Lexar has officially unveiled the Muse Ultra-Slim Portable SSD, an ultra-compact storage device designed to push physical hardware engineering to its limits. Measuring a mere 3.8 mm at its center and tapering to roughly 1 mm at the edges, the credit-card-sized drive weighs just 26.5 grams. Constructed with an all-metal unibody frame and custom internal circuitry, the drive is tailored for users seeking maximum portability alongside mobile content creation.
Performance and Media Capabilities
Targeted heavily at mobile videographers and creative professionals, the Muse SSD is engineered to handle heavy data workflows.
- Available in 512 GB and 1 TB capacities
- Delivers sequential read speeds up to 1,050 MB/s and write speeds up to 1,000 MB/s utilizing a 10 Gbps interface
- Supports direct external 4K Apple ProRes video recording at up to 120 frames per second on compatible smartphones
- Features an integrated MagSafe-compatible magnetic sleeve for seamless attachment to mobile devices
Engineering Trade-Offs: The Custom SnapLink Cable
Achieving a chassis under 4 mm required structural modifications that remove traditional connectivity hardware. A standard female USB-C port is physically too thick to fit within the enclosure, prompting Lexar to replace it with a proprietary “SnapLink” magnetic pogo-pin connector on the drive. The accompanying cable features standard USB-C on the host end for universal device compatibility, but relies entirely on the custom magnetic pins on the drive end. While this engineering enables its ultra-thin footprint, it creates a dependency on a proprietary cable that cannot be replaced with off-the-shelf USB cables if lost or damaged.
Market Availability and Pricing
Lexar is scheduling the Muse Ultra-Slim Portable SSD for a public release in the fourth quarter of 2026. Official retail pricing has not yet been announced by the manufacturer. Industry analysts expect the drive to launch at a price premium relative to standard portable SSDs, reflecting its specialized manufacturing process, premium materials, and custom magnetic connection architecture.
