Steelseries arctis 5 2022 test: SteelSeries Arctis 5 Gaming Headset Review: Long-Term Comfort — Mitspielen — Vampire Live in München

SteelSeries Arctis 5 Gaming Headset Review: Long-Term Comfort

Tom’s Hardware Verdict

The SteelSeries Arctis 5 is attractive and comfortable, so you’ll be happy to wear it for hours. Great for movies and other media too, its gaming audio is comparable to rivals, though the virtual 7.1 surround sound wasn’t noticeable.

Pros

+
Simple, yet aesthetically pleasing design
+
Lightweight and very comfortable
+
Easily retractable microphone

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The SteelSeries Arctis 5 tries hard to be the best gaming headset. It has a modern design with RGB lighting, a retractable microphone, a ChatMix dial to regulate the volume between a game and its accompanying chat, plus virtual 7.1 surround sound.

At $99 as of writing, SteelSeries’ Arctis 5 headset is compatible with PC, Mac and gaming consoles via USB Type-A and also connects to controllers and smartphones with a 3.5mm adapter. The headset proved decent for gaming, but its audio profile was more impressive for other content, like movies.

SteelSeries Arctis 5 Specs

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Driver Type	40mm neodymium
Impedance	32 Ohms
Frequency Response	20 Hz — 20 KHz
Design Style	Closed-ear design
Microphone Type	Bidirectional, retractable, noise cancellation
Connectivity	3. 5mm, USB Type-A
Weight	9.76 ounces (277g)
Cables	10 foot (3m) cable, ChatMix Dial USB cable
Lighting	1 RGB zone
Software	SteelSeries Engine 3

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(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

SteelSeries Arctis 5 (White) at Best Buy for $53.99

The SteelSeries Arctis 5 has a simple, modern, look. My review unit came in black, and the headset’s also available in white for a bolder look. But you might not need a white color scheme for that, considering that the Arctis 5 has RGB lighting around the perimeter of the cups.

The lighting has a 10-second color transition by default, but you can customize the effects, including speed, in the Engine 3 software (more on that in the Features and Software section). The lighting remains on as long as the headset is plugged in. It’s a tasteful implementation that won’t stand out as much as the RGB on the JBL Quantum One, for example, but it should still get the job done.

More important than its light show, the headset felt light and comfortable on my head. It features an adjustable strap at the bridge that also does a lot for comfort. I let the strap out a bit to a point where it felt loose, but this wasn’t a negative as the soft cups, which are made of SteelSeries’ Airweave material, have a decent drip.

I didn’t have any issues wearing the SteelSeries Arctis 5 for a few several hours of gaming. The headphones can also swivel flat to be worn around the neck. Weight-wise, the Arctis 5 is on the lighter end at just 9.76 ounces(277g). I noticed a major boost in this comfort between this headset and the Patriot Viper V380, which isn’t that much heavier at 10.88 ounces (310g) but has larger cups and a thicker, braided cord.

Adding to its futuristic design, the Arctis 5 microphone retracts easily from the base of the left cup. It is malleable, allowing for easy adjustment and even turns outward. Setting the mic back in place is as easy as taking it out.

The controls on the Arctis 5 are simple and include a volume wheel and a mute button for the microphone. The main cable plugs into the ChatMix dial, which then plugs into a PC, Mac, or gaming console via USB Type-A. Users can connect to smartphones and controllers with the 3.5mm adapter.

Unfortunately, the cords are rather long and would get tangled and feel cumbersome while gaming. I had to fold up the remainder of the cord and tuck it behind my gaming PC to keep my space organized.

The good news is that there’s a very comfortable amount of distance between the main cord and the ChatMix dial. This allowed me to keep the dial about an arm’s length away, which is perfect for being able to reach it when necessary and make sure it didn’t interfere with any movements or my best gaming mouse when I didn’t need it.

