Zebra Zero Case review

Cases for the Raspberry Pi Zero have been fairly quick to market: by the time The MagPi issue 41 was released, there was already at least one to get your hands on, and more have been popping up since. This may be because of the popularity of the laser-cut acrylic sheets that Pimoroni has promoted – either way, it has created a small market of cases made with a more interesting material: wood.

The full article can be found in The MagPi 43

One of the first of these was C4 Labs with its Zebra Zero case. It comes in both a wood-finish version and a normal clear acrylic one, so you have your choice of style. However, even the wood-finish case isn’t fully wooden: a pair of ABS-plastic spacers separate the two wooden plates at either end. This is much more cost-effective while still achieving the overall effect. The wood is also laser-cut, so it’s nice and smooth. Each important port is uncovered and labelled via etching into the wood panel. It’s simple, neat, and it works well. The GPIO is completely uncovered, which, while making the Pi Zero seem a little naked at first, does make a lot more sense when a GPIO header is soldered on. Unfortunately, there don’t seem to be any Pi Zero cases that cover up this part of the board, and while there are definitely arguments for having it open, the option to have it closed off if needed would be nice.

Like the wooden case, the acrylic one has the same etchings, precision cuts, and smoothness. Both are supplied with very sturdy screws that interlock over each other, rather than a nut and bolt. These same holes grab the Pi Zero as well, so they could be used for mounting purposes with the right equipment.

Both versions of the case are great and sturdy. The heatsink seems a little like overkill, but it’s a nice little touch and it looks good aesthetically with the wooden case. If you really like the Zebra Zero case, there’s also a much larger one available that incorporates a breadboard, perfect for prototyping.

Last word

4/5

A great case with a fairly unusual look. It allows for full access to the ports on the Pi Zero – although if you’re not using the GPIO, it makes it seem a little exposed.