Form Factor

Smart Card

• Requires external reader
• External reader can have a PIN pad
• Service life of readers and cards is specified
• Devices such as door locks can use smart cards
• Readers typically connect via USB

USB Token

• Does not require external reader
• USB connector not necessarily designed for constant connection/disconnection
• Many new PCs have USB ports on the front, many monitors include USB hub
• USB extension cables provide an inexpensive replacable component
• Some tokens now have integrated flash drive
• Some tokens have biomentric readers.
• Per-unit cost higher than a card (not counting the reader). Consider the cost of replacing a lost or damaged token though. The marginal cost of replacint a card is cheaper.