Using the 3.5mm attachment for handheld gaming removes the ChatMix dial but makes the wire much shorter. The 3.5mm attachment is quite small and easy to misplace, so there’s a benefit in putting it away when not in use.

Audio Performance of SteelSeries Arctis 5

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(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

The SteelSeries Arctis 5 headset is a decent plug-and-play accessory even before you install the accompanying software. However, in our testing, the ChatMix dial was not functional until the software was set up and the audio ran low until I installed SteelSeries Engine 3 application.

Once I installed the Engine 3 control center, I was able to also adjust the sound with the ChatMix dial. The dial is meant to help users adjust the volume of a voice chat versus the game volume while playing. It also proved to be a decent volume control when consuming other media due to proximity.

I found my ideal audio setup was with my PC audio at maximum and with the hardware and ChatMix dial set at a little above medium. Absolute max, with all three settings at high proved uncomfortable.

There are two audio profiles available within the software: Headset Earphone (Arctis 5 Chat) and Headphones (Arctis 5 Game). The audio difference between the two sound profiles was minuscule. The SteelSeries Arctis 5 Chat profile was slightly louder, but with a lighter pitch, while the Arctis 5 Game profile was slightly deeper and more robust.

One of the SteelSeries Arctis 5’s key features is its virtual 7.1 surround sound, which uses DTS Headphone:X v2.0 (some of SteelSeries other headsets, such as the Arctis 3 use Windows Sonic). As a DTS exec explains on SteelSeries.com , DTS Headphone:X v2.0 “takes a game’s audio from objects or multichannel streams and re-creates them so it no longer is simply basic stereo” for a 3D audio experience.

However, I couldn’t hear any difference between having the 7.1 surround sound on or off in games. This isn’t a massive disappointment, considering the sound quality of the cans without the feature, but the surround sound is also partially what you’re paying for here. Similarly, there wasn’t any obvious difference in having the Stereo profile on or off.

I opted to use the SteelSeries Arctix 5 with virtual 7.1 surround sound off and fired up Destiny 2. I found it challenging to pinpoint various sound details in active battle at Vanguard, unless there were major explosions or gunfire right in front of me. Meanwhile, audio from my Ghost and nearby gamers was loud and clear, even if they weren’t on the screen. In less frantic parts of the game, a lot of the background noise came through like a general hum unless I got up close to different characters, at which point I could more clearly hear conversations.

The SteelSeries Arctis 5 microphone is bidirectional and Discord-certified, and its noise-cancelling features were especially impressive during gameplay. I also used it to chat with friends and family, who confirmed they couldn’t hear the TV show I was playing on my TV in the background. On the other hand, those I chatted with said they could detect music I played at a medium-to-loud level but said it wasn’t a bother. They also reported that other actions, such as claps and stomps I made, sounded faint.

Because it allows you to easily adjust volume, the Chatmix dial will please gamers who are often communicating with their companions on the battleground. I personally didn’t find a major need to use the dial frequently, as I was typically able to hear my teammates’ voices properly without adjusting the dial and vice versa.

Overall, the audio quality during gameplay was decent. I usually kept my volume controls at maximum, where it was loud but just short of uncomfortable. This was my ideal setting, as I felt the urge to increase the volume when I turned it down even a little bit.

I also used the Arctis 5 when I watched the film Maleficent: Mistress of Evil. The headset did well with capturing various details throughout the movie, such as the fluttering of bugs and fairies, water drops bursting, the purring of different animals and the flapping of Maleficent’s wings.

Features and Software on SteelSeries Arctis 5

The SteelSeries Engine 3 software suite is compatible with Windows 7 or newer and macOS 10. 10 or newer. The software works with not only the Arctis 5 headset, but also many other SteelSeries keyboards, like the SteelSeries Apex Pro, mice, like the SteelSeries Rival 3, and other SteelSeries peripherals.

