That changes yesterday, 12th July 2026, with the opening of Cantonment MRT station (CC31) on the Circle Line (CCL) as part of the Circle Line 6 (CCL6) extension.

Before the station officially opened, it was already making news. On 14th May 2026, LASALLE College of the Arts held its graduation fashion show, The LASALLE Show, themed DE:CENTERING, at Cantonment Station. Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow was the Guest of Honor, and he announced the 12th July 2026 opening date there.

CCL6 comprises three additional stations, Keppel Station (CC30), Cantonment Station (CC31), and Prince Edward Road Station (CC32). The Circle Line loop is now complete, connecting HarbourFront to Marina Bay and bringing the total to 33 stations across 39km.

CCL6 was first announced in October 2015. The construction contract was awarded to China State Construction Engineering Corporation in November 2017 for S$205 million. Tunneling started on 25th July 2019 and was completed on 12th January 2022.

The station was originally scheduled to open in 2025 but was delayed by a year due to COVID-19. It sits 28m underground, built beneath the old Tanjong Pagar Railway Station (TPRS), which is a gazetted national monument.

As part of URA Master Plan 2025: From Dreams to Rail-ity, the redevelopment of TPRS will take place after 2028.

There are two platforms in CC31, Platform A (Anti-Clockwise) is towards Marina Bay, while Platform B (Clockwise) is towards HarbourFront.

The station concourse features “A Journey Between” by sculptor Han Sai Por, a 75m stretch of flowing stainless steel sculptures in various colours.

The station itself is three stories deep: the upper concourse, the lower concourse, and the platform level.

The statement piece of CC31 is the large analog clock.

If you need the first and last train timings.

Looking forward to all the upcoming changes to Greater Southern Waterfront as well.

I have been blogging here since 2002, and for as long as I can remember, the site has had a sidebar. With version 6.0, it is finally gone. This is the biggest structural change to the site since version 5.0 in April 2020, replaced by a wider single-column layout with posts laid out in clean card grids instead of long lists. To be clear, this is not a re-skin. The color scheme and overall identity stay the same. What changed is the structure and the reading experience, along with a fair bit of work behind the scenes on speed, search, and code quality.

There are some AI telltale signs, like the solid bar above the breadcrumbs and beside the subtitle latest. Since it looks good enough for me with some of my personal customization, I am going to leave it as it is.

What You Will Notice

• Card-based layouts – post listings are now a clean card grid instead of long lists, led by the latest post.
• No more sidebar – a wider single-column layout that puts the focus on the content.
• WordPress comments – switched back to using the WordPress commenting system from Disqus.
• Redesigned landing & data pages – the About and Site pages, Portfolio, and the live React dashboards (Analytics, Users Online) all got a fresh, consistent look.
• Accessibility overhaul – meets WCAG AA contrast in light and dark mode, with a skip-to-content link, visible keyboard focus rings, screen-reader landmark labels, and reduced-motion support.
• Polished visuals – restyled tables in posts (striped rows, cleaner borders, dark-mode aware) and contrast-tuned colors across the site.
• Cleaner archives – dead links, broken HTML, and images across the entire post archive have been removed.
• Faster pages – optimized database queries, cached read-time estimates, and lighter image handling.
• Better search results – post summaries are now indexed, so search matches on excerpt text too.
• AI-generated post summaries – every post now has a concise summary, shown in full on cards, in search, and in feeds.
• Smarter related posts – ranked by shared terms rather than just matching categories.

Under The Hood

• Automated test suites – Playwright computed-style visual-regression and axe-core accessibility suites, plus expanded JS/PHP unit coverage.
• Codebase refactors – social syndication and SEO/meta-tag generation unified, theme CSS deduplicated into shared base classes, and Webpack asset handling modernized.
• MR stats – 177 commits, touching 358 files, +43,873 lines of new code (mainly test files and excludes switching back to WordPress comments) and -9,619 lines of code removed.

This blog is already 24 years old and has undergone 6 major design iterations, including this.

• lesterchan.net v5 (April 2020)
• lesterchan.net v4 (January 2013)
• lesterchan.net v3 (June 2008)
• lesterchan.net v2 (January 2004)
• lesterchan.net v1 (June 2002)

If you notice any bugs, please leave them in the comments on this post, as AI can make mistakes, and I might have missed them during my review.

On top of that, I can run WireGuard VPN (Virtual Private Network) at the router level, tunneling everything back to my UniFi Cloud Gateway Fiber (UCG-Fiber) at home. In this way, my iPhone, laptop, iPad, and Li Xiang’s phone are all protected without having to manage a VPN on each device separately.

It was a coincidence that Asus reached out to me to review the Asus RT-BE58 Go Wi-Fi 7 Travel Router. Before they reached out, I didn’t even know Asus manufactures travel routers.

The Recommended Retail Price (RRP) for Asus RT-BE58 is $170. But you can get it for around S$145 on Shopee during the sales day.

Specifications

• Wi-Fi Standard: Dual-Band Wi-Fi 7 (IEEE 802.11be)
• Wi-Fi Speed: 688 Mbps (2.4 GHz) + 2,882 Mbps (5 GHz) = BE3600
• CPU: 2.0 GHz Quad-Core
• RAM: 1 GB DDR4
• Flash: 256 MB
• Ports: 2.5G WAN, 1G LAN, USB-A Tethering, USB-C Power
• Power: 18W USB-C Power Delivery (12V/2A or 9V/2A)
• Operating Modes: Router, Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP) aka Public Wi-Fi, Repeater, Access Point (AP), Range Extender, AiMesh Node
• VPN: WireGuard (Client/Server), OpenVPN (Client/Server), L2TP, PPTP, IPSec
• Dimensions: 99 x 111 x 36 mm
• Weight: 232 g

Unboxing

• Asus RT-BE58 Go
• 1m Flat Ethernet Cable
• 24W USB-C Power Adapter With Travel Plugs
• Warranty Card
• Quick Setup Guide

The power adapter included outputs at 24W.

Design
The RT-BE58 Go is compact. It should not come as a surprise that it feels plasticy and lightweight (232 g).

It has two foldable external antennas that fold flat for packing, and a physical slider on the body.

The slider’s functionality can be customized in the settings. By default, it does nothing.

There is only one LED indicator, located at the front.

At the back are the ports: 1G LAN, 2.5G WAN, reset button, USB-C port for power, and USB-A port for tethering.

Setup
I used the Asus Router iOS app to set up the router.

During setup, I encountered a slight complication: scanning the QR code at the bottom of the router doesn’t work.

I don’t know whether this is a used or brand-new review unit, but I notice the SSID broadcast differs from what is written in the quick setup guide. Mine was broadcast as ASUS_Guest1, while the documentation lists ASUS_78. So I ended up with the manual connection way, and it works.

In WISP mode, which you will use most when traveling, select the hotel’s Wi-Fi, enter the password, and the router creates a private network behind it.

WireGuard setup is under VPN -> VPN Fusion. You import a .conf file or paste/type your configuration directly. I always go with the .conf file approach as it is much easier. I have WireGuard configured to use my UCG-Fiber at home as the server.

As mentioned earlier, you can customize the slider’s functionality. Asus called it the multi-function button.

If the front LED is too bright and is affecting your sleep in the hotel, you can turn it off using the app.

Not everything is in the app. Some settings require you to log in to the router’s web interface in your browser, like changing the MAC address or your router IP address.

WireGuard VPN
The main reason I use a travel router over just running VPN on my devices individually is that one WireGuard connection at the router level, with everything behind it tunneled back home. No managing VPN on each device separately.

The RT-BE58 Go supports WireGuard as both client and server.

As a client, it connects to your WireGuard server at home. As a server, you can remotely connect to the router itself.

The headline caveat is WireGuard throughput. Asus does publish a figure of up to 300 Mbps via Ethernet in VPN client mode. But interestingly, they did not surface it as body text on the product page. It is embedded in the alt text of an image, and the image is only on the US product page. The Singapore page does not mention it. That is an odd choice for a spec that directly affects your VPN experience when traveling.

In my tests, I managed to get more than 300 Mbps.

The difference between WireGuard on and off is about 140 Mbps.

For context, on paper the GL.iNet Beryl 7 delivers 1,100 Mbps over WireGuard, nearly 4x that of Asus. However, in a hotel scenario where you are lucky to get 50 – 100 Mbps from Wi-Fi, 300 Mbps is more than sufficient.

