Bitcoin Forum

0) General information
1) Unpacking
2) The KeepKey
3) Install
4) Using the KeepKey Wallet
5) Conclusion
6) How to purchase

0) General Information + Hardware Needed to buy
As said by the Manufacturer: KeepKey is a USB device that stores and secures your bitcoins. When you entrust KeepKey with your money, each and every bitcoin transaction you make must be reviewed and approved via it's OLED display and confirmation button. It now becomes nearly impossible for virtual attackers like malware or viruses to steal your valuable bitcoins.

Specs:
Materials- Anodized Aluminum Case, Polycarbonate Front
Technical- USB HID, micro USB connector, ARM® Cortex™-M3, TRNG (Hardware Random Number Generator), 256×64 3.12″ OLED
Dimensions- Height: 38.0 mm, Width: 93.5 mm, Depth: 12.2 mm
What’s in the Box- KeepKey, Woven Nylon USB Cable, Recovery Sentence Backup Card, Genuine Leather Backup Card Sleeve, Quick Start Guide

In my opinion I would say it takes some of the features many of you are use to with Trezors, and made a better hardware platform.  It is a much larger screen, which is very nice on viewing compared to a small screen.  Also the feel of device it feels more substantial then most with aluminum backing.

Video to show general info:


1) Unpacking
Your KeepKey the most important thing is it's easy to make sure it has not been tampered with.  It really has two layers to do this.  First there is a plastic wrap all the way around it.  It's easy to see it has not been opened.  The second layer is more secure it's 2 separate special stickers so if it's been cut to be opened you will know it.




2) The KeepKey
Below are images to showcase the KeepKey Wallet.





3) Install
Install is very simple it uses chrome to do the install within.   There are three main parts:

1) In Chrome, install the KeepKey Wallet extension from the Google Web Store. This extension is a lightweight bitcoin wallet that let’s you send and receive bitcoins using your KeepKey. After installation, an icon is added to Chrome’s toolbar- Link (https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/keepkey-wallet/hmldnhmidmcofnbojkgfnibmhmjopbpc)
2) Next, install KeepKey Proxy Chrome app. This app provides device communication for Chrome so that you can use KeepKey in-browser. You will need this app in order to use the KeepKey Wallet Extension. - Link (https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/keepkey-proxy/idgiipeogajjpkgheijapngmlbohdhjg)
3) Initialize KeepKey it is very easy and a step by step video is below:


As you can see install is a pretty easy task with the three steps above.  The one thing I want to stress is on part 3 make sure to keep your words stored safely.  They are used for recovery if needed, the keepkey comes with a nice little slip to keep them in safely offline.  The good news is you only do this once after it's all set and ready to be used!  

4) Using the KeepKey Wallet
You now have a very secure hardware wallet, that you can send and store bitcoins safely with. (And a few other coins aswell).  It is very simple to use after set up. To show this here is a video showing sending bitcoin:


5) Conclusion
So far the usage of the KeepKey has been very good.  It's easy to install and secure, which is important for storing bitcoin.   This wallet also feel's substantial when you use the KeepKey it does not feel cheap or flimsy.   It has a high quality build.    And what might stand out the most is the screen.  It has a very nice screen with the 256×64 3.12″ OLED.  You can tell the size of it the first time you use it.  If you are in the market for a hardware wallet this is for sure one to check out.


5) How to purchase
You have two main options and that is to order direct or to order from amazon.
1) Direct - https://www.keepkey.com/checkout-keepkey/
2) Amazon - https://www.keepkey.com/checkout-keepkey/

1) One thing that above did not come out above that some wanted mentioned is that Trezor code is what it's based off of from the Trezor.  So some R/D costs, research, etc Trezor foot the bill on and KeepKey benefited on it.  KeepKey does have some differences but it was based off Trezor.
2) Is this "Is this sponsored content?" no I have no deal where I make money off sales.  Links are direct to keepkey and amazon.  I provide info but get 0 dollars if one or tons are sold.

