Rubberised shell although in size and ergonomics. Combining black edges and transparent interior integrates well with iphone 4 black. The volume keys are set in the hull to ensure accurate keypresses. Access to the helmet and the lighting is not a problem. I ordered 2 new after a year. With heavy use of the iPhone and after 12 months of use iphone + shell, the black rubber separates from the transparent part. Anyway, it's a good product: compromise between access to the screen, the same protection and aesthetics of the iphone.