• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact
  • Cookie Policy
    • Privacy statement (CA)
    • Cookie policy (CA)
    • Privacy statement (UK)
    • Cookie policy (UK)
    • Privacy statement (US)
    • Do Not Sell My Personal Information
    • Privacy statement (EU)
    • Cookie policy (EU)
    • Disclaimer

TechWalls

Technology News | Gadget Reviews | Tutorials

  • Reviews
  • Tech News
  • Tech Guide
  • Gadget & Apps

Cryptex USB Flash Drive Review – A Mechanical Combination Lock for your Data

Updated on May 1, 2015 by Tuan Do

You might have heard about a cryptex in the “Da Vinci Code” book by Dan Brown. The book said that the cryptex came from secret diaries of Leonardo da Vinci, but nobody can be sure about that.

Dan Brown described cryptex as a combination-lock strongbox keeping secret papyrus rolls that only sender and recipient who know the password can read. If someone try to smash the cryptex, a vinegar vial will break from inside the roll, the vinegar will spread over, dissolve the ink and make the message unreadable.

Inspired by the story, Stanislav Tatarinov, a designer from Siberia, Russia, approached a US company to make a Cryptex USB Flash Drive but they failed to produce it cheaply. Fortunately, Smart Decisions International bought the design and finally we have it here in the States.

Unboxing Video

Design & Features

The Cryptex USB Flash Drive consists of 5 rotating rings with digits set into a cylinder. When we rotate those rings to the right combination, all cuts inside the rings will be lined up and we will be able to pull the flash drive out.

The device really has a great design. It is made of brass and the material makes it look even older. I just wish the numbers could be carved instead of being painted on the rotating rings. It would make the cryptex cooler and more durable but I understand it will increase the manufacturing cost as well.

cryptex-usb-1

This is definitely providing a better security than normal flash drives but it is not an ultimate solution to keep your data safe because the flash drive won’t be broken if someone try to break the lock. Besides, anyone can take the 4 screws on the top plate off and find ways to disassemble it. This is more of a geeky stuff in my opinion.

Another drawback of the device is that this is just a USB 2.0 drive with 16GB of storage. So, it is not a good storage for your photos or videos.

The Cryptex USB Flash Drive is available on Amazon for $49. Despite some minor issues, I really love it and I recommend it if you are looking for something geeky with great build quality.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The commission help keep the rest of my content free, so thank you!

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Footer

SwitchBot Curtain Smart Electric Motor Review – The Upgraded Version

COLORWING M08F Portable Thermal Printer Review – Requiring No Ink, Toner, or Ribbon

Shunzao S9 Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner Review

EKSA H6 Wireless Headset with ENC Microphone Review

Follow TechWalls

YoutubeFacebookTwitterInstagram

Recent Posts

  • BLUETTI EB3A Power Station – Ultra-Portable with 268Wh Capacity and 600W Inverter
  • BOB AND BRAD Q2 Mini Massage Gun – For On-the-go Usage
  • Bob and Brad C2 Massage Gun – The Best Features
  • SwitchBot Curtain Smart Electric Motor Review – The Upgraded Version

Copyright © 2022 · All Rights Reserved