Crypto hardware wallet comparison Blockstream Jade vs KeepKey

Our impressions

Blockstream Jade

KeepKey

Pros
  • Camera for fully air-gapped transactions + QR code support in hardware
  • Firmware with radio and without radio support (Bluetooth + Wifi)
  • Wifi capable (already on board but currently disabled)
  • 100% open source: firmware, hardware + casing
  • Has a great community and (d)app ecosystem
Cons
  • Only supports Bitcoin and Liquid assets
  • Outdated microUSB port
  • Needs constant USB connection
Verdict

Please note that we do not yet own a Blockstream Jade. Our verdict currently is based on available online resources only. We love the 100% open source approach and can’t wait to get our hands on one.

If your use-case is Bitcoin ecosystem only, this seems like a very good option to secure your valuable Bitcoin assets.

The product has a nice build quality and finish, a solid (d)app ecosystem, and a great community. The product launched in 2015 and it shows its age, compared to newer hardware wallet products. Most notably it has no secure element, a microUSB port, and limits itself to a single button for on-device input.

That being said, we would still prefer it over any software wallet, though.

Disclaimer: Our impressions are based on a compilation of factors tailored to the average user’s perspective. It is also important to note that whether a feature is a “pro” or “con” can depend on your situation and preferences. What may be an advantage in one scenario could be a challenge in another, and vice versa. Therefore, while reviewing these points, it’s essential to consider your unique requirements and circumstances when making decisions. This list aims to provide an idea of what to anticipate, but it is not the ultimate guide to determining whether something will work for you or not.

Key features

Blockstream Jade

KeepKey

Release year

2021

2015

Supported coins

Supports only Bitcoin

  • Bitcoin and Liquid sidechain are supported

Supports multiple coins

Supports 7.000+ assets on 340+ blockchains

Open source
  • Firmware
  • Companion software
  • Hardware

Community resources

  • Firmware
  • Companion software
Seedphrase support
  • BIP-39 (Mnemonic phrase)
  • Passphrase
  • BIP-39 (Mnemonic phrase)
  • Passphrase
Security protections
  • On device PIN entry
  • Air-gapped QR code

Leverages a blind oracle model, which acts like a virtual secure element

  • On device PIN entry

after 3 wrong PIN entries an increasing timeout is applied for each wrong PIN (we stopped testing at 256 seconds around wrong PIN #8 or so)

Platform compatibility
  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux
  • Android
  • iOS
  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux
  • Android

on Linux make sure to add udev rules

Additional features
  • Built-in camera and QR code support
  • Firmware with radio and without radio support

can be used in conjunction with the companion app to store TOTP secrets and generate codes for TOTP based 2FA

Technical specifications

Blockstream Jade

KeepKey

Dimensions

60 mm x 24 mm x 17 mm
2.36 in x 0.94 in x 0.67 in

94 mm x 38.4 mm x 12.2 mm
3.7 in x 1.51 in x 0.48 in

Weight

107 g
3.77 oz

52 g
1.83 oz

Display
  • Color

1.14-inch IPS LCD
240 x 135 pixels
RGB 16-bit

  • Monochrome
  • OLED

‎256×64 pixels

Connectivity
  • USB-C
  • Bluetooth
  • WiFi
  • micro USB
Processor

Wifi chip is present, but currently disabled

Safety & Certifications

200 Mhz dual core processor

Housing

Plastics case

Black plastics and Anodized Aluminum

Where to buy

Blockstream Jade

KeepKey