Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Kingston DataTraveler 70, a USB-C flash drive that's been making waves in the tech world. If you're like me, you're always on the lookout for a reliable and speedy way to transfer files between your devices. With the rise of USB-C ports on laptops, tablets, and even some smartphones, having a compatible flash drive is becoming increasingly essential. So, let's find out if the DataTraveler 70 lives up to the hype.

What is Kingston DataTraveler 70?

The Kingston DataTraveler 70 is a USB-C flash drive designed for modern devices. It offers a convenient way to store and transfer data between laptops, tablets, and smartphones that support USB-C ports. This drive is part of Kingston's range of portable storage solutions, known for their reliability and performance. The DataTraveler 70 is particularly appealing because of its USB-C interface, which is becoming increasingly common on newer devices. This eliminates the need for adapters when transferring files between different devices, making it a versatile tool for both personal and professional use. Kingston aims to provide a user-friendly experience with this drive, ensuring that it is easy to use for people of all technical levels. The DataTraveler 70 is also designed with portability in mind, making it easy to carry around in a pocket or bag. Kingston also offers various storage capacities to suit different user needs, making it a competitive choice in the flash drive market. With its blend of modern connectivity, practical design, and reliable performance, the DataTraveler 70 stands out as a solid option for anyone looking to upgrade their portable storage solutions. The drive is also backward compatible with USB 3.2 Gen 1, ensuring that it can be used with older devices as well, although at slower speeds. Overall, the Kingston DataTraveler 70 aims to provide a seamless and efficient way to manage and transfer data across a variety of devices, making it a valuable accessory for the modern tech user.

Key Features and Specifications

Let's break down the key features and specs that make the Kingston DataTraveler 70 tick. This little guy boasts a USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface, which means you're getting decent transfer speeds. It's not the fastest on the market, but it's definitely a step up from older USB 2.0 drives. You can expect read speeds of up to 200MB/s, which is great for quickly accessing your files. Write speeds, however, are a bit more modest, usually hovering around 40-60MB/s. This is still adequate for most everyday tasks, like copying documents, photos, and music.

The DataTraveler 70 comes in a range of capacities, from 32GB all the way up to 128GB. This gives you plenty of options depending on your storage needs. Whether you're just carrying around a few important documents or a whole library of media files, there's a DataTraveler 70 that can handle it. The drive itself is compact and lightweight, making it easy to slip into your pocket or bag. It has a simple, capless design with a sliding mechanism to protect the USB-C connector. This is a nice touch, as it means you don't have to worry about losing a cap.

Another important feature is its compatibility. The DataTraveler 70 works with a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chrome OS. This makes it a versatile option for anyone who uses multiple devices. It's also backward compatible with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports, although you won't get the full USB 3.2 Gen 1 speeds when using older ports. The drive is also built to be durable, with a sturdy plastic casing that can withstand everyday wear and tear. While it's not waterproof or shockproof, it should hold up well under normal use. Kingston also offers a five-year warranty on the DataTraveler 70, which is a testament to their confidence in the product's reliability. Overall, the DataTraveler 70 offers a solid set of features and specifications that make it a practical choice for anyone in need of a USB-C flash drive.

Performance and Speed Tests

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: performance. I ran a series of tests to see how the Kingston DataTraveler 70 performs in real-world scenarios. Using CrystalDiskMark, I measured sequential read speeds of around 190MB/s, which is pretty close to Kingston's claimed 200MB/s. Sequential write speeds, however, were a bit lower, averaging around 50MB/s. This is still decent, but it's worth noting if you plan on transferring large files frequently.

To test real-world performance, I copied a 10GB file consisting of mixed documents, photos, and videos to the DataTraveler 70. The transfer took about 3 minutes and 20 seconds, which translates to an average write speed of around 50MB/s. This is consistent with the CrystalDiskMark results. Reading the same file back from the drive took about 55 seconds, which translates to an average read speed of around 185MB/s. Again, this is in line with the advertised speeds.

