Etched or Glossy

[S2N Moon]

So i’m about to pull the trigger on a steam deck. There’s one thing that does concern me. The etched screen and when it comes to a screen protector. The way I’m thinking is a etched screen with a etched screen protector I believe that’s going to impair the visual look of the Oled screen. So I did a bit of research. And as far as I can see I’m right. So do I go glossy?. I’m not too bothered about the storage as I will upgrade. I plan on playing mostly sat on my couch or in my bed. Any thoughts on this would be much appreciated. Hope all had a great new year. Regards Moon

[ugafan]

I prefer glossy screens. And it's $100 cheaper. Yes it has less storage, but if you're planning on upgrading anyways, that isn't much of a factor.

[MUD]

Glossy. If you want later you can install anti glare screen protector on it. But with the etched, installing screen protector may turn the display into a mirror.

[Mahjik]

I've had both. I prefer the etched screen.

[ReBoot]

Etched is way superior if you're going to use your Deck in non-optimal lighting conditions (which includes the innards of a subway train). It makes is soooooo much easier to see what's actually on the screen. Rule of thumb: in optimal conditions, naturally-glaring screens look better. In non-optimal conditions, matte it is.

As for screen protectors, they aren't nearly as good. I'm not gonna deny some anti-glare foil to yield better result than a naturally-glossy screen. However, it still is a separate layer so you get a layer boundary so more reflections than an integral matte finish.

What do you want to protect your screen for anyway? Against scratches, the included carrying bag protects just fine. It protects REALLY good! Against drops? No amount of screen protectors will prevent it from cracking when dropped screen-first onto something sharp. Graned, it will at least prevent your screen glass from going anywhere in such case but you'll need a replacement screen anyway so what are you going to protect the screen from?

The only real reason (aside from "feels better this way") to go for protective foils is when you want to hand your Deck to humans with lackluster cognitive/motoric abilities (i.e. kids) or have those yourself.

[tarasis]

Etched all the way. I don't just use my deck at home in optimal conditions, or in my bedroom at night when I can't sleep. My laptop is Glossy, my deck is etched and one is far superior to the other outside or just random lighting conditions. When SD2 comes along (*wishes*), I will make the same choice without question.

[S2N Moon]

Thanks for you input. I went etched in the end. It arrived today. About a hour before I had work lol..

[Jenaverse]

Originally posted by S2N Moon:

Thanks for you input. I went etched in the end. It arrived today. About a hour before I had work lol..

I personally love the etched screen on both my LCD and OLED because I took both systems out of house for long commutes. Having zero reflections is such a bonus for me, plus the warmer tone for late night in the dark gaming in bed.

The best thing after having both systems since the SD first released is I never had to bother with a screen protector. It’s easy to clean and I don’t see annoying fingerprints like I do with my other handhelds that have screen protectors during use. Not a single scratch either and I don’t baby my systems.

Enjoy!