As cryptocurrency users increasingly prioritize the security of their digital assets, the demand for reliable solutions has led to the rise of air-gapped hardware wallets. Keystone, a brand synonymous with cutting-edge technology and security, introduces the Keystone 3 Pro as the latest addition to its impressive lineup. Let’s delve into the features that make this hardware wallet stand out in the competitive crypto landscape.
Keystone’s Legacy of Excellence: Keystone has earned a reputation for pushing the boundaries of hardware wallet capabilities within the cryptocurrency industry. Building upon the success of its previous models — Essential, Pro, and Ultimate — the Keystone 3 Pro sets a new standard for security, features, and build quality.
Cryptocurrency users are increasingly prioritizing security when it comes to managing their digital assets. One notable solution gaining popularity is the use of air-gapped hardware wallets. These devices offer an extra layer of protection by keeping sensitive information offline, away from potential cyber threats.
Understanding Air-Gapped Hardware Wallets: Air-gapped hardware wallets, as the name suggests, operate in an isolated environment without a direct connection to the internet. This isolation makes them resilient to online hacking attempts and malware, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access to private keys.
Table of Contents
Why Keystone is my favorite Airgap Hardware Wallet
The Keystone brand is known for its build quality and willingness to advance what hardware wallets are capable of in the cryptocurrency industry.
The Keystone 3 Pro is the latest offering for the hardware wallet company after success with the Essential, Pro, and Ultimate models.
The 3 Pro is the first of two new releases, with the base-level 3 model coming soon. The Pro model is estimated to ship during November and is described by Keystone as an “Open-source hardware wallet that offers unbeatable security with 3 PCI security chips to manage bitcoin and other crypto assets.”
Does the 3 Pro continue building Keystone’s strong foundations that the company has designed its previous hardware wallets around, like superb build quality, advanced features, and strong security measures? Let’s find out!
Wallet Features Connectivity
microSD card
Some hardware wallets have a MicroSD card slot that allows users to transfer data, including transaction information, to and from the wallet using a MicroSD card. This is often used for air-gapped transactions and firmware installation.
QR scanner
A QR scanner on a hardware wallet is a feature that allows you to scan a QR code using your hardware wallet. These QR codes can contain various types of information:
– Bitcoin addresses. When receiving bitcoin, users can scan the recipient’s QR code to verify that the provided address matches, preventing accidental or malicious address substitutions.
– Transaction details. Users can generate a transaction on an online device, encode it as a QR code, and then sign it securely on the offline wallet.
– Recovery phrases. SeedQR is a standard developed by SeedSigner for encoding a recovery phrase as a human-transcribable QR code.
100% Air-gapped
100% air-gapped can sign transactions, create/restore a wallet and upgrade the firmware without connecting the device to a cellular network, wifi, Bluetooth, USB, or NFC.
Most fully air-gapped wallets use scannable QR codes for transactions, though some may also use micro-SD cards.
Battery Size
1000mAh
USB charging
USB-C
Upgrade
Offline Firmware Upgrades. In order to minimize all attack vectors, firmware upgrades are done via a MicroSD Card. You can optionally decide to upgrade via USB
Security
3 Secure Element Security Chips (The only hardware wallet in the market that has 3 secure element ships) Also you can create 3 different wallets with it own seeds each of them.
Hailing from leading global security chip manufacturers, Microchip & Maxim, these chips meet PCI security standards, guaranteeing secure and segregated digital asset storage.
- Secure Elements: The Last Line of Defense
- Secure Elements: Harnessing A Force of Nature
- Secure Elements: The Bedrock of Hardware Wallet Security
Supply Chain & Physical Attacks Protection
Supply chain attacks are one of the most serious security threats for hardware wallets because they target vulnerabilities in the logistics process and can happen without anyone’s knowledge. Keystone’s Web Authentication process will give assurance that your device has not fallen victim to any sort of supply chain attack e.g. Device tampering
Self-Destruct Mechanism: Automatically destroys your secret keys if someone tries to physical tamper with the device
PCI Anti-tamper Solution
PCI refers to Payment card industry security. All core IC and SE chips are enveloped by a ‘security house’ filled with complex circuitry. When it detects any attempt to open the safe house, all sensitive data on the chips will be erased immediately
- Web Authentication: A Counter to Supply Chain Attacks
- Self-Destruct Mechanism’s Unique Defense Against Side-Channel Attacks
- Device Verification
Cryptocurrency Support
One of the Keystone 3 Pro’s strongest selling points is its extensive support for over 5,500 cryptocurrencies, including popular ones like Bitcoin and Ethereum, as well as many EVM chains. This wide range of compatibility makes it an ideal choice for diverse investors who hold various types of digital assets.
Open Source Software
Transparency is key in the crypto world, and the Keystone 3 Pro addresses this by making its software completely open-source. This allows users and developers to verify the security and integrity of the wallet’s software, providing an added layer of trust and reliability.
Ease of Use
Despite its advanced security features, Keystone 3 Pro remains remarkably user-friendly. It offers a touchscreen interface with fingerprint and passphrase authentication, simplifying the process of managing crypto assets. The integration with the MetaMask software wallet and mobile app enhances its usability, making it a practical choice for daily crypto management.
