ellipal vs keepkey

Ellipal Titan vs KeepKey (2020) | Which Hardware Wallet Has A Better UX?

Ellipal Titan vs KeepKey! In this comparison, we are going to do a head-to-head of two of the most competitive and popular new cryptocurrency hardware wallets in this edition of the hardware wallet roundups.

I am going to dive into which of these hardware wallets is better and more secure. How big is your portfolio? Do you need mobile AND desktop support? Do you use any 3rd party wallets for integration? Do you need web-based access instead of a required download? 

These are all questions you will need to consider when deciding which of these wallets will be best for you. At the end of the day, the coin support is one of the most important factors (besides security) when deciding which hardware wallet is best for you. 

Ultimately, if it doesn’t support the coins you want to store offline, it won’t work for your particular situation. So keep that in mind as we dive into what I consider to be the most important factors when making such an important decision, such as choosing a cryptocurrency hardware wallet.

 

Ellipal Titan: Overview

 

This is a really unique device and has a very robust form factor that has ratings that rival that of some high-end smartphones. What separates this hardware wallet from the majority of other popular wallets is its communication method. So, what do I mean by that? This device has NO: USB Connection, NFC Connection, WiFi Connection, Bluetooth Connection, or Cellular Connection. So, how do you use it? The short answer is: QR Codes.

 

Ellipal Titan: Security

 

 

This is a 100% air-gapped device, so ultimately it is more secure than any other way to interact with a hardware wallet. Period. The device has a tamper-resistant enclosure that includes a self-destruct mechanism for any potential way to access the internals of the device. 

It is built in such a way that if anyone tries to break the screen or drill a hole through to device in an attempt to open its internal layout, the private keys will be erased. This is extremely powerful and will ultimately deter people from trying to hack this completely wireless device.

Ellipal Titan: User Experience (UX)

 

This hardware wallet has a camera, a 4-inch full color display, and does not display any balances on the device itself. The portfolio management and execution of the device is managed via a companion iOS and Android app that is used to initiate transactions and allows you to utilize the camera from your smartphone to transfer funds securely to the cold wallet, and vice versa.

I have been using this device for several weeks now, and in my personal opinion, it has been super easy to use and also very secure. I like knowing that my device is essentially indestructible and does not require any other 3rd party connection in order for it to function. This not only makes it very convenient, but it also very secure and eliminates room for error when typing or copying pasting wallet addresses that you are trying to transact with.

 

Ellipal Titan: Coin Support

 

 

This is always the section I check the most when reviewing hardware wallets, because although functionality and security are important, none of that matters unless it supports the coins you want to store offline. So here is the current list of supported coins and the one that are currently in development listed in the below picture.

KeepKey: Overview

 

KeepKey has been one of my absolute favorite hardware wallets to use in 2019. I was asked to test and report back issues with the ShapeShift beta that was a complete overhaul and utilized the KeepKey as it’s cornerstone of promoting keeping possession of your private keys under your control while you conduct trades, which has never been done before.

It was an ambitious goal, but they pulled it off in spades, and as a result it resulted in one of the best user experiences while using a hardware wallet I’ve ever encountered. It was quick, safe, and makes it easier than ever to manage your assets, portfolio, and trades all while keeping all your keys on a hardware wallet and never forfeiting custody. This is truly a game-changer and will pave the way for future hardware wallets moving into the next decade.

Let’s find out why below!

 

KeepKey: Security

 

KeepKey has a true random number generator (TRNG) for it’s PIN interface for extra physical security. In addition to offline storage, KeepKey’s PIN code and number randomization makes sure that

1) Your wallet is secure from physical theft.

2) That a hacker couldn’t steal bitcoins from your wallet with malware.

KeepKey is an HD wallet, meaning your entire wallet can be backed up with the 12 words generated on setup. 12 words is the default setting, although KeepKey supports seed lengths of 18 and 24.

The seed is generated using entropy from both the device itself and the computer used for setup. The seed is generated offline on the KeepKey and displayed on the device’s screen. The device’s offline screen makes sure the seed is never displayed on an internet-connected device.

 

KeepKey: User Experience (UX)

 

 

This is a complete overhaul that includes all of their services including: Instant Trades, Real-Time Market Data via CoinCap, In-App Crypto Purchases, and KeepKey Integration. 

That last part is of particular interest to me because I’ve wanted to find a way to execute purchases and trades while having my KeepKey connected, while ensuring that my private keys are protected throughout the entire process.

This is a very important detail, especially if you want to make purchases online with that extra protection and also ensure that my private keys are never compromised in a trade. This truly is the ultimate non-custodial hardware wallet solution. Here’s a few screenshots and user flows based on my experience using this web app.

