The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Choose JSAUX’s Pixel Matrix faceplate if you want color, GIFs and a wired display; choose its E-Ink faceplate for a sharper monochrome image, Bluetooth connection and built-in battery. These are magnetic replacement faceplates for Steam Machine—not a JSAUX-made Steam Machine. The specifications, app features, runtime and compatibility claims below come from JSAUX; independent hands-on testing was not established.
Pixel Matrix vs. E-Ink at a glance
| Feature | Pixel Matrix | E-Ink |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 7-inch, 64 × 54-pixel full-color RGB matrix, according to JSAUX. | 5.83-inch, 640 × 480 monochrome display; JSAUX lists 4/16 grayscale. |
| Content | Static images and GIFs; suited to colorful, animated visuals. | Static images; suited to monochrome artwork and information. |
| Connection and power | Wired USB-C connection for data and continuous power. JSAUX lists 5V input and up to 3.5W consumption. | Bluetooth 5.0, a built-in 500mAh (1.8Wh, 3.7V) battery and USB-C charging. |
| Refresh | JSAUX describes updates as real time while connected by wire. | JSAUX lists approximately 500–800ms; the image remains static between updates, with power mainly used during refresh or update. |
| App and listed modes | JSAUX MatrixLink App: Dashboard, Hardware, Weather, Clock, Playtime, Countdown, Chronograph and Custom. | The product page names JSAUX MonoInk App and lists Composite, Clock, Weather, Performance, Calendar, Game Time and Custom. Other JSAUX materials use different app names and mode lists. |
| Listed price | $89.99, listed by JSAUX on October 3, 2026; price may change. | $99.99, listed by JSAUX on October 3, 2026; price may change. |
| Installation and compatibility | Magnetic attachment; JSAUX says it is made for Steam Machine / SteamOS. | Magnetic attachment; JSAUX says it is made for Steam Machine / SteamOS. |
| In the box | Faceplate and USB-C to USB-A data cable, according to JSAUX. | Faceplate, according to JSAUX. |
Specifications, features and listed prices in this comparison are from JSAUX’s product page, accessed October 3, 2026. Confirm current details before ordering.
What the display resolution means in practice
Pixel Matrix: more color and motion, fewer pixels
JSAUX specifies a 7-inch matrix with 64 × 54 pixels. That is a low-resolution display compared with a conventional screen, so fine text and detailed pictures are not its strength. Its appeal is the full-color RGB look, plus support for both static images and GIFs. If you want a lively front-panel accent or changing visuals, this is the more suitable option.
E-Ink: sharper monochrome images and static information
JSAUX lists the E-Ink panel at 5.83 inches and 640 × 480 pixels, with black and white and 4/16 grayscale specified. The much higher pixel count makes it the more appropriate choice for static monochrome images and compact information displays. It does not support GIFs for uploaded custom images, so it is not the pick for animation.
#1 Best Overall
- Device Compatibility: Designed for Steam Machine devices, this faceplate provides a replacement option for customizing the front panel appearance.
- Unique Surface Style: Includes a spiral-inspired front panel design that provides an alternative appearance option for customizing compatible gaming device setups.
- Easy Installation: Designed for straightforward placement and replacement, allowing users to change the front panel appearance with a simple setup.
- Replacement Panel: Functions as a front panel accessory while maintaining the original device layout and overall setup.
- Gaming Accessory: Suitable for PC gaming spaces, desktop setups, and users looking to customize their device appearance.
Power, updates and everyday use
Pixel Matrix stays wired
The Pixel Matrix uses USB-C for data and power, and JSAUX lists continuous power, 5V input and up to 3.5W consumption. That avoids relying on a built-in battery, but means the faceplate needs a cable connection. JSAUX describes its updates as real time; no independent refresh comparison is available.
E-Ink runs from a rechargeable battery
The E-Ink model has Bluetooth 5.0 and a built-in 500mAh battery, with USB-C charging. JSAUX claims up to 22 days of operation only under a stated condition: one display refresh per minute, or 1,440 refreshes per day. Treat that as a manufacturer estimate, not independently measured battery life; usage and update frequency matter.
