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Hands on with Google's new Titan Security Keys - and why they still have their place
Google's updated Titan Security Keys.
ZDNET's key takeaways
- Google's updated Titan security keys are available now with prices starting at $30.
- Updated keys all feature NFC and can store up to 250 passkeys.
- The USB-C key is quite bulky, as is the USB-A to USB-C adapter that comes with the USB-A key.
While passkeys are all the rage right now, a smartphone or other device-based solution isn't for everyone, which means there's still a place for physical security keys.
Google's response is to announce an update to its Titan line of security keys, bringing them up to date by adding some much-needed features.
Also: What are passkeys? Experience the life-changing magic of going passwordless
If you're new to security keys, you should think of them as an additional line of defense for your online life. A hacker might have compromised your password, but without access to your physical security key, their ill-gotten gain is valueless.
View at Store.googleThere are two new Titan keys in the line -- coming in USB-A and USB-C flavors. Both are FIDO2 compatible, which means the devices are compatible with the broadest number of websites and online services, and both have enough built-in storage to store up to 250 unique passkeys.
Google Titan Security Keys tech specs
USB-A/NFC Security Key
- Length: 1.7 inches (43.9mm)
- Width: 0.8 inches (20.8mm)
- Height: 0.1 inches (3.1mm)
- Color: White
- Materials: ABS, Calcium carbonate
- For use with computers that have USB-A or USB-C ports. Will also work with most Android and iOS devices that support USB or NFC.
USB-C/NFC Security Key
- Length: 2.0 inches (50.9mm)
- Width: 0.7 inches (18.5mm)
- Height: 0.3 inches (7.0mm)
- Color: White
- Materials: Polycarbonate + Zinc Alloy
- For use with newer computers that have USB-C ports. Will also work with most Android and iOS devices that support USB or NFC.
Rear of Google Titan Security Keys -- USB-C on the left, USB-A on the right.
Also, the USB-A version comes with a USB-A to USB-C adapter.
Also: The best security keys to protect yourself and your business
That adapter means the key can be used on modern devices, which makes it a future-proof purchase.
The USB-C Google Titan Security Key.
The USB-C Titan key is quite a chunky affair, having a bit of heft and thickness to it, coming in at 0.3 inches (7.0mm) thick.
Built from polycarbonate and a zinc alloy, this key looks like it's capable of surviving a hard life on a keyring full of keys.
The USB-C Google Titan Security Key is the chunkiest and thickest security key I own.
The USB-A Titan key is a more traditional, flat-style security key, made of ABS and coming in at only 0.1 inches (3.1mm) thick.
The USB-A Google Titan Security Key.
This key also comes with a chunky USB-A to USB-C adapter, so it can be used on devices no matter what port they use.
The chunky USB-A to USB-C adapter.
The new Google Titan Security Keys are priced at $30 for the USB-A/NFC version, and $35 for the USB-C/NFC version.