The Steam Deck doesn’t have Thunderbolt, but rather a USB-3 Gen 2 port. As such, a Thunderbolt dock that isn’t optimized for USB-C might cause issues.
For example, the CalDigit TS3 Plus is a great Thunderbolt dock, but it is not compatible with USB-C only computers like the Steam Deck. The TS4, on the other hand, is compatible with both. I figured this out when I tried plugging my Steam Deck into the TS3 - charging works, but nothing else does - and the fact that the TS4 is compatible with it was part of how I justified the purchase. To be clear, nobody should buy the TS4 as a dock just for their Steam Deck, but if they’re considering the two for their laptop, knowing one’s compatible with the Steam Deck and one isn’t might help them make a decision.
If you’re looking for a dock primarily for your Steam Deck, looking for a USB-C dock will also help you find much cheaper docks than looking for a Thunderbolt dock will.
The Steam Deck doesn’t have Thunderbolt, but rather a USB-3 Gen 2 port. As such, a Thunderbolt dock that isn’t optimized for USB-C might cause issues.
For example, the CalDigit TS3 Plus is a great Thunderbolt dock, but it is not compatible with USB-C only computers like the Steam Deck. The TS4, on the other hand, is compatible with both. I figured this out when I tried plugging my Steam Deck into the TS3 - charging works, but nothing else does - and the fact that the TS4 is compatible with it was part of how I justified the purchase. To be clear, nobody should buy the TS4 as a dock just for their Steam Deck, but if they’re considering the two for their laptop, knowing one’s compatible with the Steam Deck and one isn’t might help them make a decision.
If you’re looking for a dock primarily for your Steam Deck, looking for a USB-C dock will also help you find much cheaper docks than looking for a Thunderbolt dock will.