Not long after releasing an iPhone 5 version, SwitchEasy has released its Colors case for the seventh-generation iPod nano ($15) and the fifth-generation iPod touch ($20). With all three cases, the concept is the same: a plain looking rubber skin that covers almost all of its respective device, leaving only the screen or the screen and top bezel exposed. Whereas the iPhone 5 version came in 13 colors, these two are limited to eight shades that vary between the models. They both come with two screen films, a squeegee, a cloth wipe, and a pair each of headphone and Lightning port adapters.
Colors for iPod nano is notable as it’s the first major brand name case we’ve seen for the relatively new device.
Among the other Colors, it’s the most protective as there’s no camera to leave exposed. When stretched around the body and with the port covers in place, only the touchscreen and a sliver of the bezel around it are left exposed. The Sleep/Wake button and combined volume/track control buttons are both covered with raised rubber, but click just as well as if they weren’t. Over the Home button is a raised, resin-coated protector with the same printed circle as the button underneath. Again, it doesn’t affect the tactility.
The opening for the headphone port is tight enough that it may pose a problem for certain headphones, but the Lightning port opening should accommodate third-party plugs. We’re rather impressed with how tight the case fits; completely flat against the body of the device.
The amount of protection Colors provides for the iPod nano is certainly impressive; with the screen protector and ports covers in place, literally the entire thing is covered. Yet this device seems like the one least in need of that level of protection. It likely won’t be damaged by most drops, and the aluminum body is less prone to scratching than other materials. If you’re looking for full body protection though, this is the way to go, earning Colors for iPod nano a B rating.
