Otterbox Defender -- Reduced Sensitivity Issue

[eebie376]

Hey guys,

I would have posted this in the other thread had I seen any mention of it, but no one seems to be having this problem.

I installed an Otterbox Defender on my 3GS last night, and predictably had the watermark issue. Threw a DLO Anti-Glare on there, and now it looks much better.

The problem I am having, (both with my old Zagg installed and with the Anti-Glare) is severe reduced sensitivity along the edges and ESPECIALLY in the corners of the phone. It's basically impossible to press the letters in my contacts list, and texting becomes more difficult because the space bar is down low and needs a good press.

This is a very high quality case, and is perfect for my needs. It also looks great (in my very individual opinion ) and I haven't had any issue with echo or anything like that. The sensitivity thing is giving me problems though.

Has anyone else had this? Or could I have gotten a dud? I notice that there is a little more "play" in the membrane along the edges (it doesn't "stick" quite as well to the surface of the phone).

Thanks!

 

[Flash SWT]

I've only had my Otterbox for two days but I am noticing the same issue. Right now I only have the built-in screen protector but have noticed that touches along the edges and especially the corners require a little extra force.

I think you are totally correct that it is because along the edges the membrane is held a little higher off the screen by the plastic case. It can stretch in the middle and as such makes better contact. This is also why I have "oil slick" in the middle of my screen but not along the edges.

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[judgecrandall]

Hmm, thats odd. I just got my case and had problems with the watermark and reduced sensitivity (although not as bad as yours, from the sound of it). These both occurred with a Bodyguardz screen protector installed. I removed the Bodyguardz and rubbed my palm on the screen a few time to see if that would help. The watermarks are gone and the sensitivity feels fine to me. It is a little bit worse on the edges, but I think that has more to do with the thick lip of the case getting in the way of my fingers.

 

[Kadman]

I can explain why there is reduced sensitivity along the edges. As noted in a couple of other threads, I wasn't happy with the baby powder or skin oil tricks to eliminate the watermark effect so I ultimately took a razor knife and cut the screen film away from the case. I cut right at the edges of the opening vs just pulling the screen & adhesive off of the case because I wanted the edges of the screen material (hidden behind the bezel) to remain as a gasket so that it wouldn't trap dust, etc underneath the bezel. This has worked perfectly for me, but what I immediately noticed is that there is still somewhat of a gap at the edges between the film behind the bezel and the face of the phone (covered by a PS Crystal Film).

So, what does this tell you? Basically there is a small gap between the bezel and the face of the phone. The film isn't too terribly tight, like the head of a drum, but instead it's loose enough that as you move away from the edges the film can bow inward when you press against it, allowing it to touch the iPhone screen. However, at the edges where the film is attached you can't press it in as easily to overcome the gap.

Sorry for the confusing description but I hope that makes sense. After seeing things with the film removed from my case it all made perfect sense why there was reduced sensitivity along the edges.

 

[eebie376]

Yes that makes perfect sense. That kind of stinks. I love the case, but this is such a pain in the butt. I was amazed by how sensitive this touchscreen was as compared to phones like the LG Dare, and this membrane is kind of killing it. Removing the membrane would mean leaving putting a chink in the armor of this case, so to speak. I live in New England where the weather is less than ideal in the fall and winter, so I would much like to have the screen covered.

Agh. Haha. The CASE is a 10/10 for me but the membrane issue brings it down to about a 7. Why have a touchscreen if it's hard to press?

 

[newtomac1032]

is the reduced sensitivity an issue if you don't use the anti glare film?

 

[Flash SWT]

is the reduced sensitivity an issue if you don't use the anti glare film?

I don't have any additional screen protector installed other than the one built into the Otterbox and I notice the decreased sensitivity at the edges. It isn't a deal breaker for me, I just need to remember to press hard in the corners.

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[BigPont]

So is there a particular anti-glare that works best to prevent watermark or are they all basically the same?