I ordered my steam deck skin on Slickwraps website on Oct 22nd for 2 day shipping and it arrived yesterday Oct 27. Came pretty quick, my dbrand skin was ordered on Oct 18th, and has still not arrived.
I was planning on buying a bunch of skins from different places, and one from Dbrand, I'm so not sponsored by them, nor will I be, I'm way to damn small to be sponsored. I plan on doing reviews on each skin!
Well if you put it on your freaking device correct it doesn't look so bad and it is worth 50 bucks. I've had one on my device since the steam deck came out and it looks great
Appreciate your honesty and perspective, Russ. I’ve been considering a skin for my Deck, and while I’m still undecided, your experience is extremely helpful as I weigh the pros and cons.
@@dougr8646 I’m unclear on the point you’re attempting to make. Are you saying it’s too expensive to even consider? Are you saying it’s too cheap to even worry over?
@@Bushidounohana Fr people do be just saying shit. Anyway I think it's personally overpriced especially for the issues that come with it letalone possible heating concerns.
@@Bushidounohana An aluminium skin could be interesting if I introduced decent heat dissipation, not that I personally have experienced anything crazy given my steam deck is an indie/emulation machine
Damn, that lack of leather on the back grips (and thus the noticeable lip) is a dealbreaker for me. If they fixed that, I'd be pretty interested. I normally really like the feel of leather (it's grippy and warms nicely to body temperature) and I don't love the default Deck texture.
@@SimonWoodburyForget Tbh skin-deck is crazy, leather is porous so it will "technically" dissipate heat, but much worse than a naked deck, I personally want to see if I can find a skin that's fully aluminium or an aluminium caseback just so it can serve as a huge heatsink
Oh wow, these comments about the drawback of using leather for a portable's skin really got me rethinking buying the black leather for mine. I'm a gal who always buys real leather and absolutely loves leather clothing... But I also want my super nice, brand-new Steam Deck to perform optimally and be comfortable to use; and with chronically sweaty palms, I think the leather is not gonna work for me, sadly. Guess I'll be going with the matrix vinyl skin for the textured grip, and just not apply the grip stickers since they are guaranteed to wrinkle quite a bit. Thanks, guys! :)
I took mine off after a couple days. The button travel issue is really impossible to overstate. Feels like you're going to break it. Also, the thickness messes with everything else. It's tighter in the case and if you want to put a plastic case on the back to protect from falls, forget about it.
Just installed this skin on my Steam Deck. My leather wasn't that thick, I had no problem seeing the Valve logo through the back. I also did the front first so I wouldn't have the side be off when I attached the back leather. I used a good bit of alcohol on a paper towel also and wiped down all the plastic several times. I think the may be why your skin didn't adhere very well on the top. Who knows, that is just my experience. I like the look and feel, it also has that nice leather smell.
your disappointed face when you saw your reflection in the screen was hilarious. There is some other matte glass options in Amazon but I guess etched glass + matte glass protector is going to affect the picture quality a little bit. Anyway, great video as always!
I was going to buy the black leather skin, as I buy all (real) leather everything, but I'm so glad I came across your review and other commenters... I won't be buying it now. I'll get the Matrix vinyl skin for the added texture/grip, and just forego the hand grip stickers since they are guaranteed to wrinkle. Regarding the thickness of the leather skin compared to the vinyl: "compromise" is the perfect word. I'd always prefer a nice, thick leather skin to a thin, wispy leather because the thick one will last *much* longer, be less likely to suffer detrimental scratches, tears, and scuffs, and will eventually wear down on the edges (esp. where the grip is that is causing problems for you right now). Dbrand's website even mentions that if you take the microfiber cloth and copiously rub the edges down, you can get the edges flush to mitigate that jarring thickness jump. You may even be able to sand the edges to create a bevel (before applying the leather to the Steam Deck, obviously) if the microfiber running doesn't actually work, but then you may damage the skin or something. Better yet, Dbrand could sell the leather skins with the sticker that goes on the back of the grip. Like, that would solve that problem entirely. But, companies try to save money everywhere they can 🙄 Regardless, thanks for the honest, real video!!! I've been hesitant about Dbrand because it's SO hard these days to determine what reviews are real and what is just hype or worse, sponsorship... So I really appreciate your taking the time to explain your experience! Cheers! :)
Thanks for reviewing this and being so thorough about it. I was seriously considering this skin despite the cost as I just didn't want to add a lot of bulk and I really like the idea of a well-patinaed leather. Your discussion about the downsides swayed me however. The part about the grip bump especially turned me off as I know that would drive me insane.
🙏 thanks dude, ive been considering getting a skin. im glad for the detailed nonsponsored review, i always wonder if sponsored reviews get a better customer service experience than typical consumers.
Just a heads up, ALL of Dbrand's skins (also easy skins and extreme skins) have that raised lip, it's not just the leather, it's just worse on the leather, but is still very noticeable on ALL others...
Why not? The remaining skin is probably enough for 4 grips cutouts. I don't know why they didn't leave it as an option for people instead of letting it go to waste.
That balm isn't aging anything. It's just moistened the dry leather. After a few days almost all of that darkening will fade. Should have used saphir medaille de oire instead in a color of your choosing, applied it, wait to dry, then buffed it off, BEFORE putting it on the Steam deck. Might have even done several applications over the course of a week, very tiny amounts of cream each time of course. Then you could have colored it without fear of damaging the leather or the device. This method in the video is not a permanent solution.
Thank you for this video. I ordered the old non real leather skin for my steam deck and got disappointed when dbrand released the real leather ones. I wanted to order the new ones but now I am happy about mine and I am gonna stick with them for the lifecycle of my steam deck. For the Screen protector I like to have extra protection just in case.
