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Kloqe was a machined aluminum case for the iPhone 5 generation—not a case for current iPhones. John Martellaro’s 2014 review covers the iPhone 5/5s; Kloqe’s archived product page also lists the iPhone 5c and says it did not offer an iPhone 6 or 6 Plus case. The case’s appeal was its close match to the phone’s metal finish and a reported 35-gram weight. Its reception and impact-protection claims, however, were not established by controlled testing.
The Mac Observer’s hands-on review found attractive machining, accessible ports and a careful-installation caveat. It also documented a volume-button-cover tab that came loose on the first unit. This is a historical review, not a current buying recommendation.
Compatibility: which iPhones does Kloqe fit?
Kloqe was designed for the iPhone 5 generation. Martellaro’s independent review evaluated it with the iPhone 5/5s, while the archived Kloqe product page lists the iPhone 5, 5s and 5c. The archived page says the company did not then offer a case for the iPhone 6 or 6 Plus. Nothing in these sources establishes fit for later iPhone models.
Design, materials and dimensions
Kloqe’s central idea was to echo the iPhone’s own finish rather than hide it under a conventional-looking cover. The company described a two-piece case that slides together and locks, as well as a three-part, conductively separated exoskeleton intended to isolate the antennas. Those descriptions are product claims, not independent measurements of how the design affects reception.
#1 Best Overall
- Diamond-cut aluminum backplate with a unique metallic finish.
- Proprietary hybrid material provides ample shock absorption and scratch resistance.
- Fully-encased volume and power buttons.
- Raised bezel protects the display when iPhone is placed display-side down.
- Designed and tested to be "flash-friendly" with a customized flash cut-out.
A February 2014 launch announcement from Unbranded described the body as aircraft-grade aluminum with a CNC-machined brushed finish and said it added 4 millimeters to the phone’s height and width. Martellaro reported a case weight of 35 grams and an added 4 millimeters of height. These are reported product details, not independently audited specifications.
The archived product page lists champagne, grey, white and black. Martellaro reviewed the champagne version and praised its machining, finish and fit. The Mac Observer listed a US$69.95 list price in 2014; that historical price should not be read as a current offer.
Rank #2
- Brand new and high quality protection for your iPhone 5/5s. Unique design provides stylish protection for your device.
- Easy snap-on perfect fitting cover will keep your iPhone 5 and 5s models safe!
- Made of high quality plastic mateial, with aluminum skin decoration above and chrome around.
- Provides easy access to all ports, buttons, camera, etc. with a unique polycarbonate design.
- You can continue to rely on Electro-Deal to offer the markets most competitive prices, paired with industry leading customer support, and all backed by a one year, full manufacturer's warranty on new products or a 90 day limited warranty for refurbished products!
What the hands-on review found
Martellaro described the case as stiff and lightweight, with a soft inner cushion. Ports remained accessible, and the lower cap snapped on. A plastic screen protector was included in the box. He found the case attractive and well finished, but said its sharp metal edges made installation and removal something to do carefully.
Reception: an informal observation, not a test
Kloqe claimed its separated design would not interfere with reception. Martellaro did not conduct radiometric testing; in informal checks using an AT&T Microcell, he saw no difference in signal bars with the case on or off, indoors or outdoors. Signal bars are not a controlled measurement, so this observation does not verify a reception guarantee.
Rank #3
- Full access to screen, buttons, and ports
- Hardshell case with added aluminum protection
- All around great case
Protection: no drop-test result
The company said the aluminum would absorb impact, but Martellaro explicitly did not drop-test the case. His impression that it might protect a phone in a fall is not evidence of tested performance. The sources establish no drop rating or validated protection level.
Volume-button tab: the main reliability concern
The review identified a small, foam-backed tab that held the volume-button cover. On the first review unit, frequent insertion and removal caused the tab to come loose and become mangled. A second unit did not show the problem when handled more carefully. Martellaro reported that the developer said the issue had appeared a few times in the initial Kickstarter batch and that work with the manufacturer on a solution was underway. The available sources do not establish whether the issue was later resolved.
Rank #4
- Raised Screen Edges and Camera Guard Lens Frame.
Who might have wanted Kloqe—and what to weigh
Kloqe’s best fit was an iPhone 5-generation owner who valued a machined-metal appearance close to the phone’s own finish and wanted relatively little added weight. Its costs were the sharp edges requiring careful handling, the documented button-tab concern and the lack of controlled evidence for reception or drop protection.
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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →When assessing a legacy case like this, compare the exact phone model it fits, added weight and dimensions, material and finish, installation and removal, the quality of reception evidence, button-cover reliability and whether drop protection has actually been tested. Contemporaneous Cult of Mac commentary also noted the basic tradeoff: even a case styled to match the iPhone adds bulk for someone who prefers a bare phone.
Best Value
- For iPhone 5 5S SE 100% brand new and high quality
- Easy snap on/off installation
- Ultra thin and light weight
- Protects your Phone from scratches, bumps and dirts
- Made by Brushed aluminum and Rigid plastic
Historical availability
The Mac Observer’s 2014 review listed the US$69.95 list price, while the launch announcement described Kickstarter pledge tiers. Touch of Modern’s historical Kloqe page is marked sale ended. These sources do not establish current inventory, an active manufacturer storefront or a current Amazon listing, so present-day availability and pricing cannot be confirmed here.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