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

As I was setting up the software for the first time with the SteelSeries Arctis 5, the headset was listed first under the Gear section, but users can simply add the Arctis 5 to the accessory list if they are already using Engine 3. Clicking Arctis 5 under the Gear section will bring up its configuration page, which includes a number of customization options, including for surround sound, stereo, bass enhancement, dialogue enhancement, equalizer and dynamic range compression.

Users can also customize the RGB lighting on the Arctis 5’s right and left cups with illumination effects Steady, Color Shift, Multi-Color Breathe or Disable Illumination to turn them off. Other customization options include tweaking the effect timing, patterns and a color picker.

Engine 3 also has a section for apps that allow users to further customize their SteelSeries products. Many of the apps are not for headphones, but one, in particular, is PrismSync, which allows users to project their RGB settings across different devices and accessories. There is also a Library section that allows users to connect their headset settings to individual games.

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(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

The SteelSeries Arctis 5 is an attractive gaming headset that’s light and comfortable with sound profiles that do well with gaming and other types of media too. Gamers won’t be disappointed with this headset, but I preferred how it sounded with movies. While the virtual 7.1 surround sound proved disappointing, which is unfortunate at this price tag, those in regular need of a ChatMix dial will be happy.

For a solid alternate, gamers can consider the Patriot Viper V380. This wired headset also has RGB and a beefier sound profile driven by larger 53mm neodymium drivers. The Viper V380 is priced similarly to our review unit at $75 .

Still, the SteelSeries Arctis 5 is a headset gamers will be able to wear for hours with little complaint, making comfort one of its main selling points.

MORE: Best Gaming Headsets

MORE: Gaming Headset Reviews

SteelSeries Arctis 5 Gaming Headset Review

The Arctis series of gaming headsets from Steelseries is one of the most popular (and lucrative) to grace the peripheral marketplace – with many (including ourselves) crowning the Steelseries Arctis 5 headset as one of the best gaming headsets around. While the Arctis family is made up of several different iterations (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, pro), today we’ll be taking a closer look at the Steelseries Arctis 5 gaming headset.

The Arctis 5 headset hits that perfect sweet spot between price and performance. It comes to shelves at a shade under $100 and ticks many of the boxes users crave when it comes to a gaming headset purchase. While the Arctis range is one of the most attractive-looking headsets in the game, it brings much more to the table than that. With a very well-balanced sound profile that makes both gaming and music sound great, it’s hard to find any real negatives when it comes to this headset.

Specifications

Below we have outlined the main specifications of the Steelseries Arctis 5 gaming headset:

Steelseries Arctis 5 Specs
Headphone Frequency Response	20 — 22,000 Hz
Wireless	No
Battery Life	N/A
Drivers	40mm Neodymium magnets
Microphone	Uni-directional, noise cancelling microphone
Weight	280

Inside the Steelseries Arctis 5 box, we see:

SteelSeries Arctis 5 headphones
8-pin USB main audio cable
USB ChatMix Dial
1/8” TRRS adapter
Manuals

Setup

The Arctis 5 was a relatively easy headset to set up, however, a couple of fundamental setup steps are required before you can start enjoying this headset. Like all Arctis headsets, the 5’s require the Steelseries Engine in order to utilize some of the unique features this headset offers. Simply go to the product page and download the Engine from there.

As this headset is fully modular, you will need to plug a few cables in to get things up and running. Luckily for some, Steelseries has labeled each cable so you can easily determine which cable goes where. For PC users wanting to use this headset for competitive gaming, the handy USB sound card will need to be used in order to obtain maximum power and some additional features. This is all fairly rudimentary stuff though, and shouldn’t cause too many issues for anyone looking to buy this headset.

You have a couple of different adapters to choose from, making this headset compatible with almost every platform and device.

SteelSeries Arctis 5 Gaming Headset

Design

When it comes to design, the Arctis family rarely lets us down. Once again, the Arctis 5’s keep the same old family design traits that have been such a hit over the years. While we’ll be reviewing the all-black version, the Arctis 5 headset does come in a white version too.