I don’t have a stream deck but the aesthetic of the leather skin is pretty cool. The black and brown leather look good together, might want to get one for myself if I ever pull the plug and get a steam deck. It’s be really cool if the company could let you customize the leather by imprinting an image or letters/words onto the back like how some leather wallets and bracelet offer that customization Also side tangent and small request to Russ, would you consider making a video about the best mini/pocket emulators in the market? I think it’d be cool to see all of the smallest and mini handhelds you can get, from the cheapest to the most expensive, that can fit stealthily in your pocket or as a gift for friends/family
Just put a wooden vinyl skin on mine along with the Spigen case (which I’ve read weighs half as much as the Killswitch case). The Spigen case also comes with a wrist strap that I’ve yet to see any other cases come with. …It looks soooooo classy, so sharp. Super happy with it. :)
@@RetroGameCorps Yeah, this video definitely made me glad I got a vinyl skin from Moskeeto Designs and the Spigen case is really the best right now. Hid all my issues with the skin, and feels nice and grippy in the hand. I second checking them out.
Generally speaking, I've always found that the best screen protector is a good wrist strap! There is one note of caution . I had a Spigen heavy duty wrist strap on my Switch Lite. After about a year or so it suddenly broke and I dropped my Switch Lite . Luckily it landed on a rug and suffered no damage. Apparently the slider that adjusts and locks the size of the loop around your wrist had cut through the strap over time. I've since switched to a more conventional cell phone strap that 2 years later is still functioning perfectly.👍👍👍👍👍
Prices seem high. Quality seems poor. Customer service seems appalling. I've always avoided dbrand as they get so much "influencer" push from TH-camrs, so you never really know what to think. Your review is probably the only honest one I've ever seen. Well done.
This is an amazing review! I just got my steam deck, and I did think that this skin looked fantastic-I was looking into buying one soon. The points that you’ve made here have definitely left me with some insights that I’m very thankful to have the early advantage on! Thanks! I’d love to see a review on the vinyl skins, too. I’d be interested in hearing what you’d have to say, even if I’ve already bought one in the future.
I agree the leather is not for everyone. I have had the leather skin on my Deck for a little over four months now, so here are a couple of my "long term" use thoughts. The thickness alone does change the feel of the device more than one would expect, so if you like the bare feel of the Deck then I would avoid this skin. When I first installed the skin the lip did bother me and made gameplay a bit uncomfortable, but after time it has basically disappeared. The wear of my hands have rubbed it smooth enough that I haven't noticed it in quite a while. I also had the skin start peeling a bit along the top edges at first, but after applying some heat and pressure (and a lot of rubbing) it has stayed in place since. I think it looks great on my Deck (especially as the natural patina develops), but it is much more fickle than the other Dbrand skins I have used. If you like the look, and are willing to work through the break-in period, then I say go for it, but if not then you will have a better time with a standard vinyl skin, or no skin at all.
Hey Russ… long time no talk. I found your channel totally out of dumb luck. Love the channel! I ordered the Swarm skin from dbrand. It has micro threading making the pattern and love it so far. Keep up the great work bro.
Nice. I'd pay money right now for your emudeck guide. Got mine last week and still just googling and redditting so much. It's fun though. I've watch your other videos and some other people's as well, but know your next guide is going to be amazing. Can't wait.
Hey Russ, thanks for the honesty, as they really should put in bold type that the leather skin is much thicker than the normal one, as that button situation is a deal breaker for me. They should also make clear that screen protector isn't what it appears to be, that's why I would only buy something like that from Amazon or any place were reviews are available to give the 411. I actually have Dbrands Tear Down skin in matte finish for my Deck, just haven't gotten my deck yet, but look forward to using it all the same. That skin is also mostly black, so not having those back grips covered I'm sure won't be an issue, but having that leather one thicker, they really should offer something to keep the feel consistent.
I was looking at some dbrand skins (not leather I believe) months before I got my Steam Deck partly because I thought some of them looked cool. However, I've been actually quite satisfied with how the Steam Deck looks and feels, or the very least I haven't been disappointed how it's all black. Seeing how much effort it takes to apply a skin (for example, I don't even have a hair dryer), and how some skins (perhaps not all but still a factor here) might cause problems with face buttons or potentially some other buttons makes it less appealing to me. Overall I'd say that thanks to you I feel better about not getting a dbrand skin for my Deck. I won't say a skin doesn't have some appeal to it but it just seems too much hassle along with some risks.
idunno, I've been having no issues with my leather skin so far, as for the lips if you just put a little force and wear it down intentionally it makes it nice and smooth. i love the feel and would recommend it to a friend
Just to point this out for others considering these, if you want the front and back skinned it’s going to be around $50 if you get the leather or not, the prices they show in the gallery on the store are only for the front piece for the nonleather skins
One thing I feel is worth mentioning is that dbrand does have a separate video for installing leather skins, one I've watched and which sounds like it would've made your experience with these skins...at least mildly more pleasant. Anyways, great video!
I'm so glad I watched this. My ocd would make me ruin the skin if it's not perfect. So too much money for the chance I'd be taking. Positive video but not for me. Thanks for the info.
Thanks for giving this such an in-depth review. I was on the verge of picking up one of these after watching some quicker, less in-depth videos about the leather steam deck skins. As things are now, I think I'll hold off, and maybe pick one up if they ever find a way to fit the leather to the back of the grips.
I really wanted to pull the trigger on this but everything you shared were some of my top concerns. Not sure if it's worth it. I think I may just go with a case. Easier to pull on and off but I wish there were docks with cases in mind. Eventually I'm sure there will be. Nice vid. Thanks!
Hello kitty hairdryers really should come standard in all iFixit kits. So I received my Retro Game Corps stickers yesterday. Very happy with them. Look awesome next to My Motorhead, and Pinkfloyd stickers.They were even noticed by a coworker, and he even knew what your channel was, so that was cool.
Please read this and let us know: Does having a Dbrand skin (both vinyl or leather) create issues with docking it on the official steam deck dock? I have the deck and the dock and want to buy a Dbrand skin and screen protector.. but no-one (not even on Dbrand's own website) is talking about if applying a skin will make docking an issue.. could you please tell us if they both work together (official dock + Dbrand skin).. Thank you.. And if any viewer knows the answer from personal experience can you show it with a video on TH-cam how well it fits? also, thank you.
Thanks for an honest review. I am happy I didn't buy it now. I think if dbrand let you purchase just the front leather skin and it was half off i'd consider it since my killswitch case covers the back entirely.
