USB Flash Drive is dime a dozen, so there is really nothing much to talk about unless it packs, I don’t know, maybe like 2TB in it? That said, USB Flash Drive has come to point where, picking up one is no longer the question of speeds, or brands, it is a matter of aesthetic. Well, at least for some of us, it is. In other words, it is a style statement, so to speak, for geeks. I mean, sure, you can go ahead and get a mundane SanDisk variety, but nobody’s stopping you from making a statement out of a rather mundane gadget like a USB Flash Drive.
That said, if you are on the same train of thoughts as us, well, then we think we may have a good, albeit short, list of Steampunk USB Flash Drives for your considerations. To be honest, the Cryptex Round Lock USB Flash Drive was going to be our next feature post, but we thought, why not dig out a few more drool-worthy Steampunk examples for you guys? After all, great stuff never comes as one, there are often a few of them out there and so here it is, our short list of Steampunk USB Flash Drives, dedicate to those who appreciate awesome designs and also, steampunk.
Cryptex Round Lock USB Flash Drive
At a glance, you won’t even suspect this is a USB 3.0-equipped USB flash drive. It looks more like a pocket watch, complete with a loop for leashing a lanyard or similar to it. It is worthy to mention that this is perhaps the most steampunk-ish USB flash drive among the four we listed here. Designed by Stanislav Tatarinov, the Cryptex Round Lock features four cogs, one on each corner, which are use to decrypt a mechanical combination lock. Only those who know the password will be able to unlock and retrieve the USB stick hidden within. Clever. Love the copper-ish, worn treatment that lends this pocketable external storage a rustic look. Unfortunately, it appears to be available only in 32 GB capacity. Price: $49.99.
Cryptex USB Flash Drive
The Cryptex USB Flash Drive is another drive Stanislav Tatarinov that comes with a mechanical combination lock. Sporting a Da Vinci-ish design (Dan Brown’s, not the actual multi-disciplinary renaissance polymath) and also in a finish similar to the Cryptex Round Lock USB Flash Drive, the Cryptex USB Flash Drive features five individual cylinders which you will need to know the right combination in order to unlock it. But don’t worry, unlike the movie’s, you don’t really need to handle it with extreme care. There’s no vinegar-filled vial inside and the USB is certainly not made out of papyrus. Also, there’s no dark secret of the Holy Grail inside. Comes with a classy velvet pouch, befitting its “era.” Available in a choice of 16 GB USB 2.0 and 32 GB USB 3.0 models. Price: starting at $47.95.
Slavatech Handmade Pentode Radio Tube USB Flash Drive
This particular drive flaunts a design that dipped into two worlds: the steampunk world and the audio world. Why? Because enclosing a high-quality SanDisk innards is a copper-heavy, made in USSR radio vacuum tube from 1981. No mention on the interface, but according to the product details, it works with USB 1.0 through to USB 3.0. And like a good vacuum tube, it lights up in glorious warm, orange glow when plugged into a powered USB port. Dope. That’s not all. It is not destined for digital data storage only; it is designed as a conversational showpiece too as it does come with a wooden stand so you can show it off like it was meant to be showed off. Available in four capacities: 8, 16, 32, and 64 GB. Price: starting at $39.00.
Slavatech Handmade Metal Arc USB Flash Drive
Here’s another one from Latvia-based Slavatech, called Slavatech Handmade Metal Arc USB Flash Drive. The Slavatech Handmade Metal Arc USB Flash Drive may be a little lacklustre in the gimmick/novelty department as compared to the previous three listed here, but its unmistakable steampunk-style industrial cylinder design in a real copper finish with bronze accent more than made up for it. No words on the innards, but we are hoping for at least a SanDisk variety. As with the Pentode Radio Tube model, it supports USB 1.0 through to USB 3.0, and comes in 16, 32, 64, and 128 GB capacities. Price: starting at $110.00.
Slavatech Handmade Arc Pentode Radio Tube USB Flash Drive
If the Slavatech Handmade Arc Pentode Radio Tube USB Flash Drive sounds like a lovechild of the Pentode Radio Tube and the Metal Arc USB Flash Drives, then it probably is. As the product name implies, it is part Pentode Radio Tube with Metal Arc thrown into the mix and the result, is a USB flash drive that looks a sinister device, albeit steampunk-ish, that Dr. Evil would love to get his hands on. But in all seriousness, it is nothing but a harmless USB flash drive. It bares the Metal Arc design, but in place of a copper midsection, is a made in USSR Pentode Radio Tube from 1981. And yes, it glows too. Speaking of which, there are four different colors of light to choose from: blue, green, orange, and red. It comes with a USB interface that supports up to USB 2.0, with select capacities supporting USB 3.0. Available in a variety of capacities, ranging from 8 GB to 128 GB. Price: starting at $89.00.
