If this is a problem that plagues you, and getting your calling, internet, emailing, media or gaming fix is more important to you than avoiding frostbite, then maybe the Etre Touchy gloves by Etre Ltd. just might be the solution you’re looking for. These gloves, reminiscent of sniper’s gloves, are missing the tips of the index finger and thumb on both hands, allowing you to have full utilization of the two most needed digits to control pretty much any portable digital device, from iPhones, Blackberries, and iPods to PDAs and portable game systems like the Sony PSP and Nintendo DS.

Etre Ltd. was kind enough to send me a pair of Etre Touchy gloves to try out late last year, so I figured I’d put them through their paces and let my readers know what I think.

The pair I tested were medium size, which should have been fine as I usually wear a medium glove, but these 100% acrylic woven gloves are pretty stretchy, so I probably would have done better with a small size, only they were only available in medium or large at the time. I have fairly large hands, but there’s not a lot of meat on them, so while the medium were a perfect fit for the length of my fingers, I found the gloves felt loose and I often had to pull them down at the wrists because they had snaked their way up and gotten a little bunched up on the palms. I just checked their website to see if a small size was now available and to my surprise I see that not only is small still not an option, but medium isn’t either. Hmmm. Doesn’t bode well. I’m suspecting that they are just trying to clear out remaining inventory, but maybe they’re just making room for a new and improved model, who knows.

One of the things I was most curious about was would wearing such gloves make me feel or look out of place. After an initial adjustment period where I was constantly fidgeting with my index finger and thumb, I did get accustomed to wearing them, and they were quite comfortable. I also think they’re rather stylish and go with most casual or business casual outer wear. The colour is relatively neutral, a dark charcoal grey, however they could do without the turquoise trim around the openings of the cut off digits. I’m pretty sure I know where my index finger and thumb are, I don’t need it pointed out to me, and I certainly don’t need to draw attention to the fact that my gloves are missing parts. I guess it’s a fashion thing.

I used a wide range of electronic devices while wearing the gloves, and have to say, they work as advertised. I had no problems at all operating my iPhone, Blackberry, digital camera or Sony PSP while wearing the gloves and it certainly beat not wearing gloves on those chilly autumn days. I say autumn because these gloves are too light for our cold Canadian winters. If you live in a milder part of the world where the temperature doesn’t drop much below 0° C, then these gloves will do a fine job of keeping your hands warm whenever you need it. However, they aren’t adequate much below that. Besides, it’s not a good idea to have exposed skin outdoors at below freezing temperatures. I should also point out the Etre Touchy are rather well ventilated due to their woven fabric, so they do a poor job of protecting your hands from the wind.

My next test was to try driving with them on. At first I though they’d be great for controlling the car stereo during my morning and afternoon commutes, and while that is true, the texture of the acrylic fabric is just way too slippery to feel comfortable (or safe) driving with them. They just don’t give you a very good grip on the steering wheel or stick shift. It didn’t help that they felt a little loose on me, so I also found them slipping on my hands and bunching up, requiring me to regularly pull them back down whenever I was stopped at a traffic signal.

Art of Geek’s Buying Advice

So what’s the bottom line? The Etre Touchy are a decent and comfortable light walking glove for above zero temperatures when you need to be able to use your electronic devices outdoors, and they work well for this purpose. They’re stylish and warm as long as it’s not too windy out, and pretty decent quality for their price. If you’re looking for a pair of gloves that fits this description, and have large hands, then this might be the right glove for you. If you need your gloves for driving or colder temperatures, I don’t recommend them.

Rating: 3.5/5
Product: Etre Touchy gloves (Charcoal with turquoise trim)
Price: £14.99 GBP (Approx. $26.32CDN/$20.94US)
Company: Etre Ltd.
Website: http://www.etretouchy.com/