"you don't wanna get leather cream in your steam deck... don't use leather cream on your steam deck." speaking the gospel as usual.. can't wait for the guide
Been wondering about their screen protector. I have a 64 GB model and ended up finding a matte glass protector on Amazon that has really done the trick at making the screen less reflective. Ironic, I've always had a distaste to Matte protectors until I recently got one for my iPad. It really makes a big difference!
Use a small needle to poke tiny holes out by the Valve logo to get the air out. I did this and mine came through very nicely. I got the black leather skin, and used black RTV silicone Gasket Maker to caulk in along the edges of the skin to reduce the lip. I also used the extra big square piece to cut pieces for the back grips.
This review was fantastic, thank you good sir. Think I'll opt for a case which can come off if I don't like it will offer more protection and a more flush hand experience.
I got this and it looks great. The feel improves dramatically if you take something solid made of plastic or polished wood (screw driver handle, wooden dowl) and rub along the edges, it will break in the leather and round it. Made the lip issue wayyyy better.
Huh, I wasn't sure what skin I wanted to go for, but that leather seems really nice. Also, nice watch by the way, Have one too, the battery life is spectacular and it's nice and reliable even in a rough workplace
I’m a hobbyist leather worker, and a fan of leather goods in general and I just don’t get the point of a leather glue on cover on like anything. Carrying case? Sure. The plastics on the Steam Deck seems pretty well designed to feel good to the touch out of the box, so why make it thicker?
If you massage the leather a ton, you can smooth out the lip until it feels pretty seamless. With leather it won't ever be unnoticeable, but it can be so round you don't "snag" on it. It does take a lot of rubbing, though. It took me maybe 20 hours total on my phone before it felt perfectly smooth. Also, the back of the grips don't have any skin pieces because that's where the wifi antennas are.
The best place to add a tempered glass is in a bathroom after running hot water for a bit. The steam weighs down all the dust so you won't risk any ending up on the screen as you apply it.
Years ago I tried to put a DBrand Skin into my mobile and it was painful and fustrating. I’m amazed how the marketing does so well with their products in youtube but I see it’s just the same as before.. expensive stickers where you need to do all the work. Thanks for your videos!
I got a cheap skin on Amazon. It's difficult to apply on round areas, which is probably why they left off the grips. I got the Jsaux grip case, which is similar to the back half of the dbrand killswitch. I only got it because I wanted a kickstand, but it does a good job of covering the edges of the skin so they won't fray, and the back of it is clear so you can still see the skin. As a grip it's mostly pointless, but it worked out to be worth $20.
Thanks for the honest review. it's kinda a deal breaker for me that they didn't have the option of having color option for the grip area front & back as well as the top area for the leather options.. not to mention the lack of a simple black skin (doesn't have to be leather) for the touchpads.. especially for that price point. So far they only have the option to get additional skins for the pads whereas the other non leather skin sets have them included for no extra costs.
I have their leather skin for my Galaxy Note 20. I love it. It's better than a case for how I use my phone and it looks sooo classy with the black leather on the rose gold phone. I ordered the obsidian damascus skin for my steam deck. Almost got the leather because I like it so much, though.
Thanks for this Russ. Really informative. I don't really trust Dbrand and find their marketing cringe. The "thin unlike you" fatphobic description is like something an 8 year old would say. I see up buying a vinyl NES skin off Etsy instead. Hopefully I can apply it well, having a lip or curl to any part of the sticker would annoy me
I bought one and it looks awesome. I got the logo to show you have to warm the logo in small circles with a blow dryer and rub with the cloth that came with the skin in circles it should take you about 3 minutes.
I bought the black version and it looks great. I have no issues with the grip. All I would say is that you just have be very carefull applying the corners with the heat-gun and it shouldn't come off.
The killswitch actually is very sleek. It doesn’t look it but it barely adds heft to the device. It makes the device feel good in the hand whereas the cheap Amazon tpu and silicone cases make it feel bulky and cheap and the naked steam deck feels fragile. The overall package is way smaller compared to the oem zipper case when you have the killswitch travel cover attached. It even feels more protected. The build quality is on par with otterbox defenders if you ever held one of those.
I haven't had a skin on anything since my PS1 and I made a hash of applying it. I had considered one for my deck to give it a retro feel, but I think I'll pass now. Thanks for the honest review!
I’d seen a few vids about this skin and I was left thinking the thickness of the leather and the ‘sticky’ inside edge of the screen, especially at the bottom would gather muck.
Awesome! I was planning in getting one but I'm more interested in one of the Jsaux kits. It would be amazing if you could review them or the Hub kit ❤ cool video!
the edge is super easy to get rid of, i've been using dbrand's leather skins for a long time and you're meant to burnish the sides by rubbing the microfiber cloth across them for a really long time. bit annoying, but the end result feels great. still a bit of a lip, but way WAY better because burnishing them curves the edges and makes them way less noticable.
Have you tried using the back grip rubber covers by playvital? I avoided getting them because they too are too thick and produce a lip, but I think that if you use both the skin and the grips... it might work out
you were right. It was so much easier put it on compare to vinyl. And for the uncomfortable of the thinkness, by rubbing the edges where the palmrest is, most of it is gone for me.
I bought a macbook tan leather skin, then cut it for my phone - you can remove any perceivable lip by cutting a chamfer with a razer blade, with a steam deck i'd be really careful or do it before applying it though! After several months the skin has gone from tan to very very dark brown, so I would really try and slow the patina rather than speed it up! The skin not covering the grips is disappointing, but I have looked around and have not been able to find leather as thin as this stuff (especially adhesive or aniline, I think that's why they're advertising the thinness), and it does look and feel great over time.
Soften the leather with some oil based leather cream/moisturiser, and gently but relatively forcefully massage/break the leather in where the "lips" are with the back of a spoon or something else with a smooth curve (traditionally the go to is a polished deer bone).
The edge of the lip is the main reason I'm considering taking the leather skin off my deck and throwing it away. Also the skin is coming loose on the top/bottom. I think if it had a top and grip components to mitigate the edges I'd be happier with it. (also I got the black one and it looks nearly identical to it's default state, not sure I'd recommend it to people that like contrast.)
