Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

This review is for those wondering how Snactivs compare to their cheaper knockoffs that can be found on Amazon. I bought both so you don't have to. DISCLAIMER: These opinions are my own and I am not affiliated with either company. Both the Snactiv and their knockoffs (in this case, I tested the highly rated UHOUSE brand) employ the same concept: attach chopsticks to your pointer and middle finger and squeeze them together to pick up things so your fingertips don't get dirty. Either you get how clever and useful this is or you laugh it off. But if you find it silly, reconsider. The ability to eat messy foods without getting residue on your keyboard, phone, iPad, controller, papers, fingers (etc…) is relieving and liberating. Both the Snactiv and the knockoffs deliver on their conceptual promise. They work! But despite looking and working similarly, there are, in fact, considerable differences between them. COMFORT: The Snactivs use a semi-firm silicone material to attach the pointer and middle finger, while the knockoff uses rigid plastic. In practice, the Snactivs conform to your fingers, while the knockoffs will either be too loose or too tight (depending on your fingers). Because of this, the Snactivs are so comfortable that they simply disappear between your fingers after a bit, while the knockoffs are always palpable and their presence becomes tiring after some time. Furthermore, because the knockoffs use rigid plastic where you place your fingers, when you squeeze them together, the plastic puts pressure against the insides of your pointer and middle fingers. This is a big issue. After a while the knockoffs simply become too fatiguing to use. You'll feel like you need to give your fingers a break. With the Snactivs, the silicone never made me feel that way; you can use them for hours without discomfort. TIPS: The Snactivs have a rubbery silicone at the tips, while the knockoffs use knurled plastic. The Snactivs simply have more grip; they require less effort and dexterity to pick something up. With the knockoffs, things are a bit harder to grab and are more prone to slip off once grasped. The all-plastic knockoffs are easier to clean because of the uniform material, but at the cost of ease-of-use. ERGONOMICS: Because the Snactivs use silicone for the fingers, you can splay your pointer and middle fingers forwards and backwards from each other and the Snactiv will flex accordingly. When holding a gaming controller, a pencil, or typing (as just three examples), wearing Snactivs don't inhibit your fingers' movement and can remain equipped without feeling restrictive. With the knockoffs, the rigid plastic fights against any atypical finger positions and, as a result, feel obstructive when holding a controller or a pencil or typing. OTHER: The Snactivs are designed to stand up on their own, so when you're done, you don't have to get your surface dirty either. Not a necessary feature, but something to know. The knockoffs are longer than the Snactivs, and I actually find this extended length better; there are situations when you need the range. CONCLUSION: All in all, the Snactivs are the better product. Yes, you pay more, but in the end you get a product that is more comfortable over longer periods, requires less effort to use, and doesn't get in your way. In my opinion, these factors make the Snactivs well-worth its higher asking price and a 5-star rating. The knockoffs get the job done but the experience makes them feel more like a novelty than a useful tool. They are a 3-star product, but I have to deduct a star for simply stealing such a clever idea from a small American company. If you are debating between the two, I'd get the Snactivs.