JSAUX Transparent Back Plate for Steam Deck Review

Summary
The PC0106 RGB and Vents Accessory Kit offers a variety of customization options, from its captivating RGB lighting and transparent back cover to its adjustable height settings and extra silicone grips, elevating your Steam Deck experience. However, it's not without its drawbacks; suboptimal thermal management and noticeable build quality issues could be deal-breakers for some users. Factor in the $39.99 price tag, and you've got a product that delivers on design and customization but falls short in performance and quality. G-LYFE lays down the facts so you can decide whether this accessory kit will be a game-changer or just another item in your gaming arsenal.
Good
  • RGB and Transparency: Offers a mesmerizing combination of RGB lighting and a transparent back cover, adding aesthetic appeal to your Steam Deck.
  • Hexagonal Grip Design: The unique grip design enhances the handheld experience, allowing for a more secure and comfortable hold.
  • Customizable Features: Provides multiple height settings and extra silicone grips, offering a tailored gaming experience.
  • Type-C Charging: Convenient charging options with a built-in 150mAh lithium battery that powers the RGB lights, supporting simultaneous gaming and charging.
Bad
  • Thermal Management Issues: The provided thermal pad is too thick for optimal cooling, and a metal plate near the back buttons gets noticeably hot.
  • Build Quality Concerns: Noticeable gaps where the Jsaux plate meets the front of the Steam Deck, diminishing the overall build quality.
  • Color Limitations: The grey color scheme may not resonate with everyone and might be considered dull or uninspiring.
  • DIY Complexity: The transparent back cover requires a fair amount of skill in DIY or professional installation, making it less accessible for the average user.
7
Good
Quality - 6
Design - 9
Performance - 5
Customization - 8
Price - 7

The PC0106 RGB and Vents Accessory Kit: A Comprehensive Guide to Leveling Up Your Steam Deck Experience

Grip and Aesthetics: Intricacy Meets Simplicity

The hexagon grip pattern is a key feature of the PC0106 accessory kit, designed to improve your holding experience with your Steam Deck. Each hexagonal indent serves to better adhere to your hand’s natural shape. But not everything is rainbows and unicorns here. The color choice of grey may feel a bit dull or uninspired to some users, especially those craving a bolder statement.

YouTube video

RGB and Transparency: A Symphony of Light and Sight

The PC0106 kit goes above and beyond in aesthetics, featuring an intricate RGB lighting system that offers stunning colors. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill, single-color setup; we’re talking about a full spectrum of hues that dance on your Steam Deck. Pair this with the transparent back cover, and you get a look inside the hardware that powers your gaming sessions. It’s like window-shopping the inner workings of your device while it’s all lit up.

Heat Management: An Icarus Flight?

On paper, the vent design, coupled with thermally conductive silicone grease and a heat-dissipation aluminum sheet, seems like a home run. But hold your horses! The thermal pad that comes along with it might just be its Achilles’ heel. It’s thick—too thick—to offer optimal heat dissipation, posing a potential risk to the device’s long-term performance. Another red flag? A specific metal plate located just a mere centimeter away from the back buttons heats up considerably at times. Definitely something to consider, particularly if young gamers are in the mix.

Build Quality: Close, but No Cigar

Quality control seems to have taken a backseat at some point during the manufacturing process. The seam where the Jsaux plate meets the front of the Steam Deck plate is not entirely flush. It’s a minor issue, but for gamers who nitpick over details, this could be a deal-breaker. The term “luck of the draw” comes to mind when assessing the build quality.

Feature Deep-Dive

  • Height Customization: The kit doesn’t pigeonhole you into a one-size-fits-all scenario. You have three height options—original, high, and low—to cater to different hand sizes and gaming styles.
  • Battery Life and Charging Mechanics: The built-in 150mAh lithium battery fuels the RGB lighting, with a lifespan fluctuating between 2-5 hours based on the selected lighting mode. The Type-C charging support allows for hassle-free, simultaneous gaming and charging.
  • Silicone Grip Extras: The included silicone grips serve a dual purpose. They not only enhance the grip but also add uniformity to the RGB lighting effects, ensuring no obstruction to the rear vent.

Pro Tips and Cautions

Installation of this kit is not a walk in the park. The transparent back cover, especially, demands a fair bit of expertise in DIY and electronic device disassembly. Always refer to iFixit videos or seek professional services to sidestep any catastrophic equipment failures. And be aware: some RGB back plates may arrive in a non-functional state due to lack of power and require an initial charge.

Version Selection

The PC0106 kit offers flexibility in choice between its RGB and Vents versions. The former focuses on visual aesthetics, while the latter aims for better cooling efficiency. Choose wisely based on your gaming priorities.

In delivering this in-depth review, G-LYFE is committed to ensuring that you have all the information you need to make the most educated decision when considering the PC0106 accessory kit for your Steam Deck.

Written by
Gaming since Nintendo! Entrepreneur, gamer, wine lover, America! Come join the fun on the GL Discord!

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