iLoungeiLounge
  • News
    • Apple
      • AirPods Pro
      • AirPlay
      • Apps
        • Apple Music
      • iCloud
      • iTunes
      • HealthKit
      • HomeKit
      • HomePod
      • iOS 13
      • Apple Pay
      • Apple TV
      • Siri
    • Rumors
    • Humor
    • Technology
      • CES
    • Daily Deals
    • Articles
    • Web Stories
  • iPhone
    • iPhone Accessories
  • iPad
  • iPod
    • iPod Accessories
  • Apple Watch
    • Apple Watch Accessories
  • Mac
    • MacBook Air
    • MacBook Pro
  • Reviews
    • App Reviews
  • How-to
    • Ask iLounge
Font ResizerAa
iLoungeiLounge
Font ResizerAa
Search
  • News
    • Apple
    • Rumors
    • Humor
    • Technology
    • Daily Deals
    • Articles
    • Web Stories
  • iPhone
    • iPhone Accessories
  • iPad
  • iPod
    • iPod Accessories
  • Apple Watch
    • Apple Watch Accessories
  • Mac
    • MacBook Air
    • MacBook Pro
  • Reviews
    • App Reviews
  • How-to
    • Ask iLounge
Follow US

Reviews

Reviews

Review: SwitchEasy Hero, Melt, Odyssey + Tones for iPhone 5c

Last updated: May 16, 2021 7:58 pm UTC
By Nick Guy
Review: SwitchEasy Hero, Melt, Odyssey + Tones for iPhone 5c

SwitchEasy was clearly well prepared for the launch of the iPhone 5c, with a huge number of cases available right at launch. We’ve already reviewed five of them, and today we’re taking a look at four more. Hero ($25), Melt ($25), Odyssey ($25), and Tones ($20) are all inspired by cases the company has released for prior-generation devices in various forms. Each uses some combination of plastic and rubber to form a highly protective accessory. All four cases come in a variety of colors, and are packaged with screen film, cleaning cloth, and a squeegee.

Advertisements


Review: SwitchEasy Hero, Melt, Odyssey + Tones for iPhone 5c

Review: SwitchEasy Hero, Melt, Odyssey + Tones for iPhone 5c

Review: SwitchEasy Hero, Melt, Odyssey + Tones for iPhone 5c

Review: SwitchEasy Hero, Melt, Odyssey + Tones for iPhone 5c

Review: SwitchEasy Hero, Melt, Odyssey + Tones for iPhone 5c

Review: SwitchEasy Hero, Melt, Odyssey + Tones for iPhone 5c
Review: SwitchEasy Hero, Melt, Odyssey + Tones for iPhone 5c

Similar to prior CapsuleRebel designs, Hero is a two-piece case with a glossy rubber body, and a hard plastic insert that fits onto the back for structure and support. It’s SwitchEasy’s bulkiest case from the current lineup, and the thickness can be felt in every dimension. Of course, the thick rubber will help prevent damage from drops, which may be more important to some than having a slimmer case. Since material covers the volume and Sleep/Wake buttons, using wide shapes rather than small covers molded to match the controls, clicks are dampened.

Advertisements

They still work well, but you don’t get the same tactile experience we’re used to from SwitchEasy. The built-in headphone and Lightning port protectors are a nice touch, but the latter didn’t fit all the way into the opening with the iPhone inside the case.

 

Review: SwitchEasy Hero, Melt, Odyssey + Tones for iPhone 5c

Review: SwitchEasy Hero, Melt, Odyssey + Tones for iPhone 5c

Review: SwitchEasy Hero, Melt, Odyssey + Tones for iPhone 5c

Review: SwitchEasy Hero, Melt, Odyssey + Tones for iPhone 5c

Review: SwitchEasy Hero, Melt, Odyssey + Tones for iPhone 5c

Review: SwitchEasy Hero, Melt, Odyssey + Tones for iPhone 5c

The iPhone 5c edition of Melt is almost identical to the iPhone 5/5s version, which is itself heavily based on the previously-reviewed Numbers. Instead of just a flexible plastic material, this case is augmented with a hard plastic overlay, designed to look like it’s melting. The back of the inner layer mirrors the shape of the “drips,” allowing the pieces to fit together snugly. Otherwise, it offers the same high level of protection as Numbers, including good button coverage, and flip-out port protectors.

