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PGYTECH CreateMate Card Reader Case Review

PGYTECH makes a huge range of everyday accessories for photographers, creators and filmmakers, and are well known for their camera bags, straps and gloves. However for this PGYTECH CreateMate Card Reader case review we take a look at one of their more recent additions, which is a new Card Reader and Case.

CreateMate is a compact, all-in-one memory card storage and card reader that’s gaining traction with on-the-go creators. I asked to try one after my existing memory card holder failed me spectacularly, having soaked through during a recent heavy downpour, which left my backpack drenched.

The CreateMate is quite different from other options in the market, as it combines a protective case with a high-speed card reader, while being made with the same rugged concept that PGYTECH applies to their bags.

The dual purpose device promises to keep your cards safer, well organised, and ready to use wherever you are, without the hassle of lost cables or needing to carry separate devices. I also think it could make a great gift for the creator in your life (hint, hint).

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the design and build quality.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that strikes you about the CreateMate Card Reader Case is how unique it looks and then how it feels in the hand. The silicone casing has a reassuring weight to it, and the textured exterior offers enough grip to hold securely, as well as providing drop protection.

Once closed, the case forms a seal that makes it IP54 weather resistant, which was appealing after my soaked-card incident. The opening mechanism is smooth, and the interior has slots for your memory cards, as well as the cable, which is wound around the inside of the device and has its own release mechanism.

There’s the potential for this to be over-engineered, but in practice everything is useful and serves a purpose, so it is actually really functional. I only used it for a few days, but the quality gives the impression that it can handle being chucked into your backpack without worrying about accidental damage to your cards or the reader.

Which CreateMate card reader case versions are there?

There are three versions available with each available in black or green, while covering different combinations of memory card types. If you’re unsure which one you need, whether for yourself or as a gift, our post Memory Cards Explained goes into the main card formats and what they’re for.

The model I had for this review is the SD/TF version, which is the most affordable at £50. It handles standard SD and microSD (TF) cards, which is ideal for cameras, drones and action cameras. This and both of the other readers support SD UHS-I, UHS-II and newer high-speed SD 4.0 type.

The two additional versions are a CFexpress Type A and SD, and CFexpress Type B and SD. Both offer faster transfer speeds when using CFexpress cards and are for cameras that write larger files, such as full-frame cameras or pro cinema rigs.

All three share the same plug-and-play design, with a built-in cable and textured silicone shell. The table below provides a quick comparison to help decide which is best for your setup.

Range Comparison

Actual transfer speeds depend on card performance and computer interface.

How is it during everyday use?

The CreateMate is a useful bit of kit, as it consolidates storage and transfer with enough slots for all the cards you’d need for most trips. It’s compact, quick to set up and works well for travelling or shooting on location.

The integrated cable is a little short but very convenient, wrapping neatly inside the case when not in use. It connects securely and transfers files quickly without fuss, which I did to my Apple laptop with ease, without needing any drivers or software.

The device fits into virtually any size of camera bag or pocket, taking up about the same space as a small SD hard drive. For anyone who edits on a laptop or transfers footage in the field, having both storage and card reading in one device could streamline your workflow nicely.

While it isn’t the cheapest card reader, the CreateMate does offer more practicality than many alternatives, with protection, organisation and transfer from a single device, which saves carrying multiple accessories.

Anyone with multiple memory cards could benefit, such as photographers, filmmakers and content creators who shoot on location or travel, and it would make a great gift for any of these users.

After a few days of use the CreateMate proved to be one of those small accessories that can subtly improve your quality of life. It feels really tough, is nice and compact, and most importantly, it is useful, combining drop-proof IP54 weather-resistant storage with quick transfer speeds.

Aside from the short cable there’s very little to fault, and the overall design fits PGYTECH’s reputation for making great quality, good-value, creator-focused gear.

Explore our full range of Card Readers, or check out PGYTECH camera accessories, including the CreateMate, for more creator-friendly gear.

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By Nick Dautlich on 11/11/2025

Nick Dautlich

Senior Content Writer and Product Reviewer

Nick Dautlich is the Senior Content Writer and Product Reviewer at Park Cameras, with over 15 years of photography experience. A Sony Imaging Professional and expert reviewer, Nick has worked with major brands such as Canon, Sony and Nikon. His work is also featured on Vanguard World UK’s website, Capture Landscapes, and Shutter Evolve. Nick’s photography includes National Trust projects and magazine covers and he is passionate about landscapes and storytelling. Nick also enjoys hiking and teaching his children about nature. Learn more on his profile page.