I like the tech21 as it shows off the matte black better. In terms of protection, specks fits well and as the name implies, has a nice grip. Here's a couple more pictures...
Also just applied a dbrand orange skin that looks awesome with the matte black.
(that orange skin looks fantastic!)
thanks of the info. i can now add my own thoughts on the matter of cases now that i've tried four...
- Tech21 Evo Mesh: it really showed off the black matte nicely as you suggest. and it seemed to offer huge amounts of protection. the fit and finish of the lower part of the case wasn't perfect (not as bad the pictures above for the 7plus). what i didn't like (although correctable) is the "grid" leaves a pattern on the matte finish (this can, thankfully, be removed by wiping firmly with a microfiber cloth). while a nice case, i think i should expect more from a $40 case.
- Speck Grip: i got to handle my friend's on a 7plus. seemed a little thicker than the Tech21 (maybe 1 mm). i thought the buttons were a significant improvement over the Tech21. if i were looking for a grippy, very protective case, this is probably the one i'd get/keep.
i also got to try (and actually now own):
- Apple Leather case (long story, but got for free): more akin to what i'm used to (e.g., Belkin Sheer Grip with iPhone 5 and Insignia's TPU case for my iPhone 6); i'm not a true minimalist case guy, but something slimmer than the Tech21/Spec... the leather case is slicker than i would like, but am improvement over the naked phone. the buttons were wonderful.
- Luvitt Clear Grip TPU: i picked this guy up for $4.50 using a promotion code and in spite of some problems*, i am so impressed. the buttons work really well, the fit and finish is excellent. it won't offer nearly as much protection as the Speck or Tech21 (10ft), but is spec'd to handle 4 ft which should be enough for my needs. i think this may be my go to case. even at Amazon's $12.99 regular price ($30 retail) this is a super case. it makes me surprised how few cases have nice buttons like this an the Apple case.
* my case from Amazon arrived dirty/sticky/slightly scratched. Kudos to Luvitt for promptly addressing this issue and sent another one my way (hasn't arrived yet). the only thing i'm bummed about is the gray/black transparent ends up looking purple in direct/outdoor sunlight. indoors the case is gray and transparent enough to show off the phone in a subtle way. they do make a clear version which i might spring for at some point although the customer support suggest that one would still get a purple hue due to "prism effects" (i don't necessarily believe or agree with this). it is a fingerprint magnet and will likely show scratches in time (noting the scratches that were already there without me using it). but for the price, even if end up hating the scratches and unable to get used the purple hue, its a great case for the money.