Is this sponsored content (http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/09/arts/television/south-park-sketches-grander-satire-themes.html?_r=0)? What did I just read?


Do you have one?

great review! great hardware wallet but very expensive. I prefer ledger wallet.

problem
chrome extension
hacker makes a extension that looks the same but says "error on device, please type in backup seed to restore device"

... and then your coins are gone..

trezor/keepkey still havnt solved this very easy exploit

That is my opinion.  Yes I do have a KeepKey I still am early as far as testing.  I like the bigger screen specifically and the feel of the body.  You really need to pick one up to feel that it really does feel substantial with the aluminum case.

It is not for all I realize it's a premium price point on a hardware wallet.  But this is my opinions.  I realize some will like trezor for price point.  With hardware wallets I realize one does not fit all.  There are a few different ones as there are different needs and prices points some want to hit.

Good infos!

It also works with MultiBit HD with just downloading it.  I have tested it and was able to successfully use the KeepKey.  So you can do things that are not using the chrome extension.

Seems like MultiBit HD using it would fix that for Trezor and KeepKey but I could be wrong.

There are patches it looks like to get it to work with electrum. But I have not dove deep in it yet.

Major drawback is KeepKey cannot be used with Mycelium on Android like Trezor. Yes, it looks pretty but for $40 less I can buy two Trezors and have a spare.

This is a open forum feel free to compare/contrast hardware wallets.  And what features each one has. Even the prices of hardware wallets. These are very valid opinions and good information in general.

If post just is something like "Hardware wallets suck" it chances are will be removed.  But I have no problem with comparisons with other wallets its pretty much meant to be a open forum about hardware wallets.  But if your against hardware wallets in general this is not the place as it just is clutter.

And if you have used other hardware wallets specifically your input is appreciated.

Two things not mentioned in the review:

- it has PIN protection so just getting one's hands on one of these isn't enough to steal the BTC stored on one. (This was in one of the videos, but who watches those, right?)
- The price is, according to keepkey.com, 239 USD.

It looks very nice and I'm sure it very simple to set up once you get your hands on it... But what I rely don't understand is why it's priced so high? Better yet, why do they feel the need to secure the packaging so well, if you know you are going to inevitably take it out of the box sooner or later to use it? ???

Yes it has pin protection. Also it does show the numbers as random spots so even if someone logged what boxes you clicked it would do them no good as far as location. 

The price is not cheap that is a vaild argument.  I would say it's a premium hardware wallet with my time with it so far.  With the large screen, and aluminum case it is not designed to be the cheapest option.

I am not part of company so I cant say what determined price.  Look at post above to see why I call it a premium hardware wallet.   

The packaging is so you know it came straight from factory to you without tampering.  To get in it you need to open the plastic wrapper, which I agree is not super secure.  But the 2 security stickers are pretty good as you have to cut both to open box.  So it shows it was opened.  So they did make it a priority to show customer it was not opened by anyone before receiving it.

That's true, I never really thought of it like that. Maybe as more people list out the pros and cons of keep key and other hardware wallets, you can put up a table in your reserved spot that lists out each hard ware wallet, their price, and features that come along with it. Great over view of this though, I might have to start thinking about getting one in the future if I feel there is a need.

That is the fear is somehow someone tampered with it before you got it.  As that could possibly defeat all security defenses depending on what they do.  The KeepKey does try to warn you if it has a custom firmware on it:

"You can make modifications to our firmware or create your own, then run it on the KeepKey. As a security precaution, firmware uploaded to the KeepKey that we do not distribute will show a warning message during boot to explain that it running unofficial firmware."

Still with a hardware wallet there is a little piece of mind knowing it came from factory and had seals in tact.

 I have one and am very happy with it, using it with MultibitHD.  Had no luck setting it up with Electrum on Windows 10.  The instructions to install Electrum you pretty much have to have experience with another operating system and I guess the step-by-step instructions I found were not step-by-step since it didn't work for me. :)

Setup with MultibitHD was straightforward.  The wallet detected it immediately and asked if I wanted to setup the hardware wallet.