I ordered the leather skin for my Steamdeck, but i ended up installing just the two little front skins that came with my Killswitch Case, I was too afraid to try the full skin with the case but i'd love to see you do it and give your thoughts on whether its possible to use the Killswitch with a full skin without ripping it off.
If you can find a really nice form-fitting case to place over the skin while you have it on the steam deck it does help with those seams and those lips that kind of just hang. in my experience I've had to leave the case on for quite a while like a month or so but afterward it does help you know seal some of those edges and kind of hide some of those hanging lips. And I'm sorry about the period and commas, well lack there of lol. I'm using text to talk but got the advise helps
@@RetroGameCorps is it the NUCXI7 by chance? I'm debating which of those I want to buy. The lack of ports makes lean towards this one, but the xi7 seems more powerful... Always a trade off!
I honestly never got the hype or purpose of buying skins for anything controllers, systems, and such. Just a pain every time. Not to mention the struggle to possibly take it off if you wanted something new or to sell it. No thank you, I would rather have the basic look. Only way I see changing its color or style is if they create literal plastic covers to replace. So the body itself will look different.
They also made it so you have to buy a full front and back skin now too whereas before you could pick and choose. So if you had a case and only wanted front and trackpad skins you could order those but now have to get a full set. Also makes it very expensive if you want different design/colour on front and back too. With the leather skin I wonder if it would have felt better if you didn't add the pieces on the grips but probably would still feel the lip near the trackpads instead
hi just saw your vid, i also own the leather skin just the darker variant and i must say the issues of installation you experienced are solely due to not using a heat gun and only using a hair dryer, the leather skins are much thicker and require more heat to become malleable like the ones shown in the installation videos (they should have annotated this w the leather ones), i used a phalanx one i got off amazon w some attachments for like 30 bucks (it will get further use to justify purchase). everything went smooth and applied perfectly. however the top flap issue is a thing but in a different spot for me so to me that says its caused by a slight miss alignment or stretch causing the material across that back/top flap to not be receiving equal friction/pressure and making a weak spot for the adhesive, if your not ever going to remove it or will always have another skin over it then my advice is a small paintbrush or makeup brush and some light grade adhesive compound and just brushing some lightly between the 2 layers in the problem area same goes for your little corner flap issue. any way man nice vid best of luck in your adventures. also check out slickwraps they also have a more full covering leather kit and the odds and ends buttons etc. are also sold individually i got the brushed gold metal pack for my buttons and i only use some of them (back buttons, track pads, joysticks, steam buttons) but check them out too id love to see their whole unit skins myself. again tho man great vid.
I wonder how hard it would be to take that extra piece of leather you got where the screen would have been and cut it out to make those empty spots covered
I had bought a skin from them but after a few months I took it off and it was a better gaming experience. I didn't have a hair dryer to smooth out the edges but did smooth it out with the cloth provided. A problem I had was the buttons would get stuck on the skin but that might be my fault installing it.
I wonder how well it would actually be removed... if you don't like the skin or if the skin gets damanaged you need to be able to remove it without issues, right?
Everywhere I go I always say that DBrand is a scam but people over here giving them their money and be disappointed by their quality and products 🤦🏼♂️
I have the black leather skin. I am certain you just need a better hair dryer or a heat gun. My logo shows great on that back and heating it when applying to seconds. I can also say that after a couple of months of use the leather feels better and smoother at the seams now
Wish I saw this video before I bought the black leather version. The back grip not being covered is so dumb. Luckily they leave a chunk of leather from the screen area and I am planning to cut it out into shape and fit it onto the back of the grip. I suggest you do the same if u plan to buy it. Also once you stick sharp corners, do not peel it off! the backing will rip out from the leather making it dangle
Thanks for the honest review on debrand! It’s so hard to find good reviews on dbrand since it’s sponsored and partnered with so many reviewers.
I ordered my steam deck skin on Slickwraps website on Oct 22nd for 2 day shipping and it arrived yesterday Oct 27. Came pretty quick, my dbrand skin was ordered on Oct 18th, and has still not arrived.
I was planning on buying a bunch of skins from different places, and one from Dbrand, I'm so not sponsored by them, nor will I be, I'm way to damn small to be sponsored. I plan on doing reviews on each skin!
@@DaveBudness I'll watch when you post
@@Cub__ I bought a skin, I had no idea it's coming from EUROPE!
Dbrand spends their money on marketing, that why their products are overprice junk you could have brought somewhere else
I wouldn’t pay that kind of money for this. Thanks for taking one for the team.
me neither. I wanted it but it looks shit. Crooked etc.
Well if you put it on your freaking device correct it doesn't look so bad and it is worth 50 bucks. I've had one on my device since the steam deck came out and it looks great
Yeah I ordered one and was very disappointed. Even with being careful getting it perfect around the curves were impossible.
@@EndLess1UP Dbrand seems to have two major things going for them... their marketing and an endless amount of shills.
This leather skin feels great. I have the brown one and the installation was seamless. Feels great in hand and solid all around. I would buy it again.
Appreciate your honesty and perspective, Russ. I’ve been considering a skin for my Deck, and while I’m still undecided, your experience is extremely helpful as I weigh the pros and cons.
It's 50$ bro....
@@dougr8646 I’m unclear on the point you’re attempting to make. Are you saying it’s too expensive to even consider? Are you saying it’s too cheap to even worry over?
@@Bushidounohana Fr people do be just saying shit. Anyway I think it's personally overpriced especially for the issues that come with it letalone possible heating concerns.
@@cine-ish agreed on all counts!
@@Bushidounohana An aluminium skin could be interesting if I introduced decent heat dissipation, not that I personally have experienced anything crazy given my steam deck is an indie/emulation machine
Damn, that lack of leather on the back grips (and thus the noticeable lip) is a dealbreaker for me. If they fixed that, I'd be pretty interested. I normally really like the feel of leather (it's grippy and warms nicely to body temperature) and I don't love the default Deck texture.
