USB Flash Drive Comparison: Comparing Knock-Type Models
I previously compared three domestic brands, but this time, I will be comparing knock-type USB flash drives instead of the one-rank-higher slide-type models.
The biggest selling point of the knock-type is that the USB plug part is automatically retracted when removed from a PC or other device.
Which USB flash drives will be tested?
This time, I have selected knock-type USB flash drives from three brands: Buffalo, I-O DATA, and Elecom.
BUFFALO RUF3-KS32GA-BK/N 32GB
This is an Amazon-exclusive model (?) of the BUFFALO RUF3-KSA series. To be precise, it is a model for specific sales channels. The difference is that the strap hole design is different from the original, featuring a smaller strap hole.
Specs: Not disclosed
Size: 19.8mm (W) × 66mm (L) × 10mm (H) 12g
IO DATA U3-PSH32G/B 32GB
This is the 32GB model of the IO DATA U3-PSH series. While the body looks compact in photos, it is actually about the same size as the other models.
Specs: Not disclosed
Size: 20mm (W) × 61mm (L) × 10mm (H) 10g
ELECOM MF-PKU3032GBK 32GB
This is the 32GB model of the ELECOM MF-PKU series. Among the three models, this product is the most compact. It also has published specs, so I have high expectations.
Specs: Sequential read speed 100MB/s
Size: 20mm (W) × 57.7mm (L) × 10.5mm (H) 11g
Performance Comparison
Benchmark Test (CrystalDiskMark)
In the benchmark test, I felt that each model showed its own characteristics.
Buffalo excels in sequential read speed,
I-O DATA excels in random read speed,
and Elecom excels in sequential write speed.
I was concerned that I-O DATA had lower figures than the others.
Write/Read Test (H2testw)
The write/read test yielded different results.
Elecom stood out from the rest, taking the top spot in both writing and reading.
Buffalo led in reading, but its writing figures were similar to those of I-O DATA.
Overall Performance Comparison
I also performed an Ubuntu installation and boot test. As for the results, Elecom was by far the best in installation, beating the other two models by about 7 minutes. Regarding booting, Buffalo was the top performer, but the difference from the slowest was only 30 seconds.
Appearance Comparison
When it comes to appearance, the sizes are not that different (within 1 cm in length), and the weights are not that different either (within 2g), so I would like to focus on the knock-type mechanism.
Please note that the impressions here are purely my personal subjective opinion, so please take them as a reference.
BUFFALO RUF-KS32GA-BK/N
My impression when knocking it, in a word, is that it has a cheap feel.
It lacks the solid click feeling when locked, and it feels uncertain whether it is locked or not.
IO DATA U3-PSH32G/B
It has a good feel that is hard to distinguish from ELECOM. There was a solid tactile response when knocking and locking. If I had to say, I think the click feeling when locked was weaker than ELECOM's.
ELECOM MF-PKU3032GBK
Personally, this product had the best feel when knocking.
It has a solid click feeling when locked, which lets you know it is locked.
When removing them, the plug part is automatically retracted in all three models, but
there were no issues with retraction in any of the three models, and no differences were seen in operation, etc. To be precise, the retraction happens in an instant, so I cannot tell the difference.
Summary
I previously compared value models from these manufacturers and imagined that this time would have similar results, but they exceeded my expectations in a good way. (Please see the link below for the previous article)
Given that there are differences in performance among these three USB flash drive models, but few items that make a big difference in practical use, I think it is fine to choose based on design. If I were forced to make a recommendation, it would be the one below.