MicroSeed Pro Gen 2 Review: The Ultimate Metal Seed Phrase Backup
So, you've taken self-custody and have your Bitcoin stored on a hardware wallet. Now, how do you make sure you back up that seed phrase properly and securely? Storing it in metal is the industry standard to protect against fire, water, and physical degradation. Today, we are reviewing the MicroSeed Pro Gen 2, an affordable and highly efficient stamping kit.
What is the MicroSeed Pro Gen 2?
The MicroSeed Pro Gen 2 is a compact stamping jig that uses a specialized washer and a small set of metal stamps to record your entire 12 or 24-word seed phrase in metal. This is a major upgrade to the Gen 1 version of the MicroSeed, which was much more expensive at $295 USD. The Gen 2 kit comes in at a much more accessible $169 USD and boasts some fantastic improvements over its predecessor.
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Get the MicroSeed Pro Gen 2 →What's in the Kit?
The kit includes everything you need to start securing your Bitcoin immediately:
- The stamping jig itself (made of strong, durable plastic).
- A set of regular washers, one titanium washer, and a nylon washer.
- A compact hammer perfectly sized for the stamps.
- An organized set of letter and number stamps that are easy to pull in and out.
Improvements Over Gen 1
One of the biggest improvements in the Gen 2 is the size of the washer. It is noticeably larger than the older version, and the inside spacing has been optimized. On the previous generation, there was occasional overlap when moving the dial just one space to stamp the next letter. The new version completely resolves this issue.
You can easily fit a full 12-word seed phrase on each side of the washer without any overlapping and without stressing about running out of room. While I was initially concerned about the shift from a machined aluminum jig in Gen 1 to a plastic jig in Gen 2, it is a very durable, strong plastic that easily withstands the hammering process.
How to Stamp Your Seed Phrase
The stamping process is incredibly straightforward:
- Secure your chosen washer into the jig using the provided Phillips head screw and lock washer.
- Grab your first letter stamp and place it into the designated slot on the jig.
- Give it a solid tap with the included hammer. You don't need to bash it violently; a firm strike will leave a clear indent.
- Remove the stamp, rotate the jig dial one space for the next letter, and repeat. If you need a space between words, simply move the dial two spaces.
Pro Tip: When you take the top off the jig to inspect a word, you must place it back down in the exact same spot. Be mindful when replacing it so you don't accidentally resume stamping too close to or too far from your previous word.
Final Thoughts
The MicroSeed Pro Gen 2 makes clean, deep indents, and the spacing is fantastic. At a much more accessible price point than its predecessor, it is an excellent tool for anyone looking to upgrade their seed phrase backup from paper to metal.
Is Your Setup Secure?
Securing your seed phrase in metal is just one part of a comprehensive self-custody strategy. If you want a full security audit of your setup or need help identifying potential threat models, let's talk.
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Watch the video to see exactly how the jig works and see the stamping process in action.