Kingston DataTraveler Mini 3.0 32GB Review

June 9, 2015December 24, 2018 Aseem Girkar 0 Comments 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, Benchmark, Compact, DataTraveler, DataTraveler Mini 3.0, Kingston, Small, specs, Stylish, USB 2.0, USB 3.0

Looking for a small form factor and stylish flash drive that fits easily in your pocket? then, there’s one by Kingston Technology, the Kingston DataTraveler Mini 3.0 flash drive. The Kingston DataTraveler Mini 3.0 was announced a year back and is one of the slimmest and stylish Kingston’s USB 3.0 flash drive that offers fast transfer speeds and comes in three different storage capacities: 16GB, 32GB and 64GB. The DataTraveler Mini 3.0 features a compact form factor and can easily fit on a key ring in a pocket to keep it accessible when required. The DataTraveler Mini 3.0 takes advantage of the performance improvements offered by USB 3.0 technology and is also backwards compatible with existing USB 2.0 ports. According to Kingston, the DataTraveler Mini 3.0 is capable of 70MB/s read and up to 15MB/s write. Below are the specifications for the Kingston DataTraveler Mini 3.0:

Specifications and Features:

Capacities: 16GB, 32GB, 64GB
Speed:
- 16GB — 70MB/s read, 10MB/s write
- 32GB, 64GB — 70MB/s read, 15MB/s write
Stylish with durable metal casing along with built-in key loop
Dimensions: 42.33mm x 12.66mm x 5.98mm
Operating Temperature: 0°C to 60°C
Storage Temperature: -20°C to 85°C
Warranty and Support: 5-year warranty with free technical support

Below is the tested overview of 32GB variant of the DataTraveler Mini 3.o based on its design, performance and more.

Kingston DataTraveler Mini 3.0 32GB

The Mini 3.0 in the name itself indicate that it comes with a USB 3.0 connection and is light-weighed and comes in a small form factor. Our review involves a cyan blue DataTraveler Mini 3.0 32GB flash drive which wraps capless and compact design.

Design

The DataTraveler Mini 3.0 32GB flash drive comes with a compact, capless design and measures just 0.23 by 1.67 by 0.5 inches which is just quiet small enough. It is pretty light by weighing just 16-ounce which is almost a featherweight. It comes with a built-in key loop which makes its easy to put in a keychain or tie anywhere and can be carried easily on pockets. However, its just a simple drive, so it doesn’t comes with the capability of software encryption or any other special security. The Mini 3.0 is also backward compatible with USB 2.0 and works with all major OS including Windows XP and above, Mac OS X v10.6.x+ and Linux v2.6.x+.

Performance

According to company, the DataTraveler Mini 3.0 is capable of 70MB/s read and 10MB/s write on USB 3.0 connection. However, we have tested the drive with a USB 2.0 connection which offers half read speed of USB 3.0 and more write speed than the company claims. Check out the benchmarks for performance test on the DataTraveler Mini 3.0:

1. Crystal Disk Mark v4.0.3 32 Benchmark for USB 2.0 connection

Crystal Disk Mark shows an appropriate benchmark for test on a USB 2.0 connection. In USB 2.0, the read speed almost turns almost half as compared to USB 3.0 while the write speed outperforms in sequential test of company write claims. The read speed on average is 36 MB/s and write speed on average is 16 MB/s.

2. SpeedOut v0.5 Benchmark for USB 2.0 connection

SpeedOut v0.5 shows similar benchmark for test on a USB 2.0 connection like Crystal Disk Mark. However, the read speed is close to previous benchmark with 32.873MB/s while the write speed outperforms again with 25.037MB/s.

Conclusion

Well, the Kingston DataTraveler Mini 3.0 32GB flash drive comes at an affordable price along with stylish and compact design. The write performance almost beats the company’s claim and performs slighter better than expected. However, the read speed is noted to be low both in USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 connection. So, if you are looking for flash drive that offers average performance with no security issues and should be quiet handy and easily fit into your pocket, then this can be the one you should look for.