@@SimonWoodburyForget Tbh skin-deck is crazy, leather is porous so it will "technically" dissipate heat, but much worse than a naked deck, I personally want to see if I can find a skin that's fully aluminium or an aluminium caseback just so it can serve as a huge heatsink
Oh wow, these comments about the drawback of using leather for a portable's skin really got me rethinking buying the black leather for mine. I'm a gal who always buys real leather and absolutely loves leather clothing... But I also want my super nice, brand-new Steam Deck to perform optimally and be comfortable to use; and with chronically sweaty palms, I think the leather is not gonna work for me, sadly.
Guess I'll be going with the matrix vinyl skin for the textured grip, and just not apply the grip stickers since they are guaranteed to wrinkle quite a bit.
Thanks, guys! :)
This channel deserves all the praise thank you for everything you do sir 👊🏾
I took mine off after a couple days. The button travel issue is really impossible to overstate. Feels like you're going to break it. Also, the thickness messes with everything else. It's tighter in the case and if you want to put a plastic case on the back to protect from falls, forget about it.
I don't have this issue
Button travel issues?
What do you mean?
Is it to tight on your steamdeck?
Then take a exacto knife to carefully cut it the way you need it.
Just installed this skin on my Steam Deck. My leather wasn't that thick, I had no problem seeing the Valve logo through the back. I also did the front first so I wouldn't have the side be off when I attached the back leather. I used a good bit of alcohol on a paper towel also and wiped down all the plastic several times. I think the may be why your skin didn't adhere very well on the top. Who knows, that is just my experience. I like the look and feel, it also has that nice leather smell.
This is a very honest review of Dbrand skin. So glad I was hesitate when thinking about buying their skins. Thanks for the good review
your disappointed face when you saw your reflection in the screen was hilarious. There is some other matte glass options in Amazon but I guess etched glass + matte glass protector is going to affect the picture quality a little bit.
Anyway, great video as always!
Looking forward to the video! Just got a deck. Shipping was only 4 or 5 days after order was placed.
I was going to buy the black leather skin, as I buy all (real) leather everything, but I'm so glad I came across your review and other commenters... I won't be buying it now. I'll get the Matrix vinyl skin for the added texture/grip, and just forego the hand grip stickers since they are guaranteed to wrinkle.
Regarding the thickness of the leather skin compared to the vinyl: "compromise" is the perfect word. I'd always prefer a nice, thick leather skin to a thin, wispy leather because the thick one will last *much* longer, be less likely to suffer detrimental scratches, tears, and scuffs, and will eventually wear down on the edges (esp. where the grip is that is causing problems for you right now).
Dbrand's website even mentions that if you take the microfiber cloth and copiously rub the edges down, you can get the edges flush to mitigate that jarring thickness jump. You may even be able to sand the edges to create a bevel (before applying the leather to the Steam Deck, obviously) if the microfiber running doesn't actually work, but then you may damage the skin or something.
Better yet, Dbrand could sell the leather skins with the sticker that goes on the back of the grip. Like, that would solve that problem entirely. But, companies try to save money everywhere they can 🙄
Regardless, thanks for the honest, real video!!! I've been hesitant about Dbrand because it's SO hard these days to determine what reviews are real and what is just hype or worse, sponsorship... So I really appreciate your taking the time to explain your experience! Cheers! :)
Thanks for reviewing this and being so thorough about it. I was seriously considering this skin despite the cost as I just didn't want to add a lot of bulk and I really like the idea of a well-patinaed leather. Your discussion about the downsides swayed me however. The part about the grip bump especially turned me off as I know that would drive me insane.
🙏 thanks dude, ive been considering getting a skin. im glad for the detailed nonsponsored review, i always wonder if sponsored reviews get a better customer service experience than typical consumers.
well yeah. they get free products. after all it's sponsored...
I was looking at this skin the other day. Thank you for your review.
I would be bothered with all these issues that you highlighted. Thanks for the honest review, you saved me some money 😊
Just a heads up, ALL of Dbrand's skins (also easy skins and extreme skins) have that raised lip, it's not just the leather, it's just worse on the leather, but is still very noticeable on ALL others...
Wonder if it’s practical to try and cut the leftover leather from the screen cutout so that it can be applied over the hand grips.
It willl ask you if you want to cut it. yeah man, I want to cut it
@@CatIsBack25 that was gold 😂
Why not? The remaining skin is probably enough for 4 grips cutouts. I don't know why they didn't leave it as an option for people instead of letting it go to waste.
That balm isn't aging anything. It's just moistened the dry leather. After a few days almost all of that darkening will fade. Should have used saphir medaille de oire instead in a color of your choosing, applied it, wait to dry, then buffed it off, BEFORE putting it on the Steam deck. Might have even done several applications over the course of a week, very tiny amounts of cream each time of course. Then you could have colored it without fear of damaging the leather or the device. This method in the video is not a permanent solution.
Thank you sir. Finally a review on Dbrand.
Thank you for this video. I ordered the old non real leather skin for my steam deck and got disappointed when dbrand released the real leather ones. I wanted to order the new ones but now I am happy about mine and I am gonna stick with them for the lifecycle of my steam deck. For the Screen protector I like to have extra protection just in case.
I don’t have a stream deck but the aesthetic of the leather skin is pretty cool. The black and brown leather look good together, might want to get one for myself if I ever pull the plug and get a steam deck. It’s be really cool if the company could let you customize the leather by imprinting an image or letters/words onto the back like how some leather wallets and bracelet offer that customization
Also side tangent and small request to Russ, would you consider making a video about the best mini/pocket emulators in the market? I think it’d be cool to see all of the smallest and mini handhelds you can get, from the cheapest to the most expensive, that can fit stealthily in your pocket or as a gift for friends/family
Just put a wooden vinyl skin on mine along with the Spigen case (which I’ve read weighs half as much as the Killswitch case). The Spigen case also comes with a wrist strap that I’ve yet to see any other cases come with. …It looks soooooo classy, so sharp. Super happy with it. :)
Thanks for the feedback, I'll check them out!
