StorageKey Gen2: SSD enclosure with Thunderbolt 5 and PCIe promises fast data transfers

This new external enclosure with Thunderbolt 5 is made for high-performing SSDs (Image source: StorageKey)

With the StorageKey Gen2, data can be accessed at a very high transfer rate. It uses a modern connector, while both active and passive cooling supposedly prevent throttling. Users need to provide their own SSD, which can actually be a good thing.

Silvio Werner (translated by Enrico Frahn), Published 11/18/2025 🇩🇪

Storage Launch

The StorageKey Gen2 is an external enclosure for SSDs that’s currently crowdfunding on Kickstarter. Like all of these crowdfunding campaigns, there are considerable risks for backers. That said, buyers can reserve a unit in return for a contribution of $190 excluding shipping and potential import fees. According to current plans, deliveries will begin in March 2026. A simpler alternative is a regular external SSD such as the SanDisk Extreme Pro, whose 1TB variant retails for $139 on Amazon.

Enclosure for PCIe 4.0 SSDs

The enclosure features Thunderbolt 5, which is compatible with older Thunderbolt versions and USB 4, but with slower transfer speeds. In any case, the SSD must be installed by the user. M.2 2230, M.2 2242, M.2 2260 and M.2 2280 modules are supported, which basically covers all relevant sizes. Typical SSDs from laptops and desktop PCs will therefore fit into the StorageKey Gen2, so users can repurpose a drive that was replaced.

Key B storage devices are not supported. The SSD is connected via four PCIe 4.0 lanes. According to the manufacturer, the gadget can hit sequential read speeds of up to 6,000 MB/s and write speeds of up to 5,000 MB/s, as long as the installed SSD and the connection to a laptop, desktop PC or smartphone have no bottlenecks.

SSD enclosure with active cooling

SSDs overheating should not be an issue with the StorageKey Gen2, which measures about 3.94 x 2.17 x 0.59 inches and sports both passive and active cooling. The housing is made of aluminum and comes with cooling fins and a spinning fan, which is quite small but relatively quiet at just 25dB. Lastly, a thermal pad is used to transfer heat to the housing.

Source(s)

Kickstarter

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Editor of the original article: Silvio Werner - Senior Tech Writer - 15794 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2017

I have been active as a journalist for over 10 years, most of it in the field of technology. I worked for Tom’s Hardware and ComputerBase, among others, and have been working for Notebookcheck since 2017. My current focus is particularly on mini PCs and single-board computers such as the Raspberry Pi – so in other words, compact systems with a lot of potential. In addition, I have a soft spot for all kinds of wearables, especially smartwatches. My main profession is as a laboratory engineer, which is why neither scientific contexts nor the interpretation of complex measurements are foreign to me.

contact me via: silvio39191, LinkedIn

Translator: Enrico Frahn - Managing Editor Accessory Reviews, Tech Writer - 5750 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2021

My fascination for technology goes back a long way to the Pentium II era. Modding, overclocking and treasuring computer hardware has since become an integral part of my life. As a student, I further developed a keen interest in mobile technologies that can make the stressful college life so much easier. After I fell in love with the creation of digital content while working in a marketing position, I now scour the web to bring you the most exciting topics in the world of tech. Outside the office, I’m particularly passionate about motorsports and mountain biking.

contact me via: LinkedIn

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