Review: Pgytech CreateMate High-Speed Card Reader Case

Interested in a memory card case that is also a high-speed card reader? The Pgytech CreateMate High-Speed Reader Case might be for you.

This card reader and case combo has a built-in USB 3.1 chip, resulting in transfer speeds of up to 312MB per second. Not only that, it boasts dual card slots for SD and Micro-SD (TF). No app is required.

The case offers IP54 protection. While it cannot completely protect your cards from dust, it should be more than adequate. And it can protect against water splashing against the enclosure, but not from power water jets or immersion. In other words, keep it in your camera bag if you’re near haboobs, jacuzzis, and bodies of water and you’ll be fine.

Note: Pgytech sent us the CreateMate High-Speed Reader Case to review and keep. However, this is a completely independent review. All thoughts about this product are our own.

Pros

• Doubles as a card case and high-speed card reader
• Transfer speeds of up to 312 MB per second using a built-in USB 3.1 chip
• The cards are held snugly and safely in place
• IP54 protection from dust and splashing water
• Supports OTG-enabled devices
• Attractive form and function

Cons

• Does not support CFExpress cards
• Requires a Type-C to USB-A adapter for many devices, but does not provide one
• Does not support devices that use Lightning Ports

Pgytech CreateMate High-Speed Card Reader Case — Technical specifications

All of the technical specifications for the CreateMate High-speed card reader case are from the official Pgytech website. 

• Main Material: Aluminum-alloy, ABS, Silica gel    
• Weight (including packaging): 157g                                       
• Weight (Net Weight): 133g
• Package Size: 125*62*27.5mm
• Product Size: 115*60*25mm (with rubber case included)
• Compatible with UHS-Ⅱ, SD 4.0: Compatible with UHS-Ⅱ, SD 4.0: UHS-Ⅱ, SDXC, SDHC, SD CARDS, UHS-Ⅰ SDXC, SDHC, SD CARDS, UHS-Ⅱ, micro SDXC, micro SDHC, micro SD CARDS, UHS-Ⅰ, micro SDXC, micro SDHC, micro SD CARDS
• Transfer speeds of up to 312MB/second. The theoretical transfer speed of a 128GB file is 10 minutes with SD4.0 USH-II, and 30 minutes with SD3.0 USH-1.
• Systems: Windows 7 and above, Mac OS 10 and above, Linux, Android, iPad OS.
• Powered by USB bus.
• Note: Data transfer only applies to Type-C port phones and tablets that support OTG; To connect with many desktop computers, a Type-C to USB-A adapter is required. 

Pgytech CreateMate High-Speed Card Reader Case — A word about connections

Pgytech states that it is suitable for cameras, smartphones, drones and action camera users. The card reader uses a Type-C USB interface to connect to your device. Data transfer only applies to Type-C port phones and tablets that support OTG (On The Go). If your device does not have that sort of connection, you will need a Type-C to USB-A adapter. Also, the Pgytech website states that it does not support iPhones or iPads that use Lightning Ports.

Pgytech CreateMate High-Speed Card Reader Case — Ergonomics and build quality

The rubbery silica gel exterior is comfortable to hold and minimizes the chance of having the reader slip out of your hand. The silica gel reminded of the very nice exterior on the Ants on a Melon RGB Critter flashlight. You can push on one side to slide the interior out. It slides back to close and stays shut despite repeated shaking. You knew I was going to shake it to test it, didn’t you? Of course, you did. 

It took me a little bit of effort the first time for me to use my big hands to “extract” the USB-C connector, which wraps around the inner end of the tray. Subsequent attempts were much easier. It’s also easy to stow it away before closing.

SD cards fit snugly inside. Most memory cardholders simply have cutouts to fit memory cards. When I open these, even the waterproof Pelican-style holders, I find that the cards are loose. Not so here. These are tightly held inside. However, they’re still very easy to slide out. It’s a very nice design. 

I do not own micro-SDXC, Nano SIM cards or similarly-sized cards, which this also accommodates. These are held in a similar manner, so I suspect the same experience would hold. If for some reason these cards are more challenging to slide out, you can use the included metal eject pin.

As a side note, the memory cardholder/reader does not support CFExpress cards, which cameras such as Sony A7S III, Sony A1, Nikon Z6 I and II, Nikon Z7 I and II, and Canon EOS R5 use.

Build quality

The design and feel seems robust and inspires confidence. As a bonus, the carabiner also feels robust. It isn’t one of those thin flimsy carabiners.

I like the push-out method. However, I can’t help but wonder how long the plastic nubs that hold it closed would eventually wear out.

Pgytech CreateMate High-Speed Card Reader Case — In the field

I used a 2019 Dell PC laptop running Windows 11, which has a Type-C port (no Type-C to USB-A adapter is required). It recognized the card immediately. I was able to transfer files to the computer quickly and easily.

Furthermore, since the card reader allows simultaneous reading of both cards, each card shows up as its own individual drive. This also means that you can transfer files between the two cards!

Many computers have SD reader slots. However, if speed is of some concern, the USB 3.1 chip and USB-C connection may be faster than the built-in option.