@@RetroGameCorps Yeah, this video definitely made me glad I got a vinyl skin from Moskeeto Designs and the Spigen case is really the best right now. Hid all my issues with the skin, and feels nice and grippy in the hand. I second checking them out.
Generally speaking, I've always found that the best screen protector is a good wrist strap! There is one note of caution . I had a Spigen heavy duty wrist strap on my Switch Lite. After about a year or so it suddenly broke and I dropped my Switch Lite . Luckily it landed on a rug and suffered no damage.
Apparently the slider that adjusts and locks the size of the loop around your wrist had cut through the strap over time. I've since switched to a more conventional cell phone strap that 2 years later is still functioning perfectly.👍👍👍👍👍
Prices seem high. Quality seems poor. Customer service seems appalling.
I've always avoided dbrand as they get so much "influencer" push from TH-camrs, so you never really know what to think. Your review is probably the only honest one I've ever seen. Well done.
I know excactly what you mean. I always go in red alert mode when the influencers are going mad with something. Furthermore the prices are ridiculous.
Customer service has been a breeze in my experience
This is an amazing review! I just got my steam deck, and I did think that this skin looked fantastic-I was looking into buying one soon. The points that you’ve made here have definitely left me with some insights that I’m very thankful to have the early advantage on! Thanks! I’d love to see a review on the vinyl skins, too. I’d be interested in hearing what you’d have to say, even if I’ve already bought one in the future.
I agree the leather is not for everyone. I have had the leather skin on my Deck for a little over four months now, so here are a couple of my "long term" use thoughts. The thickness alone does change the feel of the device more than one would expect, so if you like the bare feel of the Deck then I would avoid this skin. When I first installed the skin the lip did bother me and made gameplay a bit uncomfortable, but after time it has basically disappeared. The wear of my hands have rubbed it smooth enough that I haven't noticed it in quite a while. I also had the skin start peeling a bit along the top edges at first, but after applying some heat and pressure (and a lot of rubbing) it has stayed in place since. I think it looks great on my Deck (especially as the natural patina develops), but it is much more fickle than the other Dbrand skins I have used. If you like the look, and are willing to work through the break-in period, then I say go for it, but if not then you will have a better time with a standard vinyl skin, or no skin at all.
Thank you for the review as always. This was very helpful.
The corner, omg the corner! I couldn't live with it!
Hey Russ… long time no talk. I found your channel totally out of dumb luck. Love the channel!
I ordered the Swarm skin from dbrand. It has micro threading making the pattern and love it so far. Keep up the great work bro.
Nice. I'd pay money right now for your emudeck guide. Got mine last week and still just googling and redditting so much. It's fun though. I've watch your other videos and some other people's as well, but know your next guide is going to be amazing. Can't wait.
Hey Russ, thanks for the honesty, as they really should put in bold type that the leather skin is much thicker than the normal one, as that button situation is a deal breaker for me. They should also make clear that screen protector isn't what it appears to be, that's why I would only buy something like that from Amazon or any place were reviews are available to give the 411. I actually have Dbrands Tear Down skin in matte finish for my Deck, just haven't gotten my deck yet, but look forward to using it all the same. That skin is also mostly black, so not having those back grips covered I'm sure won't be an issue, but having that leather one thicker, they really should offer something to keep the feel consistent.
I was looking at some dbrand skins (not leather I believe) months before I got my Steam Deck partly because I thought some of them looked cool. However, I've been actually quite satisfied with how the Steam Deck looks and feels, or the very least I haven't been disappointed how it's all black. Seeing how much effort it takes to apply a skin (for example, I don't even have a hair dryer), and how some skins (perhaps not all but still a factor here) might cause problems with face buttons or potentially some other buttons makes it less appealing to me.
Overall I'd say that thanks to you I feel better about not getting a dbrand skin for my Deck. I won't say a skin doesn't have some appeal to it but it just seems too much hassle along with some risks.
idunno, I've been having no issues with my leather skin so far, as for the lips if you just put a little force and wear it down intentionally it makes it nice and smooth. i love the feel and would recommend it to a friend
Just to point this out for others considering these, if you want the front and back skinned it’s going to be around $50 if you get the leather or not, the prices they show in the gallery on the store are only for the front piece for the nonleather skins
yea just seams like a bunch of winy baby cheap skates in the comments
@@devonnile7978No, it's actually the complete opposite; dbrand are over hyped and over priced.
One thing I feel is worth mentioning is that dbrand does have a separate video for installing leather skins, one I've watched and which sounds like it would've made your experience with these skins...at least mildly more pleasant.
Anyways, great video!
i endeup using an old ipad paperlike screen protector and cutting it to size and it helps the 256GB version with reflction
I'm so glad I watched this. My ocd would make me ruin the skin if it's not perfect. So too much money for the chance I'd be taking. Positive video but not for me. Thanks for the info.
Its finally coming I cant wait to see the updates emudeck tutorial!
Thanks for giving this such an in-depth review. I was on the verge of picking up one of these after watching some quicker, less in-depth videos about the leather steam deck skins. As things are now, I think I'll hold off, and maybe pick one up if they ever find a way to fit the leather to the back of the grips.
I really wanted to pull the trigger on this but everything you shared were some of my top concerns. Not sure if it's worth it. I think I may just go with a case. Easier to pull on and off but I wish there were docks with cases in mind. Eventually I'm sure there will be. Nice vid. Thanks!
Well, I'm no longer curious about skins for my Steam Deck now because of the hassle. Thanks for the video, Russ.
Hello kitty hairdryers really should come standard in all iFixit kits. So I received my Retro Game Corps stickers yesterday. Very happy with them. Look awesome next to My Motorhead, and Pinkfloyd stickers.They were even noticed by a coworker, and he even knew what your channel was, so that was cool.
Please read this and let us know:
Does having a Dbrand skin (both vinyl or leather) create issues with docking it on the official steam deck dock?
I have the deck and the dock and want to buy a Dbrand skin and screen protector.. but no-one (not even on Dbrand's own website) is talking about if applying a skin will make docking an issue..
could you please tell us if they both work together (official dock + Dbrand skin)..
Thank you..
And if any viewer knows the answer from personal experience can you show it with a video on TH-cam how well it fits? also, thank you.