Steelseries have given the Arctis 5 their typical sleek and stylish aesthetics. It’s the kind of headset that wouldn’t look out of place walking around the shops or on public transport – even with the retractable mic that sits out slightly. The Arctis 5’s offer up two fairly large, closed-back oval earcups which have been finished with a matte texture. Outlining the earcup is the signature RGB ring which contrasts very nicely with the black color theme. The RGB can be fully customized in the Steelseries software package, but right-out-the-box it looks pretty good.

On the rear of the left earcup, users have access to volume and microphone controls. A small dial can be used for adjusting the volume, whilst the microphone mute button does pretty much what it says on the tin. Strangely, this headset comes equipped with an audio sharing feature that uses an auxiliary cable in order to do so. Next to the main headset cable, you have a 3.5mm audio port, allowing a friend to tune into what you’re watching/listening to. The microphone retracts from its housing on the left earcup and feels flexible and firm. It too comes with a little RGB lightning zone which can be customized in the software package.

On the inside of the earcups, Steelseries has used a breathable fabric for the padding. The fabric feels very soft and is designed to ensure increasing temperatures around the ear aren’t going to be an issue. The earcups are connected to the headband via a single metal clasp which does have rotational versatility. The headband is simple in design and doesn’t house any Steelseries branding – that can be found on both earcups in a subtle embossed fashion.

The headband is comprised of steel and plastic, feeling both robust and slightly on the rigid side. It has a matt finish similar to the earcups, with an inner fabric adjustable headband to make sure everything fits nicely. Whilst the headband does offer good comfort and requires very little tampering, it can be quite abrasive when wrapped around your neck. Furthermore, because the clamping force of this headset is quite high, when sat around the neck, the Arctis 5 headset can feel a little claustrophobic.

Overall, however, the design of this headset is very good. It brings stylish looks to the table and plenty of on-the-fly controls to make quick tweaks a lot easier.

Build Quality

Moving onto build quality, I have to reiterate what I’ve said in previous articles, the Arctis lineup of headsets feel extremely sturdy and robust. SteelSeries has used high-quality materials in the makeup of this headset and it’s clear to see. Whilst the Arctis 5 is mostly comprised of plastic, steel has been used in more vulnerable areas such as the yokes and the headband. Any plastic that is used in this headset, however, feels very durable and stood up extremely well during our robustness tests.

The headband offers up a good amount of flexibility and feels on the sturdy side. Metal is used for all the connection points in this headset too, meaning it’ll stand up nicely to the occasional rage outburst or drop. The fabric used on the headband feels thick and abrasive, whilst the earcup lining is breathable and soft. You can remove/replace the ear padding on this headset, however, the act of replacing the pads is a little tricky and requires a bit of dexterity – so just keep that in mind if you do plan on getting through a few.

On a less positive note, the yokes that connect the headset to the headband is an area that does concern me a little. Because the earcups are quite heavy (relatively speaking) and connect via a single point, I can certainly see this being an area of failure somewhere down the road. Furthermore, the swivel mechanism found at the top of the yoke doesn’t feel the hardiest if truth be told. If you were to pull these off by one ear, over time I could see that also being a problematic area.

As mentioned above, the microphone retracts from its housing and is made of a versatile material that offers excellent flexibility and rigidity. It sits in its housing quite firmly and can be positioned to your specifications quite nicely. The controls found on the headset feel rock solid and have a nice actuation feel when in use. The cables are all fairly standard and shouldn’t cause too many issues any time soon. One area I wasn’t overly pleased with, however, was the sound card game/chat balance controls. The dial felt far too sensitive for me personally. I’d of preferred it to offer a little more resistance, making minute changes that much easier.

With everything in mind, I have to praise the Steelseries Arctis 5 headset for its general build makeup. As far as gaming headset under $100 go, this one feels very good indeed.

