The new Seed Metal Backup System is built on the well-known and trusted Cryptosteel Capsule architecture, with modifications introduced to improve user comfort. Over the years, we carefully collected feedback and questions from Cryptosteel users and self-custody practitioners. The result is a refined system that maintains the core strengths of the original while enhancing usability.
The Seed Metal Backup System is simple and intuitive to use. Premium materials and high-precision manufacturing ensure extremely long-term durability and resistance to all forms of physical destruction. At the same time, the system remains flexible across different use cases – including seed phrases, passwords, passphrases, private keys, geographic coordinates, and any information recorded using ASCII characters.
User privacy remains central to the design. The capsule format is discreet and easy to hide. Characters are arranged internally in a stacked configuration, and tamper-evident seals provide visible proof of unauthorized access. The system can also be erased and reused if needed.
You can find more about the Seed System in this article: Discover The Next Generation of Cryptosteel Capsules: Seed Metal Backup System
Within the system, we introduced the Seed12 line, designed with software wallet users and Web3 applications in mind. A significant number of hardware wallets also generate 12-word recovery phrases, making the Seed12 capsule an appropriate and practical solution for both software and hardware wallet users.
The Seed24 line continues the legacy of the original Cryptosteel Capsule – maintaining the same size and storage capacity. It is designed for storing 24-word seed phrases (first 4 characters of each word) as well as passwords and other character-based information up to 128 characters in length.
Security Kit – Simplified, Economical, Practical
For users who want to store a 12- or 24-word seed phrase, we created a simplified and economical solution: the Security Kit.
Each kit includes a complete functional system:
- Capsule with core
- Cotter pins and separators
- Tamper-evident security seals
- A partially randomized mix of Latin letters (Aa–Zz)
All components are packaged in a compact cardboard box that is discreet and convenient for transport. Once the backup is assembled, the packaging can be easily destroyed without leaving a trace.
If needed – for example, when changing your setup – the Security Kit can be expanded by purchasing additional system modules such as numbers, symbols, or extra letters.
This approach allows users to avoid buying unnecessary components that would otherwise remain unused or be discarded.
Capsule Color Variants
Seed24 Security Kit and Seed12 Security Kit are available in five capsule color versions. Each stainless steel capsule is coated with hardened PVD chemical finishes in elegant metallic colors. In multi-share setups, color variation additionally simplifies organization and identification.
FAQ
What is the difference between Seed24 Security Kit and Seed24 Max Solo?
The Seed24 Security Kit includes letters only (Latin Aa–Zz), optimized specifically for storing 12- or 24-word BIP39 seed phrases. It comes in a compact cardboard box, and the letters are supplied mixed in a pouch.
The Seed24 Max Solo includes the full ASCII character set (letters, numbers, and symbols), allowing storage of seed phrases as well as passwords, passphrases, private keys, or other complex character strings. It is packaged in a larger box, and the character tiles are pre-sorted in a transparent tray made from recycled PET for easier organization.
In short: Security Kit is streamlined and optimized; Max Solo offers full character flexibility.
What is the difference between the Cryptosteel Capsule and the Seed System?
The original Cryptosteel Capsule introduced the stacked metal tile architecture for offline seed phrase storage.
The Seed System builds on that proven foundation, refining ergonomics and modularity while maintaining the same core principles of durability, offline security, and long-term resilience.
Can I use older Cryptosteel letter sets? Is the system backward compatible?
Yes. The Seed System maintains compatibility with previous Cryptosteel tile formats. Older letter sets can be used within the current architecture.
What is the difference between Seed12 and Seed24?
Seed12 is designed for 12-word BIP39 seed phrases and compact storage needs. (up to 64 characters)
Seed24 supports 24-word seed phrases and can store longer character strings (up to 128 characters). The words of the recovery phrase should be abbreviated to the first four letters.
The choice depends on your wallet configuration and backup requirements.
Are Seed System components compatible with each other?
Yes. The Seed System is modular. Capsules, cores, separators, cotter pins, and character tiles are designed to work together across the system.
Why do I need tamper-evident seals?
Tamper-evident seals provide visible proof of unauthorized access attempts.
If someone opens the capsule, the seal breaks. This adds a verification layer to your physical backup security, especially in distributed or shared custody setups. Every seal has its own unique serial number.
What does PVD coating mean?
PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) is a hardened chemical coating process applied to stainless steel.
It enhances surface durability and scratch resistance while creating elegant metallic color finishes. The coating does not affect structural strength but improves surface protection and appearance.
Why do we store only the first four letters of each BIP39 seed word?
The BIP39 word list is designed so that the first four letters of every word are unique. This means each word in the standard 2048-word list can be reliably identified using only its first four characters.
By storing just the first four letters of each word, you reduce space requirements while maintaining full accuracy and compatibility with BIP39 wallets.
