It's funny that we think of "military grade" as being this really high quality thing, when what it means in actual practice is "done by the lowest bidder to the bare minimum specs"
I just did my first somewhat long haul travelling with the steam deck earlier this week, and the Killswitch (with travel case) make it a snap! I was able to fit it in my work bag without worrying about my screen or sticks, and it was easy to take out and use on planes. The extra grip was nice too.
First off, love your videos! I’ve had the Killswitch since late January and absolutely love it. I do use the hard shell cover, but that’s just because I get anxious about potential thumb stick damage. I also have the TomToc bag I use occasionally for trips, but mostly just use the shell for light travel. At the time I got it, dbrand didn’t have the dock adapter released yet. However, they did publish the print file, so you could 3D print it. Really my ONLY gripe is with the adapter kit as I felt that it made the charging cord a little too tight. Otherwise, an amazing product that I would recommend to anyone and everyone with a Steam Deck!
I was legitimately hoping for this exact review from you because I was torn between a leather skin and the Killswitch considering the cost between the two was only a difference of $10. I gave in and ordered a leather skin the other day, but it was delayed, which gave me the opportunity to cancel it and order the Killswitch instead after watching this. Ended up going with the Jsaux case I'd been eyeing because it has extra storage space in the bottom for charger, dock, etc. That, plus being the same price as the Tomtoc one, I'd rather have a chunky case with more storage than the thin one, personally, and the Jsaux one is likely to arrive sooner according to Amazon.
I was eyeing down the jsaux travel case after getting my killswitch and not being a fan of the dbrand travel cover. Once you receive it can you test/confirm if the jsaux case fits the steamdeck (with killswitch) without putting any stress/pressure on the joysticks (with or without the stick grips attached if you have them)? Thanks!
@@TheShazCast I'll try to remember! It does advertise itself as being large enough for cases, even showing a photo of a deck in a case that appears to be about as thick as the Killswitch, and the model I am getting is the largest, with the entire bottom available for storage and a floating cradle for the Deck to sit on. I have a feeling that if you were to simply not overload it, it wouldn't really be capable of putting too much pressure on them as the bottom, floating shelf would deform before the pressure gets too bad. But I do intend to pay attention when I put it together to be sure.
@@TheShazCast The Jsaux case arrived today and I've given it a pretty decent look. My killswitch won't arrive until tomorrow, but with the case I purchased, the one with the extra storage (it goes all the way across the bottom, not just a cubby in the center), the tray that holds the Steam Deck is pretty free to sit higher or lower depending on what is below it. Therefore, as long as you don't overpack it, I don't think you should have any kind of issues with stress on the joysticks, in my opinion, regardless of having a killswitch on it or not. With just the Deck in the case, there's a few inches of room above it, and it does have a strap to hold it against that inner tray so it isn't bouncing around. The case has the same kind of indentations as the official case from Valve that comes with the Deck, though it's more padded than rigid around those indentations, which is why I say that as long as you're not overpacking it, I think it should be fine. You'd need to really have the Deck pressed against that top to cause issues, I think.
Loved the christmas story reference. I like the new killswitch case, I have multiple sd cards so that I can have more games and having the storage in the kickstand is just what Ive been wanting. Getting the free replacement for the case was a great move by them. The soft case that came with my steam deck seems to be more premium than the one that you have, but I got the one from jsaux with the extra storage inside the case under the deck rather than outside and I like it way better, the bigger size hasnt bothered me at all.
I've tried lots of accessories from various manufacturers with my Steam Deck, such as grips, skins and third party docks, and I keep reverting to my Steam Deck as shipped, the official Steam Deck Dock, a Logitech Bluetooth pebble mouse and matching keyboard for the few times I am in desktop mode, and always remembering to put it back in its original case when I have finished using it!
I preordered the original one and it's been on my deck ever since. Swapped to the v2.0 when it came in the mail (for free, with the dock adapter). The Deck feels weird without it now :) Same with the stick grips, I've had them on for so long that the regular sticks feel too small and slippery. Never actually got used to the gyro aim past playing through Aperture Desk Job. I throw it in my bag every time I go to wok with the travel cover and I don't need to worry about it bumping around in my backpack while I'm traveling.
