This is the English edition of a review from my Japanese YouTube channel, iestaLife. I review gadgets from my home studio in Japan, so product links go to Amazon Japan.
Quick take
These two 15.6-inch USB-C monitors were ranked first and second among portable monitors on Amazon Japan when I made the video, about ¥1,000 apart. They look almost identical and both run from a single cable, but they behave differently. KEEPTIME is far lighter and its magnetic cover doubles as a stand, so it is the one to carry. EVICIV has a sturdy built-in kickstand and remembers your brightness and volume, so it is the better desk monitor.
What I tested
- EVICIV EVC-1506S (¥7,980 on sale at the time of recording)
- KEEPTIME 15.6-inch monitor with magnetic cover (¥8,990 on sale)
- Weight, build, a MacBook Pro over one USB-C cable, a mini HDMI source, an iPhone, and what happens after power-cycling
Side-by-side
| KEEPTIME | EVICIV EVC-1506S | |
|---|---|---|
| Measured weight | 576 g (829 g with cover) | 784.5 g |
| Stand | Cover folds into a stand | Built-in kickstand |
| Brightness steps | 10 | 100 (volume too) |
| Settings after power-off | Reset to brightness 5, volume 0 | Kept |
| Bundled USB-C cable | Slim plug, fits a cased iPhone | Thick plug, blocked by my iPhone case |
What I found
- Both displayed a MacBook Pro over a single cable without power warnings. Viewing angles are similar and both are best viewed straight on.
- KEEPTIME looked slightly brighter and its buttons responded a little better.
- EVICIV's 100-step brightness is actually tedious: going to full brightness takes many presses.
- EVICIV kept its brightness and volume after unplugging, as long as the input stayed the same. KEEPTIME resets every time.
- EVICIV weighed about 100 g more than its listing said. Its textured bezel and cleaner screen edge looked a bit nicer to me.
- EVICIV includes screws for a monitor arm; KEEPTIME has only two screw holes.
- An iPhone works on both, with black bars because its screen is not 16:9.
Who it is for
- KEEPTIME: you take a second screen to cafes or on business trips and want the lightest option with a cover included.
- EVICIV: the monitor stays on your desk at home, you want a stable stand, and you would rather not readjust settings every time.
Watch the review
The video is in Japanese. The side-by-side brightness comparison starts around 6:10, and the power-off behavior test around 12:50.
Limitations
Brightness was judged by eye on camera, not measured. Rankings and sale prices change often; prices are Amazon Japan prices in yen at the time of recording. Availability outside Japan may differ.
Products
KEEPTIME 15.6-inch portable monitor: on Amazon Japan
EVICIV 15.6-inch portable monitor: on Amazon Japan
The Amazon Japan links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Check the listing for the exact model, current price and shipping availability in your region.
More reviews in English
All Camera & Desk Setup (42) →Browse all English reviews →
This review is also available in Japanese.