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
Yeah the Jsaux case ain’t bad for it. Basically, if you’re looking directly at the back with the vent towards the left, there is a slot there the Jsaux kickstand, the center has the slot for the other mod accessories, and the right is completely clear. That’s where I put the adhesive “standalone” slot and then inserted the kickstand into that