WISP Mode and Captive Portals
WISP mode is the core feature for hotel use. The router connects to the hotel Wi-Fi as its upstream WAN, then broadcasts your own private network. Your devices connect to the RT-BE58 Go, not directly to the hotel network.

Captive portals are the login pages hotels use to authenticate you.

Since I am not traveling anytime soon and I have a deadline for this review, I tested this at a Starbucks. I can log in fine with my MacBook Pro on the captive portal.

However, when testing the RT-BE58, I was unable to get it to work.

Since this is my first time using a travel router, I expected the login page to appear after connecting it to the Wi-Fi network via the Asus Router app or the router admin webpage. But sadly, nothing happens.

It connects to the Wi-Fi network successfully, but I got stuck after that because authentication isn’t possible.

I tried cloning the MAC address on my MacBook Pro, but it still didn’t work.

Both GL.iNet and UTR (under FAQ) explicitly state that they support captive portal. But I can’t find anything on the Asus RT-BE58 page.

Random MAC Address
One feature that advanced users use is the ability to change the Media Access Control (MAC) address.

When you connect to a public hotspot, the hotspot operator can see your device’s MAC address, which is a unique hardware identifier. Some properties use it to track returning devices and limit your free access time. A random MAC address lets you connect as a fresh, anonymous device every time.

Most iPhones already have this feature by default when connecting to Wi-Fi.

The RT-BE58 Go does not support random MAC address generation. However, you still can manually change the MAC address in the settings, but you’ll need to dig into the router’s web interface and not use the app.

Conclusion
The RT-BE58 Go is a competent Wi-Fi 7 travel router that covers the core travel use case: connecting to hotel Wi-Fi and running WireGuard back home.

Asus is one of the most popular router brands in Singapore, and that familiarity counts for something. If you are already an Asus household, the RT-BE58 Go makes a lot of sense. You are already familiar with ASUSWRT; the app is the same one you use at home, and when you are not traveling, it can double up as an AiMesh node to extend your home network.

However, not being able to handle the captive portal is a deal-breaker for me because it is the most common way to log in to the hotel’s Wi-Fi network. Hence, I feel the GL.iNet Beryl 7 is a better buy.

The fundamental difference is philosophy. GL.iNet started out doing travel routers. Every feature decision is meant for traveling. ASUS built a competent home router and added a WISP mode. The RT-BE58 Go is not a bad travel router, but it is a home router that travels, not a travel router.

As for me, I am on UniFi and still waiting for the UniFi Travel Router (UTR) to come back in stock. It should be available in July 2026. When it does, the seamless Teleport VPN integration with my UCG-Fiber is hard to ignore, even with the Wi-Fi 5 hardware. That is a different trade-off I will cover when I get my hands on one, as I need to return this review unit.

The Morph 96 is essentially a cheaper, modding-focused alternative to the Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless which I reviewed previously. Asus is targeting gamers and keyboard enthusiasts who want a proper gasket-mount board they can open up, swap switches, and tinker with without starting from a barebones kit.

Specifications

• Layout: 96% (Compact Full-size With Numpad)
• Switches: ROG NX Snow V2 (Linear) or ROG NX Storm V2 (Clicky), hot-swappable (3 and 5-pin compatible)
• Switch specs (NX Snow V2): 40 gf Initial Force, 53 gf Total Force, 1.8 mm Actuation Point, 4 mm Total Travel
• Keycaps: ABS Doubleshot (Cherry Profile)
• Connectivity:ROG SpeedNova 2.4 GHz RF, Bluetooth 5.1 (up to 3 devices), USB-C Wired
• Battery: 3,000 mAh
• Battery Life: 500+ hours (2.4 GHz RF, RGB Off) / 100+ hours (2.4 GHz RF, RGB On) / 750 hours (Bluetooth, RGB Off) / 110 hours (Bluetooth, RGB On)
• RGB: Per-key Aura Sync, Dual-side Light Bars, Translucent Polycarbonate (PC) Positioning Plate
• Mount: Silicone Gasket Mount With Dampening Foam (Swappable)
• PCB: South-facing (Swappable)
• Dimensions: 398 x 134 x 39 mm
• Weight: 1,125 g
• Software: Gear Link (Web-based)
• macOS support: Yes (Fn + Tab To Toggle)

Box Contents

• ROG Strix Morph 96 Wireless keyboard
• ROG SpeedNova USB-A 2.4 GHz Dongle
• USB Extender (Dongle Extender)
• 2m Non-braided USB-C to USB-A cable
• 2-in-1 Keycap And Switch Puller
• 3x translucent ROG accent keycaps (Esc, Enter, Numpad Enter)
• 1x Alternate Ctrl Keycap (Replaces Copilot key)
• Torx Wrench (For Opening The Top Case)
• ROG Sticker
• Quick Start Guide

You will not be able to see the dongle because, out of the box, it is stored behind the keyboard.

Design
Coming from the Strix Scope II 96 and the Falchion Ace HFX, the first thing you will notice is the gasket mount design, followed by its weight. Morph 96 weighs 1,125 g, which is about 110g heavier than the Strix Scope II 96 Wireless at 1,012 g.

The top cover is CNC-machined aluminum, finished in matte gunmetal gray, while the bottom half is plastic. You still get a premium feel thanks to the overall aluminum build.

What immediately sets the Morph 96 apart visually is the RGB lighting setup.

There are light bars on both sides of the keyboard.

The translucent polycarbonate (PC) positioning plate sits beneath the switches, diffusing the RGB across the board rather than just up through the keycaps. The overall effect is more immersive than a standard per-key backlit keyboard.

In the box, you get three translucent ROG-themed keycaps for the Esc and both Enter keys, plus an alternate Ctrl to swap out the Copilot key.

Swapping them in noticeably boosts the RGB glow on those keys. I do not use Copilot, so that Ctrl swap, along with the translucent keycaps swap, was an immediate swap for me.

The left side of the keyboard has a rotary knob with a small button above it. The button cycles through four modes: volume, media, brightness, and a customizable fourth slot. Within each mode, you turn the knob to adjust and click it to trigger the primary action (mute, play/pause, toggle brightness, and so on).

The fourth slot defaults to scroll wheel behavior and can be remapped in Gear Link.

The first three presets, however, are fixed. You can disable them, but not reassign them to anything else. I prefer a physical knob to the Falchion Ace’s touch panel because rotating a wheel is easier than sliding across a touch panel. Also, having it on the left keeps it out of the way of your mouse hand if you are right-handed.

Like most Asus keyboards, there are two pairs of flip-out feet on the underside that will give three tilt angles.

The stock keycaps are ABS doubleshot, not PBT. Coming from the Strix Scope II 96 Wireless, which ships with PBT, this is a slight step down. Over time, ABS develops a greasy shine on the most-used keys. If you are buying the Morph 96 specifically to swap in a custom keycap set, it does not matter. But if you are keeping the stock caps long-term, expect them to look worn faster.

Modular Design
The main differentiator from the Strix Scope II 96 Wireless is the modular design. Undo five Torx screws (3 top, 2 bottom), and the whole keyboard opens up. That gives you access to the dampening foam layers, the positioning plate, the gasket, and the PCB.

The south-facing PCB is worth calling out for anyone who cares about keycap compatibility. North-facing LEDs can clip against certain keycap stems and cause uneven shine-through; south-facing LEDs avoid that, and your custom Cherry-profile keycaps sit flush without interference. If you plan to drop in a custom keycap set, you will appreciate this.

The dampening foam layers are swappable, too. Remove a layer for a firmer, crisper sound; add or swap for something softer. Most people, including me, will not bother. But it is there if you want to go down that rabbit hole.

Switches
My unit came with ROG NX Snow V2 linear switches. The V2 keeps the walled stem design from the original NX Snow, which has a wall around the stem that blocks dust from entering the housing and improves keystroke stability. V2 adds an LED lens for enhanced RGB illumination.

Everything is factory-lubed out of the box, so there is no scratchiness on first use. Actuation is at 1.8 mm with an initial force of 40 gf, which is on the lighter end. Good for fast gaming keypresses, and comfortable enough for long typing sessions.

The gasket mount contributes a slight flex under the fingers when typing, not bouncy, just softer than a rigid plate. You notice it most during long typing sessions. For gaming, it is not a factor either way.