 

KeepKey: Coin Support

 

Natively, this wallet in the current beta form supports over 40 assets with more on the way! Here is a current list of assets that are supported right now.  Now let’s get into the nitty-gritty. For years, KeepKey only supported: Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, Namecoin, Dogecoin, and Dash. For a hardware wallet that needs to compete in this market place, that needed a serious upgrade.

Luckily, they have been making some AMAZING changes and not only added a ton of ERC-20 Support, but more importantly, they are revamping their entire platform to have one fluid, seamless application that integrates all of their core services (See my previous post for details on this). This is extremely powerful, and a decision that I believe will catapult them ahead of the competition. They are currently in a closed beta, and it is expected that they will be releasing this later in 2019. Stay tuned for news on this.

Some of the notable coins that have been added are:

-Chainlink (LINK)

-DigixDAO (DGD)

-Binance Coin (BNB)

-Dai (DAI)

-Maker (MKR)

-TrueUSD (TUSD)

 

 

Ellipal Titan vs KeepKey: Conclusion

 

Overall, this is a very difficult choice. These 2 wallets have been my favorite user experience of any hardware wallets in the past 2 months. However, I use them for VERY different purposes.

First, I use the KeepKey for when I want to make crypto trades and not have to send my private keys to the exchange. This is the only hardware wallet (currently) that allows you to trade and still maintain full non-custodial control throughout the entire process. As mentioned above, they completely revamped their software to include trading, portfolio management, and more.

With that said, the Ellipal Titan does allow you to trade certain coins using their QR code transfer process, but you still have to transfer your private keys to a 3rd party while the trade executes, which is pretty close, but not the same.

I use the Ellipal Titan for long term “HODLing” and the KeepKey for trading and portfolio management. There is no “wrong” choice, it ultimately depends on your trading habits and your goals. At the end of the day, I would still go with the ELLIPAL TITAN, for the reasons stated above, but the KeepKey is a VERY close second.

 

 

What do you think? Would you choose the BC VAULT over the D’CENT Wallet? Let us know down below in the comments!

 

Cheers,

 

The Crypto Renegade

 

NOTE: This post may contain affiliate links. This adds no cost to you but it helps me focus on giving as much value as possible in every single post by being compensated for recommending products that help people succeed.

Ellipal TITAN Review (2020) | Best Air-Gapped Crypto Hardware Wallet?

Is the new Ellipal Titan crypto hardware wallet all hype? Or is it the real deal? How secure is it? Why is it different than the Ledger Nano X or the Trezor Model T? Well, buckle up, because this wallet is far different than anyone I’ve used in a while and in a very good way. In fact, I would go as far as to say that this is probably my favorite hardware wallet of 2019. But why? What makes is so special? I am going to dive into that below in detail and what makes it so securely different than the original and most popular wallets out there today.

Before I jump into the nitty-gritty details of this wallet, I want to point out that in the week or so that I’ve used this wallet, I have actively moved over a handful of my larger holdings from other hardware wallets over to this one. This is for the obvious security advantages and wireless method in which you manage it, which I will explain below. With this cold wallet, you no longer need a computer to manage your offline holdings, and in a predominantly wireless world, this is becoming more and more important. Details will follow below, you will NOT be disappointed.

Let’s get right into the Ellipal Titan Review!

 

 

 

 

ELLIPAL TITAN: WHATS IN THE BOX?

 

 

The Ellipal Titan device comes with the same items in the box as the Ellipal 2.0, with the only difference being that there is a magnetic adapter that connects to the bottom of the device. This adapter includes the charging port and SD card slot port for updating firmware and signing offline transactions. The Ellipal 2.0 device has these on the device itself, whereas the Titan has no ports or openings on it whatsoever, making it stronger and more secure.

 

Box includes:

  • ELLIPAL Titan Cold Wallet
  • Rechargeable battery
  • Charging cable
  • Mnemonics card
  • Warranty card
  • User manual

 

 

 

HOW DO YOU SET UP THIS AIR-GAPPED DEVICE?

 

 

This is very simple. It pairs with a mobile app that is available for iOS and Android. This helps you initialize and setup the device and generate all QR codes needed to transfer your funds from the hot wallet app, onto the cold storage device. This process is identical to the Ellipal 2.0 process, however, you now have access to longer PIN’s and extra security features. Additionally, since the device has a camera, transferring funds off of the device and back onto a mobile wallet is very secure and convenient as well.

The entire process only took me about 7-10 minutes from start to finish, including writing down your mnemonic phrase.

There is a full step-by-step setup guide for both Ellipal devices HERE.

 

 

 

WHAT COINS ARE SUPPORTED?

 

This is always the section I check the most when reviewing hardware wallets, because although functionality and security are important, none of that matters unless it supports the coins you want to store offline. So here is the current list of supported coins and the one that are currently in development listed in the below picture.