Thanks for an honest review. I am happy I didn't buy it now. I think if dbrand let you purchase just the front leather skin and it was half off i'd consider it since my killswitch case covers the back entirely.
"you don't wanna get leather cream in your steam deck... don't use leather cream on your steam deck."
speaking the gospel as usual.. can't wait for the guide
Excellent review, thank you for helping me make up my mind. 👍💪
I have saw those skin made in China with same quality and is less than 10$. Is crazy how they can sell a piece of skin for 50$ .
Should have applied the cream on the leather skin before applying it onto the steam deck.
Been wondering about their screen protector. I have a 64 GB model and ended up finding a matte glass protector on Amazon that has really done the trick at making the screen less reflective.
Ironic, I've always had a distaste to Matte protectors until I recently got one for my iPad. It really makes a big difference!
What screen protector did you get? Just ordered my steam deck yesterday
@@mrchichmagnett7761 Sorry for a late replay, I ended up getting the Matte Tempered Glass protector by Magglass on amazon. Was 17.99
They look really nice 😳 ... 4:15 that is something for you to show in your video 🤣🤣
Use a small needle to poke tiny holes out by the Valve logo to get the air out. I did this and mine came through very nicely. I got the black leather skin, and used black RTV silicone Gasket Maker to caulk in along the edges of the skin to reduce the lip. I also used the extra big square piece to cut pieces for the back grips.
This review was fantastic, thank you good sir.
Think I'll opt for a case which can come off if I don't like it will offer more protection and a more flush hand experience.
That leather skin looks premium🔥 I might wanna switch out my Camo skin for a Themed skin
I got this and it looks great. The feel improves dramatically if you take something solid made of plastic or polished wood (screw driver handle, wooden dowl) and rub along the edges, it will break in the leather and round it. Made the lip issue wayyyy better.
Huh, I wasn't sure what skin I wanted to go for, but that leather seems really nice.
Also, nice watch by the way, Have one too, the battery life is spectacular and it's nice and reliable even in a rough workplace
I’m a hobbyist leather worker, and a fan of leather goods in general and I just don’t get the point of a leather glue on cover on like anything. Carrying case? Sure. The plastics on the Steam Deck seems pretty well designed to feel good to the touch out of the box, so why make it thicker?
If you massage the leather a ton, you can smooth out the lip until it feels pretty seamless. With leather it won't ever be unnoticeable, but it can be so round you don't "snag" on it. It does take a lot of rubbing, though. It took me maybe 20 hours total on my phone before it felt perfectly smooth.
Also, the back of the grips don't have any skin pieces because that's where the wifi antennas are.
The best place to add a tempered glass is in a bathroom after running hot water for a bit. The steam weighs down all the dust so you won't risk any ending up on the screen as you apply it.
Years ago I tried to put a DBrand Skin into my mobile and it was painful and fustrating.
I’m amazed how the marketing does so well with their products in youtube but I see it’s just the same as before.. expensive stickers where you need to do all the work.
Thanks for your videos!
that would be cool if they have more color options for the project killswitch cases
I got a cheap skin on Amazon. It's difficult to apply on round areas, which is probably why they left off the grips. I got the Jsaux grip case, which is similar to the back half of the dbrand killswitch. I only got it because I wanted a kickstand, but it does a good job of covering the edges of the skin so they won't fray, and the back of it is clear so you can still see the skin. As a grip it's mostly pointless, but it worked out to be worth $20.
Having only seen the thumbnail I can indeed confirm the steam deck is at least worth $50
Thanks for the honest review.
it's kinda a deal breaker for me that they didn't have the option of having color option for the grip area front & back as well as the top area for the leather options.. not to mention the lack of a simple black skin (doesn't have to be leather) for the touchpads.. especially for that price point.
So far they only have the option to get additional skins for the pads whereas the other non leather skin sets have them included for no extra costs.
The skin effecting the travel of the face buttons alone make it not worth the $50. Pass.
I have their leather skin for my Galaxy Note 20. I love it. It's better than a case for how I use my phone and it looks sooo classy with the black leather on the rose gold phone.
I ordered the obsidian damascus skin for my steam deck. Almost got the leather because I like it so much, though.
Thanks for this Russ. Really informative. I don't really trust Dbrand and find their marketing cringe. The "thin unlike you" fatphobic description is like something an 8 year old would say.
I see up buying a vinyl NES skin off Etsy instead. Hopefully I can apply it well, having a lip or curl to any part of the sticker would annoy me
Thanks I was close to buying. I'm with you on the flaws. I would have been pissed, especially for the parts they didn't cover
I bought one and it looks awesome. I got the logo to show you have to warm the logo in small circles with a blow dryer and rub with the cloth that came with the skin in circles it should take you about 3 minutes.
I bought the black version and it looks great. I have no issues with the grip. All I would say is that you just have be very carefull applying the corners with the heat-gun and it shouldn't come off.
The killswitch actually is very sleek. It doesn’t look it but it barely adds heft to the device.
It makes the device feel good in the hand whereas the cheap Amazon tpu and silicone cases make it feel bulky and cheap and the naked steam deck feels fragile.
The overall package is way smaller compared to the oem zipper case when you have the killswitch travel cover attached.
It even feels more protected. The build quality is on par with otterbox defenders if you ever held one of those.
I haven't had a skin on anything since my PS1 and I made a hash of applying it. I had considered one for my deck to give it a retro feel, but I think I'll pass now.
Thanks for the honest review!
I’d seen a few vids about this skin and I was left thinking the thickness of the leather and the ‘sticky’ inside edge of the screen, especially at the bottom would gather muck.
Awesome! I was planning in getting one but I'm more interested in one of the Jsaux kits. It would be amazing if you could review them or the Hub kit ❤ cool video!
the edge is super easy to get rid of, i've been using dbrand's leather skins for a long time and you're meant to burnish the sides by rubbing the microfiber cloth across them for a really long time. bit annoying, but the end result feels great. still a bit of a lip, but way WAY better because burnishing them curves the edges and makes them way less noticable.
