Although we’ve seen iPhone cases that offer passive audio amplification before, the mīk Sound Case for iPhone 5/5s ($20), from the company of the same name, offers the same feature in an inexpensive and unobtrusive package. Unlike Kubxlab’s Ampjacket, which is large and oddly shaped, mīk Sound Case looks pretty much like any number of rubber cases. The only real difference is it’s a little thicker, thanks to the amplification system built into the back. Several colors are available.
When popping the case on, it seems to be just a little too tight. While it stays in place properly, it appears to be pulling slightly along the left and right edges. Because of this, there’s no real lip around either of those sides, but there is a very small one at the top and bottom. Sleep/Wake and volume button protection is included, although the latter set feels just slightly off, once again because of the tight fit.
This size issue was apparent in both cases we were sent for review.
On the bottom edge, there’s one opening for the headphone port and microphone, and another for the Lightning port, but none for the speaker. This is because the audio is routed to two grilles on the back of the case, a small circle above a larger one. The idea is that the system will increase the volume, and indeed it does.
