Kingston DataTraveler Kyson USB 3.2 Gen 1 Flash Drive 128GB - Stylish Capless Metal Case

Overview

The Kingston DataTraveler Kyson is a high-performance USB 3.2 Gen 1 flash drive designed to provide fast and convenient file transfers. It features a stylish capless metal case, making it both durable and easy to use. The drive is available in various capacities, including 128GB, which is the focus of this review.

Design and Build Quality

The capless metal design of the DataTraveler Kyson is one of its standout features. The metal casing helps dissipate heat during heavy usage, which is particularly beneficial for continuous data transfers. The functional loop on the drive makes it easy to attach to key rings, ensuring it is always within reach.

Performance

The drive advertises read speeds of up to 200MB/s and write speeds of up to 60MB/s. However, some users have reported that the actual performance may not meet these advertised speeds, especially in real-world scenarios. For example, one user noted that the actual read speed was less than 43MB/s, which is significantly lower than the advertised rate. This discrepancy highlights the importance of understanding the actual performance capabilities of the drive.

Pros

• Compact and Stylish Design: The capless metal case is both durable and stylish, making it a great addition to any keychain.
• High Capacity: With 128GB of storage, it offers ample space for documents, photos, videos, and music.
• Fast Transfer Speeds: Although the actual speeds may vary, the drive is designed to provide quick file transfers.
• Practical Loop: The functional loop allows easy attachment to key rings, ensuring the drive is always accessible.
• Affordable Price: The drive is competitively priced, offering a lot of capacity for a reasonable cost.

Cons

• Performance Discrepancy: The actual performance may not meet the advertised speeds, which could be a concern for users requiring high-speed data transfers.
• Build Quality Concerns: Some users have expressed disappointment with the build quality, citing issues with the internal components and cache size.
• Misleading Advertising: The drive's marketing claims about its performance may be misleading, which could lead to buyer dissatisfaction.

Verdict

The Kingston DataTraveler Kyson is a solid choice for those needing a compact, high-capacity flash drive. While it excels in design and affordability, its performance may not live up to the advertised standards. Users should be aware of the potential discrepancy between advertised and actual speeds. For casual users or those requiring a reliable backup solution, this drive is a good option. However, for applications demanding high-speed data transfers, it may not be the best choice.

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