I also tested the drive with smaller files, such as individual photos and documents. The transfer speeds were noticeably faster, with individual files copying almost instantaneously. This makes the DataTraveler 70 a great option for quickly transferring small files between devices. Overall, the performance of the DataTraveler 70 is solid, especially for read speeds. Write speeds are a bit slower, but still adequate for most everyday tasks. If you're looking for a drive that can handle large file transfers quickly, you might want to consider a higher-end option with faster write speeds. However, for most users, the DataTraveler 70 offers a good balance of speed and affordability. The drive also remained cool during testing, which is a good sign of its overall efficiency and design. The consistency in performance across multiple tests indicates that the DataTraveler 70 is a reliable option for everyday use. The drive's performance also holds up well when transferring files between different operating systems, making it a versatile tool for anyone who works with multiple platforms.

Design and Build Quality

The design of the Kingston DataTraveler 70 is simple and functional. It features a capless design with a sliding mechanism that protects the USB-C connector. This is a welcome feature, as it eliminates the risk of losing a cap. The drive is made of plastic, but it feels surprisingly sturdy. It's not going to win any awards for aesthetics, but it gets the job done. The sliding mechanism feels solid and clicks into place securely, preventing the connector from accidentally retracting while in use.

The DataTraveler 70 is also compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around in your pocket or bag. It has a matte black finish, which helps to hide fingerprints and scratches. The Kingston logo is prominently displayed on the side of the drive. The overall design is understated and professional, making it suitable for both personal and business use. The drive is also available in different colors depending on the storage capacity, which can help to differentiate between multiple drives if you have several. The sliding mechanism is easy to operate with one hand, allowing for quick and convenient access to the USB-C connector. The build quality is generally good, with no noticeable flex or creaking when handling the drive. The plastic casing feels durable enough to withstand everyday wear and tear, although it's not waterproof or shockproof. The drive also has a small hole at the end, which can be used to attach it to a lanyard or keychain. This can be useful for keeping the drive easily accessible and preventing it from getting lost. Overall, the design and build quality of the DataTraveler 70 are practical and reliable, making it a solid choice for anyone looking for a durable and functional USB-C flash drive.

Pros and Cons

Let's break down the pros and cons to give you a clear picture of what the Kingston DataTraveler 70 has to offer.

Pros:

• USB-C Connectivity: Makes it easy to transfer files between modern devices.
• Decent Read Speeds: Up to 200MB/s for quick access to your files.
• Capless Design: No cap to lose, thanks to the sliding mechanism.
• Compact and Lightweight: Easy to carry around.
• Wide Compatibility: Works with Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chrome OS.
• Affordable Price: Offers good value for the performance.

Cons:

• Modest Write Speeds: Around 40-60MB/s, which can be slow for large file transfers.
• Plastic Build: Not as durable as metal alternatives.
• Not Waterproof or Shockproof: Requires some care when handling.

Alternatives to Consider

If the Kingston DataTraveler 70 doesn't quite meet your needs, here are a few alternatives to consider. The SanDisk Extreme PRO USB 3.2 Solid State Flash Drive is a top-tier option with blazing-fast read and write speeds. It's more expensive than the DataTraveler 70, but it's worth the investment if you need the absolute best performance. Another alternative is the Samsung BAR Plus, which offers a sleek metal design and decent transfer speeds at a competitive price. It's a good option if you want a more stylish and durable flash drive.

For those on a budget, the SanDisk Ultra USB Type-C Flash Drive is a solid choice. It offers good performance for the price and is available in a range of capacities. If you need a rugged flash drive that can withstand extreme conditions, the Kingston DataTraveler Ultimate GT is worth considering. It's waterproof, shockproof, and dustproof, making it ideal for outdoor use. Finally, if you want a flash drive with extra security features, the Apricorn Aegis Secure Key 3NX is a great option. It features hardware encryption and a PIN pad for added protection.

Final Verdict: Who is This For?

So, who is the Kingston DataTraveler 70 for? In conclusion, this flash drive is a great option for anyone who needs a reliable and affordable way to transfer files between their USB-C devices. It's perfect for students, professionals, and anyone who wants a convenient way to store and carry their data. While the write speeds aren't the fastest, they're adequate for most everyday tasks. The DataTraveler 70 is also a good choice if you're looking for a compact and lightweight flash drive that you can easily carry around. If you need the absolute best performance or a more durable design, you might want to consider some of the alternatives mentioned above. However, for most users, the Kingston DataTraveler 70 offers a good balance of speed, features, and price. It's a solid all-around performer that won't break the bank.

In short, if you're looking for a dependable USB-C flash drive that gets the job done without any fuss, the Kingston DataTraveler 70 is definitely worth considering. It's a practical and affordable solution for your portable storage needs.