Great review. I definitely agree about the stick covers, I don't use them either. I like the texture on the top of the sticks, feels very premium and the covers ruin that. Also, Ive found that the "touch the thumbtack to activate gyro" feature to be a little trickier to activate with them on. I love this case so much, but I find myself removing it when Im not leaving the house with the deck for a while, because I find that the extra weight does add up over time, and I find the grip ergonomics on the deck to be dialed in perfectly without a case, and slightly less comfortable with the bulk of the killswitch on it. There is a deckmate adapter for the killswitch, about $10 shipped. I have a killswitch and am getting my deckmate today, so I will get to try this out with the stand and hopefully get the best of both worlds!
Hate to see the trademark leather go, but the look you’ve put together with the Kill Switch is pretty darn tempting. That tomtoc case is definitely slick and impressive for the price, in my humble opinion. I also appreciate your candor in talking about your personal reservations on dbrand as a company-not too heavy handed nor incendiary, simply expressing your perspective for our consideration. The Kill Switch isn’t for me, and I almost didn’t watch this one for that reason, but it bears repeating that your work is always worth the view.
I didn't like that I got a surprise charge from my bank for an international currency exchange when I bought my Killswitch. The website is advertised in USD and it ships from New York so I wasn't expecting it and had to ask my bank where the charge came from. Maybe not their fault, but if we're actually paying in Canadian currency they should make that clear.
I actually thought about getting one of these when I got my deck, but decided against it since would have been a hassle and kinda sad to take the vinyl skin off if I ever had to, and I’m not a fan of the case and kickstand it has either. In my case I went to Amazon and bought a hard plastic case, some stickers, and joystick caps. It doesn’t add as much personality as the vinyl skins but they look nice to me and interesting how you bring up how it fits in the docks. I didn’t like how I needed a usb adapter just to use my valve dock and I didn’t even have an adapter when setting it down before connecting, so I used a unitex dock which is a bit thicker but fits and works great having every port the valve one has minus the display port and I even have a holder stand that works and fits better than any kickstand I could find. I don’t think there’s much else I need for my deck aside from a bigger carrying case/bag but this can be a nice option if anyone can’t find any good skins or cases anywhere else
Been using the case for a few weeks now. It's pretty great. I don't mind the added weight. Just lift more at the gym to compensate. Joking aside, I do think the cover is not convenient to take off and put on, but I still like it for its protective ability. I use the thumb stick covers as well only because I don't want the steam deck ones to get dirty.
I’d say the biggest thing for the travel cover is that you can charge the steam deck while it’s covered. I don’t think any other case lets you do that.
I am still rocking the original valve case and naked steamdeck. I think the TomToc case looks good but sacrifices the ability to carry the Charge adapter. The bulk is annoying but a necessary concession for the charging adapter I guess.
Would love to see your thoughts eventually comparing this with the JSAUX modcase, which I just bought. It's a bit closer to the top buttons, but the screen cover comes on and off easily, and I appreciate being able to take the (battery) strap on and off. Half the price, too.
I like the fact that you can store 4 micro sd cards on that kickstand. For travel, that's really nice. Although that kickstand design should be more like the Android phone design where it snaps into something when you close it so nothing gets broken if it drops.
@@CosmicApe Why would you not? For me, 256 GB internal storage, plus 512 GB micro-SD card storage, isn’t even enough. So having that possibility is great.
Also use the killswitch. I do like that it’s complete solution that not only protect the screen but also joysticks. It covers all buttons and none are in danger when I throw it in my backpack. The front cover is protective but due to the way it flairs on the bottom I end up holding my steam deck upside down when carrying. It would’ve been better if that lip had gone over the top not bottom. Yes it definitely adds weight but in terms of volume it fits nicely into my slim backpack compared to original steam deck case. I haven’t applied the skin nor the thumb stick addon. I think dbrand bundle their skins because it is their main product. It would be like hamburger restaurant not serving hamburger patties. So yes I do feel like my steam deck is well protected but yes it’s a tad bit heavier
@@RetroGameCorpsyou responded to a comment 3 months after the video was posted. I've never seen a RU-vidr committed enough to check his comments that long after a video was posted before.
good video. you just sold me on the tomtoc case. I've bought cases in the past and don't usually like the bulkier feeling they add so will skip the killswitch for now but it looks well made so if i change my mind and want a case later i'll grab a killswitch as it looks pretty premium
Thank you for that very informative video! I was about to buy the killswitch + the travelling case but the "bag" from Tomtoc seems like a much better alternative! I'll go with the normal killswitch case + tomtocs bag 😎
I had a full vinil skin on my deck before the killswitch arrived, and just as you my application was not perfect and I left some creaces on a couple of the sides of the device. After using the killswitch for a couple weeks I took it of and the creases where gone.