Connectivity
The Morph 96 connects in three ways: ROG SpeedNova 2.4 GHz RF via the included USB-A dongle, Bluetooth 5.1, and wired USB-C. The dongle supports one keyboard and one mouse.

So if you have an existing ROG mouse, you can use it wirelessly with the same receiver and vice versa.

On battery, Asus rates it at 500+ hours on 2.4 GHz with RGB off, and 100+ hours with RGB on. Bluetooth squeezes out more at roughly 750 hours with RGB off and 110 hours with RGB on.

Gear Link
Like the Falchion Ace HFX ZywOo Edition, the Morph 96 uses Gear Link rather than Armory Crate. It is web-based. Open a browser, go to gearlink.asus.com, connect the keyboard, and configure it. No system tray process, no background updater running constantly. 4

Gear Link works over 2.4 GHz without a USB cable plugged in. Most web-based configuration apps require a wired keyboard for communication. Here, you can make changes wirelessly, a small but practical convenience.

You can change the lighting effect in Gear Link.

I chose rainbow, and this is what it looks like.

That said, Asus still cannot fully avoid not installing software into your computer for more advanced functions.

For advanced functions like macro recording, remapping the knob to launch an app or type a string of text, you need to install a small Gear Link Companion app. It is nowhere near as heavy as Armory Crate, but it is not entirely browser-only either.

Once installed, you can use the macros functionality.

Conclusion
The Asus ROG Strix Morph 96 Wireless fills a specific gap in the ROG keyboard lineup: a modular, gasket-mount 96% board for people who want to tinker, at a much lower price than the Azoth lineup. The dual side light bars are the best-looking RGB setup in the ROG keyboard range, and the physical left-side knob is a genuine improvement over touch panel controls.

That said, most people buying a gaming keyboard will not open it up to swap foam layers or install custom switches. For them, the Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless remains a better choice, with PBT keycaps and a wrist rest. Since the keyboard was released a few years ago, you can get good discounts on it.

I have been using Claude Code at work for many months, and I only recently subscribed to Claude Pro for personal usage. Opting to go with the monthly plan at S$30 instead of the annual plan at S$300.

Like most users, I vibecoded an iOS app with no Swift knowledge, and the results surprised me. The app is a blog reader for lesterchan.net, with a search, bookmarks, and analytics.

It took me about 3 days, working within the Pro session limit, to get a functioning build good enough to consider releasing.

Of course, I don’t intend to release it just yet because I would have to pay Apple US$99 (S$127) a year to be on their Developer Program. Maybe I will in the future, but not now.

I also took this opportunity to clean up some of my tech debt in my private repositories, write tests for this site, and automate some build processes, all by just asking Claude to handle them.

All these for just S$30 a month. Jobs will get fewer, humans will get lazier, and agencies and freelancers that design websites, build apps, and do copywriting will all be sunset industries in a few years.

That said, as industries get displaced, new ones are formed. There is already a market for teaching people how to vibecode properly and for Vibecode cleaners (people who come in after the AI spits out a working but messy codebase and make it production-ready).

Until AI can take responsibility for its actions, humans will still need to be there to take the blame.

The Plaud Note Pro is Plaud’s flagship AI note-taker, the successor to the original Plaud Note. The recommended retail price (RRP) is S$259. You can get it from Plaud Official Store or from their official stores on Shopee or Lazada.

Two colors are available: Silver and Black. I have with me the Black.

Unboxing
Inside the box, you will find:

• Plaud Note Pro
• MagSafe Compatible Case
• Magnetic Ring
• Charging Cable
• Quick Start Guide
• Warranty Booklet

I am surprised to see there is a MagSafe-compatible case.

Even if you are on Android, Plaud included a magnetic ring you can use to stick to your Android phone case.

The MagSafe-compatible case is designed to hold the Plaud Note Pro like a card in a wallet.

It has cutouts for the microphones, charging connector, and speaker, so the device remains fully functional while inside it.

Design
The Plaud Note Pro is credit-card-sized and 3mm thick, weighing 30g. Only one button is on the device. Press and hold to start recording; press and hold again to stop. While recording, pressing the button triggers the highlight feature. Press to highlight lets you flag important moments during a recording in real time, so the AI summary focuses on what actually matters instead of burying it in a wall of text.

The thickness is roughly equivalent to three credit cards stacked together (yes, I tried it).

Inside the device is a 500 mAh battery that provides up to 30 hours of recording in Enhance Mode (5m pickup range) and 64GB of storage.

Wireless connectivity includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) 5.4.

The build is aluminum and feels premium. The front face features a 0.95″ AMOLED display with 600 nits of brightness. It shows recording status, battery level, and transfer progress.

There are four Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) microphones: two at the top (one on each side) and two at the bottom.

MEMS microphones work by etching a microscopic vibrating membrane onto a silicon chip using the same manufacturing process as computer processors, allowing them to be incredibly small while still accurately capturing sound.

The MEMS are quite impressive. They can pick up audio clearly from a distance, and the recordings come through clearly with no muffled or distorted audio. I tested about 2m away with a standing fan noise in the background.

At the back is the proprietary charging port.

I would have accepted a slightly thicker device for the universality of USB-C or Qi wireless charging. The reason is that if you lose or spoil your cable, you can’t just walk into the store and get another one, so you will have downtime.

Setup
Setup is done through the Plaud app on iOS or Android.

A firmware update is prompted immediately during the first pairing. After that, the device is ready to record.

App
The main screen is a list of all your recordings. Each file shows the recording date, duration, and the title if it has been transcribed. Tapping a file takes you to the transcript view, where you can read the full text and play back the audio.

Transcription does not happen automatically unless you configure it using AutoFlow. By default, you transfer the recording to the app and manually initiate transcription.

Only after transcribing will you see the highlights and summary screen, where the AI breaks down the recording into key moments and a structured summary.

After transcription and summarisation, you can export the output in a variety of formats: plain text, Markdown, PDF, and Microsoft Word.

There are only two recording modes, Ambient and Call.

I do not use Call recording at all, as I rarely talk on the phone and prefer texting, so I use Ambient for everything.

There is also an Automatic Mode that can switch between the two based on context.

Cloud sync is optional. It acts as a backup, but you are not forced to use it. That said, all transcription happens through the cloud, so if you want the AI features, your audio does need to go up to Plaud’s servers at some point. They hold ISO 27001, SOC 2, HIPAA, and GDPR compliance. If your work involves conversations that cannot be routed to an external cloud, the Plaud Note Pro is not for you, regardless of its compliance certifications.

Templates are the backbone of the summary system. They are essentially pre-defined prompts that tell the AI how to structure its output: Meeting Minutes, Action Items, Key Insights, and so on.

You can choose from a marketplace of templates or create your own custom prompt entirely.

I created my own template tuned for gadget reviews, giving me a structure.

File transfer between the device and the phone works both ways. Bluetooth is the default and the simpler option. Alternatively, the device can create its own Wi-Fi hotspot, and your phone can connect directly to it for faster local transfers. This is useful if you have a long recording and want to skip the Bluetooth bottleneck.

AutoFlow works like a trigger-and-action system, similar to If First This Then That (IFTTT).

When it detects certain keywords in a transcript, such as “reviewing” or “review,” it runs a configured template to auto-transcribe and generate a specific summary type. It can push the output to a connected service. As of writing, only email is supported. Third-party integrations with AutoFlow are coming soon.

The integrations screen in the app lists platforms that Plaud supports: Notion, Slack, email, and a few others. It is just a marketing screen. There is no direct integration with any specific note-taking app, so the export process is manual: generate the summary in the Plaud app, export the file, and take it wherever you need it.

Apple Find My is supported, but since it lacks an Ultra-wideband (UWB) chip, precision finding is not available. There is a speaker at the back that emits a sound.

Subscription
You cannot escape subscription if you want to make full use of AI, since running models costs a lot of money.

The free Starter Plan gives you 300 transcription minutes per month: about 5 hours total, or roughly an hour per week. For a hobbyist trying it out, this is fine. For a busy office worker with back-to-back meetings, it might not be enough.

If you run out of transcription minutes, the device still works as a standalone voice recorder. The audio file still gets saved locally, and you can still transfer it to the Plaud app for playback. You only lose all the AI features until your minutes reset.

With the problem of subscription comes the problem of dependency. The transcription and summaries all require AI. Without it, it is just a voice recorder with an app.

