The Kingston DataTraveler Max is a 10Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2 flash drive offering fast speeds for everyday tasks. While not designed for sustained large file transfers, its convenient design and affordable price make it an attractive option for most users. This review explores the DataTraveler Max’s features, performance, and overall value.
Kingston’s DataTraveler Max boasts a sleek design and a unique sliding cover mechanism. But how does its performance stack up against the competition? Let’s delve in.
alt text: The Kingston DataTraveler Max with its USB-A connector exposed.
Features and Design
The DataTraveler Max is a compact and lightweight USB drive, measuring approximately 3.63 inches long, 0.85 inches wide, and a slim 0.32 inches thick. Its standout feature is the maroon sliding cover that protects the USB-A connector. This cover, while convenient for quick access, leaves the bottom portion of the connector exposed, requiring some caution around water. The drive’s lightweight plastic construction might feel slightly flimsy, but it proved durable during testing. The sliding mechanism, reminiscent of a classic Bic lighter, adds a satisfying tactile element to its use.
Pricing and Availability
The DataTraveler Max is available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB capacities. While the MSRP ranges from $38 to $120 depending on capacity, online retailers often offer significant discounts. Competitive pricing makes the DataTraveler Max an affordable option, especially considering its storage capacity.
alt text: The Kingston DataTraveler Max with its USB-A connector retracted.
Performance Analysis
The DataTraveler Max excels in light-duty file transfers, achieving speeds comparable to other 10Gbps USB drives. However, its performance degrades significantly during sustained large file writes. While it performs admirably in CrystalDiskMark with smaller datasets (8GiB), its performance with larger datasets (64GiB) reveals a limitation likely attributed to QLC NAND. Similarly, in a 450GB write test, the drive’s speed dropped dramatically, highlighting its unsuitability for continuous large file transfers. However, the drive recovered quickly after the long write test, suggesting its performance remains consistent with smaller files even as the drive fills.
alt text: CrystalDiskMark benchmark results for the Kingston DataTraveler Max, comparing performance with 8GiB and 64GiB data sets.
alt text: Random performance benchmark results for the Kingston DataTraveler Max compared to the SK Hynix Tube T31.
48GB Transfer Speeds
The DataTraveler Max demonstrated decent, though not class-leading, speeds in 48GB transfer tests. These results reinforce its suitability for everyday file transfers, but not for sustained large file operations.
alt text: 48GB file transfer speeds of the Kingston DataTraveler Max.
450GB Write Test
As mentioned earlier, the DataTraveler Max struggled in the 450GB write test. This test revealed a significant performance bottleneck when writing large files continuously.
alt text: 450GB write test results for the Kingston DataTraveler Max.
alt text: Graph showing the write speed of the Kingston DataTraveler Max during a large file transfer. The speed drops significantly after the initial burst write.
Conclusion
The Kingston DataTraveler Max is a practical and affordable USB drive ideal for general-purpose use. Its unique sliding cover and compact design add to its appeal. While its performance with large file transfers is a limitation, its speed for everyday tasks and competitive price make it a solid choice for users who prioritize convenience and value. If your workload involves frequent large file transfers, alternative options might be more suitable. However, for everyday use, the DataTraveler Max provides a reliable and portable storage solution.
