Common capacities for metal USB drives range from 4GB to 1TB, with mainstream options concentrated between 32GB and 256GB. Different capacities cater to distinct usage scenarios:
I. Entry-Level Capacity (4GB–16GB)
Common specifications: 4GB, 8GB, 16GB
Suitable scenarios: Storing only small files such as simple documents (Word/Excel), drivers, small images (JPG format), and short audio clips (MP3).
Characteristics: Small capacity, low price (typically ¥20-50), but increasingly replaced by larger capacities. Suitable only for minimal needs (e.g., booting legacy devices, temporarily transferring small files).
II. Mainstream Capacity (32GB-256GB)
Common specifications: 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
Use Cases: Meets most users’ daily needs, including
Daily Office Work: Storing large volumes of documents, PPTs, PDFs, and even small videos (e.g., meeting recordings);
Personal Use: Storing phone photos/videos (approx. 1000 HD photos = 10GB, 1 hour of short video = 5-8GB), car music (hundreds of songs = 5-10GB);
Light Creative Work: Storing design drafts (small PSD files), student assignments, etc.
Features: Offers the best value for money, typically priced between 50-200 RMB. This is the highest-selling capacity range in the market, compatible with the vast majority of computers, smartphones, and in-car devices.

Material Selection
Aluminum Alloy: Lightweight and wear-resistant, suitable for laser engraving, commonly used in business gifts.
Stainless Steel: Highly corrosion-resistant with a substantial feel, but more challenging to process and higher in cost.
Zinc Alloy: Capable of die-casting intricate shapes (e.g., bullet heads, five-pointed stars), ideal for creative designs, though relatively heavy.

Laser Engraving: Permanently etches patterns onto metal surfaces with 20-year color retention, ideal for minimalist logos or text.
Screen Printing / Color Printing: Capable of multi-color designs, though color saturation and durability slightly inferior to laser engraving; suitable for simple color blocks.
Anodizing: Achieves colors beyond the metal’s natural hue (e.g., deep space gray, iridescent purple) through electrolytic coloring. Offers long-lasting color and scratch resistance.
Special Processes: Such as openwork engraving (Chinese-style screen designs) and enamel filling (vintage texture), which require mold development.