K11 Bumper Review – ThanoTech iPhone 6 Cases

 

[box title=”” border_width=”2″ border_color=”#dd9933″ border_style=”solid” align=”center”]

Where’s the case?

(Scroll down for the written review)
[gard]

[/box]


K11 Bumper Review - Molded TPU and Aluminum Frame

 

K11 Bumper Review – Wow. Just…WOW!

Today we’re going to do a review of the K11 Bumper by Thanotech. This is one of the best iPhone cases that we’ve reviewed and as you can see from our comparison tool, we’ve reviewed lots of iPhone cases.

This is a metallic/TPU bumper that wraps around your iPhone but what sets the K11 apart is that the TPU frame is specially attached to the aluminum frame. This makes the K11 easier to install, its smaller and lighter than other metallic iPhone cases and provides decent drop protection for your iPhone.

For the K11 Bumper review, we’ve given this product a score of 4.7 Eh’s out of 5. This is the highest score for iPhone 6 cases to date as it beats out the previous champion, the Thule Atmos X4. If you’re looking for something similar, consider checking out the Rhinoshield Crashguard which is a plastic/TPU bumper, the Seidio Tetra or the Draco Design.

 

[gard]

[komper pid=99 category=1 compareform=yes]

[gard]

Design – Designed so well that you can’t see it!

K11 Bumper Review - Attention to detail

In terms of design, the bumper will not add a lot of bulk or weight to your iPhone. One of the neat things about this bumper is that it keeps the general design aesthetic of the iPhone so it doesn’t draw attention away from the iPhone. The K11 is even better looking than one of our most recent, still highly rated case, the iGlaze from Moshi.

The bumper fits very will together and is compatible with 3rd party screen protectors and the TPU retains its shape quite well. We gave the TPU portion of the case a good stretch and didn’t notice any sort of separation between the aluminum bumper and the TPU. The brushed aluminum sides will hold up to keys and coins so it will keep the matted look.

[divider][/divider]

Protection – Accidents happen and the K11 bumper will have you covered

K11 Bumper Review - iPhone 6 Drop Test

In terms of protection, this is a multiple layered bumper that provides decent drop protection which we demonstrated in our video. The edges are high enough to keep the iPhone off a flat surface and the folded TPU sticks out just enough that your iPhone won’t slip around easily.

Unlike other cases where you have to fit a metal bumper around a TPU frame like the Seidio Tetra, there’s no where for the dust and debris to accumulate. Thanotech also had the design foresight to actually incorporate a small edge to protect the iPhone 6’s camera so it doesn’t sit on a flat surface. Also, the K11 will offer decent protection against bending for all you people who like to keep and sit on their iPhones in their back pockets.

[divider][/divider]

Functionality – A little slick but we got over it

In terms of functionality, getting to your iPhone is a breeze. The buttons are nice and aren’t tough to use and the cutouts at the bottom of the case are large enough to handle even the monstrous Amazon basics lightning cable and other oversized headphone jacks. Since its a bumper, there are no issues in terms of screen functionality.

The only gripe that we have about the bumper is that its pretty slick especially when compared to similar products. Bumpers like the Draco Design have enough edges to help with the slickness so you’ll just have to be a little more careful with the K11.

[divider][/divider]

Again, we gave this case a score of 4.7 Eh’s out of 5. If you’re looking for a premium iPhone case, consider getting one of the Ronin’s from Element. It will definitely class up your iPhone and put a dent in your wallet.

Have questions about our K11 Bumper Review? Please ask them on our Google+ page or on our Facebook page.

59 Comments

  1. Nice! I’m gonna have to keep an eye on this case or maybe throw some cash their way through kickstarter. I like the spigen aluminum bumper (it doesn’t have the rubber back.) but i hate how the black rubber stands out from the white and gold phone, but the gold color aluminum looks perfect with the phone.

  2. Would it be a good idea to team this with the holy grail screen protector? Would I get the same protection? I want it to still look like an Iphone and should I be concerned with the back being exposed. I’m getting the Iphone 6s. It’s supposed to be a lot more durable and not able to dent as easily.

    • It would be a decent setup. Generally, the back of the iPhone doesn’t get damaged during drops. It will almost be a corner that hits first but if you’re dropping it on a rocky parking lot, then the back is in trouble.

      I hope the 6S is indeed tougher. I’m definitely going to find out.

      • HI Aaron,
        There’s some 99% like K11 Bumper in the market, just like TUNEWEARs’ bumper
        or other no brand product from China. They have the almost same design/style. Can you tell me K11 have any special unique advantage or feature that worth to it’s price?

        • Thanotech has patents on the aluminum/tpu moulding processes that go into the bumpers. I personally prefer to pay the companies that spent the time to make the product rather than others who rely on copying others/stealing from others.

  3. Would this case work the Cinder glass screen protector? I currently have the Nuud but am looking for something that will provide protection from drops with less bulk.

