Crypto hardware wallet comparison KeepKey vs Blockstream Jade

Our impressions

KeepKey

Blockstream Jade

Pros
  • Has a great community and (d)app ecosystem
  • 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
Cons
  • Outdated microUSB port
  • Needs constant USB connection
  • Only supports Bitcoin and Liquid assets
Verdict

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.

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.

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

KeepKey

Blockstream Jade

Release year

2015

2021

Supported coins

Supports multiple coins

Supports 7.000+ assets on 340+ blockchains

Supports only Bitcoin

  • Bitcoin and Liquid sidechain are supported
Open source
  • Firmware
  • Companion software
  • Firmware
  • Companion software
  • Hardware

Community resources

Seedphrase support
  • BIP-39 (Mnemonic phrase)
  • Passphrase
  • BIP-39 (Mnemonic phrase)
  • Passphrase
Security protections
  • 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)

  • On device PIN entry
  • Air-gapped QR code

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

Platform compatibility
  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux
  • Android

on Linux make sure to add udev rules

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux
  • Android
  • iOS
Additional features

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

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

Technical specifications

KeepKey

Blockstream Jade

Dimensions

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

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

Weight

52 g
1.83 oz

107 g
3.77 oz

Display
  • Monochrome
  • OLED

‎256×64 pixels

  • Color

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

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

Wifi chip is present, but currently disabled

Safety & Certifications

200 Mhz dual core processor

Housing

Black plastics and Anodized Aluminum

Plastics case

Where to buy

KeepKey

Blockstream Jade