Customer service at KeepKey seems to be very responsive as well.

Others pictures from the video.


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/a/img907/1507/h8A1jg.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/a/img905/3048/zEpwUI.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/a/img633/8314/rLANhW.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/a/img633/2553/ggDjDc.jpg

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=1274038.0

Am I the only one who thinks the hardware wallets are extremely overpriced for what they offer? Sure they offer the easiest secure solutions for the moment, but paying around 200 USD for a device that probably costs 10 usd to manufacture is just insane..

Once the wallets become closer to 50 usd, I can see a great market for them.

Well, you do not have to go the luxury route and buy the KeepKey. The Trezor offers more functionality and costs $99. If you are really on a budget you can get a Ledger HW.1 for $20 UPS shipping included.

I'm a little lost about these... is everything stored on the KeepKey? Like if you took that from one PC to another, doing fresh MultibitHD installs on each one, would it be the same as doing it all on one PC? And does this make it safe to also transact from PCs you might not otherwise trust?

The main thing is the private key does not get stored on PC.  With the private key you basically have control of the BTC.  That is the magic is keeping key on hardware wallet.

It is truly it is a luxury wallet.  It has a nicer screen, and case then others.  You can get cheaper ones but they wont come with this.  But everyone's needs are not the same so I realize pick of wallet is kinda a personal decision.

It is my first hardware wallet I have to say I'm starting to really like it.  I was not sure when getting it what I would think.  But it's kinda a nice change.  Still early but there are some very nice features with hardware wallet.

I love the look of it, :). It's really modern and that's awesome.

But the KeepKey also does the signing on the device itself, right? So even if you're on a system that's compromised, it wouldn't hurt it since the system wouldn't be able to access the private key?

Correct even it signs the transaction on the device.  And it stores the key on it aswel.  So even if there is a keylogger or virus this should not be able to be compromised.  Even if they were watching your screen during entering of key they would not know what number you hit since it changes on keepkey screen.   

I wondered what happened if you enter it wrong on PIN, curious if bruteforcing is possible.  And luckily it is not after a few wrong tries it adds a delay, and this delay keeps getting doubled each time.   So another thing that seems to add to me feeling safe.

This is awesome. I'm really looking into getting one now. My PC was apparently compromised months ago and I had generated addresses/encrypted immediately after/sent coins to them. Found out a couple weeks ago that somehow two of the wallets were compromised and I had lost ~8 BTC. Expensive mistake but it's made be MUCH more wary about security of coins.

That is the great thing I'm learning about hardware wallets.  It seems they take out the hassle of holding safely.  I have always been a strong paper wallet person.  And they are still great if done right, and that is the key thing if done right.

The only way to lose your btc it seems is if you store the recovery words insecure.   It gives you recovery words so if lost/stolen you can get a new one and easily restore.   It comes with a card in a very nice woven holder (again on luxury the holder is not a cheap feeling thing) but you store it in that.  I would suggest that goes to safety deposit box or something close to that.

So with that being only weakness that is pretty amazing as far as spending.  I'm really turning into a pro-hardware wallet person.

Yeah, my plan was to take the seed to a safe deposit box, :).

The videos they have are pretty good actually.  They have 4 total for it.  Normally I would not link to videos of the company but I liked them so I used them.  They even suggested the safe deposit box.  It seems like they understand their product pretty well.

I suggest for everyone to look into hardware wallets after a few day's of trying it.

Been using it for a few day's.  Works very well it actually is pretty quick considering the amount of security it gives you.

Even if you are not in the market for a KeepKey I highly suggest looking into hardware wallets. 

Great review buddy.  It really is a neat peice of hardware.  Only thing that sucks is obviously the price but it's definately something that I wouldn't mind owning!

Updated the notes after review - https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=1283805.msg13208591#msg13208591

Some noticed it did not have that it was based off Trezor in review.  They did make some changes but there was a big benefit there.

I would love to have one but it doesn't ship to my country and it seems to be on the expensive side.

