For Bitcoin users, securing their recovery phrases is paramount. SteelDisk, a metal seed phrase storage device, was one of the noteworthy solutions available in the early 2020s.
This article highlights the features, benefits, and limitations of SteelDisk, and compares it to Seed Keys, a more robust alternative. And its goal is to help you make an informed decision about the best way to protect your coins.
Presentation
SteelDisk was a metal seed phrase storage device launched in 2018 by BitProton. The company, based in Sakarya, Turkey, specialized in tools for Bitcoin users.
The device featured a tile-based design made from 304 stainless steel, offering a robust and durable backup solution.
To use the steel backup device, users would simply open the device, arrange the tiles to represent their recovery phrase or other sensitive information. And then, they would lock it again to secure the data.
With a cold storage capacity of up to 170 bytes, it was designed to provide a secure offline storage solution for private keys, seed words, and passwords.
The device weighed 460 grams. And it was priced at €75 (about $70 at the time), which included a charset (short for character set).
SteelDisk offered four charset options to cater to different user preferences: Base 58, Hexadecimal, English Latin, and Binary. Each charset was tailored to specific character sets, allowing users to choose the one that best suited their needs.
Although BitProton is now closed, their product remains a notable product in the history of Bitcoin storage solutions.
SteelDisk Reviews
Reviews of SteelDisk highlighted its versatility in backing up various types of data, including not only private keys, but also seed words, and passwords. Users appreciated the worldwide shipping and the option to pay in bitcoin, making it accessible to a global audience.
Jameson Lopp’s review of SteelDisk provided a more in-depth analysis of the product’s performance. During setup, Lopp found the process to be generally painless, although he noted that the tiles were not separated by character, making it slightly annoying to sort them.
Lopp’s stress tests revealed significant concerns with SteelDisk’s durability. The heat stress test caused the rails to warp, resulting in catastrophic data loss as tiles fell out. The corrosion stress test further exacerbated the issue, and the crush stress test was rendered unnecessary due to the device’s prior destruction.
Lopp’s findings suggest that SteelDisk’s design and construction may not be as robust as claimed, particularly under extreme conditions.
A More Secure Alternative: Seed Keys
For Bitcoin users seeking a reliable metal seed phrase storage solution, Seed Keys offers a superior alternative to SteelDisk.
Seed Keys’ backup key sets are a robust solution for storing Bitcoin recovery phrases. The 14 keys are precision-cut from 1.5mm thick 316L stainless steel, resistant to fire, water, and corrosion.
A set can store up to 24 words from the BIP39 list, and users can simply stamp the first 4 letters of each word onto the corresponding keys.
The key set features a tamper-evident design, with a sturdy 304SS ring and nylon cable tie securing the keys in place. This design provides a clear indication if someone has attempted to access the contents.
In contrast to SteelDisk, Seed Keys has demonstrated superior performance in stress tests. Jameson Lopp’s review of a similar product, Crypto Keys, showed that it withstood heat, corrosion, and crush stress tests with minimal damage and no data loss.
Although Seed Keys is not identical to Crypto Keys, its similar design suggests it may offer comparable durability.
Seed Keys’ design and construction address several concerns raised about SteelDisk. For example, Lopp’s stress tests revealed significant durability issues, including catastrophic data loss due to heat and corrosion. Seed Keys’ robust design and materials provide a more secure and reliable solution for storing Bitcoin seed phrases.
Conclusion
While SteelDisk was a notable attempt at creating a metal seed phrase storage solution, its limitations and durability concerns make it a less-than-ideal choice for Bitcoin users.
Seed Keys, on the other hand, offers a more secure, durable, and reliable solution for storing Bitcoin recovery phrases. With its robust design, tamper-evident features, and high-quality materials, it provides a superior alternative.
If you’re looking to upgrade from SteelDisk or seeking a trustworthy alternative, Seed Keys is an excellent choice. Visit the Single-Sig Backup Key Set product page to learn more and secure your Bitcoin assets.