TRIGKEY Key i13
The TRIGKEY Key i13 represents a new breed of compact powerhouse that challenges the notion that you need a full tower for serious productivity work. Inside its 5-inch square chassis sits an Intel Core i9-13900HK processor, the same 14-core, 20-thread chip found in high-end gaming laptops, paired with 32GB of DDR5 memory and a speedy 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. This mini PC targets creative professionals and power users who need desktop-class performance without sacrificing desk space, offering Thunderbolt 4 connectivity and triple 4K display support at a price point that undercuts Apple’s Mac Mini by a significant margin.
Pros and Cons of the TRIGKEY Key i13
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Desktop-class i9-13900HK processor with 14 cores and 20 threads | Integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics limit gaming to casual titles |
| Dual-fan cooling system keeps thermals in check while remaining quiet | Fan becomes audible during sustained heavy workloads |
| Thunderbolt 4 port enables high-speed peripherals and 8K display output | Higher price point than budget N100-based mini PCs |
| Easy expandability with dual M.2 slots and dual RAM slots | Weight not specified by manufacturer |
| 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet for faster network transfers | No SD card reader for content creators |
| Triple display support via HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, and Thunderbolt 4 | Only one configuration available (32GB/1TB) |
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TRIGKEY Key i13 Comparison Chart
 TRIGKEY Key i13 | |
| Price | List Price: $479.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... |
| Version | 32GB/1TB/Intel i9-13900HK |
| Perfomance Rating | 9.1 |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
| Processor | Fourteen-core 2.60 Ghz (max 5.40 Ghz) Intel Core i9-13900HK |
| GPU | Integrated Intel UHD Graphics |
| RAM | 32 GB DDR5 SO-DIMM |
| Internal Storage | 1 TB |
| Dimensions width x length x thickness | 4.96 x 4.96 x 1.97 inches (125.98 x 125.98 x 50.04 mm) |
| Weight | unknown |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Ethernet | 1 Ethernet port at 2 Gbps |
| HDMI | 1 HDMI 2.1 Port |
| DisplayPort | 1 DisplayPort (DP 1.4 supports 4K@144Hz) |
| VGA | No VGA Ports |
| USB Ports | 3 USB 3, 2 USB-C |
| Thunderbolt Ports | 1 |
| Internal SATA Ports | No SATA ports |
| Card Reader | No Card Reader |
| Headphone Jack | combo |
| Fanless | No |
| VESA Mount | Yes |
| In the Box | Power adapter, VESA mount bracket, HDMI cable, user manual |
| Expandability | 2x SO-DIMM DDR5-5200 slots (max 96GB with 2x48GB modules), 2x M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 slots (supports up to 8TB total storage) |
Detailed Insights into the TRIGKEY Key i13
The TRIGKEY Key i13 measures just 4.96 x 4.96 x 1.97 inches, making it roughly the same footprint as a stack of CD cases but delivering performance that rivals much larger desktop systems. The compact aluminum chassis houses an impressive dual-fan cooling system that AlHuTV discovered during his teardown review, with one fan dedicated to the CPU and another cooling the SSD and RAM bracket. This engineering decision pays dividends in real-world use, as justaschmidt measured fan noise at just 32 dB at idle, rising to a still-manageable 39 dB under full load.
The i9-13900HK processor represents the heart of this system, combining 6 performance cores and 8 efficiency cores for a total of 14 cores and 20 threads. This hybrid architecture allows the Key i13 to handle demanding multi-threaded workloads while still being efficient during lighter tasks. Sean Aslam compared it directly against Apple’s Mac Mini M4 Pro and found it delivered competitive performance in productivity benchmarks, particularly excelling in applications that can leverage all those cores. The 32GB of DDR5 memory runs at 5200MHz in dual-channel configuration, providing ample headroom for video editing, 3D rendering, or running multiple virtual machines simultaneously.
Connectivity options on the Key i13 are comprehensive and well thought out. The rear panel offers three USB-A 3.2 ports running at 10Gbps, a full-size HDMI 2.1 port for 4K displays, DisplayPort 1.4 capable of 4K at 144Hz for high-refresh monitors, and a Thunderbolt 4 port that supports 8K output and 40Gbps data transfer speeds. The front panel adds another USB-A port and a USB-C port for convenient access, along with a combination headphone jack. For networking, the 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port doubles the speed of standard gigabit connections, complemented by Intel AX200 WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless connectivity.
Reviewer Insights on the TRIGKEY Key i13
AlHuTV’s Perspective
AlHuTV’s comprehensive review stands out for its detailed teardown that reveals the internal engineering of the Key i13. He opened up the chassis to show the dual-fan cooling arrangement, noting that TRIGKEY engineered a separate cooling solution for the SSD and RAM in addition to the main CPU cooler. His conclusion on the thermal design was enthusiastic, calling it a “cooling system that is extremely quiet” in normal operation. The review confirmed all the headline specs including the DDR5-4800 memory, PCIe 4.0 SSD, and the USB4 port’s capability to drive 8K displays at 60Hz.
Sean Aslam’s Perspective
Sean Aslam’s review takes an interesting angle by comparing the Key i13 directly against Apple’s Mac Mini M4 Pro, a comparison that many potential buyers will find relevant. His thermal testing showed the system handles sustained workloads effectively, and he tested the SSD speeds at over 5100 MB/s read, confirming the PCIe 4.0 performance claims. His key insight was that “this PC is a productivity powerhouse first and casual gaming second,” acknowledging the Intel Iris Xe graphics limitations while praising the CPU’s raw power for creative work.
justaschmidt’s Perspective
justaschmidt’s review provides perhaps the most practical demonstration of the Key i13’s capabilities. He edited his entire 4K review video directly on the mini PC using Filmora, proving it can handle real content creation workflows. His measurements added concrete data points that other reviews lacked, including precise dimensions (4.96 x 4.96 x 1.97 inches) and fan noise levels (32 dB at idle, 39 dB under load). For anyone wondering whether this tiny machine can replace a traditional desktop for video work, his hands-on editing experience provides compelling evidence.
