Keystone 3 Pro – The Ultimate 100% Air-Gapped Verifiable Hardware Wallet

Keystone 3 Pro is a truly secure hardware wallet designed for managing multiple different cryptocurrencies, in a way that ensures the device itself is 100% offline, and air-gapped at all times. This means it cannot be connected with any other devices or machines through USB nor using wireless technologies such as WIFI, Bluetooth, or NFC at any point in time.

This review covers the product initially known as Cobo Vault, which has since been rebranded to Keystone. Despite the name change, it remains fundamentally the same device.

Introduction

The Keystone 3 Pro stands out as an exceptionally secure hardware tool, featuring a 100% air-gapped hardware wallet that requires no connection to other devices or networks. This design eliminates wireless capabilities like Bluetooth, NFC, or internet connectivity, thereby significantly reducing potential attack surfaces.

By ensuring complete isolation from common vulnerabilities, users can confidently manage their funds without worrying about malicious cables or other hackable points of entry.

Key Features

• Air-Gapped Security: By being completely air-gapped, the Keystone eliminates the risk of remote attacks. It does not interact with any networks or external devices, providing an unparalleled level of security.
• No Wireless Connectivity: Unlike many other hardware wallets, the Keystone does not support any form of wireless communication. This includes WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC. This absence of connectivity options ensures that your assets are protected from potential hackers who could exploit these channels.

Unique Connection Method

Instead of traditional methods, the Keystone 3 Pro uses its camera as the only connection to the outside world. Here’s how it works:

• QR Code Scanning: The device utilizes its built-in camera to scan QR codes. These QR codes are used to sign cryptographically verified multi-signature transactions.
• Cryptographic Verification: By using QR codes, the Keystone ensures that each transaction is securely signed without exposing the private keys to potential online threats.

This innovative approach not only maintains a high level of security but also simplifies the process of managing and signing transactions for users.

Additional Security Measures

Additionally, the device features a detachable battery compartment that can be charged separately to prevent any damage from battery corrosion. Firmware updates are conducted via a separate SD card inserted into the back of the device, further enhancing security.

In an added layer of protection, the Keystone is designed to self-destruct if tampering with the CPU is detected. Users can then recover their wallet using a backup seed phrase.

For even greater security, the Keystone family offers a metallic Keystone Tablet to store backups. This ensures that your vital information remains intact even if exposed to natural disasters like water damage or fire.

By focusing on these robust security measures and innovative features, the Keystone 3 Pro sets itself apart as a leader in secure cryptocurrency management solutions.

What's in the box?

First off, when opening the package, you will immediately notice the luxurious design and fresh smell of the unused product that comes within. The whole package is also sealed with tamperproof stickers, so you know right away that you have a genuine product.

Upon opening the package, you'll find two compartments. The chargeable battery and the device are packed separately, ensuring that each component remains secure and undamaged during transit. Below these compartments, you'll discover all the additional parts and tools neatly organized.

Contents of the Keystone 3 Pro Package

The Keystone 3 Pro package includes the following materials:

• Touchscreen hardware device: This is the main component of your Keystone 3 Pro, featuring a high-resolution touchscreen for ease of use.
• AAA+ battery support + chargeable battery: The device comes with an AAA+ battery compartment as well as a chargeable battery to ensure continuous operation.
• USB charging cable for the battery: A USB cable specifically designed for charging the detachable battery.
• Warranty card + quick guide: Essential documentation to help you get started and provide warranty information for peace of mind.

Note that this is a Keystone 3 Pro. Depending on which package you choose, the content may vary.

Features

The Keystone 3 Pro is meticulously designed to secure your keys from all known attacks. This focus on security means it lacks several features commonly found in other hardware wallets. However, what Keystone does exceptionally well is security itself, earning it a reputation akin to the Lamborghini of hardware wallets.

Security and Connectivity

Unlike its competitors such as Ledger Nano, Keepkey, and Trezor, the Keystone 3 Pro does not offer USB connectivity. The absence of physical or wireless connections significantly reduces the attack surface, making the device much less vulnerable to external threats.

Additional Features Based on Packages

Depending on the package you choose, the Keystone 3 Pro includes various extra features:

• Keystone Tablet: A robust tablet for securely storing backup seed phrases.
• Protective Case: Marketed as indestructible, it claims to withstand extreme conditions—even a tank driving over it.
• IP68 Rating: The ultimate version is water-resistant and can survive up to 1.5m underwater for at least 30 minutes.

Built-in Security Features

The Keystone 3 Pro includes multiple built-in security features designed to protect your digital assets:

• Wallet Passphrase
• Lock Pattern
• Fingerprint Sensor

Compatibility and Firmware Options

The device offers flexibility with its choice of firmware:

• Multi-Coin Wallet: Use it with the regular Keystone phone app.
• Electrum Desktop Wallet: Opt for a Bitcoin-only firmware version that minimizes the code base and attack surface.

Note: Electrum is widely considered one of the most secure open-source Bitcoin wallets. Signing transactions through Electrum while using Keystone adds an extra layer of security, reducing risks during transactions.