 

 

This is the only wallet that supports over 26 different blockchains. With multiple tokens on the EOS, TRX, BNB, and of course ETH blockchain, there is plenty of room for expansion. Some of the unique coins that are supported on this hardware wallet NATIVELY that you won’t find on any other hardware wallet out there include: Cardano (ADA), Decred (DCR), Cyber Miles (CMT), and Smart Cash (SMART).

There are some oldies, but goodies (coins) that are currently in development that technically will work with 3rd party integration with wallets like Ledger and Trezor. I can’t express enough how important (and convenient) having native coin support on a hardware wallet is, especially a wallet as secure as this one. Some of my favorite coins that are coming soon are: Monero (XMR), Tezos (XTZ), SiaCoin (SC), and Nano (NANO). As I mentioned, some of these have 3rd party wallet integration currently elsewhere, but I’m personally waiting for these to be released here to move them over for easier management.

According to their website, they are also adding new coins every month and have consistent firmware upgrades, which is administered from a magnetic puck that is completely disconnected and attaches to the bottom and also has an SD card slot for signing transactions offline. This attachment is also how the device is charged as well. I have used this device for a little over a week now and I have yet to charge it yet.

 

 

 

DECENTRALIZED EXCHANGE + FEATURES

 

 

I will briefly touch on this as it’s definitely worth mentioning. This feature allows you  to not only have direct coin to coin conversion, but it also allows for staking, for instance on the upcoming Tezos support and other POS coins. This is all done in the app and you can swap them offline once you authenticate. Additionally, you can now earn interest on your USDT, for up to 7% annualized when you cold stake it your wallet. You never give up your private keys, so there is no risk. It’s honestly a win-win situation if you have USDT if you have it sitting on your cold wallet.

It connects to Binance DEX, which is a decentralized exchange and looks very promising. Additionally, you will be able to earn interest and manage your staking rewards offline in future firmware upgrades, which is a HUGE selling point for me.

 

 

 

ELLIPAL TITAN – CONCLUSION

 

 

Overall, after using this wallet for only about a week, it’s been my favorite and most secure wallet I’ve used EVER. Now, I still use the KeepKey for trading and offline portfolio management for day to day transactions, and I still love that device (you can read the in-depth review HERE, if you haven’t already). However, I’ve moved a lot of my private keys over to this wallet due to it’s more secure secure nature and bull-proof form factor. The user experience is done exceptionally well, and supports some really unique coins and blockchains that you won’t find anywhere else.

The closest wallet to this in terms of security and form factor is the Cobo Vault, but this is 3X cheaper and holds a lot more coins. The outer shell is IP65 rated and can withstand drops and even getting wet via a splash or even the rain. It’d constructed in a VERY durable way, and feels extremely solid and well built when you hold it in your hand. It’s very satisfying.

Don’t get my wrong, convenience is also important, but Ellipal really brought a unique form of security to the table here by having a very rugged and durable device that has ZERO online connections. You can transfer your crypto funds between its companion hot wallet and vice versa anytime, but the cold wallet never goes online, which is really nice and gives me peace of mind.

For a limited time, you can also get their mnemonic metal recovery seed (a $49 value)  for only $29 when you bundle it with the Ellipal Titan. That means you can secure your crypto and your recovery seed backup for under $200 all in. This is a STEAL, as this is something I practice myself and believe it is absolutely NECESSARY for any person who takes their crypto seriously.

I also wrote a review recently on the Ellipal Mnemonic Metal recovery seed backup device HERE, if you want to educate yourself on why they are so important. I will leave the special referral link below to get this device, and I for one am VERY excited to use it and see how “durable” it really is.

 

 

What do you guys think? Have you ever used a device more secure than this for your crypto? Let me know below!

 

Cheers,

 

The Crypto Renegade

 

NOTE: This post may contain affiliate links. This adds no cost to you but it helps me focus on giving as much value as possible in every single post by being compensated for recommending products that help people succeed.

Ellipal Titan – Crypto Hardware Wallet (2020 Updated) – FIRST LOOK!

Is the new Ellipal Titan crypto hardware wallet all hype? Or is it the real deal? In this article we are going to take a FIRST LOOK at the mobile hardware wallet. So, the Ellipal Titan appears to be a very unique and interesting cold storage hardware wallet and is the second generation wallet after the Ellipal 2.0 wallet and is unlike any other hardware wallet on the market.

This device is currently available for pre-order and should start shipping it’s first units by mid-August of this year, so make sure to check out the bonuses for pre-ordering with the special referral links I will have below. This is known as the only “True” offline hardware wallet.

Ellipal Titan

It has zero ports, USB connections, Wifi connections, Bluetooth connections,  Cellular connections and NFC connections. This thing is built like fort knox! It has a form factor similar to that of Cobo Vault, but I will have a written review for that device HERE.

