Key Takeaways
1. The StorageKey Gen2 is a new external SSD enclosure seeking funding on Kickstarter, with a pledge starting at $190 and expected delivery in March 2026.
2. It features Thunderbolt 5 compatibility, supporting various M.2 SSD sizes (2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280), but requires users to install the SSD themselves.
3. The enclosure can achieve high performance with sequential read speeds up to 6,000 MB/s and write speeds up to 5,000 MB/s, depending on the SSD and connection used.
4. Key B storage devices are not compatible with the StorageKey Gen2 due to its connection using four PCIe 4.0 lanes.
5. The enclosure includes both passive and active cooling mechanisms, featuring an aluminum body, cooling fins, and a quiet fan to prevent SSD overheating.
The StorageKey Gen2 is a new external enclosure designed for SSDs, currently seeking funding on Kickstarter. As with all crowdfunding projects, there’s a significant amount of risk for those who decide to back it. However, if you’re interested, you can reserve one for a pledge of $190, not including shipping and any potential import charges. Deliveries are expected to start in March 2026. If you’re looking for something simpler, the SanDisk Extreme Pro offers a standard external SSD, with its 1TB version priced at $139 on Amazon.
Connection Features
This enclosure includes Thunderbolt 5, which works with previous Thunderbolt versions and USB 4, though at slower transfer speeds. Users will need to install the SSD themselves. It supports M.2 sizes of 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280, covering almost all common sizes. This means that typical SSDs from laptops and desktops can easily be used in the StorageKey Gen2, allowing users to utilize drives that have been replaced.
Performance and Compatibility
It’s worth noting that Key B storage devices won’t work with this enclosure. The connection uses four PCIe 4.0 lanes. The manufacturer claims that it can achieve sequential read speeds of up to 6,000 MB/s and write speeds reaching 5,000 MB/s, provided there are no bottlenecks with the SSD installed or the connection to the laptop, desktop, or smartphone.
Cooling Mechanism
Users shouldn’t worry about SSD overheating with the StorageKey Gen2, which has dimensions of roughly 3.94 x 2.17 x 0.59 inches, and includes both passive and active cooling features. The body is crafted from aluminum and is equipped with cooling fins and a small, yet fairly quiet, fan operating at just 25dB. Additionally, a thermal pad aids in transferring heat to the exterior of the enclosure.
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