Comfort

For the most part, the Arctis 5’s are an extremely comfortable headset. If I sound a little surprised when saying that, it’s because I am. Whilst testing the Arctis pro +GameDAC, I was left a little unimpressed with the comfort that particular headset provided. However, the 5’s don’t seem to struggle in this department at all.

Let’s start off by discussing that headband. Because Steelseries have opted for the ski-goggle style headband instead of the more generic adjustable headband, users don’t have to fool around with adjustment mechanisms to find the perfect fit. All you need to do when using the Arctis series is to pop the headset on, and you’re away. You do have some adjustment with the headband, meaning if it’s applying a little too much pressure on the roof of the skull, you can always reduce the tension. In my personal experience, however, it wasn’t necessary. One thing I will say is that, if you do plan on using this headset with a hat or hoody, it can get a little tight for headroom.

Headband aside, the next most important area when concerning a headset’s comfort is the ear cup padding. Steelseries have used a memory foam padding inside a soft-weave fabric which is both breathable and non-abrasive. Whilst the earcups do provide good comfort, on the whole, there have been mentions of people’s ears coming into contact with the inner walls of the headset. For me, that wasn’t a problem, however, if you have large ears, it might be worth double-checking the clearance before diving in.

Finally, the lightweight design of this headset (280grams) allows gamers to practice for longer and harder. It also makes using this headset as part of your everyday setup a very viable option.

Overall, I have to say the headset feels great when in use. Off memory, I believe I gave the Steelseries Arctis Pro a mixed review in terms of comfort. Luckily, that was not the case in the Arctis 5 headset.

SteelSeries Arctis 5 Gaming Headset

Performance

So, design out of the way, it’s time to take the Arctis 5’s through some performance scenarios to see how they sound. The following section will be a look at gaming performance, music enjoyment, and microphone quality – all the while, comparing the Arctis 5 headset to some of the similarly priced alternatives that currently reside in today’s market.

With that in mind, let’s dive straight into it.

Sound

I started off the sound portion of the performance review by listening to a number of different music genres and styles. Ultimately, this gives me a greater understanding of what sounds this headset can produce. It also allows me to get a better picture of its sound profile, how the frequencies have been tuned, and how well-balanced the sound is. Kick-starting with some electronic music, it’s safe to say I was impressed with what this headset provided right-out-the-box. Without touching any EQ or sound settings, the first thing that struck me about this headset’s sound profile was jus how well-balanced they sounded. Now, I’m not saying this headset provides audiophile levels of sound, but as far as gaming headsets go, this one is pretty damn good for music.

Whilst it doesn’t offer an overly boomy sound profile, there was definitely a good amount of punchy bass to hear when listening to numerous genres. Whilst the mids feel warm and prominent in the mix, great for electronic and rock music, the high-mids, and highs aren’t nearly as crisp as I’d like. Comparing these to the Sennheiser GSP370 headset, the Arctis 5s definitely offer a more prominent bass profile. Having said that, the highs seem a little weak in the mix and could use some bolstering – in my opinion.

Next up, was gaming. Now, I was a little anxious before testing this headset out in my favorite titles because many great gaming headsets showcase strong high frequencies – an area I feel this headset falls a little short in. However, after playing CS:GO for around an hour, it was safe to say I was happy with the experience.

I started off by playing some deathmatch – my normal routine. I do this to first, warm-up, but more importantly, it’s a good way of understanding how clear the spatial awareness and sound cues are. Deathmatch usually has around 20 players running around and shooting simultaneously, meaning a good headset will easily be able to pinpoint each individual noise. Luckily, that was the case with this headset. After warming up and getting a good understanding of the sound cues this headset provided, I took the Arctis 5 for a spin in a competitive scenario. This is where subtle noises and a missed footstep can be the difference between winning and losing. At first, I was very confident in this headset. I could hear gunshots clearly and footsteps were open and obvious. One thing I wasn’t overly impressed with, however, was how big the spatial awareness was. The sound profile gave the impression of a small world, with people’s footsteps sounding fairly loud in comparison to say, background noise. This isn’t overly problematic, just a small negative when compared to some other headsets that provide better immersion.

