The ins and outs of a Silicone Case

With the amazing technology that is now behind the keys (or touchscreen!) of a cell phone, it is common sense to desire to protect such a precious commodity.  However, there are so many ways that a phone owner can do that, it can be overwhelming, particularly when it comes to the decision of which case to use.  There are plastic clip on cases, leather cases, carrying pouches that affix to belt loops, and silicone cases, the last of which will be the focus over the next paragraphs.

Right off the bat, the silicone case has some major appeal.  First off, the case has tactile appeal.  The silicone is soft and pleasing to the touch, giving the more kinesthetic users something to grab hold of when bored.  The case also has practical appeal; the silicone cases made more recently are dust resistant, and able to avoid buildup of dirt or dead skin to keep the phone new for as long as possible.  Silicone also functions well in the heat without becoming hot to the touch, enabling the phone owner to avoid burning him or herself on the case. 

Possibly the biggest perk of the silicone case, however, is its malleability.  Because silicone isn’t a hard solid, like plastic, cases can be designed to wrap around keyboards, protecting the keys from over-avid texter or greasy thumbs.  That same flexibility allows the case to mold to the phone for easy installation and removal.  With touchscreen phones, such as the Voyager or iPhone, a silicone cover is absolutely ideal.  The cases are designed to cover the screen, but still allow touchscreen functions, protecting the fragile screen without impairing use. 

Silicone cases do have a few pitfalls that all potential users should be aware of, however.  In comparison to plastic or leather cases, silicone does not offer the same amount of protection.  Silicone has a particular weakness to punctures, and where a plastic or leather case would stop a sharp object, silicone tends to fail.  However, objects sharp enough and moving at a high enough speed are few and far between, so this isn’t a concern for most buyers.  When it comes to high impact, again silicone falls just short of plastic cases, offering more than adequate, but not premium protection. 

Whatever silicone cases lose in high-impact protection, they make up in convenience.  Silicone cases are thin and slender, rather than bulky like plastic cases, and they are colorful and varied, rather than unchanging, like leather cases.  Every phone user is different, and every case is different, but there is most assuredly an opinion for every cell phone owner out there. 

Now that you are familiar with the pros and cons of a silicone case, let's dive in to the types of silicone cases.

First we have the regular run of the mill silicone case. If you have ever got your hands on one, it is extremely flexible, mailable, and gummy. Silicone cases are form fitting and most, if not all, have cut outs that allow access to all ports and buttons. A silicone case can come in many different colors, designs, and textures.

Second are the the crystal silicone cases. Crystal silicone cases are basically reinforced so that they are a little less flexible and have a harder shell. They are still bend but definitely cannot be used to recreate Gumby's finest moments anymore. Crystal silicone cases also come in an array of colors, designs, and patterns.