The KYY 14” Portable Monitor challenges the idea that bigger is always better. It’s much smaller than the external display I usually travel with — and that’s exactly why I love it.
Even better, it’s very affordable, especially with an Amazon Prime Day deal.
KYY 14” Portable Monitor (K5-3) review
Using a portable display with a MacBook can dramatically improve productivity on the go. A second screen allows you to extend your desktop, making it easier to manage multiple windows at once — whether you’re comparing documents side by side, editing a video timeline with room for toolbars, or running a video call on one screen while taking notes on the other. This extra screen space can make a small laptop feel like a full workstation.
For your office or home monitor, you can have a larger screen as you want or can afford. The situation is completely different for a portable display. It has to fit in your bag and not be too heavy to tote around.
The most common size for these is 15.6 inches, but the KYY 14” Portable Monitor (model number K5-3) is a smaller and lighter option. I’ve been using one for a week, and I see the advantages.
Portable and affordable
KYY 14 Portable Monitor (K5-3)
4.5
The KYY 14″ computer monitor is designed to be thin , slim & lightweight. Only 1.1 pounds in weight and 0.3 inches thick, just lightweight as your computer, easy to put it into your computer bag for your business trip or travel to improve your work efficiency.
Table of contents: PRODUCT NAME review
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A more portable display
The KYY mobile screen measures 12.5 inches by 8.0 inches and is only 0.3 inches thick. It weighs 1.9 pounds, including its protective case that doubles as a stand.
To understand the benefit of that size, consider the Espresso 15 Pro, an absolutely brilliant portable monitor I’ve been using lately. As a size comparison, it measures 14.1 inches by 8.9 inches and is 0.3 inches thick. It weighs 2.9 pounds, including its protective case/stand.
To put it another way, the KYY 14” Portable Monitor fits in the same laptop bag as a 14-inch MacBook, while the Espresso 15 Pro does not. It’s actually slightly larger than a 16-inch MacBook Pro.
The result is that I end up taking the KYY screen with me almost everywhere. It goes in my bag, ready to be connected anytime I need it. In contrast, the larger, heavier screen only comes with me if I know I’ll need it.
The small, lightweight design explains most of the reason why KYY’s portable display goes with me so often, but the price does too. I don’t stress that I’ll accidentally drop and break it because it costs so little.
It looks good
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The LCD in the KYY 14” Portable Monitor is 1920 by 1080 pixels, also known as 1080P or Full HD. That’s a reasonable resolution to read documents, emails and web pages. That’s what I use it for, and I’m satisfied.
The screen offers a 1500:1 contrast ratio, and the backlight maxes out at 350 nits, which is bright enough for an office, but not enough for use in direct sunlight. Set the display in HDR mode, and it’ll be good to go.
To put it in more general terms, the KYY 14” Portable Monitor is good enough for businesspeople or students. It’s not great for games, but not terrible either. It’s absolutely not right for a graphic designer or artist.
I connected the screen to my iPhone and watched some video. The resolution and color quality aren’t ideal for this, but it’s a heck of a lot better than watching a movie on a 6.1-inch screen.
Ports: Multiple, easy connection options
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
You can connect the portable display directly to a USB-C port on your Mac, iPad or iPhone. It’s as simple as running a cable (included in the box) between the computer and screen. It’s as simple as that.
The KYY 14” Portable Monitor also supports HDMI for broad support. Your gaming console might not support USB-C, but it surely supports HDMI. The screen actually has a mini-HDMI port, but the cable you need to connect to a regular HDMI port is in the box.
A second USB-C port is there to power the accessory. It either needs to draw power from your computer over USB, or you must connect it to a wall socket.
Smart Cover & VESA mount
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
KYY bundles its 14” Portable Monitor with a wrap-around protective cover that’s up to protecting the delicate screen from scratches, but not bumps or blows.
The cover does double-duty as a stand. It’s a feature common to portable screens because it works well. The display can be propped up from almost vertical to leaning back about 45 degrees.
This screen stands out from the pack with support for a VESA mount (75 mm x 75 mm). A compatible VESA stand isn’t included, though.
Built-in speakers & audio port
The KYY 14” Portable Monitor includes a pair of speakers, but they’re so weak as to be almost pointless. I must be in a quiet room to hear what’s playing.
Fortunately, KYY also built in a 3.5mm audio port so you can plug in a speaker or headphones.
Alternatively, use the speakers built into your Apple device, or listen via your AirPods or maybe a Bluetooth speaker.
KYY 14” Portable Monitor (K5-3) review: Final thoughts
Photo: Kyy
Students, need to watch a video while taking notes on it? Businesspeople, need to compare a couple of spreadsheets? Both situations are much easier with an external display, rather than just a MacBook or iPad. And the KYY 14” Portable Monitor is the right size: small and lightweight enough that you’ll carry it to class or to the coffee shop… which you might not do with a larger screen.
So consider: the best screen is the one you have with you. A larger one back in the office does you no good.
★★★★☆
Pricing
Another way KYY’s monitor is smaller is in price. It’s ordinarily $89.99 — already a good deal — but Amazon Prime Day knocks the cost down by 22% to $69.98.
Buy it from: Amazon
Portable and affordable
KYY 14 Portable Monitor (K5-3)
4.5
The KYY 14″ computer monitor is designed to be thin , slim & lightweight. Only 1.1 pounds in weight and 0.3 inches thick, just lightweight as your computer, easy to put it into your computer bag for your business trip or travel to improve your work efficiency.
Kyy Provides Cult of Mac with a review unit for this article. See our reviews policy, and check out more in-depth reviews of Apple-related items.
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