So how do you use it if you can’t connect it? QR codes. The device has a camera and a 4-inch full touchscreen and resembles a small android smartphone. It connects with a smartphone app where you can transfer funds between the hot wallet to the air-gapped device almost instantly through scanning the QR code. Very cool.

Before we dive deeper into the details of this device and how it differs from other crypto hardware wallets out there, I want to make sure you get the free download of my e-book “5 Best Ways To Secure Your Cryptocurrency“. This a comprehensive guide to how to best manage and secure any cryptocurrency you currently have, whether you are a beginner or a crypto veteran! Let’s get right down to the Ellipal Titan!

Ellipal Titan: Whats In The Box?

 

The Ellipal Titan device comes with the same items in the box as the Ellipal 2.0, with the only difference being that there is a magnetic adapter that connects to the bottom of the device. This adapter includes the charging port and SD card slot port for updating firmware and signing offline transactions. The Ellipal 2.0 device has these on the device itself, whereas the titan has no ports or openings on it whatsoever, making it stronger and more secure.

Box includes:

  • ELLIPAL Titan Cold Wallet
  • Rechargeable battery
  • Charging cable
  • Mnemonics card
  • Warranty card
  • User manual

 

Ellipal 2.0 Vs. Ellipal Titan

 

So this device is similar in it’s form factor to the Ellipal 2.0 device, with some key differences. Firstly, this device built for Anti-Tampering, Anti-Disassembly, and Anti-Theft protection. What does that all mean? Well, to put it simply, this thing is cannot be pried open with any tools like a screwdriver, hammer, etc…

Ellipal Titan has a self destruct mechanism in place, so that if the screen is tampered with or crushed or broken in an attempt to gain access to it’s internals, it will break a special circuit board that holds all your private keys. This is powerful. Additionally, it’s very sturdy, so not only is it IP65 rated for dust and water resistance, but its made out of a very strong single piece of metal that houses and encompasses the entire device.

The Ellipal Titan is specifically designed against evil maid of supply chain attacks so nothing can be imported or inserted as there are no open access ports on the device.

The Ellipal 2.0 is still a very strong and secure device, but it does have a durable exterior that is built for abuse, and it also has an SD card slot for updating it’s firmware on the device and also has a charging cable port, so there are 2 entry points. Again, still very secure, but the Ellipal Titan is really a massive upgrade.

 

 

How Do You Set Up An Air-Gapped Device?

 

This is very simple. It pairs with a mobile app that is available for iOS and Android. This helps you initialize and setup the device and generate all QR codes needed to transfer your funds from the hot wallet app, onto the cold storage device. This process is identical to the Ellipal 2.0 process, however, you now have access to longer PIN’s and extra security features.

There is a full step-by-step setup guide for both Ellipal devices HERE

What Coins Are Supported?

 

This is always the section I check the most when reviewing hardware wallets, because although functionality and security are important, none of that matters unless it supports the coins you want to store offline. So here is the current list of supported coins and the one that are currently in development.

Currently, all coins will be supported fully by both devices. They are also developing new coin support as well with frequent firmware updates. This includes: Tezos (XTZ), Zcash (ZEC), NANO (NANO), STEEM( STEEM), and NEO (NEO) just to name a few.

 

 

Decentralized Exchange Support

 

I will briefly touch on this as it’s definitely worth mentioning. This feature allows you  to not only have direct coin to coin conversion, but it also allows for staking, for instance on the upcoming Tezos support and other POS coins.

It connects to Binance DEX, which is a decentralized exchange and looks very promising. Additionally, you will be able to earn interest and manage your staking rewards offline in future firmware upgrades, which is a HUGE selling point for me.

 

Conclusion

 

Overall, I’m very excited to get this device in my hands and write an in depth review on it. I already pre-ordered the device for $149 and I expect to receive it 3-5 weeks when it’s released. This appears to be a truly unique and air-gapped hardware wallet experience and security is really what it comes down to.

Don’t get my wrong, convenience is also important, but Ellipal really brought a unique form of security to the table here by having a very rugged and durable device that has ZERO online connections. You can transfer your crypto funds between its companion hot wallet and vice versa anytime, but the cold wallet never goes online, which is really cool.

For a limited time, you can also get a FREE mnemonic metal recovery seed (a $49 value) when you pre-order the device. This is a STEAL, as this is something I practice myself and believe it is absolutely NECESSARY for any person who takes their crypto seriously.

I also wrote a review recently on a few metal recovery seed wallets and my favorite one HERE, if you want to educate yourself on why they are so important. I will leave the special referral link below to get this device, and I for one am VERY excited to use it and see how “durable” it really is.

 

 

What do you guys think? Have you ever used a device more secure than this for your crypto? Let me know below!

 

Cheers,

 

The Crypto Renegade

 

NOTE: This post may contain affiliate links. This adds no cost to you but it helps me focus on giving as much value as possible in every single post by being compensated for recommending products that help people succeed.

 

 

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