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"

The binary says “fuck magnets” 😂

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.

That Sanrio hairdryer was a flex I was not expecting.

Love the honesty in this review! Glad I waited for your review before I made my decision!

Appreciate the in-depth breakdown of the fit and functionality of the Killswitch and the recommendation of the TomToc hardshell case. Just ordered a Steam Deck OLED and picked up both of these accessories after watching your video.

Great review. I really appreciate that you give exact thickness and weight measurements on camera. The comparison with the other kickstand is also really helpful to know. I'm definitely going to check out more of your reviews.

The stick grips feel so so so much better feeling than the steam deck sticks to me.

Thanks Russ just got my deck and I ordered a skin for it. Like seeing these accessories reviews. Please keep steamdeck footage coming in

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!

Great and honest review! I am always interested in options but for now the official case is working great as it almost never leaves the house.

I bought this kit when I ordered my steam deck (only had it about 2 weeks) and I love this case. The travel cover is super easy to get on once you learn how to place it to get it on right each time.. it also is GREAT for travel play as it can act as a kinda lap table... to keep airflow under the deck if you set it in your lap etc. It's very useful for me in all honestly. Can set it on it in either direction, with or without the kickstand open for different angles. Just really great for lap gaming. As a new Deck owner I love everything about the kit and the fact they made the dock adapter kit was great.

Thank you for posting this video. I bought the leather skin based on your review and I love it. After seeing this, it helps me make up my mind. I’m going to keep the leather skin and look for other alternatives for protection instead of the Killswitch. The Tom talk case looks great too. Your a great help.

The quality of the case and texture are really great. Sadly, I ended up taking mine off mainly because of the extra weight the case added to the deck. It might seem silly, but the extra weight on top of the already heavy deck actually made a difference to my comfort levels when playing.

I have a jsaux case and love it. It fits in your steam deck case. And it's not expensive.

"A very comfortable sandpaper" is my fav quote of the year.

Been waiting for this!!

The travel cover looks like the front grill of a Jeep. I kinda love that

Probably one of the only honest killswitch reviews where you don't have the impression that they are kissing dbrands ass to get a sponsor. Nice work. I have the dbrand case and like it in general. Although the unflexibel kickstand, extra case weight and incompatibility with original SD dock makes it such a hard sell that I'm now using the Jsaux upgraded case with new stand and cut for dock instead much more although it was a fraction of the price. I still use the travel cover from dbrand because I love it and can just put on my backpack (it fits nicely with the Jsaux case. maybe even better because it is not as hard to get it out)

I love my dbrand travel case. I actually didn't order it at first and went back and got it because I carry my deck in my backpack frequently.

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.

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!

Wow thanks for the honest review. It's refreshing to actually get a viewpoint that isn't from an obvious dbrand shill. Honestly I'd rather just use the included case and skip the added weight and bulk of the "killswitch" all together.

You literally talk about all of the things I buy. I love it. I have the tombert case and leather skin. Been eyeballing the Killswitch.

The timing of this impeccable! I just ordered my deck since it's on sale and was just looking at Dbrands stuff

Good review, thanks! Personally I found the stick grips a game-changer. Haven’t extensively tested the claim that the touch functionality of the sticks still works but having better grip is huge. I found my thumbs constantly shifting around on the base sticks.

Mine comes in today! My Steam Deck tomorrow! 🔥

Hope to see you cover the jsaux mod case and backplate!

I love the killswitch and I totally recommend the travel hard case. Took a few times getting it on and off to get used to it but once I found "my technique" it's fast and pretty much effortless. The good thing about the hard case is that the joystick sections are so long that I can fit the kontrolfreek omni's (xbox version with two layers of cut out round dots of duct tape on the inside to make it a perfect fit) that I use for my steamdeck placed right under the sticks. So when I'm going to use the hard case I remove the kontrolfreek's and put them up side down and then just put the hard case on. If I shake the case I can hear them move in there but I know that there isn't any room for the kontrolfreek's to actually turn around in there so the hard plastic never touch the steamdeck, just the thumb rubber.

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

Great review! Glad I stumbled upon your channel as I’m a new steam deck enjoyer.

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'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!

Great video dude 😎

I got one of these. So far I'm a big fan.

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.

13:04 Metroid!! ❤️ Also, the vinyl you chose has a very Portal vibe 💛💙

This exact model is arriving for me today!

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

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.

Kudos for the Hello Kitty hair dryer =)

Nice Christmas Story reference!

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.

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 😎

@6:46 - Ovaltine! hahahaha, Love it!!! Are you sure it's not Italian?? 🤣

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.

