You know how sometimes, something just fits into your workflow and you promptly forget it ever existed because .. it just so seamlessly blended in with everything for you? That’s how it is with the Zyron Powaforce 100W GaN 5 Charger for me.
Never heard of them before? You aren’t the only one. Admittedly there is not a lot of information on Zyron Tech, but my Google-Fu tells me they are fellow Australians and are relatively new to the market with a commitment to sustainable technology. To be fair though, everyone would say that.
First Impressions
In an era where everyone is cutting costs and ditching accessories out of products, Zyron went the other direction, but not in a frivolous way.
The Powaforce came with the GaN charger itself (naturally). On top of that it came with a 2m braided 100W USB-C to USB-C cable. But wait that’s not all, it also came with a rigid zipper carry case to lug it around with.
Weighing in at just a smidgen under 300g and measuring 80x80x29 mm, the Powaforce features two USB-C ports each independently capable of delivering 100W, and two USB-A ports at 12W each or a total of 15W together.
Looks wise, it is a four port charger in a black matte finish. There is a blue highlight in each USB port and the fascia is a glossy black finish. The company name and logo is emblazon on one side.
In Use
The PowaForce is a charger, so you plug it into the wall, grab the included USB-C cable and plug it into something else.
For me, that something else is two laptops and from time to time, a couple of phones, maybe a mouse or keyboard if I am at my desk.
It is not unusual for me to need to carry two laptops, and needing to power them at the same time. Neither of them are Macbook Pros so I am cool there.
Both laptops originally came with 65W chargesr so that is the maximum draw they will need. I was curious to see what I could do with the Powaforce so I promptly grabbed a second 100W USB-C cable, and hooked up both laptops to it.
The first machine to hook up to the tap kept working without any dramas. The second machine, gave a warning about lower than expected wattage, but kept working regardless and was still able to charge the battery although slower.
Looking at the specs, the power distribution is as follows with a maximum output of 100W:
Dual port output
- USB C1+C2: 65W + 20W
- USB C1+Ax: 65W + 12W
- USB A1+A2: 15W shared
Triple port output
- USB C1+C2+Ax: 65W + 20W + 12W
- USB C1+A1+A2: 65W + 15W shared
- USB C2+A1+A2: 20W + 15W shared
- USB C1+C2+Ax: 65W + 20W + 15W shared
Given the limitations on the USB C2 port, I am more than a bit surprised to be able to drive two laptops concurrently. And this was a feat that I haven’t been able to do consistently with some other chargers. On top of that I could still plug in lower current devices to keep them going as long as I don’t exceed the total power budget.
Other Features
Something that I don’t use but worth noting for Samsung users. The Powaforce is compatible with Samsung Fast Charging 2.0 and can deliver power at 45W from the first USB-C port.
Gripes
None. The Powaforce works, and it doesn’t work up a sweat doing it either. Zyron claims 93% peak efficiency with the Navitas GanSense GaN 5 chipset and I have not encountered any issues with heat.
Conclusions
The nature of what I do as a tech reviewer, I demand a lot out of my gear. It is notable that the Zyron Powaforce 100W GaN 5 Charger went straight into my work bag, and not long after, my normal power adapter was turfed out.
After a few weeks of using it in various situations, I am comfortable enough to “go nakkid” and not have a back up charger on standby.
The Zyron Powaforce 100W GaN 5 Charger has a RRP of AUD$129.99, and at time of publishing it is discounted to $89.99 on their website. Amazon seems to have it on a limited deal bringing it down even further to $67.99 which makes it a very attractive proposition indeed.
DRN would like to thank Zyron for providing the review unit.
Specifications
Model: ZY-WC-100W-2C2A
Size: 80x80x29mm
Weight: 297 grams
Max Output: 100W 5A
Input: 100~240VAC 50/60Hz 1.8A Max
