Kingston Ironkey Locker+ 50 32GB
Score: 43/100
Kingston DataTraveler SE9 256GB
Score: 73/100Rankings
The Kingston DataTraveler SE9 G3 256 GB is a premium, all-metal USB-A flash drive delivering fast read speeds and solid build quality, though its write speed is lower and warranty period shorter than older models.
A 32 GB encrypted USB flash drive with FIPS-certified hardware encryption, metal construction and built-in cloud backup. It offers strong security features but requires specific Windows drive-letter configuration and lacks password recovery.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
32 GB | 256 GBbest | |
145 MB/s | 220 MB/sbest | |
115 MB/sbest | 100 MB/s | |
60 monthsbest | 60 monthsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 20 g | 15 gbest |
| ↓ lower better | 60.56 mm | 38.1 mmbest |
| ↓ lower better | 18.6 mm | 12.7 mmbest |
| ↓ lower better | 9.6 mm | 5.1 mmbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Storage(1) | ||
Capacity (GB) | 32 GB | 256 GB |
Performance(2) | ||
Read Speed (MB/s) | 145 MB/s | 220 MB/s |
Write Speed (MB/s) | 115 MB/s | 100 MB/s |
Security(1) | ||
Encryption Support | true | false |
Physical(5) | ||
Weight (g) | 20 g | 15.0 g |
Length (mm) | 60.56 mm | 38.1 mm |
Width (mm) | 18.6 mm | 12.7 mm |
Height (mm) | 9.6 mm | 5.1 mm |
Material | Metal | metal |
Compatibility(1) | ||
Operating System Compatibility | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome OS |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the LP50 for its robust, FIPS-certified hardware encryption, user-friendly passphrase mode, and the convenience of built-in USBtoCloud backup, noting that the mandatory drive-letter allocation and absence of any password-recovery option may hinder less-technical users.
Everyday users appreciate the drive's straightforward plug-and-play setup, the confidence of hardware encryption, and the practical metal design with a key loop. Common frustrations revolve around Windows drive-letter conflicts, permanent data loss if passwords are forgotten, occasional slower write performance, and the device warming up.
“Transferring 20GB of files takes under 4 minutes.”
“The gold finish can show fingerprints and minor scratches over time.”
“Fast read performance makes it great for large media files.”
Professional reviewers describe the SE9 G3 as a premium upgrade with efficient performance and robust metal protection, highlighting its blazing-fast read speeds and refined design.
Everyday users praise the speed and metal construction, while noting the gold finish shows fingerprints and the write speed can be slower in practice.
