Hot on the heels of the Spigen SPG Neo Hybrid Case review, we get to play with the Capdase Karapace Touch Case. If you got a shiny new smart phone for Christmas and in need of a case, read on!
Again with thanks to Mobilezap for providing the review unit.
First Impressions
The Capdase Karapace Touch Case comes with a case and also a plastic screen protector, providing all round coverage to your phone. The case itself is a measly 15 grams and conforms closely to the shape of the Nexus 5. What jumps out immediately at me is the rough touch effect on the hard case – I love it! I feel like I have so much grip with the Karapace on my phone.
In Action
Right now the Karapace is my regular driver on the Nexus 5. With the case being a one piece affair, it is super simple to pop the phone in and be ready to go in moments. Initially I had some concerns as the case does not fully cover the front edges of the phone, but after having dropped it numerous times onto various kind of flooring with sustaining any damage, it is not something I worry about anymore. Like anything else though, if you cop the “golden BB” then nothing much is going to save you.
The screen protector that comes with the case makes for a nice addition. Like all screen protectors, the application of one can be tricky. Luckily for me this one went off almost without a hitch. The only problem was that I applied it too close to one edge and the case then created bubbles as it pressed in on the film.
I am also happy to note that the Qi Universal Wireless Charging Plate reviewed in December 2013 works perfectly through this case.
Gripes
As noted earlier with the positioning of the screen protector, that caused some issues with bubbling after the event. Again this will happen with any case so best to apply the screen protector post putting the case on.
I did find that the screen protector make the touch screen less sensitive. Frequently I ran into problems drawing the pattern to my passcode amongst other issues. The problem for me was so persistent that I eventually removed the screen protector, though not before it admirably prevented a scratch on the screen from me bouncing a Leatherman tool across it. That accident nicked the screen protector deeply, but there was no damage to the screen.
Conclusions
I love the Capdase Karapace Touch case. I love the rough feel on it, and how little it changes the feel of the Nexus 5 profile. Your mileage may vary with the screen protector, but it is a nice to have and not a show stopper in my view. The Capdase Karapace Touch for Nexus 5 is available a MobileZap for AUD$23.49. It is also available for other phone models, feel free to check it out at MobileZap.