Look up trezor, maybe their unit suits you better. It's 1/3 of the price with the same functionality. Comparing the two devices is like comparing any android phone and apple phones. With one you pay premium for the image that the company has built. I bough myself a trezor over the weekend, I like the idea of hardware wallets, that never touch internet. Will see how that works out.

Went to the website still doesn't ship to my country and I don't feel like using extra fees to reship and I don't want to spend my bitcoins I want to spend fiat.

Maybe you could buy from amazon? You'd maybe have to pay a little bit extra, but you'd get to pay in fiat. Also there are ledger wallets, but they offer a bit less functionality than trezor and keepkey hardware wallets. Where do you live if I may ask?

The design and the functionality of the KeepKey Hardware wallet looks beautiful and the interface looks pretty flawless. I'm a little up in the air about justifying it's price tag. I would honestly love to purchase one soon but I kind of wish it was a little cheaper.

the only downside, is the price, i don't think it worth more than double the price of trezor just because of a small features added, which are not vital but can only be a preference

i dismissed it for this reason, even i admit it look more techy than the trezor

It is a very aesthetically pleasing device although I don't really think the appearance can justify the premium price tag.

Bitcoin Hardware Wallet Overview

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=899253.0

I'm really enjoying it.  It was my first entry into the hardware wallet area.  I was a strong paper wallet supporter.

But I have to admit using one has made me like hardware wallets a lot.  I think it's really a think you need to try to appreciate.  I knew the advantages on specs... but trying it really is a whole different thing.

KeepKey is a nonstarter for me since it does not work with a phone. The $20 Ledger will keep your bitcoin just as secure and works with Mycelium on Android. I prefer the Trezor for the convenience of the screen, but that is personal preference.

Nice review! Thanks for doing this! I still do prefer my Trezor though!

Nevertheless more options we have it's better and competition from all of the sides is what will push us into the progress that will propel the Bitcoin technology upwards!

Thank you! And honestly I appreciate all feedback about all hardware wallets.  Telling me your wallet/favorite features of your hardware wallet you have really is great info!

So thanks again to all who have shared.

As a heads-up, I have one of these coming in this week! I'm looking forward to giving it a try, :). Compared to the others it's beyond beautiful -- hoping it looks just as beautiful in real life.

I have reallly enjoyed using a hardware wallet.  I plan on trying more.   I think you will really like it.

The security they provide is just pretty amazing.  I really was very big paper supporter but I'm starting to turn to hardware the more and more I use one.

What drew me into it was the look. It's modern. And unlike paper, which is easy to lose/get destroyed, it's an actual device. It just overall gives me that bigger sense of security. Not to mention paper won't help you if you input your private key on a compromised system later.

I think we will see more go from paper to hardware.    I really do after testing it.

Just so much nicer then keeping paper at safety deposit box.  Now just my recovery seed needs to stay there and I can have this in a decent safe.  Fell a lot safer with it at home then I did with paper.

hardware wallets have their advantages. id say security wise its on par with paper wallet, because its only secure while its not connected to the internet.

so in a rough visual
using third party websites (exchanges/wallets/banks) is <50% safe
using full node is 80% safe
paperwallet/hardware wallets are 90% safe

but still dont advertise them as the hack-proof, fool-proof, indestructible way to use bitcoins.

when a hardware wallet eventually comes with software that is locked inside the device with an autorun ability on plug in, thus not requiring any downloads or computer resource (no extensions) then the safety can be increased to more than 90%.
but until then be careful with any alert to update/replace browser extensions. especially if the resulting update suddenly asks for the seed

This seems like a very good device. The way you described it and the video almost persuaded to buy it. That is when I encountered a problem, the price. Almost $250 is a very steep price to be paying.

I could juts buy a Trezor for around $100. Much cheaper and they both do the job.

You can also use a regular wallet and not browser extension though.  I'm using MultiBit HD.  I think that get's rid of the risk of browser things you mention, but I could be wrong.  Please let me know if I am.  I think keeping key and signing on device with a wallet like MultiBit HD is hard to beat on security.