The free plan’s 300 minutes is an arbitrary cap that Plaud could reduce at any time. There is no guarantee that the free tier will remain at this level.

For my use case of recording 1 or 2 review sessions per week, each lasting 30 to 45 minutes, the free 300 minutes per month are sufficient. But my use case is light.

If you are using it for work during daily meetings, you would need the Unlimited plan, bringing the total first-year cost to S$259 + $349.98 = S$608.98.

Conclusion
The Plaud Note Pro is a genuinely interesting device with solid hardware and impressive microphones that do what it claims, within the constraints of its subscription model. At S$259, it is a reasonable amount to spend to find out whether it fits your workflow.

It makes the most sense for a small company or team that does not already have AI meeting transcription through Zoom or Teams.

For my personal use case of recording gadget review observations and cleaning them up with Claude, it has potential. Speaking your observations while handling a product is faster than typing them, and having a rough transcript gives Claude something to work with. The raw output is not always clean, with filler words and some rambling, but editing a transcript is faster than writing from scratch.

If all your important conversations are already on Zoom or Teams with AI transcription built in, the use case is limited. The Claude Note Pro fills the face-to-face gap, but whether that alone justifies S$259 depends on how often those situations arise for you.

The single most important thing to understand before buying is the subscription dependency. The free 300 minutes are enough to evaluate the device seriously, and you retain basic voice recording functionality without a subscription. But the AI features that make this more than a glorified voice recorder require a paid plan for any serious use.

So, to me, the Plaud Note Pro is worth buying, since it still offers a free tier with 300 minutes per month, which is enough for hobby projects.

There are plenty of 3-in-1 wireless chargers on the market. But once you narrow it down to Qi2.2 with 25W fast charging and Apple Made for Watch (MFW) certification, your options become surprisingly limited.

In Singapore, at the time of writing, I could only find two options: the Belkin UltraCharge Pro 3-in-1 Magnetic Charging Dock with Qi2 25W and the Ugreen MagFlow 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Desktop Charger 25W.

Qi2 is widely available now, but most chargers are still capped at 15W. Moving up to Qi2.2 at 25W makes a difference, especially for quick top-ups during the day.

The bigger limitation is the Apple Watch. Many chargers use non-certified modules, which results in slower charging speeds when using an Apple Watch Ultra 2. Hence, Made For Watch (MFW) certification for chargers is important as you will get fast charging for compatible Apple Watches.

In Singapore, the Belkin UltraCharge Pro 3-in-1 Magnetic Charging Dock retails for S$249 on Shopee, while the Ugreen MagFlow 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Desktop Charger retails for S$179.90 on Shopee.

After the voucher deductions on sales day, the difference can range from S$40 to S$50. Cheapest I saw after vouchers is around S$170 for the Belkin UltraCharge Pro 3-in-1 Magnetic Charging Dock.

Both chargers come with a 45W power adapter and USB-C cable, so that they will work out of the box.

A nice touch here is that your charger and cable match the color of your dock.

The Belkin cable arrived braided and is 1.5m long.

Design & Build
The Ugreen is designed to be compact and travel-ready, which explains why it weighs just 210g. The Apple Watch charging puck can be slid in and hidden, making it more portable and cleaner when not in use.

The Belkin, on the other hand, is more suited for a permanent desk setup. It weighs 550g, giving it a more solid, premium feel.

There are rubber feet at the base, so your charger stays in place.

Belkin is available in two colors (Black and Sand), while Ugreen is available in only one (Blue). The overall material and finish on the Belkin feel more premium. It uses a soft-touch matte plastic finish that feels smooth and slightly rubberized.

Like most newly launched Belkin products, this finish feels great in the hand. Based on the Belkin products I have used, the rubberized coating has held up well so far, with the oldest being more than 3 years old, so I am less concerned about long-term durability even in Singapore’s hot and humid climate.

Also, this is the home dock version. If you prefer something portable, Belkin offers the Belkin UltraCharge 3-in-1 Foldable Magnetic Charger, which features a similar rubberized finish but is designed to fold and travel.

Moving Parts
For Belkin, only the iPhone charging puck is adjustable (0° to 90°).

For Ugreen, both the iPhone and Apple Watch charging puck are adjustable. The iPhone charging puck can be adjusted up to 70°, while the Apple Watch charging puck can be slid in and hidden.

For a home dock, I prefer fewer moving parts. The structure generally feels more robust, and there is less unnecessary interaction day to day.

The flexibility of the Ugreen is useful if you intend to travel with it. But in a home setup, you typically leave everything in place. You are unlikely to keep sliding the Apple Watch puck in and out.

In that sense, the additional mechanism feels more like something you can use rather than something you will use. Belkin’s simpler design is easier to use every day.

Thermal Management
Belkin comes with ChillBoost, a built-in fan that helps manage heat when charging at 25W. The switch is on by default, which makes sense if you want to maximize charging performance right away. You can turn it off if you are charging older phones, don’t need maximum speed, and are only doing short charging sessions.

The fan was something I was initially concerned about, but in reality, it is a non-issue. It is extremely quiet. I had to put my ear right up against the back of the iPhone charging puck to confirm the fan was actually working.

So while it has active cooling, it doesn’t introduce any noticeable noise to your setup.

If the fan is off, Belkin behaves like other chargers, with thermal protection kicking in and reducing charging speed if needed.

Ugreen does not include a fan. If you use it most of the time in an air-conditioned room, it should perform well. However, in warmer conditions, thermal protection is likely to kick in earlier, reducing charging speed over time.

Conclusion
Since both products have the same technical charging specifications, iPhone charges at 25W, while both your Apple Watch and AirPods Pro will charge at 5W each, choosing between them ultimately comes down to your use case.

If you prefer a lighter, travel-friendly design with more flexibility, and mostly use it in an air-conditioned environment, the Ugreen MagFlow 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Desktop Charger offers better value.

If you want a more premium, solid desk setup with better thermal management and fewer moving parts, the Belkin UltraCharge Pro 3-in-1 Magnetic Charging Dock is a great choice.

Belkin UltraCharge 3-in-1 Foldable Magnetic Charger is designed for users who want a compact solution to charge their iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods simultaneously, which is great for travelling.

It retails for S$189. You can get it online from Shopee and Lazada or in-store from Best Denki, Challenger, Courts, Harvey Norman.

Three colors are available: White, Blue, and Black.

Belkin includes a 45W USB-C power adapter in the box, along with a 1.5m USB-C to USB-C cable.

Design
At a glance, the UltraCharge feels like Belkin’s answer to the Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station, which has a similar compact foldable design. It also sits alongside the Belkin BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Travel Pad that I reviewed previously. However, the UltraCharge uses the newer Qi2.2 and a different folding mechanism.

Unlike the BoostCharge Pro Travel Pad, which folds flat like a mat, the UltraCharge folds into a compact block measuring 11 x 6 x 3 cm and weighs about 190g, making it as easy to carry in a bag or tech pouch.

When unfolded, the magnetic iPhone charging pad stands, keeping your phone upright while charging. This is useful if you want to use StandBy mode on supported iPhones.

The AirPods charging pad sits on the base, while the Apple Watch charging puck folds out from the back when needed.

Something you can’t see in the charger is Belkin’s ChillBoost. It is a passive cooling technology that helps reduce heat during fast charging.

Charging
Qi2.2 wireless charging is one of UltraCharge’s key highlights, supporting wireless charging of up to 25W. Qi2 wireless chargers, on the other hand, support up to 15W.

The charger is Made For Watch (MFW) certified, which means it can fast-charge your Apple Watch if your Apple Watch supports it (Apple Watch Series 7, Apple Watch SE 3, Apple Watch Ultra, and later).

Conclusion
The Belkin UltraCharge 3-in-1 Foldable Magnetic Charger is a compact and practical charging solution for Apple users who want to charge multiple devices without carrying multiple cables. Its foldable stand-style design makes it easy to pack for travel while remaining useful on a desk or a bedside table.

The addition of Qi2.2 wireless charging up to 25W gives it an edge over many existing wireless chargers, and the MFW certification ensures that compatible Apple Watch models can fast-charge.

Belkin also includes a 45W USB-C power adapter and a 1.5m USB-C cable, so everything you need is in the box.

Overall, it is a solid option if you are looking for a portable 3-in-1 charger that is certified for your Apple devices.

