well, after a long wait that was then abruptly shortened (delivery estimate from Tuesday jumped to today (Saturday)), I finally got my Sheath.
background: I have used a Sheath on my XS, 11 Pro, and 13 Pro, and I daresay it's the best case I have ever used with a balance in protection, slimness, and texture for sure handedness. I probably drop my phone 1-2 times a year (accidentally) and it has always protected my phone in combination with a glass screen protector. (never had the latter crack or shatter or need to replace).
I got my phone 6 days ago and tried out a Smartish Gripmunk which I liked but found bulky as I have traditionally, and landed with an Apple Silicon. the latter has not been the lint magnet I have expected it to be, nor has had much an issue with oils either. it has been a bit sticky coming out of my pants pocket, but reasonably effective.
anyway, putting on the Sheath just now has been like coming back after a long trip and coming home. familiar: great attention to detail, nice texture for good grip, and I am confident it will protect my phone. the new volume buttons are a nice addition although I found that Caudabe perfected the "non button" solution for the 13 pro.
as for the camera control, that's where things go sideways. I know they didn't have the right info/guess. for "sliding controls" the cutout works fine. but for using the control/button for a shutter release, it's just plain poor, at least for this guy's finger. it's hard to find a great position to depress it, and it requires a very firm press to activate it. I don't see myself using it at all as a shutter release unless I Caudabe redesigns the case at some point with a sapphire/capacitive button.
for comparison: I find the silicon case mimics the naked phone's camera control much better and I may even go as far as saying the shutter release with the silicon case may be better than the naked phone requiring a slightly lighter press.
in the bigger picture, I haven't been sold on the camera control as being useful beyond activating the camera more quickly than a screens wipe. I may use it to change lenses (1,2,5x) but sadly the shutter release function isn't very well thought out in my opinion. it requires too firm a touch even as a naked phone, or one with the silicon case. I would say it's marginally useable in these two cases, and unusable with the Caudabe.
I'm torn: I have actually enjoyed the Silicon case much more than I thought I would the past few days. I'll use the Sheath for the next several to see if I can tolerate the loss of the marginally effective shutter release (with the silicon case). the Sheet checks all the other boxes and I may just have to accept the fact that the Sheath doesn't have a capacitive button and suck up the $43 if they decide to release a new version later this year.
PS for those of you are who are satisfied and keeping your Sheath's do you have any tricks/suggestions on how to sue the shutter release? I wouldnt' think my fingers are fatter than the typical person, but maybe I'm wrong...
