The casing for most USB drives is plastic. Using a plastic casing cuts down the cost of manufacturing the unit and keeps the cost of the units down. Promotional USB memory sticks and other types of thumb drives do not need to be made from plastic, a more high quality promotional item, usb drives can be created with metal casing and this allows advantages that plastic does not and gives the product a more robust feel.

The promotional memory sticks are best given as rewards for loyal service or for special recognition to staff that achieve something. A metal USB flash drive is very useful for both professional and personal use, with many people owning one or more. Most businesses like to incentivise staff and let them know they are appreciated whilst remaining professional. Presenting staff with a metal cased USB drive is both professional and can be something special when engraved with the company logo and a personal message.

Metal casing on promotional memory sticks also lets the sender engrave a special message on the front. Shorter messages will keep the engraving costs to a minimum.. A business ordering a large number of USB drives promo items may want to keep costs down by doing just the logo and their company name, however sometimes this is charged as a flat rate, so it is best to enquire for your particular requirements.

The metallic casing is more easily scratched than plastic or leather casings, but it can also withstand greater punishment. Metallic casings protect the inside of the flash drive from overheating. Plastic cases work as insulation that can protect the outside temperature from affecting the inside. The metal casing prevents the flash drive from melting if the electronic wiring inside the thumb drive should ever short circuit.