Have you tried using the back grip rubber covers by playvital? I avoided getting them because they too are too thick and produce a lip, but I think that if you use both the skin and the grips... it might work out
you were right. It was so much easier put it on compare to vinyl. And for the uncomfortable of the thinkness, by rubbing the edges where the palmrest is, most of it is gone for me.
I bought a macbook tan leather skin, then cut it for my phone - you can remove any perceivable lip by cutting a chamfer with a razer blade, with a steam deck i'd be really careful or do it before applying it though! After several months the skin has gone from tan to very very dark brown, so I would really try and slow the patina rather than speed it up! The skin not covering the grips is disappointing, but I have looked around and have not been able to find leather as thin as this stuff (especially adhesive or aniline, I think that's why they're advertising the thinness), and it does look and feel great over time.
I can whole heartedly recommend their textured M3 skins like Swarm or Camo!
Soften the leather with some oil based leather cream/moisturiser, and gently but relatively forcefully massage/break the leather in where the "lips" are with the back of a spoon or something else with a smooth curve (traditionally the go to is a polished deer bone).
The edge of the lip is the main reason I'm considering taking the leather skin off my deck and throwing it away. Also the skin is coming loose on the top/bottom. I think if it had a top and grip components to mitigate the edges I'd be happier with it. (also I got the black one and it looks nearly identical to it's default state, not sure I'd recommend it to people that like contrast.)
I ordered the leather skin for my Steamdeck, but i ended up installing just the two little front skins that came with my Killswitch Case, I was too afraid to try the full skin with the case but i'd love to see you do it and give your thoughts on whether its possible to use the Killswitch with a full skin without ripping it off.
You should provide a "putting on a skin" service. We send you our devices and they come back with the skin perfectly applied.
If you can find a really nice form-fitting case to place over the skin while you have it on the steam deck it does help with those seams and those lips that kind of just hang. in my experience I've had to leave the case on for quite a while like a month or so but afterward it does help you know seal some of those edges and kind of hide some of those hanging lips. And I'm sorry about the period and commas, well lack there of lol. I'm using text to talk but got the advise helps
Will you be reviewing the Neptune HX90G mini PC from minis forum?
Yes! I have it but I have one more mini PC to review before that one.
@@MKCamo520 yes Merrick never use magnetic on any device who ever does that are pretty fvckn stupid...
@@RetroGameCorps is it the NUCXI7 by chance? I'm debating which of those I want to buy. The lack of ports makes lean towards this one, but the xi7 seems more powerful...
Always a trade off!
@@kennethkline7702 yes, it’s the NUCXI5 that I’m reviewing.
I honestly never got the hype or purpose of buying skins for anything controllers, systems, and such. Just a pain every time. Not to mention the struggle to possibly take it off if you wanted something new or to sell it. No thank you, I would rather have the basic look. Only way I see changing its color or style is if they create literal plastic covers to replace. So the body itself will look different.
Dbrand in general costs too much, I'm going to be honest.
The back sticker looks like Shrek's head😅
Wow, you installed it perfectly!😮
Hey man, what mic do you use for recording these videos?
They also made it so you have to buy a full front and back skin now too whereas before you could pick and choose. So if you had a case and only wanted front and trackpad skins you could order those but now have to get a full set. Also makes it very expensive if you want different design/colour on front and back too.
With the leather skin I wonder if it would have felt better if you didn't add the pieces on the grips but probably would still feel the lip near the trackpads instead
Russ must be the biggest Asterix fan in Hawaii. He mentioned him so many times in his vids.
hi just saw your vid, i also own the leather skin just the darker variant and i must say the issues of installation you experienced are solely due to not using a heat gun and only using a hair dryer, the leather skins are much thicker and require more heat to become malleable like the ones shown in the installation videos (they should have annotated this w the leather ones), i used a phalanx one i got off amazon w some attachments for like 30 bucks (it will get further use to justify purchase). everything went smooth and applied perfectly. however the top flap issue is a thing but in a different spot for me so to me that says its caused by a slight miss alignment or stretch causing the material across that back/top flap to not be receiving equal friction/pressure and making a weak spot for the adhesive, if your not ever going to remove it or will always have another skin over it then my advice is a small paintbrush or makeup brush and some light grade adhesive compound and just brushing some lightly between the 2 layers in the problem area same goes for your little corner flap issue. any way man nice vid best of luck in your adventures. also check out slickwraps they also have a more full covering leather kit and the odds and ends buttons etc. are also sold individually i got the brushed gold metal pack for my buttons and i only use some of them (back buttons, track pads, joysticks, steam buttons) but check them out too id love to see their whole unit skins myself. again tho man great vid.
I wonder how hard it would be to take that extra piece of leather you got where the screen would have been and cut it out to make those empty spots covered
I had bought a skin from them but after a few months I took it off and it was a better gaming experience. I didn't have a hair dryer to smooth out the edges but did smooth it out with the cloth provided. A problem I had was the buttons would get stuck on the skin but that might be my fault installing it.
Shouldn't you try the screen protector with the screen on rather than off?
Maybe applying the cream before the installation.
I wonder how well it would actually be removed... if you don't like the skin or if the skin gets damanaged you need to be able to remove it without issues, right?
Yes easily removable.
For once we find a youtuber that is not bought by Dbrand . Thank you for a honest rewiew
Everywhere I go I always say that DBrand is a scam but people over here giving them their money and be disappointed by their quality and products 🤦🏼♂️
I went with a Magglass matte screen protector, very happy with it!
I bought mine used
I could have bought the 256 for a bit less
But id rather not look myself in the eyeballs in the dead off night 👀
Love it btw 🤙
I have the black leather skin. I am certain you just need a better hair dryer or a heat gun. My logo shows great on that back and heating it when applying to seconds. I can also say that after a couple of months of use the leather feels better and smoother at the seams now
Wish I saw this video before I bought the black leather version. The back grip not being covered is so dumb. Luckily they leave a chunk of leather from the screen area and I am planning to cut it out into shape and fit it onto the back of the grip. I suggest you do the same if u plan to buy it. Also once you stick sharp corners, do not peel it off! the backing will rip out from the leather making it dangle