Soft silicone/rubber vs. hard plastic cases

[ralts]

Hey guys,

I was wondering what your opinions on soft silicone or rubber cases vs. hard plastic cases. Do the hard plastic ones actually scratch your iPod? And which provide better protection? Also, what about the hybrid cases? There are multiple piece cases from Switcheasy where the inner piece is silicone and the outside is hard plastic, and there are also cases from Speck and Belkin that have a silicone interior/edge.

Interested in hearing your opinions!
-Ralts

[184550]

I have not noticed any scratching with the hard case I'm using for my 3GS. Also, I believe that hard cases offer better shock absorption/ crush protection.

[Link2999]

Hard Cases/Shells are by far the best. I've tried silicone cases before and they offer minimal protection. Hard rubber, if dropped, bounces. More of a chance the screen could get hit. Hard cases (good quality ones) feel good and offer the most protection. I've been using a Griffin iClear since day one. The only con about it is that it is a little tight (which is also a good thing) and small particles could stick to the metal enough so that they are hard to remove. I'll buy another Griffin Shell as soon as they become available.

[kelving525]

Yes, hard plastic case is definitely the best. I dropped my iPod Touch once from about 4 feet and it landed on it's back-- after I picked it up, it was still good to go.

[buckawheat]

I have a gen 1 iPod Touch which I put a zagg invisible shield on the screen and have used a contourcase called the Showcase http://retail.contourdesign.com/?/products/12 on since day 1 and used the contour case on my ipod photo as well.

Both were dropped at different points onto cement and both came through without a scratch - from the contour case, the zagg protects the screen from keys, etc in my pocket. I highly recommend this case, however, it doesn't look like they get the new models out very quick (still no Iphone 4 case on the site).

[ralts]

Originally Posted by kelving525

Yes, hard plastic case is definitely the best. I dropped my iPod Touch once from about 4 feet and it landed on it's back-- after I picked it up, it was still good to go.

I've dropped my iPod touch 1st gen tons of times on hardwood floors, parking lots, sidewalks, etc. I've never used a case and it still works great, although maybe a little bunged up.

Thanks guys, so would you recommend the Belkin Grip Vue? It's made of TPU and a lot of people on here seem to love it.

[kelving525]

Originally Posted by ralts

I've dropped my iPod touch 1st gen tons of times on hardwood floors, parking lots, sidewalks, etc. I've never used a case and it still works great, although maybe a little bunged up.

Thanks guys, so would you recommend the Belkin Grip Vue? It's made of TPU and a lot of people on here seem to love it.

That's actually the case I'm using right now-- BEST CASE I've used.

[Englishspots]

I highly recommend the kind that are plastic but have a rubber outer covering, like an otterbox or pelican case. Those work awesome!

[chris007]

It looks like most people are in agreement on plastic. I don't know if you keep your phone clutched in hand (like I do) for most of the day. But this iPhone case with stand is nice if you work out of an office.

[kyellowness]

I think an all plastic case may be a problem when you drop it cuz there's no shock absorption. However, I dont usually like the look of silicone cases. I think the hybrid cases are the best. Best of both worlds.

[App King]

Plastics still have some protection. The plastic case will most likely break before it does damage to your products. Rubber protects also but won't shatter. I personally prefer plastic.

[LaymansDomain]

I like the tpu cases, other plastic cases can scratch your phone.