I came to a pretty similar conclusion across most gaming genres. Most of the time, the bass notes were nicely balanced between the mids, whilst spatial cues seemed to be on point. Overall, I feel the Arctis 5 headset offers a great all-round sound that works for both gaming and general-purpose use.

Microphone

The microphone used in the Steelseries Arctis 5 feels very similar to that of the other headsets in the Arctis family – which for me, is a huge plus. The fully retractable, bidirectional mic has a great frequency response of 100Hz – 10,000Hz, providing a clear and full recording of your voice. Unlike other microphones of this price point that come equipped with tinny-sounding microphones, the Arctis 5 provides plenty of bass and warmth.

In terms of clarity, I found the Arctis 5 to be near perfect, with only slight background interference from the signal itself. Thanks to its bidirectional pickup pattern and noise cancellation technology, the recordings provided by the microphone are noticeably better than its competition.

In less positive news, this microphone is extremely sensitive to ambient noises. Typing on a mechanical keyboard, for example, will no doubt leave your teammates in utter rage at how loud they can be. Unfortunately, breathing, typing, and TVs can be heard with ease in the background. You do have the option to fine-tune your microphone in SteelSeries Engine, but even then it can still be a little frustrating.

Comparing this to the Razer Kraken Tournament edition, one of the better microphones out there, I’d have to say the Arctis 5 headset probably just takes the win. However, they both offer a very good account of themselves. If I was to compare it against the Corsair HS60 Pro Surround, on the other hand, it would be a landslide victory for the Steelseries.

SteelSeries Arctis 5 Gaming Headset

Features

At the under $100 price range, features can really make or break a gaming headset. They play a serious role in the user experience of a headset and can majorly impact a consumer’s decision. With that in mind, the Arctis 5 headset is one of the few gaming headsets at this price to offer an abundance of useful features. Steelseries wasted no time equipping this headset with plenty of top features, so let’s waste no further time and take a look at the best of the bunch.

Steelseries Engine Software

Steelseries Engine 3 is one of the best peripheral software packages currently on the market, giving users access to a tonne of options when it comes to the Arctis 5 headset. Whilst the controller deals with the game/chat balance, the software package handles everything else this headset has to offer. Users can fully customize the sound of the headset by customizing the EQ settings (or choosing one of the presets), allowing you to fine-tune the sound to your unique requirements.

Alongside audio changes, users can access dynamic frequency compression, DTS surround sound (which we’ll discuss shortly), microphone tuning, and RGB as well. A great software suite that pretty much does it all.

DTS Surround sound

DTS surround sound, for those unaware, is virtual surround sound provided by the headset. We haven’t touched on this in great detail because I feel it’s a gimmicky feature. Having said that, some people do actually use it and have given positive feedback after doing so.

The surround sound can be toggled using the Steelseries Engine package, where users can then fine-tune the experience into music, gaming, and TV. Once enabled, surround sound changes the sound profile of your headset to try and make sound cues and spatial awareness more obvious. Now, whilst this does have an effect on your gaming experience, for me, it kind of destroys the audio performance of the headset.

Whilst it does provide some immersive value and certainly helps hearing footsteps in unique scenarios, for the most part, it feels a little unfinished.

Game/Chat Balance Controls

Game/chat balance is a cool little feature that comes housed in the USB soundcard adapter. It allows you to find the right volume balance between your in-game audio and your chat room.

So, if your teammates are a little too loud, simply reduce the volume in the chat. Alternatively, if you need to boost your teammate’s comms, simply do so by adjusting the balance into a more chat-oriented position. It’s a simple little feature, but one that comes in handy on a regular basis if you’re into your competitive play.

Our Verdict

So, there you have it guys, our comprehensive review of the Steelseries Arctis 5 gaming headset. As we come to the end of the review, we like to round up our final thoughts and conclude whether or not we feel this headset is worthy of your consideration and cash.

