Connectivity

In terms of video inputs, the UPERFECT UGame K118 is equipped with a pair of USB-C ports and a Mini-HDMI port. UPERFECT lists both USB-C ports as "full-featured" in the technical specifications, which implies that either can be used to power the monitor and deliver video (and audio). Both ports can indeed be used as video inputs, and that's in fact the only way to hit the maximum 144 Hz refresh rate at 2560x1600. When using the Mini-HDMI port, you'll be limited to 120 Hz at the aforementioned resolution.

A couple more things to note in terms of USB-C connectivity. The monitor can be powered through the same port from which it receives the video signal, meaning a single cable is enough to use it as an extension of your device's display. However, by doing so you're limiting its maximum achievable brightness because, at a certain point, the monitor will require more power than the source can deliver, and then it will briefly turn off and reset the brightness to 0 (corresponding to 8 cd/m² of actual brightness). When connecting the UGame K118 to the 2020 Apple iPad Air, I was able to push the brightness to 8 (241 cd/m² of actual brightness), but not past that point. A different device, such as the Steam Deck, will cap at a much lower brightness, as it can't deliver the same amount of power to the monitor.

An obvious solution is to use one of the USB-C ports to power the monitor from the supplied external power brick. By doing so, you also get the benefit of the monitor charging the connected device with around 13 W of power via the same USB-C connection it uses to receive video signal, assuming the supplied 30 W power brick is used. With a more powerful power brick, the "charging power" of the monitor will of course increase.


On the left side of the screen, there's a 3.5-millimeter headphone port.

Power Consumption

The UPERFECT UGame K118 gets its power through a compact external power brick, rated at 30 W (20 V / 1.5 A). I've used the Meross MSS315 Matter Smart Wi-Fi Plug and the accompanying mobile app to determine the monitor's power consumption at various brightness levels, as well as in Power Saving mode, which it enters as soon as the PC goes to sleep. My power consumption measurements are summed up in the chart below. They were made after resetting the monitor to factory defaults.



The power consumption of the UPERFECT UGame K118 is within expectations for a portable 18-inch monitor. It never goes past the 15 W mark, regardless of the settings used. UPERFECT could have gone with a weaker/cheaper power brick and still gotten away with it, so it's nice to see that they instead left a hefty power headroom with the supplied 30 W power adapter. Also worth noting is that the UGame K118 manages to reach the specified 300 cd/m² maximum brightness. Going from my previous experiences with various portable monitors, I had my reservations, but the UGame K118 does indeed deliver what it promises. The measured 305 cd/m² brightness is high enough for the monitor to remain completely usable in a fairly bright environment, which is great news for a monitor that's likely to be regularly used outside of controlled lighting conditions.