My Experience with the JSAUX 45W USB-C Charger: A Steam Deck Owner’s Perspective
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
After six months of daily use with my Steam Deck OLED, I figured it was time to share my thoughts on this JSAUX 45W USB-C charger. As someone who travels frequently for work and games extensively during downtime, having a reliable charging solution has become essential to my setup.
First Impressions and Build Quality
Right out of the box, the JSAUX charger feels surprisingly solid for its price point. The matte black finish gives it a premium look that doesn’t scream “budget accessory,” and the weight distribution feels balanced in your hand. The 5-foot cable length immediately caught my attention – it’s that sweet spot where you’re not wrestling with a too-short cable but also not dealing with unnecessary bulk.
The USB-C connector itself has a satisfying click when plugging in, and after months of use, I haven’t noticed any loosening or wear. The cable jacket feels durable, though I do wish it were slightly more flexible. It’s not stiff by any means, but it’s not as pliable as some premium cables I’ve used.
Performance with Steam Deck
This is where the charger really shines. My Steam Deck OLED charges consistently and efficiently with this unit. During gaming sessions, it maintains the battery level even while playing demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 or Baldur’s Gate 3. The 45W output is perfectly matched to the Steam Deck’s requirements – it’s not overkill, but it’s also not leaving performance on the table.
One thing I particularly appreciate is how cool the charger runs. Even during extended charging sessions, it only gets mildly warm, which gives me confidence in its long-term reliability. The PD 3.0 implementation seems solid – negotiation happens quickly, and I’ve never experienced any charging interruptions or unexpected behavior.
Compatibility Across Devices
The beauty of USB-C PD is universal compatibility, and this charger delivers on that promise. I’ve used it successfully with:
- Nintendo Switch OLED: Charges perfectly, both docked and handheld
- MacBook Air M2: Handles my laptop’s charging needs without issues, though it’s naturally slower than the included 67W charger
- Samsung Galaxy S24: Fast charging works as expected
- iPhone 15 Pro: Charges quickly with no compatibility issues
- iPad Pro 11″: Solid charging performance
The automatic power negotiation works seamlessly across all these devices. I haven’t encountered any situations where a device didn’t recognize the charger or charged slower than expected for its power requirements.
Travel Considerations
As someone who’s constantly on the road, this charger has become a staple in my travel kit. The compact form factor means it doesn’t take up much space in my backpack, and the 5-foot cable gives me enough reach in cramped airplane seats or hotel rooms with inconveniently placed outlets.
The durability has impressed me during travel. I’m not particularly gentle with my tech accessories, and this charger has survived being tossed in bags, dropped on hotel floors, and subjected to the general abuse that comes with frequent travel. The cable strain relief appears to be holding up well, with no signs of fraying or damage.
Value Proposition
At its current price point, this charger offers exceptional value. When I compare it to first-party solutions from Valve or other premium brands, the performance difference is negligible while the cost savings are substantial. For the price of one official Steam Deck charger, you could buy two of these and have a backup for travel or another room.
The inclusion of a 5-foot cable is particularly valuable since many manufacturers are moving toward shorter cables to cut costs. Having that extra length has proven useful countless times, especially in situations where outlets aren’t conveniently located.
Minor Gripes
No product is perfect, and this charger has a few minor drawbacks worth mentioning. The LED indicator light, while helpful, is perhaps a bit too bright for bedside use. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it can be distracting in dark rooms.
The cable, while durable, could be slightly more flexible for easier management. It’s not a stiff cable by any means, but it doesn’t coil as naturally as some premium options.
Additionally, while the compact size is generally a plus, the charger can occasionally work itself loose from wall outlets, particularly older ones with worn springs. This isn’t unique to this charger – it’s a common issue with many compact power adapters – but it’s worth noting.
Long-term Reliability
After six months of regular use, I haven’t experienced any performance degradation or reliability issues. The charger continues to deliver consistent power output, and all devices still negotiate power delivery correctly. The cable shows minimal signs of wear, and the plug prongs remain tight and secure.
I did reach out to JSAUX’s customer service once with a general question about power delivery specifications, and they were responsive and knowledgeable. While I haven’t needed to use their warranty service, their support experience gives me confidence in the brand’s commitment to customer satisfaction.
Final Thoughts
The JSAUX 45W USB-C charger has earned a permanent place in my tech arsenal. It’s reliable, well-built, reasonably priced, and performs exactly as advertised. For Steam Deck owners specifically, it’s an excellent alternative to the official charger, offering the same performance at a fraction of the cost.
While it may not have the premium materials or brand recognition of more expensive options, it delivers where it matters most: consistent, safe, and efficient charging across multiple devices. The 5-foot cable length and compact design make it particularly well-suited for travel use.
If you’re in the market for a reliable USB-C PD charger, whether for your Steam Deck or as a general-purpose solution for multiple devices, this JSAUX charger is definitely worth considering. It’s become one of those accessories that just works, letting you focus on gaming rather than worrying about power management.
Would I buy it again? Absolutely. In fact, I’m considering picking up a second one to keep as a dedicated travel charger.