Ultimately, the Arctis 5’s are a middle of the road gaming headset that offers good comfort, excellent sound, great value, and a bunch of cool features to boot. Whilst it isn’t going to win any awards in the audiophile category, it certainly puts up a good account of itself when compared to similarly priced alternatives. Coming to shelves at a shade under $100 makes this headset one of the best value for money headsets in its price category and just one of the reasons it got the best gaming headset for under $100 award.

Comparing this to the Razer Kraken Tournament Edition and Corsair HS60 Pro Surround, for me, there is one clear winner. The Arctis 5 headset not only looks and sounds better than the two alternatives, but it also comes with a bunch of cool features and comfort too. Whilst the build quality may let this headset down ever so slightly, features and microphone clarity make it for it in abundance.

Overall, if you’re looking for one of the best gaming headsets in the $100 price region, the Steelseries Arctis 5 gaming headset will serve you well.

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Overview of SteelSeries Arctis 5

Appearance

The Arctis series is known for the fact that it includes models created using fundamentally new technologies, and not by rebranding old products, as many other manufacturers, including well-known ones, do. The SteelSeries Arctis 5 is a mid-range model that has the right specifications, performance, functionality, and value.

The appearance of this device does not deviate one iota from the classic solutions inherent in the manufacturer. A distinctive feature of the products of this company is that it is devoid of pretentious decorative elements, which makes the headset look like a New Year’s garland. This is the only model where there is an LED backlight that emulates up to 7 million colors, but it is very ergonomic and does not interfere at all. In addition, it glows only when the headphones are on the head. nine0005

Arctis 5 has a classic design — strict forms, a minimum of decorative elements. Color — black and white. Round, not too bulky cups are equipped with fabric ear cushions — an unusual solution, given that many modern brands prefer foam-filled leatherette. Special mention should be made of the headband – it is wide, made of plastic, like the whole body. Under it you can find a special fabric mount with Velcro. Adjusting the size allows you to fine-tune it to the features of the head, and achieve an optimal fit of the headset. nine0005

Characteristics

headphone type — closed, wired;
purpose — gaming headset;
black and white;
Microphone — retractable, bi-directional, without ANC;
cable — single-sided, 3 m long, with straight plug;
connection interface — 1 x 3.5 mm mini jack, 1 x USB;
speakers — 40 mm, with neodymium magnets;
range — 20 to 20,000 Hz; nine0016
sensitivity — 98 dB;
resistance — 32 Ohm;
weight — 306 g.

Package contents

A review of the SteelSeries Arctis 5 would be incomplete without mentioning the product package. The model comes in a stylish box made of very durable and thick cardboard. The headphones themselves are in a special soft form, covered with a transparent plastic cape, which is necessary to securely fix the device inside the box.

Under the form there is another box, but smaller. Hidden in it:

remote control for Chatmix function, with USB cable for PC connection;
detachable headset cord;
adapter for standard 3.5 mm audio jack;
warranty card;
user manual (in English).

The equipment is quite standard. There is the possibility of starting the device directly from the box, as there are all the necessary cables and adapters for this. nine0005

Features

Virtually all controls are located on the left cup of the Arctis. There is a retractable microphone, volume control, as well as two connectors — USB and 3. 5 mm mini jack. They are the only ones on the body.

The ChatMix feature only works when you connect your headphones to a device running the Windows operating system. This button allows you to quickly change the volume level in games, as well as in-game chats.

The main parameter for any headset, not just for gaming, is the sound. The gadget offers its users to experience all the benefits of digital surround sound, which is implemented here at a very high level. To activate and manage DTS 7.1 features. the user will need to install the appropriate proprietary software. This feature only works on Windows 7 and above. nine0005

DTS has a number of clear advantages over standard Dolby 7.1. The main one is direction. The player will not only hear the enemy’s cautious actions, but will also determine on a subconscious level where the danger comes from — from the left or right side, from behind or in front. This is achieved by using a different audio coding technology.

