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The USB 3.2 standard, while introduced in 2017 as a significant upgrade over USB 3.1, took a few years to gain widespread adoption in both devices and motherboard support. High-bandwidth devices often opted for alternatives like Thunderbolt, offering speeds up to 40Gbps, while the 5Gbps bandwidth of USB 3.1 sufficed for most “high-speed” storage devices. Furthermore, manufacturers initially implemented USB 3.2 primarily in high-end motherboards, limiting mainstream demand and the availability of compatible accessories.

However, with the increasing prevalence of USB 3.2 across various devices, manufacturers are now releasing corresponding products. Kingmax, a Taiwanese memory and storage device manufacturer, has launched the Kingmax KE35 portable SSD, supporting this advanced connection standard and succeeding the Kingmax KE31 released last year. But does this upgrade truly shine? Let’s delve in and find out.

Kingmax KE35 Portable SSD

Kingmax KE35: Compact, Convenient, and Fast!

Kingmax has consistently focused on the high-volume mid-range market, prioritizing value and performance. The Kingmax KE35 portable SSD continues this tradition.

Essentially, this portable SSD is a refined upgrade of the Kingmax KE31. The packaging retains a similar design with the familiar white and green Kingmax branding. The front displays logos of compatible devices, from PCs and laptops to Android smartphones and next-gen consoles, highlighting its versatility. The back lists key specifications, notably the USB 3.2 Gen 2 connection and three available storage capacities.

Kingmax KE35 Packaging

The reviewed 500GB version boasts advertised read/write speeds of 1000MBps/600MBps, respectively. Unboxing reveals a compact, all-plastic construction, smaller than an ATM card, ensuring easy portability. A notable improvement is the matte black finish, offering better scratch and smudge resistance compared to the glossy white of its predecessor.

While slightly smaller overall than the KE31, the KE35 is marginally thicker, contributing to a more robust feel. A welcome change is the adoption of USB Type-C, replacing the older Macro-B SuperSpeed interface, simplifying cable replacements. The package includes both Type-A and Type-C USB 3.2 Gen 2 cables for convenient connectivity.

Kingmax KE35 Box Contents

Performance Testing

Tested with a USB 3.1 Gen 2 port (10Gbps bandwidth), CrystalDiskMark 7 revealed impressive sequential read speeds of 1021MB/s, exceeding the advertised 1000MB/s. Sequential write speeds reached 732MB/s, effectively utilizing the 10Gbps bandwidth. Random 4K read speeds with QD32 hit 254MB/s (62,202 IOPS), while random write speeds reached 353MB/s (86,234 IOPS), facilitating swift transfer of numerous small files.

Kingmax KE35 Close Up

Real-world testing with a 37GB movie file yielded sustained write speeds of 652MB/s, indicating a substantial SLC cache capable of handling typical data transfer needs. Copying music albums with files ranging from 30-50MB resulted in average write speeds between 280MB/s and 332MB/s, ample for everyday mixed data transfers.

In gaming tests, the KE35 performed admirably, running demanding titles like Kingdom Come: Deliverance and Borderlands 3 smoothly. Games like Horizon Zero Dawn PC and Mount and Blade II: Bannerlord benefited significantly from the KE35’s speed, eliminating texture pop-in issues often encountered with traditional SSHDs.

Kingmax KE35 with Cables

Temperature and Conclusion

Operating temperatures averaged around 60°C, which isn’t excessively hot. However, prolonged use might be a concern due to the plastic casing’s limited heat dissipation.

Kingmax KE35 Speed Test

The Kingmax KE35 offers valuable upgrades in both interface and read/write performance. If you seek a high-performing mid-range portable SSD for versatile use, the KE35 is a compelling choice.