Week #1
On the first week of March (Saturday, 6th March 2026), the first steakhouse we visited is The Feather Blade. I ordered the Feather Blade Steak (S$25) while Li Xiang ordered the Portobello Burger (S$22). For Sides, we ordered the Mac & Cheese (S$14).

The steak is perfectly cooked and very good value for money. Li Xiang loves the Portobello Burger, too.

Week #2
On the second week (Friday, 13th March 2026), we visited SteakGrill Steakhouse Chef’s Table. I ordered the Dry Aged Australian Angus Prime MB4 (S$88) while Li Xiang ordered the Grilled Aged Duck Breast (S$36)

Similarly, the steak is perfectly cooked, medium-rare to medium. And the portion is big. My guess is about 300g.

The Grilled Aged Duck Breast is slightly above average. There’s room for improvement: more sauce and seasoning to mask the gaminess further.

Week #3
Visited Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu (Raffles City) during a weekday (Monday, 16th March 2026) for dinner. I ordered their A5 Miyazaki Sirloin Gyukatsu Zen for S$55. I can’t really taste the wagyu as the katsu overpowers it; it is a waste of money.

I did order a la carte Tenderloin Katsu (S$15), and it tasted better than the wagyu as I could taste the meat. I would recommend ordering the Tenderloin Gyukatsu Zen for S$32 instead.

Since Li Xiang doesn’t eat beef, she ordered the Seafood Katsu Zen (S$32). She finds it just average, nothing special to shout about.

On Friday, 20th March 2026, we visited Ma Maison (Ngee Ann City), where I had the Jumbo Hamburger Steak 300g (S$27.80) and Li Xiang had the Grilled Seabass in XO Sauce (S$20.80).

Food is good and value for money. Iced water and wet tissues are free, which is rare these days.

Birthday Dim Sum
This year’s birthday celebration for my brother and me is at Ya Ge (Orchid Hotel) on Saturday, 22nd March 2026, where we had the DimSum.

We have been to Ya Ge a few times, but this is the first time we are there for Dim Sum. Both food and service are excellent. The restaurant is also not so crowded, which makes dining enjoyable. I feel Ya Ge is an underrated restaurant, or a “hidden gem.”

Some Dim Sum dishes we really like are the Crispy Vermicelli Wrapped Scallop (S$13/3 pieces), Crispy Webbed Shrimp Rice Roll (S$12), and Baked Kurobuta Pork Char Siew Puff with Pineapple (S$12/3 pieces).

For a la carte, we like the Dry-Aged Roasted Peking Duck (S$138) and Carrot Cake with Dried Shrimp Paste (S$17).

Birthday cake is Strawberry Shortcake (S$87) from Nesuto. Li Xiang bought it for us.

Birthday Dinner
On 23rd March 2026, I had my birthday dinner with Li Xiang at Steakville. Steakville is not new to me; I went there quite often when I was with Tech in Asia, and we became friends with the boss and chef, Shaun.

For a casual steakhouse in Singapore, Steakville offers excellent value given the quality. Steakville is located in Sunshine Plaza, where I assumed rent is cheaper, so they can pass the savings back to diners.

I ordered 300g of Hanger Steak (S$42) while Li Xiang had the Buttered Brown Chicken (S$19). We also ordered two sides, Crispy Broccoli (S$12) and Buttered Asparagus (S$14).

Li Xiang bought me a slice of Auntie Peng Banana Pie as my birthday cake from Yuan (18 Cross).

Birthday Presents
Thanks to my brother, sister-in-law, and Ava for the Alo Conquer Reform Crewneck Short Sleeve and Alo 7″ Conquer React Performance Short in Bone (Cream) and Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia Reed Diffuser.

I didn’t notice there was an engraving on my Jo Malone Diffuser until I inserted the reed sticks.

Thank You
Thanks for all the lovely birthday greetings on WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, Slack, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Facebook Messenger.

Looking Back

• 40th to 49th Birthday
  • 41st Birthday
  • 40th Birthday
• 30th to 39th Birthday
  • 39th Birthday
  • 38th Birthday
  • 37th Birthday
  • 36th Birthday
  • 35th Birthday
  • 34th Birthday
  • 33rd Birthday
  • 32nd Birthday
  • 31st Birthday
  • 30th Birthday
• 20th to 29th Birthday
  • 29th Birthday
  • 28th Birthday
  • 27th Birthday
  • 26th Birthday
  • 25th Birthday
  • 24th Birthday
  • 23rd Birthday
  • 22nd Birthday
  • 21st Birthday
  • 20th Birthday
• 18th to 19th Birthday
  • 19th Birthday
  • 18th Birthday

You can buy it online from Shopee or Lazada, or in-store at Best Denki, Challenger, Courts, or Harvey Norman stores.

This model is effectively the successor to the Belkin BoostCharge Pro Fast Wireless Charger for Apple Watch + Power Bank 10K that I blogged about in August 2023. That product was recalled in November 2024, and this new version appears to be Belkin’s redesigned replacement.

Design
The new power bank is smaller and lighter, weighing 263g while still maintaining a 10,000mAh battery capacity. Two colors are available: Sand and Black.

The overall design retains Belkin’s rounded form factor, making it comfortable to hold and easy to carry. The rubbery texture remains the same as the previous generation, which helps with grip.

A new addition is the digital display, which shows the real-time charging status and battery level, making it easier to check how much battery is remaining quickly.

That said, I still have some concerns about how the rubber coating will hold up over time, especially in Singapore’s hot and humid climate, where rubberized finishes sometimes degrade or become sticky after prolonged use. The good news is that, based on the previous generation, it held out well for more than a year.

It retains the integrated Apple Watch charging puck, but now it can flip up so you can charge the watch in Nightstand mode, which is convenient when travelling.

There is also a built-in loop that lets you attach the power bank to your bag.

Like the Belkin BoostCharge Slim Magnetic Power Bank 5K, this power bank also has the China Compulsory Certificate (CCC) logo, so you can bring it onboard flights within China.

Integrated USB-C Cable
These days, I like devices that come with an integrated USB-C cable, as I have one less cable to carry and can eliminate the risk of forgetting a cable.

The previous model required you to bring your own cable to charge other devices. With this version, the cable is built into the power bank, so you have one less cable to carry.

In addition to the integrated cable, the power bank still includes a USB-C port, allowing you to charge two wired devices simultaneously.

You can use either the integrated cable or an external USB-C cable to charge the power bank.

Charging
The power bank supports a maximum charging output of 45W.

When charging a single-wired device, you can get the full 45W output, which is enough for fast charging smartphones, tablets, and even some lightweight laptops.

If you charge one or two wired devices together with an Apple Watch, each wired device supports up to 20W.

The built-in Apple Watch charger is Made for Watch (MFW) certified, which means it supports fast charging for compatible Apple Watch models.

Passthrough charging is supported. However, when using passthrough, the maximum output is limited to 10W for the wired device, so charging speeds will be slower.

Conclusion
The Belkin BoostCharge Pro Power Bank 10K with Apple Watch Charger improves on the previous generation with a smaller design, lighter weight, higher charging output, an integrated USB-C cable, and a digital display.

At S$179, it is not cheap for a 10,000mAh power bank. However, if you regularly travel with both an iPhone and Apple Watch, the convenience of having a power bank, Apple Watch fast charger, and USB-C cable in a single device makes it a practical all-in-one portable charging solution.

Though three colors are listed on the website, only Sand and Black are currently available in Singapore.

You can buy it online from Shopee or Lazada or physically from Best Denki, Challenger, Courts, Harvey Norman stores.

I love it when Belkin throws in USB-C to USB-C cables with their powerbank. The length measures 60cm.

As the name suggests, this is a slim 5,000 mAh power bank focused on portability. It measures 10.6 mm in thickness and weighs 124 g, making it reasonably slim and lightweight for everyday carry.

Belkin uses a soft-touch matte plastic finish, which feels smooth and slightly rubberised. The rubberized part is on the magnetic portion, which helps to prevent scratches to your iPhone. However, I don’t know whether the rubber coating will disintegrate over the years in Singapore’s humidity.

The power bank has the China Compulsory Certificate (CCC) logo, so you can bring it onboard flights within China.

For wireless charging, since it is Qi-only, it can only charge up to 7.5W instead of 15W with Qi2 or 25W with Qi2.2. It would be perfect if it were Qi2.2.