Price Point
Priced at $129, the Keystone 3 Pro sits at a competitive point in the market. It offers advanced features and robust security at a cost that is accessible to a wide range of users, from casual investors to serious crypto enthusiasts.
Final Thoughts
The Keystone 3 Pro represents a significant step forward in the realm of crypto wallets. Its blend of top-tier security, extensive cryptocurrency support, open-source software, and user-friendly design make it an attractive option for anyone looking to secure their digital assets. While the initial cost may be a consideration for some, the peace of mind and functionality it offers could make it a worthwhile investment for securing your cryptocurrency portfolio. Whether you’re a seasoned crypto trader or new to the world of digital currencies, the Keystone 3 Pro offers a compelling combination of features that cater to a wide range of needs and preferences in the cryptocurrency community.
Benefits of the 3 Pro
● Easy to set up and use
● Software wallet connectivity
● Superb security features throughout the device – PCI approved
● Build quality
● Fast and interactive touchscreen
● Supports an extensive range of cryptos and blockchains
● Considerably higher battery life than competitors
● Extremely reasonable price
● Excellent packaging design
● Ability to have three wallets inside one device
● Air-gapped
● Fingerprint scanner
● QR code functionality
● Camera
Limitations of the 3 Pro
● Could be considered too complex for a beginner
● Ellipal and Ledger have their own standout software wallet apps
● No Bluetooth connectivity
Backup/recovery with seed phrase
Most hardware wallets offer a backup and recovery process that involves generating a mnemonic seed phrase. This seed phrase consists of a sequence of words that serve as a backup for the private keys stored on the hardware wallet.
On Device
12 Words BIP39 Seed Creation
YES
24 Words BIP39 Seed Creation
YES
12 Words BIP39 Seed Import
YES
24 Words BIP39 Seed Import
YES
Benefits of the Keystone 3 Pro:
- Easy Setup and Usage:
- Keystone 3 Pro offers a straightforward setup process, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced users.
- The touchscreen interface enhances user experience, providing an intuitive and interactive platform for managing cryptocurrency assets.
- Software Wallet Connectivity:
- Seamless integration with popular software wallets, such as MetaMask, enhances the overall user experience.
- The ability to connect with software wallets allows for greater flexibility in managing assets and conducting transactions.
- Superb Security Features:
- Keystone 3 Pro’s security features are PCI approved, meeting industry standards and ensuring a high level of protection against potential threats.
- The fingerprint scanner adds an extra layer of biometric security, enhancing the overall security posture of the wallet.
- Build Quality and Design:
- Known for its superior build quality, Keystone maintains its reputation with the 3 Pro model.
- The device’s robust construction ensures durability and longevity, providing users with a reliable hardware wallet.
- Fast and Interactive Touchscreen:
- The responsive touchscreen enhances the speed and efficiency of navigating through the wallet’s features.
- Users can quickly and securely approve transactions and manage their crypto assets with ease.
- Extensive Cryptocurrency Support:
- Keystone 3 Pro stands out for supporting over 5,500 cryptocurrencies, making it one of the most versatile hardware wallets on the market.
- The inclusion of various EVM chains ensures compatibility with a wide range of digital assets.
- Higher Battery Life:
- With a 1000mAh battery, Keystone 3 Pro surpasses competitors in terms of battery life, providing users with extended usage before requiring a recharge.
- Reasonable Price Point:
- Priced at $129, the Keystone 3 Pro offers advanced features at a competitive price point.
- The cost-effectiveness makes it an attractive option for users seeking premium security without breaking the bank.
- Excellent Packaging Design:
- The wallet’s packaging is thoughtfully designed, providing a premium unboxing experience for users.
- Attention to detail in packaging reflects Keystone’s commitment to quality and user satisfaction.
- Multiple Wallets in One Device:
- The ability to create three different wallets, each with its own unique seeds, adds a layer of versatility for users managing multiple cryptocurrency portfolios.
- Air-Gapped Security:
- The complete air-gapped functionality ensures that all critical operations, including transaction signing and wallet restoration, occur in a secure offline environment.
- QR Code Functionality and Camera:
- The inclusion of QR code functionality and a camera streamlines various processes, from verifying Bitcoin addresses to securely encoding transaction details.
Limitations of the Keystone 3 Pro:
- Complex for Beginners:
- Some users, especially beginners, may find the Keystone 3 Pro’s advanced features and settings slightly complex.
- However, with time and familiarization, users can harness the full potential of the wallet.
- Software Wallet Apps from Competitors:
- While Keystone offers seamless connectivity with software wallets, competitors like Ellipal and Ledger have their own standout software wallet apps.
- Users accustomed to specific software features may need to adapt to the Keystone ecosystem.
- No Bluetooth Connectivity:
- Keystone 3 Pro lacks Bluetooth connectivity, which may be a drawback for users who prefer or require wireless functionality.
- However, the absence of Bluetooth contributes to the wallet’s enhanced security by minimizing potential attack vectors.
Backup and Recovery with Seed Phrase:
- Keystone 3 Pro supports both 12 and 24-word BIP39 seed creation and import, offering users flexible options for securing their private keys.
- The on-device seed creation ensures a secure and reliable backup and recovery process, adhering to best practices in cryptocurrency wallet management.