[HTC EVO 3D] Impulses:
TPU-Cases Geo vs S-wave

I promised I'd compare them once I received my S-wave smoke so here goes...

TPU-Cases Geo smoke ($8 w/free and quick S&H at TPU-Cases.com)

Pros:

-I like the Geo design, it's something different and I believe it's exclusive to them. It's sleek but also understated so it doesn't jump out at you right off the bat.

-Really smooth edges where it's cut from the mold on the sides, smoother than any of my previous EVO 4G TPU cases. The ridge is still there but it's very slight.

-Solid fit, although mine had a minor issue, see the Cons.

-Super fast shipping.

Cons:

-I really dislike the covered camera button, it requires more force to press than it should imo, which sometimes leads to blurry photos. Used it for a few weeks, never got used to it.

-I don't like the uncovered power button either, the slit or opening is too small imo, which forces you to either angle your fingertip into it to press the button or to press down on the edge of the opening, slightly bulging the edges out. I was getting used to it tho, and it didnt bug me as much as the camera button, but i can see ladies w/long nails absolutely hating it.

-Mine had a slightly stretched out corner, when I pressed on it from the bottom it bulged out to the side and vice versa. I do think this was just a minor imperfection on mine tho, and not something they all have, and it was just on the one corner (bottom left).

S-wave or "hybrid" smoke (like $3 on Ebay from candycindy, arrived in a week)

Pros:

-Uncovered camera button, such a joy to use now... I think the button is constructed pretty solidly, doesnt need any protection.

-Covered power button, easier to press tho still not perfect. It works just fine if you press precisely where the button's located (and there's a nub on the outside to indicate so), but it doesn't have a nub on the inside as well like several of the TPU EVO 4G cases I have (that inner nub lets you press even right next to the button and the case still presses down on it). Still, the covered button here is good enough that I can press it with my finger bent completely over top of the phone without having to angle it or poke at an opening.

-Cool design, it melds well with the HTC logo and 3D cameras, and the mix of glossy and matte surfaces is pretty cool too. You can also clearly see the pattern on the battery door thru the glossy side, which is neat (the design on the Geo generally obscures that). The red border around the camera is also more visible than on my Geo case.

-Textured side grips, lets you hold it more securely, very nice addition to the typical TPU design.

-Separate openings for the mic and headphone jack at the top, whereas those from TPU-Cases just have a single larger opening. I don't think it makes any differene but it's worth noting.

Cons:

-The edges aren't cut quite as smoothly or precise as the case from TPU-Cases, but it's still better than most of my older EVO 4G cases, and the textured grips plus the indentation between the glossy and matte sections mask this pretty well.

Obviously I liked the S-wave case better, but I was pretty satisfied with the TPU-Cases too. The only thing that really annoyed me was the camera button and I know some actually prefer it covered. Pictures of both below... Excuse the soft focus on some, the lighting wasn't the best and it was either that or blown out snaps w/flash (and weird shades of the true colors).