SwitchEasy Odyssey 3-in-1 Lanyard Shockproof Case review

The SwitchEasy Odyssey 3-in-1 Lanyard Shockproof Case protects an iPhone 13 in two ways. A removable strap helps you keep hold of the device, and the case is designed to absorb the shock if you drop your handset anyway.

I put my own iPhone in this hardcase to see how it stood up to real-world use. Here’s why there’s a lot to like about it.

SwitchEasy Odyssey 3-in-1 Lanyard Shockproof Case review

Rugged cases that shield your iPhone can be a lifesaver if the handset slips out of your hands. But sometimes that’s not enough. Because there are situations where you really, truly don’t want to drop your phone.

I do a lot of hiking, and have taken many amazing pictures of beautiful vistas. But every time I do so, I’m holding onto my iPhone as hard as I can because watching an iPhone 13 plummet down a 200-foot cliff will ruin your whole day. If that might happen to you, consider the benefits of the strap that’s part of the SwitchEasy Odyssey 3-in-1 Lanyard Shockproof Case.

A rugged iPhone case

The SwitchEasy Odyssey iPhone case is easy to hold on to.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

There’s a lot of protection built into this case. The “3-in-1” in its name refers to the three materials it’s made of. At its heart is an aluminum frame that’s surrounded by solid thermoplastic polyurethane. Then there’s the clear polycarbonate plastic in the backplate.

It wraps around every edge and corner of the iPhone 13, protecting them from shock and scratches. The back is covered, too. There’s also a lip around the display to help keep it off whatever surface it’s sitting on.

SwitchEasy says the case is drop tested at 4 feet (1.2 meters). That’s chest height on most people.

All that protection comes in a relatively svelte design that doesn’t add too much bulk. Which is my favorite part of the case. I want protection for my handset — especially when hiking — but don’t want to carry a brick. The Odyssey meets that need.

There are versions for the iPhone 13, 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max, and the exact size varies, of course. I’m testing the one for the 6.1-inch iPhone 13, and it’s 3.0 inches by 6.25 inches by 0.4 inches. The weight is a light 1.4 ounces without the lanyard. The strap adds 1.6 ounces.

The SwitchEasy Odyssey has openings for the cameras, speakers, lightning port, etc. The buttons are under covers that don’t interfere with using them. With all those openings, this case isn’t trying to be waterproof.

I tested, and the backplate will allow wireless charging. But it is too thick for MagSafe accessories. The magnets can’t make a strong enough connection.

A well-designed iPhone lanyard case

A case that protects your iPhone if you drop it is good. Even better is one that helps prevent it from falling in the first place. That’s what you get in the SwitchEasy Odyssey 3-in-1 Lanyard Shockproof Case.

There are two hard plastic loops at the bottom of the hardcase to connect the lanyard. This, in turn, has a pair of metal clips to make attaching the strap a snap. Actually, two snaps. 😀

The lanyard is made of webbing and is 52 inches long, but is adjustable down to about half that. It’s plenty long enough for me to wear my iPhone 13 in this case over my shoulder and still use it comfortably.

The strap is useful when I’m hiking, but I prefer to leave it off in everyday use. The Odyssey make that easy.

SwitchEasy Odyssey 3-in-1 Lanyard Shockproof Case final thoughts

The strap is easily removable from the SwitchEasy Odyssey iPhone case.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

This case is designed to help your handset survive if it goes tumbling to the ground. And the lanyard keeps you from dropping it in the first place.

To me, it’s a nice compromise of protection and bulk. There are more rugged cases, but they’re also bigger and heavier. This one fits in my pocket, when it’s not hanging around my neck.

Pricing

The SwitchEasy Odyssey 3-in-1 Lanyard Shockproof Case is currently 15% in the Cult of Mac Store. It’s ordinarily $39.99 but is now down to $33.99.

Buy from: Cult of Mac Store

It’s available in Classic Black, Camo Green, Rainbow and Trendy, but that refers to strap decoration — the case itself is always black. And, as noted, there are versions for the iPhone 13, 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max

If you’d like something slimmer that is MagSafe compatible, consider the SwitchEasy MagSkin Silicone iPhone Case, which is also on sale. Or go crazy thin with the SwitchEasy 0.35 iPhone Case.

SwitchEasy provided Cult of Mac with a review unit for this article. See our reviews policy, and check out more in-depth reviews of Apple-related items.