But you are right the makers do say "It now becomes nearly impossible for virtual attackers like malware or viruses to steal your valuable bitcoins." So they say nearly incase something does come out that can defeat it... it should not happen but your right there is no 100 percent.  But still much better then a lot of options out there.

I'm just going off what they are advertised as i think this "KeepKey works with the bitcoin wallet software on your computer by taking over the management of private key generation, private key storage, and transaction signing." is pretty strong security.  And remember it's actually based on Trezor so they did a lot of R/D and testing for security.

Compare the looks of Trezor to the KeepKey. KeepKey also makes it very, very easy to see the full address and other details. It's just really slick. In the end, your argument is like saying "why would I buy a Ferrari when I could get a Miata, and they both get me to work?"

And Trezor has been mentioned a lot.  It was based on their code so you will see a lot of similarities.  That is why you see so many similarities.  Keepkey benefited from Trezor doing R/D and testing.  Then keep key customized that code for their wallet.

I wish I could take credit for the video's but they are KeepKey's, I just linked to them as I really thought they did a good job.  And I'm just putting this out there as a review so there is info out there.  I make 0 dollars if you buy one or don't.  I have no deals where if my guide sells one I get X amount.  That is why on all of my guides you will see it linked to proper seller, no short-link tricks, or referral tricks.

Also added to second post about me not making money if they sell ton's or none.  I think that is something important that was not mentioned.

So far I have used it with chrome extension and MultiBit HD.  Both of which seem to work great with it.

So still testing but it has all gone well so far.   Which is a good thing.

Just ignore him, obvious he has never owned a Trezor but likes to trash talk.

I appreciate sharing the info.  I had not done a restore yet, but that is good to know it's secure as-well.

It's information like that why I appreciate all the input this thread has gotten.

I got my KeepKey in, btw! It's interesting, to say the least. Took a while to figure out how to use it with MultiBit HD (you HAVE to close Chrome to do so, which is annoying). Still messing with it but it's a great little device.

I can confirm I also got that.  I opened Chrome and it seems to use the KeepKey on it's extension by default.  I closed it and was able to bring up MultiBit HD like normal.

Still working that is first issue I have experienced first hand thanks for sharing.  This is why I like having these threads where multiple people can submit results.

NP! And I understand why Chrome does take default, just think it should be an option (like you can make it swap to Multibit HD if you wish). Took forever to figure out why MHD wouldn't work (I re-loaded it probably 20x before I finally tried closing Chrome).

Still am using the wallet.  Other then the chrome being open have not seen any other issues.   

It seems to work great with it's chrome extension wallet, or I have tried it with Multibit HD myself more.   But still working and testing out.  I have started to test a few other wallets aswell.

I like using it with Multibit HD. I also did a test to see how well it worked:

1) Initiate with Chrome
2) Load in Multibit HD to see if it shows the same address
3) Take to *nix and load in Multibit HD to see if it shows the same address

Looks perfect across all three!

@notlist3d have you been able to use a passphrase with your KeepKey? The site claims you can add passphrase protection to the seed but I see no way to do it. I just got my KeepKey the other day and am writing up a comparison article to Trezor. KeepKey also claims on reddit that it is now compatible with GreenBits on Android, still trying to get that working also. I have a support ticket open on that one. No passphrase protection is a huge negative for KeepKey.

I still have my KeepKey and love the size and feel of it.   It is a great wallet it feels substantial an my favorite feature is that screen.  This was built on Trezor code so you will see a lot of crossover due to that.

I have not tried passphrase protection, your on right direction on asking KeepKey on that.   They should guide you through it better then me if it is a option.

There are no passphrase protected accounts on KeepKey unless you use it with Electrum confirmed. Using it with the Chrome App you can only use PIN protection.

Thanks for posting your results. I tend to use MultiBit HD a decent amount when using it.  Have you confirmed Greenbits on android?

GreenBits on Android is not working with KeepKey. KeepKey developer told me that GreenAddress is working on the problem as soon as I am able to confirm I can use my KeepKey with my phone I will update.

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