[ad_1]
Steelseries has released a budget gaming headset Arctis Raw. The novelty is a simplified version in the popular Arctis series, which includes models Arctis 3, 5 and 7. Steelseries Arctis Raw received reduced functionality, while the headset has a pleasant price and a stylish, but strict design. Details in the review.
Characteristics
| Model | Steelseries Arctis Raw |
|---|---|
| Product page | steelseries.com |
| Audio channel | 2.0 |
| Speakers, mm | 40, with neodymium magnets |
| Principle of operation | Closed |
| Impedance, Ohm | 32 |
| Frequency range, Hz | 20–22 000 |
| Headset connection interface | 3.5 mm (1/8″) |
| Battery life | – |
| Weight, g | n/a |
| Compatibility | PC, Mac, PS4, NS, Android, iOS |
| Microphone | |
| Sensor type | Bidirectional |
| Frequency range, Hz | 100–10 000 |
| Sensitivity, dB | -49dB |
| Price | 1799 hryvnias |
Contents of delivery
The Steelseries Arctis Raw comes in a small colorful box with a simple design and a photo of the headset on the front. At the top, there is a gold edging, where it says that this model is recognized as the best gaming headphones according to PCGamer. Behind – the second shot of the headphones and brief specifications in different languages.
Inside, everything is even simpler: a primitive plastic form, where the headset itself is fixed with a thin soldered wire and a TRRRS connector, as well as a removable microphone.
The kit is completed with a standard splitter in a silicone braid. The total length of the wire is 2.8 m.
Appearance
The Steelseries Arctis Raw headphones are a flexible, closed-back design with a plastic base and oval matte earcups.
The lower part of the headband is covered with a soft cushion made of foam filler and leatherette. There is no logo on the top.
Plastic guides received internal notches and are extended on both sides by 3 cm. There are also no drawings and design “chips”.
Oval bowls made of matte-rough plastic are held on fasteners made of the same material and move only in a vertical plane.
The smooth plastic cups feature a subtle Steelseries logo at the bottom center of the cups. Fabric ear pads. Leatherette option is not provided.
A soldered wire with a protective ring against bending, a 3.5 mm jack, a volume wheel and a microphone on / off button were placed on the left cup. The right one is free from any keys and functions.
Under the fabric ear cushions are 40mm drivers with neodymium magnets. Amplifiers, DACs and other electronics, of course, are not available.
The detachable bi-directional microphone received a medium-sized flexible leg in a silicone braid and an oval tip.
Ergonomics and ease of use
The Steelseries Arctis Raw gaming headset did not have a metal base, so it bends easily and without problems. At the same time, such an all-plastic construction is quite fragile, which is why it is better to be careful with it. However, the build is good. Headphones do not creak, do not play and do not crack.
Thanks to the plastic construction, Arctis Raw are easy to put on the head, do not press or fly off even after long use. They sit tight and decently muffle the sounds of the environment. If there were leatherette ear pads in the kit, then the outside world would most likely be cut off almost completely.
Matte plastic quickly collects dust, but fingerprints and scratches are not visible on it. The microphone bends easily, inserts into the socket without any problems and pulls out just as freely.
sound impressions
The Steelseries Arctis Raw model sounds adequate for its budget segment. The new product is nice to play shooters, racing, RPG. There is the correct positioning in online battles, powerful sounds of shots, spectacular explosions, a loud clear voice in cutscenes and the bestial growl of engines in races.
Steelseries Arctis Raw is also suitable for music, but the playback quality will appeal to, perhaps, unpretentious users. The whole problem with Arctis Raw is the nondescript sound of any style. If in games a moderate, but tight bass and a dense middle correctly highlight the right places, then when you start the tracks, all frequencies are lost, they sound inexpressive and faded.
The microphone is not noise-canceling, so it is not critical, but it picks up the sounds of the environment. The voice is soft and mechanical. For chatting with friends or colleagues, this is more than enough, but for streaming or voice recording, you should look for another option.
In terms of overall sound, I liked the Razer Kraken Essential better, although they do not always have a pleasant locking bass, and they are a bit cheaper. As for ease of use and everyday wearing comfort, the Steelseries Arctis Raw definitely outperforms the same HyperX Cloud MIX and Cooler Master MH751.
Results
Steelseries Arctis Raw is a gaming headset that has been heavily saved on. The novelty was not supplied with a metal base in the headband, designer bells and whistles, lighting and proprietary software. The model has a simple box with cheap insides and a minimum package. At the same time, Arctis Raw received a budget price tag, a universal hybrid connector to quickly connect to different equipment, pleasant sound in games and a comfortable design for long and daily use. If you’re not picky about music and want a simple, inexpensive headset, but from a big name brand, the Steelseries Arctis Raw is one of the top picks to buy.
[ad_2]