Review on 🔒 Apricorn Aegis Secure Key 3 NX 128GB: High-Security USB 3.0 Flash Drive with FIPS 140-2 Level 3 Validation by Mark Bennett

I have bought four different types of these drives from Apricorn over the years and still use them all. As such, I'm a huge fan of these drives and find them invaluable for safely storing and backing up important business and family documents. I've never had a problem with any of these drives and they're all pretty easy to set up and use. I recently bought their latest 16GB NX model as one of my other drives was almost full. I've found a few things I like about the NX model, but also a few downsides. As with other Apricorn drives I've owned, installing and using the NX was easy and error-free. The only improvement on this new NX model over some of my older drives is the size and feel of the code number keys. The NX buttons are larger and give better feedback. The downside is that the red, green, and blue LED lights are fairly dim and not as bright as on previous models. The most obvious improvement of this new model over some of my older drives is the size and feel of the number keys. for code. The NX buttons are larger and give better feedback. The downside is that the red, green, and blue LED lights are fairly dim and not as bright as on previous models. My main issue with this new drive has to do with the outer casing of the drive. My older drive models have a nice, durable aluminum case that the drive fits into and is stored in when not in use. This good sturdy case not only keeps water out but also protects against physical damage. The newer model comes cheap with this function. The new NX model now has a thick but flexible rubber body instead of the old metal-aluminum body. Although the rubber case is somewhat durable, it is not as strong as the metal case in terms of resistance to damage. I have these discs in a variety of settings and carry them on keychains tossed in drawers, bags or pockets. There are scratches and dents on older metal cases, which underscores the value of the metal case in protecting the drive. While the rubber probably helps protect the disc from damage, it doesn't offer rigidity against breaking or bending when these discs are seated in pockets or pouches. Please use the metal case again in the future. Older drives also have a nice, strong, metal mesh strap on the drive that can be unscrewed and opened to attach the drive to a key ring, lanyard, or other object. The new NX has a small metal tab with a hole for a key ring or lanyard. While it's not an important detail, finding an extra key ring or other metal loop to attach this new drive to something is necessary. Both changes highlight cost savings, and one wonders if the company is now cutting costs and cutting costs on other aspects of these drives. a notch at the end of the drive that made it possible to stick a small label identifying the drive on it, and the label is visible even on a drive in a metal case. The new NX model had a loop at the end and now I have to stick a label on the side of the disc that's sealed with a rubber cover. Again, this is personal preference, but it reinforces the feeling that this new drive is a regression from previous models, which is why I've downgraded it from 5 stars to 4 stars. I hope the company fixes these issues as I will definitely be buying more secure discs. in the future and would prefer to continue using this product.