Wired charging can only output up to 15W, which is slightly on the lower end. When both wireless and wired charging are used, the charging speed maxes out at 5W and 7.5W, respectively.

Attaching the power bank to your iPhone doesn’t automatically initiate the charge; you have to press the button on the right. When your iPhone is charging, the LED indicator beside the button will be lit.

Pressing the button again, or pressing it without attaching it to your phone, will display the remaining battery capacity.

Xiaomi UltraThin Magnetic Power Bank 5000 is a close competitor to the Belkin BoostCharge Slim Magnetic Power Bank 5K that retails for S$69.90 on Shopee. The Xiaomi model is thinner (6mm) and lighter (98g), and it also supports faster wired charging at 22.5W. It uses an aluminium alloy body, which helps achieve its ultra-thin design.

To conclude, the Belkin BoostCharge Slim Magnetic Power Bank 5K is a well-designed and portable magnetic battery pack suitable for everyday use.

While it is not the thinnest option available, it offers good build quality from a brand you can trust. It comes with a 2-year warranty and US$2,500 Connected Equipment Warranty. The included USB-C cable is also a nice bonus.

If you want the thinnest and lightest magnetic power bank, the Xiaomi UltraThin model may be more appealing. But if you prefer Belkin’s design and slightly lower price, the BoostCharge Slim Magnetic Power Bank 5K is still a solid option.

Price remains the same. 1-pack retails for S$45, while 4-pack retails for S$149 (works out to be S$37.25 per AirTag).

If you are on the Apple Corporate Employee Purchase Program (EPP), the 1-pack costs S$40.33 and the 4-pack costs S$134.07 (S$33.51 per AirTag).

The packaging has a makeover. For the 4-pack, the box is now elongated and shows four AirTags on the front.

Most of the changes are on the inside, like the new second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, an upgraded Bluetooth Chip, and louder speakers.

The only visible cosmetic difference is the text behind the AirTag, which is now in caps. Other than that, it remains the same.

Weight-wise, it’s 0.8g heavier, which I doubt anybody can feel.

The second-generation AirTag is largely an incremental upgrade rather than a full redesign. For existing AirTag users, the upgrade is not essential unless the improved tracking range or louder speaker matters to you. But if you’re buying AirTags for the first time, the 2nd-generation model is the better option unless you can get the original AirTag at a 20% discount.

What caught my attention was that this is the only orange wireless charging stand that I have seen. And it matches my iPhone 17 Pro Max in Cosmic Orange. Orange is my favourite color.

I don’t intend to get it, since I already have a lot of chargers.

However, luckily for me, when my cousin came to my house to tour the smart home features of my house, she gave it to me as a housewarming gift.

She told me she is the only one in Singapore selling Kuxiu products on her Shopee Store, Black Tech SG. The Kuxiu X40 Turbo Wireless Charging Station retails for S$105 on her Shopee Store.

Nitpick: the box could have accurately reflected the charger’s color.

Inside the packaging is a 45W charger, a 1m braided USB-C to USB-C cable, and a carrying case.

The Kuxiu X40 Turbo Wireless Charging Station is Qi2.2 certified, making it MagSafe compatible and capable of delivering up to 25W of wireless power to your iPhone.

Because it is a 3-in-1 charger, you can charge your Apple Watch, AirPods, and iPhone simultaneously. For Apple Watch and AirPods charging, the maximum output is 5W each.

Since this charger doesn’t have the Made for Watch (MFW) certification, it doesn’t support fast charging for your Apple Watch. This is the only con of the charger.

Being foldable means it has a small footprint, making it perfect for travel or on-the-go use.

When folded, it measures 64 x 64 x 18 (mm). Weight-wise, it is about 150g.

The USB-C port is located at the back; you need one cable to charge 3 devices.

If you are looking for a compact travel charger that lets you charge your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods all at once with just one USB-C cable, the Kuxiu X40 Turbo Wireless Charging Station is for you. Because it is Qi2.2 certified, you will get the full 25W wireless charging speed for your iPhone. The only downside is that your Apple Watch will not get fast charging because the charger is not MFW-certified.

ArmorPro, ArmorAir, and ArmorTint are part of their “Cases Built With Kevlar” series and are slightly more premium and expensive.

Benks offers an Essential series, where cases are more affordable (50% cheaper) since they are made of Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU).

Benks Mist Cases is part of the Essential series.

Three colors are available: Orange, Blue, and Black.

I’m not sure if you know, but Orange is my favourite colour, so I have the Benks Mist Case in Orange for my iPhone 17 Pro Max. The case perfectly matches my iPhone 17 Pro Max in Cosmic Orange.

The metal frame protecting the plateau is 0.3mm in height, so it will prevent your phone’s lens from touching the surface when it is placed back facing down.

The MagSafe area is translucent, providing a lighter contrast to the overall Orange.

All the buttons are covered with metal buttons on the case. There are even holes for your lanyard’s string to pass through.

The camera control button is also covered.

Unlike all cases in the ArmorPro series, the speaker grills are not individually cut out.

Weight-wise, it weighs 41g, which makes it 4g heavier than the Benks ArmorPro Prestige Case and 1g heavier than the Benks ArmorGrid ArmorPro Case.

Benks Mist Case retails for S$25 on Shopee and S$23 on Lazada.

If you are an international user outside of Singapore, you can also get it directly from Benks. You can use my discount coupon code, lesterchan15, for a storewide 15% discount.

The Benks Mist Case is now my default case for my iPhone 17 Pro Max, replacing the Benks ArmorGrid ArmorPro, as it is very orange.

Like all cases in the ArmorPro series, it is also compatible with MagSafe.

The main area of the case is woven with Kevlar Fiber in “jiaoluo” patterns. Jiaoluo in English means edge. I wish the color were more orangey, as it feels more red and brown.

This case is suitable for the year-end holiday vibes, but sadly, I received it after Christmas

The frame is made with Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU).

All the buttons are covered, including the camera control button.

Similar to all cases in the ArmorPro series, the speaker grills are individually cut out.

Weight-wise, it weighs 40g, which makes it 3g heavier than the Benks ArmorPro Prestige Case, which I was using.

Benks ArmorGrid ArmorPro Case retails for S$64.45 on Shopee and S$58 on Lazada.

If you are an international user outside of Singapore, you can also get it directly from Benks. You can use my discount coupon code, lesterchan15, for a storewide 15% discount.

You can also get the matching ArmorPop Phone Grip & Stand in Terra Orange to match the case.

ArmorPop Phone Grip & Stand retails for S$32 on Shopee and S$30 Lazada.

This case is perfect for the year-end holiday vibes, but sadly, I received it after the New Year. If not, I would have swapped it out for the Benks ArmorPro Prestige Case in November 2025.

Some examples:

• Anker Prime USB-C to USB-C Cable (Shopee | Lazada)
• Anker Zolo USB-C to USB-C Cable (Shopee | Lazada)
• Anker USB-C to USB-C Cable (Shopee | Lazada)
• Anker 322 PowerLine USB-C to USB-C Cable (Shopee | Lazada)
• Anker 544 USB-C to USB-C Cable (Shopee | Lazada)
• Anker PowerLine III USB-C to USB-C Cable (Shopee | Lazada)
• Anker 643 PowerLine III Flow USB-C to USB-C Cable (Shopee | Lazada)
• Anker PowerLine Select+ USB-C to USB-C Cable (Shopee | Lazada)

There are only three series that support 240W: Anker Prime, Anker Zolo, and Anker itself. Based on pricing, Anker Prime is the highest tier, followed by Anker and then Anker Zolo.

The Anker Prime USB-C to USB-C Cable is available in only one color, whereas the Anker Zolo and Anker come in four and three colors, respectively.

So I wanted a 1m white USB-C to USB-C cable to match my Apple 40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max. I am deciding between the Anker Zolo and the Anker.

I ended up with an Anker USB-C to USB-C Cable because it has strain relief at the ends.

I was in Bangkok, Thailand, on holiday, and I was surprised to find that the Anker USB-C to USB-C Cable is cheaper in physical stores there than on Shopee or Lazada in Singapore.

On Shopee or Lazada, you can purchase it for approximately S$14 during a flash sale. Meanwhile, in the Anker Store at Central World in Bangkok, it is selling for TH฿299, which is approximately S$12.30.

