Writing, it is always writing > reading in terms of data drives.

Another factor is manufacturing, especially with USB flash drives where the soldering skill matters the most, then you deal with the USB head connector positioning/function, dust, and USB connector protection where some have none, others spin, and the ones with protective covers (rubber > plastic but hard plastic is good also but not those thin caps) as well as the ones with locking push-force retractors might be the better options as opposed to spring retractors, spinning connectors, non-locking retractable connector heads, or any other fancy thing.

Then you deal with the exterior cover which some cheaper brands are so thin and flimsy, if your cat steps on it, it will break. Some higher quality flash drives such as Kingston are better but still not great so I tend to go with USB flash drives that have metal exterior shells such as SanDisk or really tiny USB flash drives such as Samsung.

High heat can break solder points and high humidity can cause condensation/water damage, and yes, you guessed it, sunlight as UV light simply destroys everything in its path.

A high concentration of salt (and humidity) in the air are also killers.

A tight USB port can cause damage to the USB flash drive connector head where it can break a solder, pull of the connector itself, and of course general physical wear and tear especially with stick type USB flash drives.

Originally posted by ṼṏẌṏḭḊ:

Going through the washing machine.

Now I want to test one of these USB flash drives in the washing machine.

Smashing

Going through the washing machine.

Doesn't matter, most thumb drives have the nand they scrape off the factory floor, its the junk that barely passes.

Thumb drives don't get hot enough to matter, too slow, flash lights being slightly warm, the controller less so, also junk grade on cheap drives.

You just have to accept these things go out randomly.