Kingston DataTraveler Max 1TB
Score: 87/100
SSK Dual USB-C 128GB
Score: 73/100Rankings
The Kingston DataTraveler Max 1TB offers blazing SSD-class read speeds and a rugged metal design with a sliding cap. Its main trade-offs are the lack of hardware encryption and heat buildup under heavy use. Ideal for professionals needing fast portable storage for large media files.
The SSK 128 GB dual USB-C/A drive promises ultra-fast 550 MB/s reads and a waterproof, shock-resistant metal case. In practice it overheats and can throttle, with hinge durability concerns. Fits casual photographers needing occasional high-speed transfers.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
1,024 GBbest | 128 GB | |
1,000 MB/sbest | 550 MB/s | |
900 MB/sbest | 520 MB/s | |
| ↓ lower better | 14 gbest | 37 g |
5 yearsbest | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Storage(1) | ||
Storage Capacity (GB) | 1024 GB | 128 GB |
Performance(2) | ||
Read Speed (MB/s) | 1000 MB/s | 550 MB/s |
Write Speed (MB/s) | 900 MB/s | 520 MB/s |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Interface | Type-A | USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 and USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 |
General(1) | ||
OS Compatibility | Windows 8.1+, macOS 10.14+, Linux 2.6+, Chrome OS | Computers, smart TVs, Android phones, iPhone 15, iPads, laptops, MacBooks |
Build & Design(3) | ||
Weight (g) | 14 g | 37 g |
Dimensions (L×W×H) (mm) | 9.0x22.0x91.2 mm | 78.0×20.5×8.6 mm mm |
Material | Metal | High-grade zinc alloy |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers hail the DataTraveler Max as the "world's fastest USB pen drive," emphasizing its 1,000 MB/s read and 900 MB/s write benchmarks and real-world transfers that rival external SSDs. They commend the sliding cap, metal heat-sink housing, and reliable performance for large-file workflows, while noting cache-related speed drops and a warmer chassis under sustained load.
Everyday users echo the praise for blazing transfer speeds and the convenience of a portable, keyring-ready design, but commonly mention the drive getting warm during extended use, its relatively wide profile, and the absence of built-in encryption as minor annoyances.
Professional reviewers, notably a Critical Reviews YouTube analysis, criticize the SSK drive for severe overheating, inconsistent sustained speeds, high power draw on iOS devices, and fragile USB-C hinge, concluding that despite its premium feel and advertised peak performance, the product suffers from reliability issues that outweigh its advantages.
Everyday users praise the dual-connector convenience and the solid, premium feel of the metal housing, but common complaints focus on rapid heating, speed throttling after short use, hinge durability problems, power-draw warnings on iPhone 15, and occasional early failures, making the drive suitable only for occasional light transfers.