Despite being braided, the Anker USB-C to USB-C Cable is softer and less rigid compared to my Ugreen Braided USB-C to USB-C Cable (100W) or Belkin BoostCharge USB-C to USB-C Cable 240W.

The color is more towards cream than actual white.

At its S$12, a braided USB-C to USB-C cable with strain relief and 240W charging support from a well-known brand like Anker is reasonably priced and good value overall.

Sadly, most, if not all, accessories sold on Singtel Shop are at the Recommended Retail Price (RRP), which means they will be more expensive compared to those sold on Shopee or Lazada.

I held out until the last few days before the expiry, as I was hoping to see the Apple 40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max being listed there. But sadly, it is not happening.

So I ended up just buying the Sharge Retractable 65W Charger for S$49.90. I don’t need to fork out a single cent. Shipping is free to my doorstep as I am a Singtel Red member. Otherwise, it is S$8. S$3 if shipped to a Singpost POPStation.

The Sharge Retractable 65W Charger is available in Black and White. I chose Black.

It is the nicest-looking charger I have, featuring a transparent cover that houses the retractable cable coil.

It is not the most compact charger due to the retractable cable coil. It measures 71 x 55 x 32.4 mm and weighs about 145g.

As the name suggests, it comes with a 70 cm retractable USB-C cable, and the charger itself has another USB-C port. The maximum output of the charger is 65W.

These days, I love to have things with built-in cable like the Anker 25000mAh 165W Power Bank, Ugreen MagFlow Magnetic Wireless Power Bank, and Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 10K With Integrated Cable, so I do not need to bring additional USB-C cable on the go. It is just more convenient.

Since I bought it in Singapore, it comes with the removable UK Plug (Type G).

Underneath it is a foldable US Plug (Type A).

With just the Sharge Retractable 65W Charger, I can dump it in my bag. In the event of an emergency, I need to plug it in and charge it. I don’t need to worry about cables.

Any company that wants to conduct layoffs will use AI as a reason. And since AI empowers individuals to do more, hiring has also slowed down. The company may no longer need as many workers as it once did.

As an added side effect, it causes a global shortage of memory chips, and hence, any CPU components that interact with memory, such as RAM, graphics cards, and NVMe storage, have seen an increase in prices. RAM saw the worst rise in prices.

2026 will not be any better, as layoffs and price increases are expected to continue.

Tech Refresh
If I were to look back and sum up my 2025 in two words, it would be ‘Tech Refresh.’

This is the first time I’ve used an AI-generated image as a featured image. Image is generated by Nano Banana on Gemini 2.5 Flash.

Another more realistic image by Nano Banana Pro on Gemini 3 Pro.

Upgraded my car from Mercedes-Benz A180 (W176) (2017) with Certificate of Entitlement (COE) Cat A to the Tesla Model 3 Highland (2025) (RWD) with COE Cat B. If you are a techie, you will love all the high-tech features of the Tesla. I look forward to the day when Full Self-Driving (FSD) becomes available in Singapore.

Upgraded my Internet from Singtel 1+1Gbps Fibre Pro Gamer Bundle to Singtel 10Gbps Enhanced Plan.

The next tech refresh I did was to upgrade my whole network from Asus ZenWiFi BQ16 to Ubiquiti UniFi. I love the User Interface (UI) of UniFi and have never been happier with the seamless and responsive setup. As a “side effect” of that, I fell into the rabbit hole, and now all my networking equipment is from Ubiquiti UniFi.

As every year, I also upgraded my iPhone 16 Pro Max (512GB) to the iPhone 17 Pro Max (512GB), and it is in my favourite colour, orange.

Lastly, I upgraded my 5-year-old desktop to AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D. This time around, I opted for a larger case, the NZXT H7 Flow, and chose an AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT graphics card instead of an Nvidia one. I took this opportunity to upgrade my webcam to the Logitech Brio 4K, my speakers to the Edifier MR5, and my monitor to the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM.

Travel
Travelled to India for the first time, visiting my colleagues in our Bangalore office. It isn’t as bad as everyone made it out to be. I will head there again sometime in Q1 2026.

Been to Japan twice this year, Hokkaido and Okinawa. Three times to Thailand, visiting Bangkok, Koh Samui, and Phuket.

What I Said In 2024

There are strong rumors that the Apple HomePod will come with a screen next year. If so, as usual, I will get it.

Again, this didn’t happen. Hopefully in 2026?

iPhone 17 Pro is rumored to undergo a redesign.

It didn’t undergo a radical redesign, just a minor one, with the camera bump now bigger, and it is called a plateau.

I will upgrade my Internet to 10Gbps, provided Singtel allows me to bridge to my Asus ZenWiFi BQ16 without using their crap Mesh Router.

As mentioned above, I upgraded my Internet from Singtel 1+1Gbps Fibre Pro Gamer Bundle to Singtel 10Gbps Enhanced Plan.

I will be looking to change my car before April 2025, as my road tax is up, and my COE is in its 8th year. I paid a deposit for a Tesla Model 3 Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) with Category B COE.

Managed to secure my COE Cat B after failing to get it in the January 2025 COE bidding rounds. I received the car on 6th February 2025.

For 2026
There are many rumors about a foldable iPhone. Will we get to see it next year?

In terms of tech refresh in 2026, I can only think of my Sonos Play:1 surrounds, Apple TV, and my 8-year-old Apple iPad Pro 12.9″ (3rd Generation). Or, unless my Samsung Series 6 40″ UHD 4K Flat Smart TV (UA40JU6400) in my master bedroom is spoiled.

I have not booked any trips for 2026 yet, which is unusual. Li Xiang wants to go to Spain, and I want to go to Tokyo to do my yearly shopping spree. Additionally, maybe a trip to China, visiting cities like Beijing, Guangzhou, or Xiamen.

Wishing all my readers, visitors, and supporters a Happy New Year 2026! May 2026 be a fantastic year for all of us.

Looking Back 2025

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December 2025

31stLooking Back 202529thAsus ROG Falchion Ace HFX ZywOo Edition Gaming Keyboard Review22ndAsus ROG Keris II Origin Gaming Mouse Review15thAsus ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM Monitor Review8thLogitech Brio 4K Webcam4thUlti Ergo Clamp-On Speaker Stand1stEdifier MR5 Studio Monitor Speakers

November 2025

27thAnker 25000mAh 165W Power Bank24thUlti Glide Heavy-Duty Caster Wheels (M8)17thMy New Computer AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D10thApple 40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max3rdAnker 140W Charger

October 2025

27thUgreen Smart Tag20thAirGradient One Indoor Monitor (I-9PSL) Review13thBenks ArmorGrid ArmorAir Grand Combo For iPhone 17 Pro Max6thUgreen MagFlow 2-In-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger

September 2025

29thUgreen MagFlow Magnetic Wireless Power Bank22ndBenks ArmorPro Prestige Case For iPhone 17 Pro Max20thBenks GlassWarrior Sapphire Screen Protector For iPhone 17 Pro Max18thD-Link 5G Mobile Wi-Fi 6 Hotspot (DWR-U2100)12thSingtel iPhone Air, iPhone 17, 17 Pro, And 17 Pro Max Price Plans8thMy Ubiquiti UniFi Setup1stApex+ EVO G27 27″ QHD (2560 x 1440) Monitor Review

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The ROG Falchion Ace HFX Gaming Keyboard is a 65% wired gaming Hall Effect (HFX) keyboard featuring pre-lubed ROG HFX magnetic switches and Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) doubleshot keycaps.

Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX ZywOo Edition Gaming Keyboard retails for S$319, while the Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX Gaming Keyboard retails for S$279. A difference of S$40 for the ZywOo theme.

Who is ZywOo?
Mathias “ZywOo” Herbaut is one of the most accomplished professional players in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) and Counter-Strike 2 (CS2). He is known for his consistently top-tier performance with Team Vitality. He has earned multiple HLTV Player of the Year awards and is widely respected for his exceptional game sense, precise aim, and calm demeanor under pressure.

Box Contents

Inside the box, you’ll find a braided USB-C to USB-A cable, a keycap puller, and spare keycaps (for Ctrl, Esc, and Z).

I wish the braided USB-C to USB-A cable could be replaced with a coiled USB-C to USB-A cable instead; that would be perfect.