You're awesome Russ! Thank you for the unique qualities you bring to the table when discussing the greatest handheld device of the decade! I think the deckmate in its simplistic, minimalistic design has passed up on the dated "Killswitch". Happy Gaming Russ
I agree that putting the hard top shell is a nightmare to take on and off. Sadly, when I bought it, the only other option was a case that kept having to release revisions for issues. Later, another case used magnets to attach a flap, yet no pegs. So it would slide off in the bag, so what's the point. Seeing that tomtok case fit is awesome, though. I love their cases for my Switch and wouldn't mind that over the hard shell cover.
I am also not a fan of the DBRAND schtick and it's honestly the main reason I have avoided the case even though it does look good and high quality. I will be checking out the JSAUX Modcase and if I don't think that works for me either then I guess I'll be waiting for something else. Anyone have any other recommendations on protective/ergonomic covers like the Killswitch?
I've used the screen protector from dbrand for a few months now, too. Not the biggest fan, it actually got scratched fairly easily just with regular use and fingernails. Is there any good screen protectors that you recommend for the anti-glare screen?
I just finished watching your review and I’ve got a little bit of buyers remorse. I’m going to see how it feels in my small hands and then decide if I probably should return it. Thank you for your honest review.
Something I haven't seen anyone mention about this case is it's a lot harder to remove SD cards with this case. It's a real pain trying to remove them without something to grab the card. It's much easier to remove the cards from the stand than from the Deck.
I used the killswitch case since release, until I got my limited edition OLED. I love the thin inner case and it made me realize how heavy the SD with the Killswitch is. Also I couldn’t use the valve dock. I had the DeckMate before the Killswitch so I now use the DeckMate universal stick on plate and the kick stand. I don’t really recommend the Killswitch.
The case is great it's the best case for anything I ever bought. The skin on the other hand could use a little more space around the buttons my b button slightly sticks if pressed in a angle due to sticking to the skin.
Awesome video Russ. I liked the 1st Killswitch case but having the magnetic kickstand was going to ruin my Delta fan. I was very happy that dBrand sent me a free replacement once the new Killswitch case was available. I love it. I love the thumbstick grips btw cuz I don't want my thumbs to slip off the sticks when they get sweaty but that's just me. I like the TomToc case can fit the Steam Deck with the Killswitch case on but it won't hold any of my accessories for it. I use JSAUX's carrying case for the Steam Deck which has a compartment inside the case that can hold the Steam dock, my Anker 45w usb-c travel plug adapter with usb-c cable, the Killswitch Steam dock adapter, usb-c extender, and the kickstand although I have to orient all of them in a very specific way in order for all of that to fit including the Steam Deck in the Killswitch case. The JSAUX case does bulge a tiny but not too bad. Although, I kind of wish that JSAUX had created their new redesign of their carrying case earlier because I'd rather have that one. The compartment is way bigger & can hold more accessories. The case is only $28 or so. Oh, if someone wants to attach a battery bank to the Killswitch case, I would suggest getting a Steam Deck Killswitch Case Universal Battery Mount from TycoTech3DPrinting on Etsy. It fits perfectly into the Killswitch's locking mechanism. I love using mine. It also has different color options but no pics other than the black one are shown so if you want a color, ask if he can share a pic of what the color looks like. And if you need it made custom to fit a certain battery bank that might not fit the standard universal mount, just message him on Etsy. It's only $29.99 before shipping and it's the best solution if you want to use a battery bank with your Steam Deck but don't want to take the Steam Deck out of the Killswitch case. The Deckmate is great but if you're using the Killswitch case, I don't recommend it because of the adhesive. Sorry for the long comment but great video Russ
I have the war zone its badass. The hologram effects really set it off. And they include a free black one too!!! I haven't really looked but do you have a P.O. Box? To send stuff? 🤣 cat named chicken 🐔
Really wanted to order this, but due to the fact that Dbrand didnt machine the form to go with the official steam deck dock from Valve I went with Spigen instead. Its not entirely Dbrands fault and more of how Valve designed their oem dock but my wife had already placed the order for the official steam deck dock so we had to find a grip case that could accomadate the cutout for the usb c connector at the top. The Spigen case props up the deck to be more vertical but it still sits well on the dock without it tipping over and thats good enough for me. Again, Dbrands was my first choice but for those who already got their official dock from Valve it was a bit of a letdown that Dbrands didnt have a better workaround to use their own case with the dock without it looking a bit jank with that usb c extender and 3d printout solution. I personally didnt like the way it looked as a solution. Spigens case however its really good and im happy with it.
