There are many powerhouse companies in the industry that offer finely crafted headsets. When a new challenger arrives and shoots to the top of user popularity, they must be doing something right from the start.
SteelSeries started out in 2001 by finding out what gamers wanted and meeting those needs. Their glass mousepad, the Icemat, was just the start of an evolution in innovative gaming equipment. Their headphones line, Arctis, uses a unique design for comfort, style, and fatigue-prevention in three different models.
Instead of moving the cups to help achieve a comfortable fit, the company uses a suspension band made from ski goggles band material to help their headphones fit snugly. It turns out not having one’s head in a vice makes extending wearing more enjoyable (who knew?). The band is also flexible to the size and contours of the user’s head.
SteelSeries has three headphones in its stable: the Arctis 3, Arctis 5, and Arctis 7. While they utilize some of the same features, it is definitely not a one-size-fits-all scenario. Each fits the discerning gamer according to different needs.
Considering the Arctis SteelSeries line was recently awarded the 2017 Red Dot award for design and is the fastest-growing major PC gaming headset brand in the U.S., according to the NPD Group, you can’t go wrong with any of them. Here’s a closer look at the three models and how they differ.
Arctis 3 ($80)
This headset was named as one of the best wired headphones for the Nintendo Switch. With its 7.1 surround sound and lightweight design, the 3 is perfect for mobile gaming.
The retractable microphone keeps it out of your way during Switch play since voice chat isn’t available through the gaming console. However, you can extend the bidirectional mic for clear sound while making a call on your smartphone.
The 3 is equipped with a micro jack that plugs into many different devices. It’s also a perfect headset when playing with PlayStation VR equipment. The 3’s light weight didn’t drag down my head with additional weight while still providing clear sounds and voice chat through my games.
Arctis 5 ($100)
Though it’s also a wired headset, the 5 is a step up in features and design from the Arctis 3. While still boasting the comfortable ski goggle suspension band and bi-directional, retractable microphone, this headset gives gamers more control over what they want to hear during their gameplay.
The USB connection quickly gets the headphone ready for use with gaming console or Windows PC. A dial on the cord lets players achieve the best mix of voice chat and game play for their enjoyment.
The air weave ear cushions are soft and breathable, making for a comfortable but secure fit. They also do a great job cutting down outside noise and preventing game play audio from leaking into the room.
There is a nice visual touch to the 5. Many gamers have tricked out keyboards and mice to light up with various colors. The Arctis 5 joins the color parade by cycling through colors on the outer edge of the headphones. The user can’t see them, but they make for a great visual for the people around who are watching you play.
The light show doesn’t stop there. When the microphone is muted, it lights up, alerting the player he can’t be heard. That visual cue is very helpful and just another way Arctis tries to match a gamer’s needs.
Arctis 7 ($150)
The only wireless headset in the stable, this is the top of the line in the series. It has the same great features as the 3 and 5, but it adds another layer of what gamers want.
The 2.4 Ghz wireless connection means lag-free gaming with zero latency. The DTS Headphone:X 7.1 Surround Sound means you’ll hear every footfall and explosion with the same clarity.
The rechargeable battery inside the headset allows for a full 24 hours of continuous use, thanks to a firmware update from the company that raised the power storage. These are the perfect headsets for console play, especially if you sit far away from your consoles and don’t want cords strung across the room.
The 7 has the same ski goggle suspension headband and bidirectional microphone as the others. The game chat/play mixing is also available for the 7, but it does not have the colored light features as the others.
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