Kingston DataTraveler SE9 Review: Durable but Slow Writes
Durability stories pour in from every corner, but what stands out is how often users describe their Kingston DataTraveler SE9 USB Flash Drive as "still working years later" despite harsh treatment. Scoring an impressive 9.0/10 on aggregate, this tiny metal drive wins hearts for its sleek keychain-ready form and rugged build, though performance speeds vary sharply depending on model and capacity.
Quick Verdict: Conditional – Buy for portability and build quality, be cautious about real-world write speeds
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Minimalist all-metal casing, keychain-friendly | Write speeds often lower than advertised |
| Long-term reliability for many users | Easy to lose due to small size |
| Survives drops, water exposure | Some reports of sudden failure or "read-only" mode |
| Comfortable fit in tight USB ports | Packaging inconsistencies (wrong model delivered) |
| Multiple capacities up to 512GB | Heat buildup during continuous use |
Claims vs Reality
Kingston markets the DataTraveler SE9 G3 as a “premium-style storage solution with USB 3.2 Gen 1 speeds up to 220 MB/s read and 100 MB/s write”. While several buyers confirm hitting near-advertised read speeds — Yandex Market user Anton measured “200 MB/s on read” — write performance often fell short. Anton noted his 64GB version came in at “30 MB/s on write instead of 60 MB/s,” and Reddit user reports on earlier SE9 2.0 models were much lower, with averages under 12 MB/s write.
Another key claim is durability: Kingston emphasizes its premium metal casing as “portable enough to fit in your pocket, backpack or keyring loop.” Here, reality meets expectation. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “I keep this USB drive on my keychain… it’s very sturdy, should last a long time in comparison to plastic flash drives.” Trustpilot reviewers echo this, praising the "large enough hole to actually attach something to" and "solid metal body" withstanding daily wear.
Finally, Kingston’s promise of extensive capacity options (64GB to 512GB) is met with mixed reports. While some users enjoyed massive storage for media — Yandex Market's Vasiliy loaded "Avatar Way of Water in 4K… 104GB transferred in about an hour and a half" — others received incorrect models, including USB 2.0 variants instead of USB 3.0, undermining expected speed benefits.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Reddit, Twitter, and Trustpilot, portability emerges as the defining virtue. Teachers, IT admins, and travelers alike love having it attached to keys without bulk. A Reddit systems admin keeps one “handy to have essential drivers and tools without re-downloading,” while multiple Twitter users marvel at its “nice large keyring hole” and that it “fits on a keychain so you’ll never forget it.”
Durability stories border on legendary. One Twitter report claimed: “washed once in water and thrown in a pool and it still works”. Others mention years of keychain life, heavy knocks, and even machine impact without breaking. Reddit user u/maloj described the 128GB SE9 as “just wow… speed is p u s h a, works installing Windows in 15 seconds.”
Its compact fit in tight ports also wins praise; Trustpilot user noted it “fits in any USB-A connector — no wider nor thicker than the port itself,” making it ideal for stacked laptop or TV inputs.
Common Complaints
Write speed inconsistency is the top frustration. Some Yandex users report 14–15 MB/s sustained writes for movie files, far below spec. Legacy USB 2.0 versions are even slower, around 6–11 MB/s writes per Reddit timing tests. Heat buildup is another – smaller drives get warm even idling in a TV box’s standby mode, as “t _ i _ m _ o _ h” observed.
Another recurring headache is receiving the wrong version or counterfeit units. Multiple Yandex and Reddit posts uncovered shipments marked as USB 3.0 but physically having 2.0 connectors, or completely different capacities. One buyer was sent a “1TB” counterfeit that wouldn’t store data correctly.
Failure cases, while not universal, are serious when they happen: sudden switch to read-only mode, total loss of capacity reading “0 bytes,” or silent file corruption. These appeared after light use for some, casting doubt for mission-critical storage jobs.
Divisive Features
The small size splits opinion. For minimalists, it’s perfect — Twitter reactions call it “wow it’s small!” and “pocket size and simple design.” But for others, high loss risk is a dealbreaker, leading them to recommend attaching a lanyard, carabiner, or custom loop. One Trustpilot reviewer even ties planer board line to avoid misplacing it.
Performance is similarly divisive depending on use case. For OS installers or document transfer, users say it’s “ideal for Windows or Linux install media.” But large multimedia movers balk at sustained writes dipping well below marketing numbers, suggesting SSDs or faster USB drives instead.
Trust & Reliability
From an investigative angle, Trustpilot reviews and Reddit long-terms reveal a strong reliability streak when devices are genuine and specs match. Trustpilot user “over 2 years old on my keychain” kept critical files secure without failure. Reddit servers run daily on SE9 units without issue, and Twitter's 4-year keychain veterans still report functional drives.
Counterbalancing this are sporadic but severe early deaths, often unrepairable. Yandex user accounts often mention controller failures – some recovered temporarily with tools like Phison restore, others permanently dead. Reports of fake units point to marketplace vigilance being key; many advise buying from proven retailers to avoid surprise downgrades.
Alternatives
When speed matters more than style, several Amazon and Reddit voices mention switching to SanDisk USB 3.0/3.1 lines or Kingston’s own DataTraveler Max with “up to 1000MB/s” reads. Compared to the SE9, these alternatives are bulkier but deliver more consistent high-speed writes for media-heavy workflows.
For those prioritizing endurance over transfer rate, the SE9 remains competitive against plastic-bodied drives, which Reddit and Trustpilot users note are more prone to physical damage — “plastic retractable ones… will make you cry.”
Price & Value
On eBay, SE9 G3 256GB lists around $33 with free shipping, while smaller capacities can drop under $5 on Amazon during sales. The community points out these low prices justify bulk buys for gifts, school use, or OS install kits — “exactly what we needed and for a price we couldn't pass up since we needed 100” said one Twitter comment.
Resale on marketplaces isn’t strong, likely due to ample new stock and low MSRP. Buying tips center on ensuring spec match — USB 3.x versions have blue connectors — and attaching immediately to keychains or cases to prevent loss.
FAQ
Q: Does the SE9 G3 actually reach 100 MB/s write speeds?
A: Not consistently. Many users measure much lower real-world writes, sometimes under 30 MB/s, depending on capacity and file type.
Q: Is it waterproof?
A: Some user stories attest to survival after full water submersion or even washing cycles, though Kingston doesn’t officially rate it waterproof.
Q: Will it fit in tight USB ports?
A: Yes, its metal body matches USB-A port width exactly, fitting where bulkier drives won’t — confirmed by multiple Trustpilot reviews.
Q: Are there counterfeit versions?
A: Yes. Several marketplace reports describe fake or mislabelled units, so buying from reputable sellers is advised.
Q: Good for OS installation media?
A: Absolutely — numerous Reddit and Yandex users report smooth Windows/Linux installs with the SE9.
Final Verdict: Buy if you need a near-indestructible, ultra-portable keychain drive for everyday documents, OS installers, or light media. Avoid if your primary use is large file transfers where sustained high write speeds are critical. Pro tip from community: verify USB spec and capacity on arrival, and attach it to your keys immediately to avoid losing this “tiny, sturdy little thing.”