Supported Cryptocurrencies

While the Keystone 3 Pro supports fewer cryptocurrencies than some competitors (totaling only 12 coins), it compensates by supporting a wide range of tokens:

Current Coins Supported:

• Bitcoin (BTC)
• Ethereum (ETH)
• Ripple (XRP)
• BitcoinCash (BCH)
• Litecoin (LTC)
• EOS (EOS)
• Tron (TRX)
• Dash (DASH)
• Ethereum Classic (ETC)
• Decred (DCR)
• Zcoin (XZC)
• IiosToken (IOST)

Token Support:

• Over 686 Ethereum tokens
• 22 Tron tokens
• 70 EOS tokens

This brings the total number of supported assets to over 790. With constant firmware updates, like the recent Bitcoin-only update, the number of supported cryptocurrencies is expected to grow.

Upcoming Updates

Several updates are planned for the future, including:

• Compatibility with Wasabi Wallet & Blue Wallet
• Using dice to generate keys for additional physical entropy
• Multisig support on both the Keystone companion app and Bitcoin-only firmware
• Purchase options for a rechargeable battery accessory
• Cryptocurrency on-ramp and new coin support
• Staking and DeFi support
• Taproot/Schnorr support
• U2F (2FA) support
• Open-source hardware operating system layer code
• Cypherpunk version allowing users to upload their own firmware

And much more.

Pricing

As of today, May 20, 2024, the Keystone 3 Pro is priced at $149.00. This wallet provides a robust solution for those serious about securing their digital assets with industry-leading security features.

In addition to the Keystone 3 Pro, various accessories are available to enhance your cryptocurrency management experience:

• Keystone Tablet: Priced at just $39, the Keystone Tablet is almost a necessity for protecting your backup seed phrase. This durable, fireproof, and waterproof tool ensures that your crucial recovery information remains safe under extreme conditions.
• Keystone Tablet Plus: Priced at $49. The ultimate metal solution, redesigned with a slot for each letter tile. Offers stronger resistance to high temperatures to keep the recovery phrase of your cryptocurrencies safe.
• Keystone Wallet Pouch: Priced at $24.90. This versatile screen protector is designed to fit both the Keystone 3 and 3 Pro, and can also safeguard the Keystone Tablet seed backup plate.

For more detailed insights into how Keystone Tablet can protect your seed phrase, read our previous review, where we go through testing by burning it in a wooden oven.

Purchasing Options

You can purchase these items individually or as part of bundled packages that offer better value. For instance:

• Keystone Bundle Pack: Includes Keystone 3 Pro, Keystone Tablet Plus, and wallet pouch at a discounted price of $212.90.

Investing in these accessories not only enhances security but also ensures you have all necessary tools on hand for comprehensive cryptocurrency management.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• 100% Air-Gapped: The device itself never comes in any contact with the outside world, ensuring maximum security against remote attacks.
• Ideal for Institutional Users: If you manage multiple coins, this device can be extremely useful due to its robust features and capabilities tailored for high-volume transactions.
• Physical Tamper Protection: Provides extensive protection from hackers who may attempt to physically tamper with the device, using advanced security measures to thwart such efforts.
• Fully Open-Source Firmware: The firmware is fully open-source, allowing for transparency and enabling users and developers to audit the code for potential vulnerabilities.

Cons

• Limited Usefulness for Common Users: Unless you are a very security-conscious person, the advanced features may not be necessarily useful for average users who might find simpler solutions adequate.
• High Cost: The ultimate packet comes with one of the heaviest price tags in the market, which may be a significant investment for individuals or small-scale users.
• Learning Curve: Sending funds back and forth does take a bit of a learning curve. New users might need time and effort to become proficient in using the device efficiently.
• Limited Cryptocurrency Support: Supports only a limited selection of cryptocurrencies, which might be restrictive if you deal with a diverse portfolio of digital assets.

Conclusion

Keystone 3 Pro has redefined our perspective on managing multisignature wallets. It enables us to manage and sign Bitcoin transactions through Electrum Wallet using QR codes, significantly simplifying the process of handling multi-signatures.

While the enhanced security comes at a considerable cost, this is something users must seriously contemplate. However, for those who prioritize security like we do, such costs are justified in the long term. Ultimately, it’s the individuals with their assets securely in hand who continue to benefit.

In light of this, we find Keystone to be an appealing product. Nonetheless, for average day-to-day use, Keystone may not be as practical since it isn’t designed for this purpose.

This doesn’t imply it's a poor product; rather, it’s intended for securely storing and managing larger amounts of long-term offline cold storage holdings. Therefore, it is best utilized as your most secure option for transacting and storing coins that don’t frequently move.

Key Takeaways

• Enhanced Security: While the Keystone offers advanced security features, these benefits come at a higher cost.
• Ease of Use: The ability to sign transactions via QR codes simplifies the process of managing multi-signature setups.
• Target Audience: Ideal for security-conscious individuals or entities handling large amounts of digital assets.
• Cost Consideration: The high price tag may deter average users who might find simpler solutions adequate.
• Specific Use Case: Best suited for long-term storage rather than frequent day-to-day transactions.

Buy Keystone 3 Pro Now!

To learn even more about Keystone 3 Pro, here's a short introduction video that you can also watch:

Full Disclosure: The Keystone 3 Pro was provided by Keystone (formerly known as Cobo Vault) for the purpose of this review.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)