The T-Create Expert R31 3-in-1 Card Reader: Simple But Hits the Spot

T-Create is a relatively young company producing some top-class equipment for photographers. I ran their card reader and its UHS-II U3 V90 SD card through extensive tests to see how they would perform. Here’s what I discovered about the card reader.

I’ve been looking for a new card reader for some time. I previously used a relatively cheap hub that I only bought because it had an integrated DVD reader. Yes, I know that is old technology, but sometimes I am asked to work on customers' photos and videos that are supplied to me on a CD or DVD. Also, I am gradually ripping my extensive CD collection so I can listen to my music via my phone. Although one advantage of a slow reader is that it gives me time to brew a jug of coffee while I import photos, I accept that the purchase was a mistake.

Previously, I reviewed the T-Create P31 external SSD, which proved great quality, so I jumped at the chance to try out their R31 Memory Card Reader.

I only discovered TEAMGROUP, which owns the T-Create brand, about a couple of years ago. That was through its excellent computer memory sticks. Although it was established relatively recently in 2007, it is no small player and it produces some first-class gear. Furthermore, on paper, it seems to be a good company, securing its sourced materials ethically and claiming to be a safe and rewarding workplace.

The company is guided by the core values of integrity, innovation, professionalism, efficiency, discipline, and simplicity. TEAMGROUP prioritizes the growth and development of its employees and encourages their participation in continuous training programs, enabling them to maximize their potential and contribute to the company's success.

TEAMGROUP says it aspires to impact both industry and the world positively. Moreover, it gives employees competitive salaries, performance-based incentives, year-end bonuses, festival gifts, and support for major life events such as marriage and childbirth. It also promotes a healthy work-life balance through generous leave policies, regular health checks, and professional development opportunities.

Additionally, it claims a robust retirement plan that complies with high labor standards, ensuring the long-term financial security of its employees. When I speak to my contacts there, they certainly seem happily employed. Don’t you wish you worked for a business like that? I certainly find it an incentive to buy products from companies with high ethical standards that treat their staff and the planet with genuine respect. Equally, I reject those who don’t or try to hide behind meaningless greenwashing policies.

Unboxing the Card Reader

The business’s environmental commitment was reflected in the T-Create R 31 3-in-1 Card Reader's packaging, which was almost entirely cardboard. I asked them about that, and the reply was they were putting a lot of work into reducing non-recyclable packaging.

Removing the reader from the box, like the SSD I reviewed before, I could see it was a well-made device. Reassuringly robust, its solid 5 oz (142 g) all-metal construction casing and rubberized feet mean it sits securely on my desk.

It has slots for a CF Express B card, an SD card, and a microSD card. The outer case has a fingerprint-resistant finish. It is supplied with a high-quality, approximately 20” (50 cm) USB-C to USB-C cable. On attaching the reader to my computer, a small blue LED light illuminates next to the USB-C socket on the back of the reader.

The USB connection is a Type-C 3.2 Gen2 x2. Allowing up to two lanes of 10 Gbps operation, it gives a theoretical transfer speed of up to 20 Gbps.

Putting the Card Reader to Use

Cards slid smoothly into the slots and were located firmly in place.

Although fast, my main computer doesn’t have a USB-C port, so I used my camera's USB-3 to USB-C cable to connect the reader. I also tested it with my Chromebook, and it connected immediately there too. I spent a half hour continuously uploading and downloading images. It performed well without a hiccup; transferring large files to and from a UHS-II plugged into the reader was immediate. Importing from a UHS-II 300 MB/s card was lightning quick, and there’s a huge difference between this and using a standard budget card reader.

Trying the reader in conjunction with Lightroom, which is a bit sluggish compared to the other image-cataloging software I own, the Library module populated within seconds with multiple images that used to take several minutes. I estimated the upload speed to be more than ten times faster than my old card reader.

The reader got mildly warm when continuously transferring files, but that is good news, as it means the metal case is dissipating the heat by radiating it. It didn't overheat.

What I Liked and What Can Be Improved Next Time With the T-Create Expert R-31 Card Reader

What I Liked

• Fast download speeds.
• Small and easy to pack.
• Robust build.
• Simple, smart design.
• Only gets mildly warm.
• Especially well-suited for portable devices like laptops.
• Environmentally sustainable.
• Complies with global production regulations.
• Comes with a 2-year warranty.
• Affordable for a high-speed card reader.

What Could Be Improved Next Time

• Although it doesn't affect me, there’s no CFExpress Type A slot. Therefore, it is not suitable for some Sony cameras, although as camera technology improves, Type A is likely to become obsolete.
• The supplied cable is a little short to use with a desktop computer, and many desktops lack USB-C sockets, although replacing the cable with a compatible one is easy. I have at least half a dozen USB-3 to USB-C cables in my box of spares.

In Conclusion

This is a simple, no-nonsense, durable memory card reader that does exactly what you expect it to do, and it does it well. It’s well-made, with strong and smart construction; for me, it ticks all the boxes. It’s reasonably priced for a device with this performance. Furthermore, with its ethical credentials, it is likely to appeal to those who pay heed to the needs of people and our planet.

It sits firmly on my desk but is also small and light enough to slip into my pocket or in my Peak Design Small Tech Pouch for transporting.

With its fast transfer speeds, it will especially appeal to professional photographers, video and filmmakers, and other content creators who produce multiple large media files and want to download them quickly.

Would I buy one of these? Definitely, yes. At $69.99, there are cheaper card readers on the market. But this is still affordable, and it outperforms cheaper models. Paying that little bit more for the performance is, for me, worth the investment.

The T-Create Expert R31 3-in-1 Card Reader is available on Amazon.

Specifications

• Media: MicroSD/SD/CFExpress Type B (Not backward compatible with XQD cards)
• UHS-II: Read up to 300 MB/s. Write up to 300 MB/s
• CFExpress Type B: Read up to 2,000 MB/s. Write up to 2,000 MB/s
• Interface: USB Type-C 3.2 Gen2 x2
• Operating Temperatures: 5° C- 50° C
• Storage Temperature: -20° C – 50° C
• Dimensions: 85 mm (L) x 66 mm (W) x 15 mm (H)
• Weight: 142 g
• Warranty: 2 years