The three reviewers reached similar conclusions despite different testing approaches. All praised the performance-to-size ratio and the quiet operation of the dual-fan cooling system. The consensus weakness was the integrated graphics, which limits the Key i13 to casual gaming and basic GPU-accelerated tasks rather than serious gaming or heavy 3D rendering that would benefit from a discrete GPU.
Customer Reviews of the TRIGKEY Key i13
Amazon customers have responded positively to the TRIGKEY Key i13, awarding it a 4.4-star rating based on 186 reviews. The most common praise focuses on the immediate usability, with multiple buyers noting that the system “works right out of the box” and requires minimal setup. Several reviews mention the silent operation during normal use, with one customer specifically calling it “dead quiet” during web browsing and office work, though they noted the fans do spin up audibly during demanding tasks.
Common concerns in the reviews center around value perception given the price point. Some buyers coming from budget N100 or N95 mini PCs experienced sticker shock, though most acknowledged the significantly higher performance justifies the premium. A few customers reported thermal readings around 50 degrees Celsius during typical workloads, noting there was plenty of headroom before thermal throttling. The build quality receives consistent praise, with the aluminum chassis and overall construction described as feeling more premium than some competitors in this segment.
The customer feedback aligns closely with the professional reviews, particularly regarding the system’s suitability for productivity over gaming. Buyers who purchased the Key i13 for home office use, media servers, or as a Mac Mini alternative report high satisfaction, while the few negative reviews tend to come from users who expected better gaming performance from the integrated graphics.
Conclusion
The TRIGKEY Key i13 fills a specific niche in the mini PC market that sits between budget productivity machines and workstation-class systems. Its Intel Core i9-13900HK processor delivers genuine desktop-class performance for multi-threaded productivity tasks, video editing, and software development, all within a footprint that can hide behind a monitor or fit on the smallest desk. The inclusion of Thunderbolt 4, 2.5G Ethernet, and triple display support demonstrates that TRIGKEY aimed for a complete productivity solution rather than just raw performance.
This mini PC is ideal for professionals who need serious computing power without the desk space requirements of a traditional tower, particularly those working with 4K video, running multiple virtual machines, or maintaining complex development environments. Home users who want a quiet, powerful media server or home office machine will also find the Key i13 compelling. However, gamers should look elsewhere, as the Intel Iris Xe graphics limit you to older titles and esports games at modest settings. Similarly, buyers on a tight budget would be better served by an N100-based mini PC if their needs are primarily web browsing and office work.
At $479.99 for the 32GB/1TB configuration, the TRIGKEY Key i13 offers strong value compared to similarly-specced laptops or the Mac Mini, especially considering the upgrade potential with dual M.2 slots and RAM expandable to 96GB. For those looking to compare options, Starry Hope’s Mini PC Comparison Chart provides a valuable resource to evaluate the Key i13 against other models in the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the TRIGKEY Key i13 handle 4K video editing?
Yes, the Key i13 handles 4K video editing well. Reviewer justaschmidt edited his entire 4K review video directly on the unit using Filmora. The combination of the i9-13900HK processor, 32GB DDR5 RAM, and fast PCIe 4.0 SSD provides smooth timeline scrubbing and reasonable export times for most editing software.
How loud is the TRIGKEY Key i13 during normal use?
The Key i13 is remarkably quiet for its performance level. justaschmidt measured fan noise at 32 dB at idle, which is barely audible in a quiet room. Under full load, noise increases to about 39 dB, which is comparable to a quiet conversation and not disruptive for most users.
What monitors can I connect to the TRIGKEY Key i13?
The Key i13 supports up to three displays simultaneously. The HDMI 2.1 port handles 4K at 60Hz, the DisplayPort 1.4 supports 4K at 144Hz for high-refresh monitors, and the Thunderbolt 4 port can drive up to 8K at 60Hz. You can mix and match any combination of these outputs.
Can I upgrade the RAM and storage in the TRIGKEY Key i13?
Yes, the Key i13 is highly upgradeable. It has two SO-DIMM slots supporting DDR5-5200 memory up to 96GB total (using 2x48GB modules) and two M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 slots supporting up to 4TB each for a maximum of 8TB storage. AlHuTV’s teardown confirmed easy access to these components.
Is the TRIGKEY Key i13 good for gaming?
The Key i13 is suitable for casual gaming only. It uses Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics, which can handle older games, esports titles, and indie games at 1080p with medium settings. However, for AAA gaming at high settings, you would need an external GPU via Thunderbolt 4 or a different system with dedicated graphics.
How does the TRIGKEY Key i13 compare to the Mac Mini?
Sean Aslam compared the Key i13 directly to the Mac Mini M4 Pro and found competitive CPU performance for productivity tasks. The Key i13 offers advantages in expandability (user-upgradeable RAM and storage) and runs Windows for broader software compatibility. The Mac Mini has better efficiency and GPU performance for certain creative tasks.
Does the TRIGKEY Key i13 include a VESA mount?
Yes, the Key i13 includes a VESA mount bracket in the box along with the power adapter, an HDMI cable, and user manual. This allows you to attach the mini PC to the back of a VESA-compatible monitor for a clean, space-saving setup.
What is the network speed on the TRIGKEY Key i13?
The Key i13 features 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, which is 2.5 times faster than standard gigabit connections. This is beneficial for large file transfers, NAS access, and local network streaming. It also includes Intel AX200 WiFi 6 for wireless connectivity with speeds up to 2.4 Gbps under ideal conditions.