GoFundMe.com review request: USB storage on the cheap, and a Lamborghini as a bonus!

So my crowd funding campaign yielded its first donation! This means that it's review time. Our donor requested a comparison of inexpensive USB keys that cost 5$ or less.

So I went on NCIX.COM to see if I could find at least one USB drive that fit the criteria of being inexpensive. Turns out that I got 4 different ones!

So they are 8 GB each, which is not a lot of storage space for today's standards where you can get a flash drive with a capacity of 128 or even 256 GB.  Also, there of four contestants are USB 2.0 rather than the faster USB 3.0 connection.

So here is what I will look at in the comparison;

1. File transfer speed for documents, audio and video files.

2. Build quality and resistance to accidents.

3. Personal opinion.

And the contestants are;

1. Kingston DataTraveler 101 G2 8GB Capless USB Flash Drive Red

2. Patriot Xporter Pulse 8GB USB 2.0 Hi Speed Small and Stylish Flash Drive Blister

3. Silicon Power Firma F80 8GB Waterproof USB 2.0 Flash Drive - Rugged Metal

4. Kingston 8GB USB3.0 DataTraveler 100 G3 USB Flash Drive

So let the testing begin!

1. Kingston DataTraveler 101 G2 8GB Capless USB Flash Drive Red

This is a USB key at its simplest form.

2. Patriot Xporter Pulse 8GB USB 2.0 Hi Speed Small and Stylish Flash Drive Blister

This device combines looks and simplicity. However the plastic cap is easy to misplace.

3. Silicon Power Firma F80 8GB Waterproof USB 2.0 Flash Drive - Rugged Metal

This is the most durable of the foursome. It is a unibody aluminium device which makes it solid. Its design makes it look sophisticated and fits well on a key chain due to its understated color and shape.

4. Kingston 8GB USB3.0 DataTraveler 100 G3 USB Flash Drive

This one is the best of the four in terms of performance. I was surprised to buy a USB 3.0 rated USB Key for less than five dollars, let alone one from a brand like Kingston. It uses a capless click mechanism to hide the tip of the key.

Speed test results:

1. Kingston 8GB USB3.0 DataTraveler 100 G3 USB Flash Drive
2. Patriot Xporter Pulse 8GB USB 2.0 Hi Speed Small and Stylish Flash Drive Blister
3. Silicon Power Firma F80 8GB Waterproof USB 2.0 Flash Drive - Rugged Metal
4. Kingston DataTraveler 101 G2 8GB Capless USB Flash Drive Red

Without any surprise, the speed test was won by the sole USB 3.0 device and by a large margin. All 4 keys were plugged into the same USB 3.0 port on a computer running Windows 7 to transfer a folder containing pictures and videos totaling about 2 GB.


In conclusion, my recommendation when choosing an inexpensive USB key, get one which is USB 3.0 if you can since it will greatly improve transfer times. As far as durability is concerned, most products will last as long as you do not abuse them or pass them through the wash cycle. If you need a specific look, then you may also consider this aspect when making your choice. If not then don't forget that most USB keys are not a fashion statement, unless you get this;

Have a nice weekend!