There's a lot of capacity here, it's a 1500mAh battery pack which is very respectable, but that capacity comes with some heft, so don't be surprised if your DualSense controller feels a little bit top-heavy when the battery pack is installed.

Why it RoX:
Charge dock
- Under $30
- Exceptional alignment with DualSense controller
- LED charge indicators
- Small footprint
- Right-angle USB-C connector

Battery pack
- Adds a ton of playtime to your controller
- Color matches the DualSense controller
- 4 LED charge status indicators
- Included USB-C cable

What could be improved:
Charge dock
- LEDs could be brighter or more prominent
- It could be $10? No, seriously, there's not much wrong with this dock.

Battery pack:
- USB-C does not provide data pass-through
- Makes controller top heavy

Should you buy them?
If you have a Sony PlayStation 5, and I know that's a big if for some people, for $12, this is the best value you are going to find in a Dual Charge Dock for your controllers. Not only is it a good value, but it is the easiest to dock your controllers in that I have tested thus far. The external battery pack is terrific too, just as long as you keep in mind, it will make your controller a little bit top-heavy. Where I feel the external battery may not have the broadest appeal, I think anyone who has a PS5 should pick up this Dual Charge Dock, it is that good.

#PlayStation5 #DualSense #ChargingDock