What is ROG without stickers? You will receive an esports theme sticker, featuring the ZywOo logo in one of them. The sticker differs from what you will receive with the regular Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX.

Design
Team Vitality’s color is yellow, and the yellow accent color reflects its team color and branding.

The primary color is magenta, but I couldn’t find any association with magenta, so I can only guess it is the complementary color to yellow.

ZywOo most used weapon based on his HLTV’s profile is the Arctic Warfare Police (AWP) rifle, and hence the backspace has the AWP design.

His logo is on the Tab key, Z key, and Spacebar. If you find it too much, you can actually swap back the Z key as the original Z key is included in the box contents.

The Escape key has a design of a chicken, paying homage to the chickens in CS. I remember all the chickens in the map cs_italy. An interesting fact is that ZywOo is also one of the leaders in terms of chicken kills at the tournament.

The kickstands offer two height adjustments.

Controls
The keyboard features two USB-C ports, located at each end of the keyboard. In the middle is the keyboard toggle switch, which allows you to switch usage between computers when two computers are connected to the keyboard via each USB-C port.

On the extreme left side is the switch function button, which allows you to toggle between five different functions and use the capacitive touch panel to control each one.

For example, you can switch to the volume function and use the touch panel to adjust the volume’s loudness.

Another example is that you can switch to the actuation distance function and use the touch panel to adjust the actuation distance. Actuation distance refers to the amount of travel a key must be pressed before it registers an input.

While the touch panel is convenient, it isn’t as accurate as a knob or wheel. Without tactile steps, you sometimes overshoot your target value and need a few adjustments to get it right.

On the extreme right is the trigger mode switch, which enables Rapid Trigger. Rapid Trigger allows a key to reset and activate instantly without needing to return to its original height, enabling faster repeated key presses.

Enabling Rapid Trigger and optimizing the actuation distance will give you an edge in First Person Shooter (FPS) gaming. However, it can’t help you if your aim is poor to begin with.

Magnetic Switches
The reason you can control the actuation distance is due to the magnetic switches, rather than mechanical switches.

Magnetic switches have a linear feel because their actuation is detected by a sensor, rather than physical contact mechanisms, allowing the key to move smoothly without any tactile bump or click.

In this case, Hall Effect (HFX) is a type of magnetic switch. For ROG HFX magnetic switches, the initial force is 40 gf, and the total force is 55 gf.

Out of the box, the actuation distance is 4 mm, which feels far. However, you can adjust it to any value between 0.1 and 4 mm.

In terms of sound, magnetic switches like this produce a muted thock sound. It is acceptable, but not the best-sounding.

Cover
I love that Asus included a keyboard cover, and it’s not just a generic keyboard cover, but also features a ZywOo theme on the underside.

The included cover saves me a couple of bucks, as I don’t need a generic acrylic transparent keyboard cover.

Gear Link
You do not need to use Asus Armoury Crate to configure the keyboard. In fact, even if you have Armoury Crate installed, it will redirect you to Gear Link instead.

For the unaware, Gear Link is Asus’ new web-based configuration tool for its ROG peripherals. Despite it being web-based, you will still need to install a small “companion tool” on Windows first before it can detect the keyboard. But at least Gear Link is much lighter than Armoury Crate.

You can configure all aspects of the mouse on Gear Link, including setting the RGB color, adjusting the polling rate, setting the actuation distance, and key assignment, among other options.

Conclusion
The Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX ZywOo Edition Gaming Keyboard is a well-rounded package that combines hall-effect magnetic switches, adjustable actuation, rapid trigger support, and thoughtful controls in a compact 65% layout. Although I find the touch panel a bit gimmicky, I prefer a knob or a wheel.

The themed elements (AWP backspace, ZywOo logos, and the playful chicken escape key) add personality without compromising performance, making it a fun yet capable keyboard for both gaming and everyday use. The included themed cover is a nice bonus that adds practical value in addition to its aesthetic appeal.

That said, the extra S$40 you’re paying here is entirely for the ZywOo branding and visual theme. Suppose you’re not a fan of ZywOo, Team Vitality, or CS2 in general. In that case, the regular Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX Gaming Keyboard offers the same hardware features and performance at a lower price. However, suppose you enjoy the esports flair or want a keyboard with a more unique identity. In that case, the ZywOo Edition offers a distinctive look in addition to an already excellent keyboard.

At the Recommended Retail Price (RRP), the Origin is priced S$10 more expensive than Ace. S$199 vs S$189. One would expect Origin to be an upgraded model. However, Origin is not the successor of the Ace. Both are different mice, each with its pros and cons.

Unboxing

Asus also included two spare ROG Micro Switches II, a micro-switch clip to remove the micro switches, and a dongle extender.

Unboxing the black envelope reveals the ROG stickers, mouse grip tape, and replaceable mouse feet.

Design & Build
Both mouse comes in Black and White and share the same right-handed ergonomic shape.

The hump, grip angle, and button placement are also similar.

There is a difference in the weight. The Ace weighs 54g while the Origin weighs 65g.

Although 11g doesn’t sound like much on paper, it is noticeable. The Ace feels light and agile. The Origin feels more planted, slightly more stable during slower tracking, and less “floaty.”

The coating is also different. The Origin has a smoother matte finish, while Ace has a more textured shell.

Dirt tends to get stuck on the Ace’s textured shell easily compared to the Origin. While on the Origin, fingerprint smudges become more visible on a matte finish, especially on Black.

Both mice have no rattles, and the build quality is solid.

I prefer the Origin here because it is more planted.

Switches
Ace uses non-hot-swappable ROG Optical Micro Switches, while Origin uses ROG Micro Switch II with Push-Fit Switch Socket II, allowing for easy switch swapping.

To swap the switches in the Origin, remove the two rubber stoppers at the bottom to expose the two screws.

Unscrew those and you can pop the casing right off.

Technically, with the Origin, the mouse can last longer, as the switches can be replaced when they wear out. It is less expensive than replacing the entire mouse.

Asus included two extra ROG Micro Switches II inside the box.

The Origin is more clicky, and the clicks are lighter on the Origin. I prefer the clicks on the Origin instead of the Ace. This might be subjective and boils down to personal preference.

RGB Lighting
If you are into RGB lighting, Origin wins the Ace, as it features three areas of RGB: the Scroll Wheel, the Left Side, and the ROG Logo.

Ace only has one area, which is the scroll wheel.

As a semi-RGB lighting enthusiast, Origin wins in this section as well.

Polling Rate
The Origin has a default polling rate of 1000 Hz, as this is the maximum limit of a USB 2.0 port.

Though it supports up to 8000 Hz via ROG Polling Rate Booster, it is not included in the box content. Therefore, you must purchase it separately.

If you have the ROG Polling Rate Booster, it supports 8000 Hz polling wirelessly, whereas the Ace only supports 4000 Hz wirelessly and only supports 8000 Hz via a wired connection.

So, Origin supports 8,000 Hz polling, but doesn’t include the ROG Polling Rate Booster. In contrast, Ace supports 4,000 Hz polling while including the ROG Polling Rate Booster.

I say Ace wins in this section.

Battery Life
When compared with RGB lighting off, Origin has better battery life than Ace, with 127 hours vs. 107 hours.

If you are getting the Origin, you’re likely into RGB lighting as well, so there’s no point in keeping the RGB lighting off to conserve battery life.

I would say both Origin and Ace are tied in this section.

Software
Gear Link is Asus ROG’s browser-based configuration tool for their ROG peripherals.

You no longer need to install Armoury Crate just to configure your ROG peripherals. You just have to visit gearlink.asus.com and you can setup your ROG peripherals.

Origin supports Gear Link, but Ace doesn’t support it yet. There is no word on whether Asus will bring Gear Link support to older peripherals.

Again, I would say that both Origin and Ace are tied in this section, as there is a chance that Asus may bring Gear Link support to the Ace.

Conclusion
Both the Asus ROG Keris II Origin and Keris II Ace are excellent mice, but they serve slightly different purposes, and it ultimately boils down to personal preference.

I prefer the Origin because of its more planted (heavier) and clicky feel. The texture of the Origin is also better for me as it doesn’t trap dirt easily.

Features such as hot-swappable switches, an 8,000 Hz wireless polling rate, RGB lighting, Gear Link browser-based configuration tool, and improved battery life are all added benefits.

The only downside is that Asus did not include the Polling Rate Booster inside the box and requires you to purchase it separately.