Crypto hardware wallet comparison KeepKey vs Coldcard Mk4

New comparison

Our impressions

KeepKey

Coldcard Mk4

Pros
  • Has a great community and (d)app ecosystem
not reviewed yet
Cons
  • Outdated microUSB port
  • Needs constant USB connection
not reviewed yet
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.

not reviewed yet

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

Coldcard Mk4

Release year

2015

2022

Supported coins

Supports multiple coins

Supports 7.000+ assets on 340+ blockchains

Supports only Bitcoin

Open source
  • Firmware
  • Companion software
  • Firmware
  • Companion software
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)

  • Secure element
  • On device PIN entry
  • Factory reset with wrong PIN
  • Factory reset with decoy PIN
  • Fake wallet with duress PIN
  • On device passphrase entry
  • On device recovery

Dual Secure Element
Multiple Trick PIN features
– Duress PIN
– Countdown to Brick (or Reset) PIN
– Brick Me PIN
– Login Countdown
On device recovery requires a previous SD Card backup or XPRV private key file on SD Card

Platform compatibility
  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux
  • Android

on Linux make sure to add udev rules

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux
Additional features

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

Technical specifications

KeepKey

Coldcard Mk4

Dimensions

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

88 mm x 52 mm x 10 mm
3.46 in x 2.05 in x 0.39 in

Weight

52 g
1.83 oz

30 g
1.06 oz

Display
  • Monochrome
  • OLED

‎256×64 pixels

  • Monochrome
  • OLED

128 x 64 pixels

Connectivity
  • micro USB
  • USB-C
  • NFC
Storage
  • microSD card
Processor

120 MHz CPU

Housing

Black plastics and Anodized Aluminum

Plastics

Where to buy

KeepKey

Coldcard Mk4