ZeroTrace HID
ZeroTrace HID vs. Rubber Ducky
Spec-by-spec comparison against the Hak5 Rubber Ducky
The Rubber Ducky is the well-known classic. ZeroTrace HID is a different category — it's not "a faster Ducky," it's a WiFi-controlled HID + BLE platform with a live web UI and a fleet protocol. This page tracks the deltas honestly.
Feature matrix
| Feature | Rubber Ducky | ZeroTrace HID |
|---|---|---|
| Transport | USB-HID | USB-HID + BLE-HID, auto-switch via SilentTrace |
| Editing | DuckyScript files, compile + reflash | In-browser, save to device, run instantly |
| Wireless control | None | WPA2 AP at 192.168.4.1, optional STA mode |
| Live mouse | No | Yes (USB only) |
| Live keyboard | No | Yes (USB and BLE) |
| Multi-payload | One payload at a time | 10 MB on Kit, 2 MB on Mini/Ghost, hot-swappable |
| Self-destruct | No | Full flash erase via UI |
| HID descriptor spoofing | Limited (VID/PID) | Keyboard, mouse, gamepad, MSC, printer |
| BLE peripheral spoofing | No | AirPods, Fitbit, custom |
| Multi-language layouts | DuckyScript supports several | 18+ layouts switchable per-script |
| Conditional logic | DuckyScript 3.0 (IF, WHILE, FUNCTION) | IF, repeat, blocks, variables, operators |
| Fleet coordination | None | TraceNetwork over ESP-NOW (AES-128-GCM, ~200 m) |
| Synchronized fleet execution | N/A | ~10–20 ms alignment across devices |
| Firmware updates | Hak5 client | Web Flasher (browser, no install) |
| Price (current) | ~USD 100–140 | from EUR 34.85 |
Scripting compared
REM Hello World
DELAY 1000
STRING Hello, world!
ENTER
REM Open Run dialog
DELAY 500
GUI r
DELAY 500
STRING cmd
ENTER
DELAY 500
STRING whoami
ENTER
terminal "windows" is one ZT primitive that opens the appropriate shell (cmd, Terminal, gnome-terminal) and is OS-aware via _@detectedOS. The DuckyScript version requires you to know the host.
Where the Ducky still wins
- No WiFi attack surface. The Ducky is air-gapped; ZeroTrace exposes a WPA2 AP. If your engagement scope rules out RF emissions, the Ducky is the right tool. (You can disable ZeroTrace's WiFi entirely in settings.)
- Tiny form factor for unattended drops. The Ducky's drive housing is famously inconspicuous. ZeroTrace Mini or Ghost is similar but distinguishable.
Verdict
The Ducky is a focused HID injector. ZeroTrace HID is a control platform — wireless editing, live mode, multi-payload storage, BLE transport, fleet coordination. Pick by workflow:
- One-shot scripted injection on an authorized box → both work. Ducky is simpler.
- Iterative payload development → ZeroTrace, by a wide margin (no flashing).
- Wireless trigger, live monitoring, or coordinated multi-device drops → ZeroTrace.
- Strict no-RF engagements → Ducky, or ZeroTrace with WiFi disabled.
Both devices require authorization. ZeroTrace's wireless control surface increases convenience; it does not change the legal calculus.