It’s strange to still be using USB sticks in 2024, right? But they remain the fastest and most convenient way to move data between machines. Sure, I could transmit the data via the cloud, but that quickly becomes less convenient if I have to move gigabytes of data.
This is why the USB stick is still relevant today. For example, the PNY Elite-X Type-C is a capable key for anyone looking for one in 2024, and it has an unexpected feature. What is this particularity? To find out, you have to take a closer look at the packaging.
Key takeaways from the PNY Elite-X Type-C USB Flash Drive
- The USB key is available for sale at €18.
- Excellent write speeds, solid performance and sturdy enough to withstand possible mistreatment during transport.
- Zipping open the USB-C connector can be difficult, and there’s no built-in hardware encryption.
The surprise with the Elite-X is that, during testing, I recorded read speeds around 15% faster than the stated speeds: that’s unusual and quite welcome.
What is reading speed? This is the speed at which your computer or Android device can access data (here coming from the USB drive). If playback speeds are too slow, you cannot play media files stored on the device, and accessing larger files becomes a chore.
A quick key
And it’s not just about videos. I stored large image files on the drive, between 100 and 200 MB, and they loaded into Adobe Photoshop almost instantly.
Kudos to PNY for presenting realistic performance data and designing a fast storage medium.
Benchmarking the PNY Elite-X Type-C with Blackmagic Disk Speed Test shows that actual read speeds are approximately 15% higher than the claimed 200MB/s. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
Write speeds are not as great. It doesn’t matter if it takes a minute or two to load the files onto the disk. This is not critical and does not affect the usability of the storage media.
650 MB in 13 seconds
But let me not mislead you when it comes to the write speeds of this USB key: I copied a 650 MB file to it in about 13 seconds.
The USB stick has a sleek and modern design, which goes well with current devices, such as my MacBook Pro, my Android smartphone or tablet.
The PNY Elite-X’s sleek design pairs well with modern devices. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
PNY has thought about how to protect the USB-C connector. Rather than using a removable cap that can get lost, the Elite-X uses a sliding mechanism that covers the connector, protecting it from damage.
Watch out for dirt
The advantage is that there is nothing to lose (I don’t know about you, but I can lose these caps in a matter of minutes). Cons: The slider can be a little difficult to use and it doesn’t protect the port from dirt getting in.
The sliding mechanism protecting the USB-C connector is an advantage over the removable caps used by many manufacturers. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
The key shell is made of sturdy plastic in a glossy piano black finish. It seems to resist scratches and scuffs quite well. A loop is also integrated into the end to attach the reader to the keys, a nice detail. This key is obviously quite durable, since I haven’t broken it yet!
The PNY Elite-X has a glossy black finish that resists scratches well. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
The storage capacity of 128 GB is sufficient for a USB stick. If you need more, I highly recommend purchasing an external SSD. Note that there is no hardware encryption built into the disk. You won’t get this for €18!
Buying Tips for PNY Elite-X Type-C USB Flash Drive
For €18, the PNY Elite-X Type-C is an excellent USB key. It’s sleek and modern, and the USB-C connector makes it perfect for those using current devices where USB-A and microUSB ports no longer appear.
I use mine to store Adobe Photoshop files that I move between systems. To make small changes to an image, this key is fast enough.
Source: “ZDNet.com”