Protective case or not?

Personally I wouldn't really want to add any extra bulk to my Steam Deck. The case you linked also only really protects the back of the device, which shouldn't be too susceptible to damage. Wouldn't do anything to protect the screen, buttons or internals. If my Steam Deck's shell ever does break, I'd just buy a replacement one from e.g. JSAUX.

The Steam Deck isn't a device I would use while standing or walking around, so the risk of dropping is slim. Also, in case of a fall the risk of damage to triggers and joy sticks is large, which wouldn't be protected by a case.

I did put a screen protector on, altough it was mainly because I want a matte display as I use the Deck in places with sun light.

I ended up buying the Killswitch case from Dbrand. It's sturdy, the lip of the case rises up to cover the screen edges and it has a hard face cover while traveling. I normally leave it with its kickstand on various locations to charge for when I need it. It was an added weight but I don't notice it anymore, and I enjoy the textured feel of the case.

I bought a thin case with a protective front panel that clips on magnetically. That is enough to protect it when thrown in a backpack without adding noticeably to bulk.

I don't use one, only the official carrying case when it is not being used. I don't see the point as I'm not using it while walking or moving.

I use the travel case if I take it anywhere, but I haven't seen any need for a protective case.

Can't speak to this case specifically, but I have the Spigen rugged armor case on mine. It still fits in the original case, so not too much added bulk. Biggest thing for me was the grippiness/softness it adds. It's hard to explain, but I find it more pleasant to hold than the bare, hard plastic shell. I don't travel a ton with mine and even then, I just put it in the case, so I wasn't that worried about actual protection other than I don't feel the need to baby it whee I put it down.

I also have the iVoler glass screen protector and JSAUX dock. Both work well.

I have a killswitch because I wanted to carry the deck in a bag and the default case is too big.

The kickstand and the feel of the case are a nice bonus.

Yes and no. When I got my OLED is was so light but after a JSAUX modcase, it sort of lost that feeling. That said, I'm all for protecting my devices and I have a toddler, so that's me.

When I purchased the original Deck, I had it sitting on my desk in my garage with some headphones plugged in and my dog, who was under the desk, got up and bumped the cable with her head. The cable startled her, causing her to panic and jolt, catching the cable around her torso, and yanking the Steam deck off the desk. Dog is now in a panic as the flying Steam Deck crashes into the cement floor behind her, bouncing and skittering across the ground about 6ft or so until it came to a rest. Now, all of this happened in llike 2 seconds, so there wasn't much I could do. It was basically new out of the box, but it took that incident without issue. That was a a few scrapes along the back/side, but no damage to anything else. Has run fine since.

All that to say that it's tanky in its own right, but your mileage may vary. I lucked out I think, but even a case won't save the screen from an ill placed drop onto a rock or something like that.

That case doesn't look very protective. But I bet that kickstand would be useful. The only thing I put on my SD was a Deckmate (now Mechanism) system and their kickstand.

Didn't even put a screen protector on it which I do for everything. Mostly because I got the OG 512GB model with the etched glass and any protector is going to make the matte glass glossy.

We have one from Spigen but it doesn't fit the official dock. I'll check which model it is, but we were pretty disappointed.

I'll edit here later with the model

I received a transparent silicone case with a third party carrying bag I purchased and first wanted to throw it away but gave it a try.

I quite like it as it gives a much better grip and now it's on my SD 3+ months now. It doesn't feel bulkier at all(I have normal sized hands).

I used the SD without a protective case for 2 years before and it was also ok.

Unless the case makes the deck hot I think its only a personal preference

I wouldn't get a case for the sake of protection but I'm more than happy with my Dbrand Kill Switch case due to its added usability. The kickstand is a must for me when placing a powered on Steam Deck on soft items such as pillows not to block the air vents. Being able to put the cover on and leave Steam Deck standing upright saves unreal amount of space on my desk compared to how it was before. If you'd rather go with something slimmer, there is also Deckmate.

I have the standard Spigen case on mine (not the thin fit pro that you linked), and I like it. I have large hands, and find it quite a bit more comfortable than the caseless deck. I've heard of decks popping open at the seams when dropped on their sides, and having a case will protect from that. You also want one that has a ridge that sticks out above the L1/R1 buttons to help shield them from a drop, although it's not possible to protect them from every angle. The case you linked specifically doesn't have any protective material there, so I wouldn't get that one.

The other case I have hands on experience with is the JSAUX mod case, which my son bought. The hand grips are more comfortable than the spigen case, and the front clip cover seems super nice. Spigen has always done an amazing job protecting my phones from drops, and I don't know if the JSAUX mod case will give as much drop protection. But in terms of case feel and features, it's clearly nicer than the standard Spigen case.

I have the Jsaux mod case. The grippy texture is great and feels so much better to hold than the plastic of the Deck, especially for long or more intense sessions where my hands might get a little sweaty. It fits perfectly, no gaps or wiggle.

The attachment features on the case are honestly kind of a gimmick (I mainly got it because I wanted the USB Hub) and the kickstand is a bit too heavy (but very sturdy) IMO. I do like the snap-on protective cover though, it's made well.

The Killswitch is more expensive but would probably provide all the same benefits.

The steam deck is an outer shell of good old plastic, it's easily replaceable if it breaks but bulky enough to not really break that easily, honestly it's up to personal preference, but I think it's fine without one

I like the Jsaux Modcase for the extra grippiness, the protection is more of a bonus. You're probably going to see damage to sticks and screen from a drop before the areas that one of these cases would cover.

I have this case. It's great. Not much heavier than without. Still fits in travel case with it on. Still fits on the dock no problem.