Kingston DataTraveler Max 256GB USB 3.2 Gen 2 Flash Drive – Merlot | DTMAXA/256GB

Description

The Kingston DataTraveler Max 256GB USB 3.2 Gen 2 Flash Drive – Merlot (DTMAXA/256GB) is a high-performance portable flash drive designed for extremely fast file transfers, large multimedia files, professional projects, and everyday portable storage.

Featuring 256GB of storage capacity, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface, and sequential speeds of up to 1,000 MB/s read and 900 MB/s write, the DataTraveler Max provides performance approaching that of portable SSDs while maintaining the convenience of a compact USB flash drive.

Important: Kingston identifies the Merlot and Black version as the USB Type-A model, DTMAXA/256GB. The original DTMAX/256GB USB-C model is all black.

Key Features

256GB High-Speed Portable Storage

• 256GB storage capacity
• High-performance flash storage
• USB 3.2 Gen 2 technology
• Up to 1,000 MB/s read
• Up to 900 MB/s write
• USB Type-A connector
• Merlot and Black design
• Compact portable construction

The 256GB capacity provides substantial space for documents, photos, high-resolution videos, software, multimedia, project files, and other digital content.

Up to 1,000 MB/s Read & 900 MB/s Write

The DataTraveler Max series is designed to provide substantially higher performance than conventional USB flash drives.

Performance

• Sequential Read: Up to 1,000 MB/s
• Sequential Write: Up to 900 MB/s
• Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2
• Interface Bandwidth: Up to 10Gbps
• Connector: USB Type-A

These speeds make the drive particularly useful for transferring large files, high-resolution media, project archives, and other data-intensive content.

Actual performance varies depending on host hardware, software, workload, and USB connection. Kingston recommends a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps port for optimal performance.

USB 3.2 Gen 2 Interface

The Kingston DataTraveler Max uses a high-speed USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface.

Benefits include:

• Up to 10Gbps interface bandwidth
• High-speed file transfers
• Fast access to large files
• Quick copying of multimedia
• Suitable for demanding workloads
• Plug-and-use portable storage

The high-performance interface allows the DataTraveler Max to provide transfer speeds substantially beyond those of typical everyday flash drives.

USB Type-A Connectivity

The DTMAXA/256GB features a traditional USB Type-A connector, providing convenient compatibility with many desktops, laptops, workstations, and other supported devices.

USB Type-A is particularly useful for:

• Desktop PCs
• Gaming PCs
• Laptops
• Workstations
• Office computers
• Other compatible USB Type-A devices

Kingston offers both Type-C and Type-A versions of the DataTraveler Max series. The DTMAXA designation identifies the Type-A version.

Merlot & Black Design

The Type-A DataTraveler Max features a distinctive Merlot and Black color scheme.

Kingston specifically introduced this design to make the Type-A model visually distinguishable from the original all-black USB-C version.

The design combines:

• Merlot-colored accents
• Black enclosure
• Sliding connector mechanism
• LED status indicator
• Functional keyring loop

Sliding Connector Design

The DataTraveler Max features a convenient one-handed sliding cap design.

This allows the USB connector to retract into the enclosure when the drive is not being used.

Benefits include:

• Helps protect the USB connector
• No separate removable cap
• Easy one-handed operation
• Convenient everyday use
• Compact portable construction

The sliding mechanism provides a practical alternative to traditional removable USB caps.

LED Status Indicator

An integrated LED status indicator provides visual information when the flash drive is active.

The indicator can help show drive activity during:

• File transfers
• File access
• Copying operations
• Backup operations

This provides a useful visual indication that the drive is currently being accessed.

Functional Keyring Loop

The DataTraveler Max includes a built-in keyring loop for convenient portability.

It can be attached to:

• Keyrings
• Backpacks
• Laptop bags
• Work bags
• Storage cases
• Lanyards

This makes it easier to keep the flash drive available while traveling between home, work, school, or other locations.