I have, I prefer the KillSwitch. I actually tried out about a dozen of them and found myself going back to the KillSwitch every time. I filmed the whole process, I really need to edit and release that video some day :)
tried several. tomtoc bag is quality. BUT out of stock where I am so got bootleg tomtoc copy. case wise the blade looks and feels great. but heazy, so i rock vinyl and bag in the end
I'm so sad, I ordered the tomtoc case from Amazon Canada and received a purple belly dance outfit instead... I was really looking forward to getting it, and now I have to waste time shipping back the wrong product to get my refund 😢
I'm hesitant about the Killswitch, it makes the hull wider, i had another cheaper case that makes the hull wider and the additional distance to the shoulder buttons and especially the trigger just made it unergonomic as heck, it also was badly made and had sharp edges on the plastic which was totally digging into my index fingers when using the triggers... I'd love to try it myself... but for that price i would need to be sure that i'll actually use it. I also think VAT and import taxes to Germany might be a deal breaker, but i'm not sure about dbrands distribution over here.
Jsaux makes a similar product that is outstanding. The mod case just the basic one goes for 30 while the kill switch base price is 50 or 60. D brand needs to lower the price on this.
I'll have to disagree with you on the "military look", I think it looks great! Like the front of a Jeep! Honestly, you don't need a hard shell case, just put that thing on and toss it in your backpack as is, it ain't gonna break!
I bought one and tried to return it immediately. This case makes the console too heavy to comfortably play handheld. It also makes the shoulder buttons harder to press. Dbrand doesn't really have customer service; I've just been going back and forth with a robot that clearly doesn't understand what I'm saying. Had to spend $15 to ship the thing back and I'm concerned I'll never actually get a refund because the service robot doesn't know what's going on. Would not recommend.
I like the analog stick caps much better than the default sticks. The default stick caps are way too smooth and flat on top so you only get grip on the edges. They compare unfavorably to every major 1st party controller this gen which are all rubberized. I'm guessing the Tomtoc case doesn't work so well when using the stick caps.
I wouldn't buy the Killswitch. Don't like their marketing and it's expensive. Went with the Spigen case instead. It has a cutout that fits the steam dock cable and I think it's lighter. I don't drop my electronics so protection from getting any scrapes or stains from the surfaces I would put the deck down on is more important. It fits in the valve case too. I don't know if the recent valve cases are built differently, but just pressing down on the case with a little pressure would click the joystick. The newer model of tomtoc switch case is a lot stronger. I have to put a lot of pressure to click the joysticks. Neither case protects the back buttons from being pressed so I'm looking at the tomtoc case. I really want tomtoc to release the deck case in black though like their switch cases. All my cases are black so grey sticks out too much.
only problem i see with that Tomtoc case is that it is VERY obviously holding a gaming device, that might attract unwanted attention by thieves. but so does the SteamDeck case when they know what that is... just saying don't let that visibly sit in your Car or whatever. I'd rather have it a bit thicker without obvious gamepad controls visible and the handles poking out.
I actually prefer the plastic cover so I can charged my Deck while in the case protected. The hard plastic protects the thumbsticks just in case I accidentally drop my Deck.
The quality of the case is great , the fitting is perfect, BUT its biggest downfall is the weight. SteamDeck weights 990 grams with the case and the backstand. Man this is 1kg on your hands. I immediately noticed it after playing the same game for just 20 mins and my hands got tired.