There are many joystick grips out there. I got some for my 8Bitdo controller, and put a couple of the extras on the steam Deck. While I do prefer having them uncovered, the ones I put on the deck were smaller, and I'd rather sacrifice just a bit of comfort if it means I can keep the sticks without damage as long as possible. Can't use the touch sensors because of it, of course, but I barely use them anyway, and I can still take them off if I want to use the sensors.

Appreciate you sharing your thoughts on the dbrand marketing narrative! Couldn't agree more and don't hear that often from creators.

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.

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.

To me the thumbsticks are a huge improvement and add a lot more grip.

I am so glad I watched this. The case is so not what I thought it was

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.

Hello Kitty had me cracked up bro

Thumbs up for the Hello Kitty hair dryer! 👍

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

TomToc case is amazing, I have one for my switch.

This is the best quality case I have ever purchased. Ever. I would've even paid more. You need to think about what you're protecting. And some of us have man hands. I needed the stick grips badly.

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.

That TomToc case looks pretty nice. I like how it's more low profile. Since I always throw mine in a backpack regardless, this may be a good option.

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.

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.

The travel cover is the only thing i use now, no need for hard case for me. I slip the cover on and it goes into the bag

Great video. What screen protector would you recommend for Steam Deck Oled?

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

Literally bought this case 4 minutes before this got posted

If you like to hotswap SD cards, it's hard to get an SD out with the case on with you needing either long nails or tweezers.

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 think that one thing everyone forgets to mention is how their shipping is, by default, extremely slow. They can take weeks to ship. This means that you can buy something from them and get it a month later.

Thanks for this great review! Have you tried the satisfye stylthgrip? I’m torn between buying that or 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?

Does the Tomtoc case accommodate the Killswitch case AND the thumb stick grips when they're both installed?

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.

right here. here. right here. here. here. right here.

Interesting, my early buyer magnet free replacement came with a plastic dock adapter.

I have a Killswitch, and I absolutely love it. I did get the plastic front cover & joystick covers. The joystick covers are fine, and I actually use the front cover as well. I’m also happen to have the Tomtoc sling, and if you take off the kickstand, and toss it in the front pocket, you can pack your Killswitch covered Steam Deck in just fine.

I could not figure out how to get the sd cards out! Thank you!

I bought a matte screen protector for mine been loving that oil from fingers doesnt really show up on screens as bad as glossy screen protectors

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?

The binary on the kickstand attaching says "fuck magnets"

I’m worried about the travel case. Will the the cover hurt the trigger when you put it on?

For those curious, the binary message on the killswitch connector reads "Fuck Magnets"

Since you have a lot of gaming handhelds what would be your gaming rotation of the systems your top 3 that you use daily

Late to watching this, but finally in the market to get this case for the travel shell. Was too curious so translated the binary as "fuck magnets" lol

the new skin really suits you

Yeah man, I want to watch this video

Liked for the Hello Kitty hsirdryer.

Im going to make a carrying case for your carrying case. That way it'll last forever!! 😊

Love the grip case. Hate the travel cover. Wish they offered leather for the killswitch case. Something of note. Idk if the oled case is different, but my oled case that came with my deck, you can remove the liner. I do that and just use the velcro since the zipper is part of the liner. I agree about the stand being ala carte. The strap is what I got and use it with an anker 737 battery bank. It gives me an extra 2 full charges or so with my deck. About 10ish hours on red dead 2. It does add an extra 22 ounces. But you can remove it and set it on your lap while you game.

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.

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 🐔

6:41 the binary code says “Fuck magnets” 💀

Are you going to be doing a video on dual booting Windows in the Steam Deck?

The price is already a overkill - they need to lower the price then we can talk about it

Way too expensive for what it is. I bought the mod case and I am loving it. I used the back mount to 3D print a phone holder and custom mount for my external battery. It also has a built in kick stand that is sturdy enough for me. No need to swap them out for other accessories.

If like you, I don’t want to use the stand, how is this version any different from the first version (without the stand installed). I believe the first version without the stand will not have any magnetic effect on the fan as the magnets are on the stand attachment (correct me if I’m wrong). Can I continue using that version and get the same experience (without the stand).

This video has turned into a tease, as the Killswitch is backordered to June. But it does seem like the perfect set-up compared to my current one, which involves an iPad stand and the Steam Deck case. So you can poo-poo the front cover all you like, it's gotta be lighter than what I'm carrying around in my messenger bag, now.

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

Looks like still stock for tomtom case but I don’t have the money to order one right now, been wanting the kill switch dbrand thing for a while

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.