Rank #2
- 【Compatible with Valve Steam Machine】Designed to fit the front panel area and provide a decorative cover option for the device exterior, adding a personalized appearance to gaming setups.
- 【Magnetic Attachment Design】Built with four integrated magnets that allow the faceplate to attach securely and be removed conveniently when users want to adjust their device style.
- 【Narrow Slat Texture Style】Features a detailed front surface pattern that creates a unique visual effect and adds modern styling to gaming equipment and desktop environments.
- 【Decorative Front Panel】Provides a simple appearance accessory for refreshing the look of compatible devices while keeping the setup structure unchanged.
- 【Gaming Setup Accessory】Suitable for home gaming stations, entertainment spaces, and desktop displays, offering an easy way to personalize equipment appearance.
JSAUX lists an approximately 500–800ms refresh time for E-Ink. Because it is intended to show static content, frequent changes are less central to its use than they are for the animated Pixel Matrix.
Apps and content modes are not consistently described
The JSAUX product page calls the Pixel Matrix companion app MatrixLink and lists eight modes. For E-Ink, that page names MonoInk and lists seven modes: Composite, Clock, Weather, Performance, Calendar, Game Time and Custom.
Rank #3
- Device Compatibility: Designed for Steam Machine devices, this faceplate provides a replacement option for customizing the front panel appearance.
- Unique Surface Style: Includes a spiral-inspired front panel design that provides an alternative appearance option for customizing compatible gaming device setups.
- Easy Installation: Designed for straightforward placement and replacement, allowing users to change the front panel appearance with a simple setup.
- Replacement Panel: Functions as a front panel accessory while maintaining the original device layout and overall setup.
- Gaming Accessory: Suitable for PC gaming spaces, desktop setups, and users looking to customize their device appearance.
JSAUX’s other materials do not use the same E-Ink naming or count. Its company article calls the app “JSAUX E-INK APP,” while its September 22, 2026 press release and article describe eight modes, including Progress, Digital Frame and AI Agent Status. The current app name and available modes therefore are not consistent across the manufacturer’s materials. Check the product page or app information for the version you will use rather than relying on a definitive mode count.
Price, availability and compatibility
As listed by JSAUX on October 3, 2026, the Pixel Matrix costs $89.99 and the E-Ink costs $99.99—a $10 difference. Both products are described as magnetic faceplates for Steam Machine / SteamOS. Those are manufacturer statements; the available sources do not establish independent compatibility testing.
Rank #4
- Device Compatibility: Designed for Steam Machine devices, this faceplate provides a replacement option for customizing the front panel appearance.
- Unique Surface Style: Includes a spiral-inspired front panel design that provides an alternative appearance option for customizing compatible gaming device setups.
- Easy Installation: Designed for straightforward placement and replacement, allowing users to change the front panel appearance with a simple setup.
- Replacement Panel: Functions as a front panel accessory while maintaining the original device layout and overall setup.
- Gaming Accessory: Suitable for PC gaming spaces, desktop setups, and users looking to customize their device appearance.
JSAUX’s product page describes the faceplates as coming soon and lists early- and mid-October shipment batches. Its September 22, 2026 announcement said companion software would be made available through Steam in the future; that dated plan does not confirm that the software is currently on Steam. Check the current product listing for order status, shipment timing, price and software availability before purchase. JSAUX also describes installation and use in its Steam Machine front-panel display article.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which JSAUX faceplate should you choose?
- Pick Pixel Matrix if color, GIF support and continuously powered wired operation matter more than image detail or cable-free use.
- Pick E-Ink if you want higher-resolution monochrome images or static information, and prefer Bluetooth with a rechargeable battery.
- Compare the app details before ordering if a specific mode is the deciding factor, because JSAUX’s own materials list different E-Ink mode names and counts.
JSAUX’s September 22, 2026 press release presents the products as a way to make the front of the system both a personal design statement and an information display. That describes the manufacturer’s intent, not an independent assessment of how the faceplates perform.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
