Do they basically do the same effect? The gloves state: "Double backstab damage"

The Hand Wraps state: "Double sneak attack damage with one-handed weapons"

It seems to me when I use either or they do the same thing basically. But I just wanted to make sure.

Does anyone like the Hand Wraps as much as I do?

Backstab can only be done with a dagger, so the gloves are more conducive to you if you're using a dual-dagger or dagger and sword/mace/whatever combo. The handwraps do double damage with any 1h weapon whether its a dagger, sword, mace, or axe.

I can't remember if the Double Backstab compounds with the sneak perk which gives you x15 backstab with a dagger. I highly doubt it, though.

So it seems like the gloves are only useful if you aren't spec'd into the x15 dagger backstab perk.


Edited for spelling

A backstab, by definition, is a sneak attack with a one-handed weapon when you have the Backstab (and/or Assassin's Blade) perk.

Both the Shrouded Gloves and the Shrouded Handwraps will double the value of your backstab modifier:
With Backstab, x6 becomes x12;
With Assassin's Blade while using a dagger, x15 becomes x30.

The difference is that the Handwraps are bugged and do not benefit from either of your Armour skills, while the Gloves count as light armour.

Isn't the handwraps part of the cloth set, with the robes, cowl and shoes?

You sure about this? I always figured they were the mage equivalent of the gloves and therefore were clothing, considering they come with the Shrouded Robes, Hood, and Shoes compared to the Gloves coming with the Shrouded Armor, Cowl(s), and Boots.

It's possible. CK shows them flagged as gauntlets, but not associated with either armour skill, if I remember (I'm at work, so I could be remembering wrongly.) The lack of armour rating would make sense for them being clothing though.

As for swords: IDK If you get the damage modifiers because I've never tested it, but I have gotten the throat slashing animation while using a sword.

This. ^

and
This. ^

The reasoning behind this topic (and I forgot to put it in the OP) was what the Active Effects state for both items:

Ancient Shrouded Gloves (Exquisite)
Double sneak attack damage with one-handed weapons. (which is what the item says)

The Hand Wraps say the same thing for ability, and active effect.

BUT they both count as "Backstab". Isn't backstab meant for daggers? Is what I'm trying to get at basically..

OK, I just went out with dual Ebony swords:

6x damage without the gloves or wraps
12x with both gloves and wraps

Ok. Now that I've had a chance to check this in the CK:

1. The editor-id for Shrouded Hand Wraps (DBClothesHandWraps) does show them with the keyword ArmorGauntlets. This is contrasted with Thalmor Gloves (ClothesThalmorGloves) which have the keyword ClothingHands. So I was remembering that part right.

2. The most accurate way to describe the interaction between the Shrouded Hand Wraps (or Gloves) and sneak attacks is this. Apply each multiplier if its conditions are met:

• x3 damage;
  
• x2 damage, if Perk "Backstab" is taken;
  
• x2 damage, if Shrouded hands are worn AND perk "Backstab" is taken;
  
• x2.5 damage, if Perk "Assassin's Blade" is taken AND a dagger is making the attack.

This is the actual mechanics at work. The x6 and x15 in the perk descriptions reflect these processes at work.