Advertisements

 

Review: SwitchEasy Hero, Melt, Odyssey + Tones for iPhone 5c

Review: SwitchEasy Hero, Melt, Odyssey + Tones for iPhone 5c

Review: SwitchEasy Hero, Melt, Odyssey + Tones for iPhone 5c

Review: SwitchEasy Hero, Melt, Odyssey + Tones for iPhone 5c

Review: SwitchEasy Hero, Melt, Odyssey + Tones for iPhone 5c

We can’t currently issue a full review of Odyssey, as SwitchEasy has confirmed that there were issues with the button coverage. For anyone who bought the case prior to the upcoming retooled unit, the company is offering free replacements. That being said, Odyssey is a handsomely designed case, and certainly an improvement over its earlier namesake.

The case is made of a combination of hard plastic, and six rubberized rows down the back. That rubber material extends to the buttons, around the screen, and down to the bottom, where it protects the ports with the same sort of caps seen on the above cases. We’ll finalize our rating for the case when the revised version arrives.

Advertisements

 

Review: SwitchEasy Hero, Melt, Odyssey + Tones for iPhone 5c

Review: SwitchEasy Hero, Melt, Odyssey + Tones for iPhone 5c

Tones has been one of our favorite SwitchEasy cases in the past, and the iPhone 5c version continues the trend of strong design paired with overall protection. Unlike the iPhone 5/5s edition, which is completely opaque, this one combines a hard plastic backplate with colorful, translucent rubber above and below. There are five colors, matching the shells of the iPhone 5c, as well as a black model. It’s really an elegant case, and it offers the same high level of port protection, plus perfectly clicky button coverage.

 

Review: SwitchEasy Hero, Melt, Odyssey + Tones for iPhone 5c

Review: SwitchEasy Hero, Melt, Odyssey + Tones for iPhone 5c

Review: SwitchEasy Hero, Melt, Odyssey + Tones for iPhone 5c

Review: SwitchEasy Hero, Melt, Odyssey + Tones for iPhone 5c

Of this group of cases, Tones is certainly our favorite. The form-fitting case adds protection without much bulk, and mirroring the iPhone 5c’s colors makes a lot of sense.

Advertisements

Latest News
Foldable iPhone
Hole punch camera might appear on foldable iPhone
1 Min Read
Apple
Apple shares new ‘Magnifier on Mac’ and ‘Music Haptics on iPhone’ video ads
1 Min Read
GPT 4.1
GPT 4.1 mini now the default model for users
1 Min Read
3 Deluxe MagSafe Charging Stand
The Twelve South HiRise 3 Deluxe MagSafe Charging Stand is $50 Off
1 Min Read
Apple
Apple claims ‘Most Valuable Brand’ award
1 Min Read
iPhone 17 Air
Silicon battery technology might be heading to iPhone 17 Air
1 Min Read
Apple
Apple clarifies iOS Fortnite blocking stance
1 Min Read
Apple
Apple to continue building in India, regardless of US President Trump’s thoughts
2 Min Read
iPad Mini 7
The iPad Mini 7 is $99 Off
1 Min Read
Fortnite
Fortnite on iOS to go offline in app store protest
1 Min Read
Apple
Apple halts iPadOS 17.7.7 signing after issues
1 Min Read
Microsoft
Microsoft launches new ‘Faster than Mac’ Copilot+ PC ad
1 Min Read

iLounge logo

iLounge is an independent resource for all things iPod, iPhone, iPad, and beyond. iPod, iPhone, iPad, iTunes, Apple TV, and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc.

This website is not affiliated with Apple Inc.
iLounge © 2001 - 2025. All Rights Reserved.
  • Contact Us
  • Submit News
  • About Us
  • Forums
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?