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Corsair Flash Padlock 3 256GB Black — Review & Specs | Pricepect | Pricepect

Home Flash Memory SticksCorsair Flash Padlock 3 256GB Black

Corsair Flash Padlock 3 256GB Black — image 1

Corsair

Corsair Flash Padlock 3 256GB Black

Expert Review Analysis

The Corsair Flash Padlock series offers hardware‑encrypted USB drives with a built‑in keypad, cross‑platform compatibility and an embedded battery for offline PIN changes, but its transfer speeds are modest and the design is bulky.

✓ Best for: Travelers, shared‑workstation users, and anyone needing basic portable security for non‑critical files who value a driver‑free solution and are willing to accept slower transfer speeds.✗ Not ideal for: High‑security environments, users handling large or time‑sensitive file transfers, and anyone requiring a compact, fast USB drive or a replaceable battery.

Pros

✓256‑bit AES hardware encryption provides strong data protection without needing software
✓Built‑in keypad allows PIN entry directly on the drive, keeping the device invisible when locked
✓Works on Windows, macOS and Linux without installing any drivers or utilities

Price History

Current

$134.99

Average

$135.16

Lowest

$113.80

Highest

$152.65

0

Price trend (90d):0.0%

Best Seller Rank History

Now#1,328Best#1,117Worst#1,707 +379

Lower = better sales rank

Rating Trend

Rating4.5/ 5Reviews13

Specifications

Battery

Battery TypeEmbedded, non-replaceable

Connectivity

USB InterfaceUSB 3.0

Controls

PIN PadBuilt-in

PIN Length4-10 digits

Design

Housing MaterialRuggedised rubber

Water ResistanceWater resistant

Shock ResistanceShockproof

Features

Encryption256-bit AES hardware

FIPS 197 ComplianceYes

Platform CompatibilityWindows, macOS, Linux

Auto-lock Time10-20 seconds

General

BrandCorsair

ModelCMFPLA3B-256GB

ColorBlue

Release Date2023-03-30

Warranty5 years

Performance

Read Speed15-18 MB/s

Write Speed8 MB/s

Burst Speed15.9 MB/s

Average Read Speed15.6 MB/s

Storage

Capacity256 GB GB

Security

Encryption256‑bit AES hardware‑based encryption

Interface

USB VersionUSB 2.0 (original models); USB 3.0 referenced for future potential

Authentication

PIN LengthOriginal: 1‑10 digits; Padlock 2: 4‑10 digits

Auto‑Lock

Lock TimerAuto‑locks after 10‑20 seconds of inactivity or unplug

Power

BatteryEmbedded, non‑user‑replaceable battery enabling offline PIN changes

Dimensions & Weight

Height0.55 inches

Width1.04 inches

Depth3.4 inches

Weight0.048 Pounds

Research Sources

security-database.com

computerworld.com

techwarelabs.com

forums.legitreviews.com

forums.guru3d.com

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User Reviews

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4.5

(13 reviews)

$134.99

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CMFPLA3B-256GBBlue 5 year manufacturer

Flash Memory Sticks

✓

Embedded, non‑replaceable battery enables PIN changes while the drive is unplugged

✓Read speeds of 15‑18 MB/s are adequate for everyday document and media transfers

✓Offers a good price‑to‑security ratio compared to other hardware‑encrypted USB sticks

Cons

✗Transfer speeds are significantly slower than non‑secure USB drives, taking up to four times longer for large files
✗Auto‑lock window is short (10‑15 seconds), leaving a brief period where the drive remains unlocked after unplugging
✗Physical size is larger than typical flash drives and can obstruct adjacent USB ports on laptops
✗Cap tends to loosen after repeated use, affecting the drive’s durability
✗Battery is non‑replaceable, which may limit the device’s lifespan over time
✗If the PIN is forgotten, resetting the drive wipes all stored data, causing potential data loss
✗Advanced physical attacks have been demonstrated to bypass security within 45 minutes

From Expert Reviews

Praised by Experts

✓Hardware encryption with 256‑bit AES provides strong security without any software installation
✓Cross‑platform compatibility works seamlessly on Windows, macOS and Linux out of the box
✓Ease of setup is highlighted by reviewers who note that no drivers are required for operation
✓Read performance of roughly 15‑18 MB/s is considered sufficient for general everyday use

Criticized by Experts

✗Transfer speeds are slow (approximately 15 MB/s) compared to standard USB 2.0/3.0 drives, limiting large file transfers
✗The device’s bulky form factor can block neighboring USB ports, making it inconvenient for laptops
✗Auto‑lock timer is short, providing only a 10‑15 second unlocked window after removal
✗Embedded battery is non‑replaceable, which could affect long‑term reliability of the drive

From User Reviews

Users Love

✓The hardware keypad makes the drive invisible until the correct PIN is entered, enhancing everyday security
✓Works on multiple operating systems without needing additional software or drivers
✓Battery allows users to change the PIN while the drive is not connected to a computer
✓Provides a reasonable price for the level of security offered compared to other encrypted USB sticks

Users Complain About

✗File transfers take four to five times longer than on regular non‑encrypted USB sticks, frustrating users
✗The cap can become loose after repeated use, leading to concerns about durability
✗Large physical size blocks adjacent USB ports, making it difficult to use multiple devices simultaneously
✗Forgetting the PIN forces a reset that erases all data, which users find risky
✗Physical hacking methods have been shown to extract data within minutes, raising security doubts

Expert Opinion

Professional reviewers commend the Padlock’s strong 256‑bit AES hardware encryption and its driver‑free, cross‑platform operation, noting that it delivers adequate read speeds for typical tasks. However, they criticize its sluggish transfer rates, bulky design that can block other ports, and the short auto‑lock window that leaves a brief period of vulnerability.

What Users Say

Everyday users appreciate the convenience of a built‑in keypad and the ability to use the drive on any OS without extra software, but many express frustration over slow transfer speeds, the device’s large size, a loose cap, and concerns about data loss if the PIN is forgotten or the drive is physically tampered with.

Common Complaints

Slow transfer performance, short auto‑lock timer, bulky form factor that blocks ports, loose cap, non‑replaceable battery, and vulnerability to advanced physical attacks.

What People Are Saying

“Performance good enough for general use; easy setup.”
TweakTown

“Good price‑quality security ratio; usability strong but design humble.”
Security-Database

“Cross‑platform versatility shines, but slow (15.4 MB/s avg read); redundant PIN entry.”
Computerworld

“Adequate speed (15.6 MB/s avg); hardware lock hard to crack casually.”
TechwareLabs

“Not for speed; security‑focused.”
SlashGear

“256‑bit AES strong, but short PIN limits it.”
Guru3D

How It Compares

vs. Corsair Survivor

Advantages

✓Survivor provides roughly four times faster transfer speeds than the Padlock series

Disadvantages

✗Survivor lacks built‑in encryption and keypad, offering no hardware security

Choose Survivor for speed and ruggedness; choose Padlock for built‑in security without software

vs. Generic USB 2.0 Drive

Advantages

✓Generic drives match Padlock’s read speeds while offering larger capacities and lower cost

Disadvantages

✗They provide no hardware encryption or PIN protection, leaving data exposed if lost

Select a generic drive for speed and price; select Padlock when security without software is required

vs. IronKey

Advantages

✓IronKey typically offers faster transfer rates and stronger tamper‑resistant designs

Disadvantages

✗IronKey is considerably more expensive and often requires proprietary management software

Opt for IronKey for high‑security, mission‑critical data; opt for Padlock for budget‑friendly, driver‑free protection

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