Specifications

• Brand: Kingston
• Series: DataTraveler Max
• Model / Part Number: DTMAXA/256GB
• Product Type: USB Flash Drive
• Storage Capacity: 256GB
• Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2
• Connector: USB Type-A
• Sequential Read: Up to 1,000 MB/s
• Sequential Write: Up to 900 MB/s
• Dimensions: 91.17 × 22 × 9.02 mm
• Weight: 14g
• Sliding Connector: Yes
• LED Status Indicator: Yes
• Keyring Loop: Yes
• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 60°C
• Storage Temperature: -20°C to 85°C
• Warranty: 5-Year Limited Warranty
• External Power Required: No
• Color: Merlot & Black

These specifications are provided by Kingston for the Type-A DataTraveler Max series.

High-Speed Large File Transfers

The Kingston DataTraveler Max is particularly useful when transferring large files that could take considerably longer on conventional flash drives.

Potential uses include:

• High-resolution photos
• 4K video files
• Large presentations
• Creative projects
• Multimedia libraries
• Software installers
• Large archives
• Work projects
• Backup files

With up to 1,000 MB/s read and 900 MB/s write performance, it can significantly reduce transfer times when connected to a suitable USB 3.2 Gen 2 system.

256GB Storage Capacity

The 256GB capacity provides substantial room for portable data.

It can store:

• Documents
• Photos
• Videos
• Music
• Presentations
• Project files
• Software
• Multimedia
• Personal files
• Work data

Actual available storage capacity is lower than the advertised 256GB because some capacity is used for formatting and other functions.

Content Creation & Multimedia

The DataTraveler Max can be particularly useful for photographers, videographers, designers, and other users who regularly transfer large media files.

Potential uses include:

• RAW photography
• High-resolution photos
• 4K video
• Graphic design projects
• Creative assets
• Multimedia projects
• Project archives
• Large file transfers

Its high read and write speeds provide an advantage when working with large collections of digital content.

PC & Mac Compatibility

Kingston lists the DataTraveler Max series as compatible with supported versions of:

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux
• Chrome OS

Compatibility and available performance depend on the host system and USB interface.

Plug-and-Use Storage

The DataTraveler Max provides straightforward removable storage without requiring internal installation or an external power supply.

Benefits include:

• No internal installation
• No external power adapter
• No separate USB cable
• Easy portability
• Fast connection to compatible computers
• Convenient file transfers

Kingston's DataTraveler drives are designed as plug-and-play USB storage devices on supported modern operating systems.

Compact & Lightweight

Despite its high transfer performance, the Type-A DataTraveler Max remains highly portable.

The drive measures approximately 91.17 × 22 × 9.02 mm and weighs only 14 grams.

This makes it easy to carry in:

• A pocket
• Backpack
• Laptop bag
• Camera bag
• Work bag
• Travel case

Unlike many external SSDs, there is no separate connection cable to carry.

5-Year Limited Warranty

Kingston backs the DataTraveler Max series with a five-year limited warranty and free technical support.

This provides additional manufacturer support for users who rely on the drive for regular portable storage and file transfers.

Best For

• High-Speed Portable Storage
• Large File Transfers
• USB Type-A Computers
• Content Creators
• Photographers & Videographers
• 4K Video Files
• Work & Professional Files
• Documents & Projects
• Multimedia Libraries
• Portable File Storage
• Travel & Mobile Work

Why Choose the Kingston DataTraveler Max 256GB Merlot?

• 256GB storage capacity provides substantial room for documents, photos, videos, projects, and multimedia.
• Up to 1,000 MB/s sequential read speed delivers exceptionally fast performance for a USB flash drive.
• Up to 900 MB/s sequential write speed helps accelerate large file transfers.
• USB 3.2 Gen 2 connectivity provides up to 10Gbps of interface bandwidth on compatible systems.
• USB Type-A connectivity makes it suitable for many desktops, laptops, gaming PCs, and workstations.
• Distinctive Merlot and Black design differentiates this Type-A model from the all-black USB-C DataTraveler Max.
• Sliding connector design protects the USB connector without requiring a removable cap.
• LED status indicator provides visual drive-activity information.
• Functional keyring loop makes the flash drive easy to carry.
• 14g lightweight construction provides excellent portability.
• Five-year limited warranty provides long-term manufacturer support.
• The combination of 256GB capacity, up to 1,000 MB/s read and 900 MB/s write performance, USB 3.2 Gen 2 connectivity, USB Type-A compatibility, and distinctive Merlot design makes the Kingston DataTraveler Max DTMAXA/256GB an excellent high-performance flash drive for large files and everyday portable storage.