  4. Hi Aaron,

    First of all, I think your reviews are some of the most informative on the internet. Having said that, I would really like your opinion! You mentioned that the K11 would work well with a front screen protector. Would a back protector, one that wraps around the sides such as the Skinomi or Bodyguardz, work well with the design of the K11?

  5. With a student discount I can get the rhino shield with front and back screen protector for $42, on kick starter I can get the K11 for $34, which would you say is better value for money? I can see that the k11 has a higher rating, but it doesn’t come with any screen protection whatsoever, any my current zagg glass one is pretty chipped so I wouldn’t mind a new screen protector.

    • Depends on how tough your are on your device. Better value would be the Rhinoshield since it offers more protection and comes with front/back screen protectors. The K11 looks better but won’t offer as much protection. Also, the K11 is made from metal so if you do drop it often, it will deform.

  6. Every aluminum (every metal in general) case/bumper diminishes the reception of the phone.. how much does this Al bumper affect the reception? That’s the only thing; but nonetheless a huge deal breaker, that makes me hesitant to buy the k11

    • I’ve never noticed a big hit in signal strength on any of the metal bumpers that I’ve reviewed. I know other viewers have mentioned it but I’ve never noticed it.

  7. Would you use the k-11 as the only case if it were the only case you had? I want protection but I love the thinness of my iPhone. It is a great looking product. I have backed them on Kickstarter and am greatly anticipating the case arrival. Also I noticed that in another comment you said that you rated it as a bumper and not a case? But isn’t a case? Or is it because it doesn’t fully enclose the iPhone?

    • Its a bumper as it doesn’t cover the back of the iPhone. The K11 would definitely be one of the products I’d keep on my iPhone if I wasn’t reviewing stuff.

      • I’m sorry I rambled so much. So did you rate it as a bumper, or case? You make great videos and I enjoy watching them and look forward to them each week. Thanks again.

          • Here’s some literature from the Cupert website:

            Can I use Edge to Edge glass?

            All Edge to Edge glass that we have tested work perfect with a couple “no name” glass not sticking and the Cinder from Cupert giving us some trouble when taking the K11 off or putting it on.

            Hope this helps.

  8. Hi Aaron, thanks for your review. I know you said there are easy access to the buttons, but I’m looking at the cutout for the mute button and it just doesn’t look that big–but you found it to be okay?

    Also, I know another commenter pointed out something similar, but this case looks VERY similar to the x-doria Bump Gear Plus, http://xdorialife.com/products/bump-gear-plus-for-iphone-6?variant=1255982812. Have you had a chance to look at that metal bumper?

    Thanks!

  9. Hmm, tried to comment the other day but I guess it didn’t go through…anyhow, I’m wondering how big the mute switch cutout is? Is it big enough for a male thumbnail to access the switch? Thanks.

    • Hi, I’m a kickstarter backer and according to the last update, they did extend the opening for the mute button by 1mm so it should be big enough.

  10. What color of K11 Bumper do you think would look better on a space gray iphone? Black/black or black/space gray?? Need suggestions. Thanks!

  11. I was wondering whether you have been continuing to use the K11. I want to know if the white TPU discolors and if you can post pictures of what it looks like now.

  12. I know this k11 case good to withstand and keep phone safe from drop or impact from the ground.. If without any screen protector put on it, would the case keep the screen not broken? Does the back also recommend to have film for protection?

    • The bumper provides enough shock protection to prevent the iPhone from breaking. The majority of drops will end up on a corner of the iPHone, not the actual screen. If you’re worried, just get a screen protector for the iPhone…the back should be fine.

    • I’d take the K11 if I was working in the office all day, the PlayProof for slightly more active days. I haven’t put either on my iPHones in a couple of weeks, have a slew of other cases to get through.

  13. Unfortunately, here’s what Cupert has reported in regards to Cinder compatibility with K11.

    Cases and bumpers that don’t work with CINDER;

    (Although we have made these work, we do not recommend them as, with everyday use or changing case often, it will result in too many problems)

    Incipio DualPro
    K11
    Speck CandyShell Grip
    Tech21 Classic Frame
    Spigen Tough Armor Cover Case
    Spigen Air Skin

    Here is the url: http://www.cupert.com/cindercasecompatibility

    These are two exceptional products. It’s a shame that they will have problems working together with everyday use or changing case often.

    Would love to know if anyone else has tried putting these two products together and what the results were.

  14. The screen is detaching from the back of my iPhone 6 plus (there is a slight gap at the upper left corner near the mute button). Would the K11 provide any kind of support to keep this gap closed and/or keep dust out? Are any other cases better suited for this purpose?

  15. Help! Just got an iphone 6s, and it is actualy my first smartphone ever(pause for gasping!). I have no idea what case/bumper/screen protector, etc. to get! I got the rose gold phone so I don’t want to HIDE that. I will mostly be using it at home or in my purse, so mostly concerned with purse scratching and possible normal dropping, not too intense! My son got the 6s also, but will be working outside, taking it in and out of pocket with dirty/painty hands. We are both phone newbies so your input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much 🙂

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *