Can anyone recommend a good case for carrying a Steam Deck in a backpack or similar which is less bulky than the factory case and yet protects the device? (I’ve heard the Dbrand Killswitch and JSAUX Modcase recommended, though that was a while ago.)
I use the modcase. It's fine. The front reliably stays on, which is something some of those other designs seemed sketchy on.
It does block the top vent. It's fine for charging, but on rare occasion I (or the software) screw up and leave it running plugged in while the cover is on, and the overheating forces me to hard reset (I haven't hit the threshold to have it shut itself off, but the power management stays borked). For the price I'm happy enough with it, but I wish it vented properly with the front on.
Echoing the Jsaux mod case. I use it in my everyday carry bag and it can slip into the front small pouch with little issue. It does the few things I need it to do, which is;
Protects the screen
Protects the joysticks
Protects the triggers (although there is a small gap, but it is fine imo)
I took out the kickstand and use the deck mates kickstand with the 3M sticky slot on the back. The issue I have with the kickstand it comes with (the Jsaux mod case kickstand) is two-fold;
limited angle, which is kind of a pain if I’m using an airplane tray and I’m flying coach
loose hinge- it tends to flop around after some use, and the screws have to be pushed back in
This is more of an alternative to the stock Steam Deck carrying case/bag but it’s perfect for that. It’s slimmer and definitely removes the bulkiness carrying the Deck around by hand or in a backpack. https://www.tomtoc.com/products/fancycase-a05-steam-deck-case
Didn't think of that! Perfection proved thus to be an overstatement, although my docking arrangement (a tablet stand and a third-party usb-c dock) serves fine even when fully cased.
Has anyone found one that allows the Deck to sit on the official dock? We bought the one from Spigen and after getting the dock we realized they aren't compatible.
Do you really need a protective case? I don't ever use my Steam Deck outside. The most dangerous place I used it was with hard flooring at an airport. If I were to drop it, it'd get scuffed at most and already has a screen protector.
I would like to be able to carry my Deck in a backpack full of other things, including on long journeys, hikes, flights and such, without it taking up too much space (as in the factory case) or the risk of it being scratched/damaged by impact from other objects. It may well be robust enough to withstand being jarred against other objects, though it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Joyhood Carrying Case Compatible with Steam Deck, Portable Travel Carry Case, Hard Shell Storage Bag Fits Steam Deck Console with TPU Soft Cover, Gifts for Men (Slim) https://amzn.eu/d/fj6lQNS