Nomad · Waterproof Personal Electronics Cases
Nomad ChargeKey V2 USB-C
Low concern; simple connector design suggests minimal PFAS risk.
Anodized aluminum and stainless steel construction requires no chemical coatings that typically contain PFAS. Brand remains silent on PFAS but material composition indicates lower concern.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Anodized aluminum, stainless steel hardware
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Corrosion of stainless steel hardware
Prolonged exposure to moisture or salt spray can cause corrosion of internal springs and contacts. Risk is low under typical indoor use but increases in humid or coastal environments.
Coating degradation and exposure of substrate
Mechanical wear from repeated insertion/removal or physical impact can compromise the anodized layer over time. Once breached, exposed aluminum may oxidize, though this does not pose acute safety risk during normal charging.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Aluminum leaching from anodized coating
Anodizing creates a protective barrier that prevents aluminum migration under normal use. No reports of leaching from Nomad ChargeKey V2 or similar anodized connectors during charging.
Contact resistance and heat buildup
No reported issues of excessive heat or electrical resistance with Nomad ChargeKey V2. Stainless steel contacts are designed to maintain low resistance across hundreds of charge cycles.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The ChargeKey V2 uses anodized aluminum for the connector body and stainless steel for the internal spring mechanism. Anodizing creates a protective oxide layer that seals the aluminum substrate, significantly reducing the risk of aluminum leaching into skin or electronic contacts during normal use. Stainless steel is chemically inert and does not degrade under typical charging cycles, making both materials stable choices for a portable connector.
The brand's record and disclosure
Nomad does not publish detailed material safety data sheets or PFAS mitigation statements for this product line. The brand is known for premium-grade accessories and has not faced public safety recalls or chemical contamination allegations related to ChargeKey products. Absence of disclosure does not indicate a hazard, but transparency on manufacturing processes would strengthen confidence.
How it compares in its category
Portable USB-C connectors in this category typically use anodized aluminum or injection-molded plastic housings. Nomad's anodized aluminum approach eliminates the microplastics and off-gassing concerns associated with plastic variants, positioning it as a lower-chemical-burden option. Most competitors offer similar material profiles with comparable durability.
If you buy it
Store the ChargeKey in a dry environment to prevent corrosion of stainless steel components. Do not submerge or expose to saltwater, which accelerates oxidation even in anodized finishes. If the anodized coating becomes visibly scratched or worn, replacement is recommended to prevent aluminum surface exposure. Routine inspection for wear or discoloration every 6-12 months will alert you to degradation.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Nomad has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More waterproof personal electronics cases grades
How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.