Locks in better than the older version (take more pressure to release it. when reach around to the back of a computer on the old style I would squeeze it and then it would retract as I'm trying to put it in, this one I don't have that issue. The shape looks to be rounder and looks much fatter than the old one but is more of looks, it is only slightly fatter and still fits if you have multiple USB's used usually with older computers. Easy as any USB to use. I use one for a windows 8 Restore disk on the 3.0 USB, and other for files etc. Got it on sale. In the picture the 2.0 actual looks fatter in this picture, but sitting on the desk the 3.0 looks fatter. I had to run a ruler across both of them to make the ruler tilt to see how much fatter it was.