Kingston DataTraveler SE9 Review: Rugged But Slow Writes
The Kingston DataTraveler SE9 USB Flash Drive has earned a strong 9.0/10 rating from thousands of buyers, praised for its durability, portability, and minimalist design. Yet, beneath the elegant metal shell, user experiences reveal a split between those who value reliability over speed and those frustrated by real-world write rates falling short of marketing claims.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — ideal for durability and portability seekers, less so for those needing top-tier write speeds.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ultra-durable all-metal casing | Real-world write speeds often below advertised rates |
| Keychain-friendly design | Can get warm under load |
| Reliable long-term use for many owners | Small size easy to misplace |
| Works across Windows, MacOS, Linux, Chrome OS | Occasional DOA or early failures reported |
| Resistant to water and rough handling | Some counterfeit/incorrect model shipments reported online |
| Available in capacities up to 512GB | No dust cap or physical connector protection |
Claims vs Reality
Kingston markets its DataTraveler SE9 G3 models with “high-performance speeds of up to 220MB/s read and 100MB/s write” and compatibility across multiple operating systems. Real-world user reports show a more nuanced reality.
On Yandex Market, one buyer noted that “104GB transferred in about an hour and a half via USB 2.0,” suggesting that speeds drop dramatically when used on older ports. Another buyer with a 64GB version reported only “30MB/s write instead of 60MB/s,” despite still hitting “200MB/s read.” This reflects a recurring theme: read speeds often get close to spec under USB 3.0/3.2, but write performance fluctuates depending on capacity, port quality, and system configuration.
Portability is another focus of Kingston’s marketing, highlighting the drive’s premium metal casing and keyring loop. On this point, users are overwhelmingly aligned with the claim. A Best Buy customer wrote: “It is small, sleek, and understated. The metal casing is incredibly solid. I keep it on my keyring without any fear of it breaking off and getting lost, like countless lesser sticks in the past.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Portability and ruggedness are constant high points. A Reddit systems admin keeps one “on my keychain” since it’s “sturdy as crap”, noting its shape makes it easy to grab quickly for IT work. Trustpilot reviewers also emphasize its resilience, with one boasting, “I have had one of these on my keychain for 4 years, and it still works great.”
Its minimalistic, capless metal build appeals aesthetically and practically. Best Buy buyers describe it as “slick” and “perfect for my needs,” while a Quora user called it “the perfect combination of all I’ve ever desired in a flash drive… the unibody construction is solid, but incredibly lightweight.”
For field work and travel, the drive shines. A Trustpilot reviewer who travels for documentaries said it “has been through the travel test several times… in the middle of nowhere I always have a spare.” Others praised its ability to survive water dunkings and even accidental washes without data loss.
Common Complaints
Speed inconsistency is the loudest complaint from experienced users. While many casual users are satisfied copying documents and music, those moving large video files often hit bottlenecks. One Yandex reviewer measured write speeds of “14.5–15MB/s for a 1.4GB film”, far below the 100MB/s marketing benchmark. A Trustpilot buyer noted, “1-3MB/s write and 9-12MB/s read… they are not terrible, but for thousands of small files you will have lower rates.”
The small form factor is a double-edged sword—easy to carry, but also easy to lose. A Best Buy customer cautioned: “Very small… really easy to lose,” echoing similar warnings across Reddit and Trustpilot.
Thermal buildup is another minor gripe, with some users on Yandex Market noting the drive “gets warm not only when working, but also just plugged in.”
Divisive Features
The lack of a dust cap splits opinion. For some, it’s a mark of simplicity and convenience—“no superfluous parts or caps” (Trustpilot). For others, especially those working in dusty environments, the exposed connector is a concern. Similarly, its tight USB fit draws mixed responses: some like the security, others find it hard to insert/remove in cramped ports.
Trust & Reliability
On the reliability front, Kingston earns trust from long-term owners. Many highlight years of flawless use. Best Buy owner: “I have many of these in various capacities and have never suffered a failure.” Reddit threads have multiple accounts of units surviving 3–4 years of daily keychain duty without issue.
However, counterfeit products and incorrect models ship from some third-party sellers. One Yandex Market buyer ordered a USB 3.0 version but received USB 2.0 labeled incorrectly, and another received an unusable “1TB” counterfeit. This underlines the importance of buying from trusted vendors and checking product packaging and performance immediately on arrival.
There are also scattered reports of early-life failures or drives suddenly switching to read-only mode. These are not the majority but are notable for buyers doing mission-critical storage.
Alternatives
Some Redditors comparing reliability suggest older USB 2.0 models for tasks like Unraid or boot drives, because they “don’t get as hot and thus tend to be more reliable”. Meanwhile, Trustpilot users mention SanDisk as a performance alternative—especially if write speed is critical. Kingston’s own DataTraveler Kyson was cited by a Yandex buyer as giving them “200MB/s read, 50–60MB/s write”—worth considering if speed is a focus.
Price & Value
eBay listings show new SE9 G3 models in the $9–$36 range depending on capacity (64GB to 512GB), with 256GB around $22–$30 and 512GB peaking near $45–$50. USB 2.0 legacy versions can dip to $4–$8. This pricing makes them competitive against SanDisk and similar drives, particularly for those valuing metal casing and keychain portability over sheer speed.
Community advice is clear: buy from high-feedback sellers or direct from authorized retailers to avoid counterfeits. Bulk purchases often drop unit costs substantially, as noted by Trustpilot reviewers equipping schools or offices.
FAQ
Q: How fast is the Kingston DataTraveler SE9 in real-world use?
A: It varies by model and port. USB 3.2 versions can hit ~200MB/s read, but write speeds often range from 15–60MB/s depending on file size and capacity. Older USB 2.0 models may write closer to 5–10MB/s.
Q: Can it survive rough handling or water?
A: Many owners report surviving drops, keychain abuse, and even accidental washes without data loss, thanks to its solid metal casing.
Q: Is it good for running an operating system or as a boot drive?
A: Yes—many Trustpilot and Reddit users use it for Windows or Linux installation media, praising its reliability. However, for persistent OS use, higher-endurance drives may be preferred.
Q: How do I avoid buying a counterfeit?
A: Purchase from reputable sellers, verify the packaging, and run a speed test on arrival to ensure performance matches the advertised spec.
Q: Does the lack of a cap cause issues?
A: It depends on your environment. Many love the capless design for everyday convenience, but those in dusty or dirty settings might prefer added protection.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a traveler, IT worker, or student seeking a compact, rugged, keychain-friendly drive with decent read performance. Avoid if you regularly write large video collections and expect advertised max speeds in all scenarios. As one Redditor put it: “Sturdy as crap… just always with me.” Pro tip: pair it with a short USB extension in tight port arrangements to avoid wear on its small body.
