Lexar JumpDrive M20c USB Type-C Flash Drive Review

With the Type-C connection looking to be the I/O port of the future, many vendors have been busy putting together storage solutions utilizing this new form factor. One of these vendors is Lexar, and the product is the M20c USB flash drive.

The M20c is part of the JumpDrive M20 lineup in which we have seen both previous solutions come through. This solution is available in capacities ranging from 16 to 64GB, and while we know this is a Type-C solution, it also has on the opposite end a standard Type-A USB 3.0 connection. Marketing performance is said to reach upwards of 150 MB/s read and 60 MB/s write for the 32GB solution we have in the lab while compatibility extends to both PC and Mac.

MSRP of the Lexar JumpDrive M20c in the 32GB capacity is listed at $21.99 with a three-year warranty.

Packaging for the M20c hides the drive behind a clear plastic. To the right, we have the capacity at the top while the left carries marketing information.

The backside of the packaging lists out product features in several languages.

Above, we have our first look at the M20c. This drive is a dual-port sliding flash drive, with each end having its own form factor. The side of the drive houses Lexar branding and its capacity.

Above, we have the standard USB 3.0 Type-A connection.

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Moving the slider to the left, we expose the Type-C connector.

Starting off our testing, we begin with sequential performance where the M20c topped out at 149 MB/s read and 38.7 MB/s write.

Dialing up Anvils Storage Utilities, the M20c landed with an overall score of 444.62 with read and write scores at 396 and 47, respectively.

Price/performance for the M20c landed this solution near the middle of the pack at 77.9%.

Lexar has always been one vendor that keeps a solid lineup of flash products. With the emergence of Type-C as a new standard in moving our data, their M20 lineup gained a new partner. In testing this solution, we did have a few issue with our first sample not working, but Lexar has assured me that there were some issues in production, and that has now been cleaned up. That said, this second unit sent over for review worked flawlessly. The only downside I found with this drive was the slider tends to stick depending on the angle you attempt to push from.

The performance of this solution reached 149 MB/s read, which is decent in today's market, though write performance at 38 MB/s could hold it back and have you waiting to transfer large files. Price/performance stacked this drive up at 77.9%, which is towards the lower middle of the pack. This, of course, could be changed if there were a price drop on this particular solution.

Overall, in my time with the M20c, I am happy with the drive's performance, though, the sliding mechanism still continues to frustrate me.