Aukey EF-D01 USB Desk Fan review

This 7-inch desk fan from Aukey promises to be a good value option, providing good airflow without significant noise or power use. Let’s put it to the test.

Specifications

  • Fan Speed: 1700rpm (±10%)
  • Airflow: 136cfm
  • Noise Level: 39.2dBA
  • Input: DC 5V 0.4A
  • Power Consumption: 2W
  • Connector: USB
  • Color: Gray
  • Dimensions: 210 x 180 x 98.9mm / 8.3″ x 7.09″ x 3.9″
  • Weight: 98g /3.46oz

Design

The Aukey USB Desk Fan has a traditional design, with a three-blade fan surrounded by a circular frame. The frame is mounted on a two-part metal stand, allowing the fan’s angle and height to be adjusted continuously. The lower sections of the stand have small rubber pads to ensure they stay in position at a variety of angles and preventing vibration.

The fan is powered via Micro USB, and comes with a 125 centimetre cable for this purpose. No mains adapter is provided, but you can use one from an old phone, connect it to your PC or even run it from a portable charger given its low 0.4A @ 5V (2W) power consumption.

Testing

We used the Aukey USB Desk Fan at a desk while working for three days (which made up approximately 75% of the expected British summer time). The fan provided a reasonable amount of airflow, although of course larger traditional or tower fans will be able to push out more air. The fan made minimal noise, and we were still able to use voice communications in Counter-Strike and PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds without complaint. The minimal power requirements of the fan ensured we didn’t feel too guility about turning it on, either.

The adjustable nature of the fan is perhaps its best feature. It can rotate fully 360 degrees, allowing pinpoint positioning. It also takes up minimal desk space, so even smaller desks should find room to include it.

The only flaw we found in the design was the on/off button built into the power cord, which was a little too far away from the fan unit itself for our tastes. More importantly, it was also a bit spongey, making it difficult to press down and ensure that the fan would actually turn on and off; a flip-switch design might have worked better here.

Wrapping up

All in all, there’s little disagreeable about Aukey’s USB desk fan. This is a competitive space with hundreds of options available, but Aukey’s USB fan feels well-made and carefully designed, setting it apart from the crowd. The reasonable price point of £12.99 / $12.99 helps here too.

Links