SteelSeries Arctis 5 is a classic gaming headset. It is specifically designed for the virtual world, not listening to music or watching movies. The quality of transmission of acoustic signals here will also be quite high, but even inexpensive studio headphones show a similar result, and therefore there is no reason to spend money if the goal is to purchase a device for music. nine0005

Retractable microphone equipped with two audio recorders. Intelligent outgoing and incoming sound purification system guarantees the transmission of a crystal clear signal, devoid of any third-party distortion.

Conclusion

First, the disadvantages:

questionable headband attachment system, reminiscent of ski goggle elastic;
Some features, such as surround sound or ChatMix, are only available for Windows users;
to be able to use the full functionality of the headset, you must install additional software;
The level of sound insulation of the ear cushions could be better.

Much more than that:

DTS 7. 1 digital surround sound with directional sound;
ergonomic, practical, light weight, nice design;
compact dimensions allow you to take the model with you anywhere;
instrument control buttons located in one place; nine0016
advanced omnidirectional microphone;
backlight;
quality assembly.

The main focus of the Arctis 5 developers is obvious — it is an innovative surround sound technology, as well as an improved microphone that can significantly improve the quality of communication. With these solutions, the company is well positioned to become one of the leaders in the surround sound gaming headset market. A classic gaming peripheral of the new generation, with many advantages and enhanced functionality, although with some drawbacks. nine0005

Where to buy
You can buy SteelSeries Arctis 5 in our online store.

SteelSeries Arctis 5 2019 Edition Review

The Danish company SteelSeries has once again taken up the production of high-tech gaming computer equipment, a striking example of which is their new SteelSeries Arctis 5 2019 Edition headphones (black and white). This device embodies reliability, high style and modern technology. And the ability to connect to many different devices makes these gaming headphones universal, which can significantly expand the sales market and scope. nine0005

Package Contents

The headset is delivered in a secure package with all branded insignia — the presence of a logo, model name and branded hologram is required, otherwise there is a risk of buying a fake. Also, without fail, an insert is attached to the device, indicating the details of the purchase, the coordinates of the store and warranty data. This coupon must be signed and stamped by the seller.

The box is made of dense cellulose material, inside the headphones are enclosed in a so-called case — a special form of transparent polymer to ensure the safety of the device during transportation. In addition to the headphones themselves and the warranty card, the box contains:

Operating instructions. In it, the user can find answers to all questions regarding the technical part of the headset, its settings and features of operation.
Detachable cable with USB plug. Used to connect the headset to the main working device — a computer, laptop, netbook or game consoles. Also included is a special adapter that allows you to connect headphones to a smartphone or tablet. The list of compatible devices is quite large, so the device can be considered almost universal. nine0016
ChatMix control panel and USB cable for connecting it to a computer.

In its original packaging, it is easy to transport the device for personal needs, for example, when traveling to eSports competitions.

Design

The entire Arctis line has similar features, but the appearance and features are slightly different. The common «highlight» of all these sets is the unusual shape of the cups. The «ears» are rectangular with strongly rounded corners, which creates the effect of compactness and neatness, although their size is by no means small. Model SteelSeries Arctis 5 2019The Edition reviewed in this article has a built-in lighting line running along the outer contour of the cups.

The body of the headphones is characterized by graceful curves, smooth lines and simple design. It does not have bright, outstanding details, which gaming devices sometimes have, the design is quite modest, restrained and concise. However, this gives a certain charm to this headset. And thanks to the backlight, the headphones do not seem too boring in appearance, as you can set up a lot of different effects and modes that will perfectly enliven the look. nine0005

Another advantage and feature is the retractable microphone. This type of construction is very convenient, if necessary, it hides in a special hole and does not interfere with work. It is also convenient to fold the microphone when transporting, so as not to break off a thin part.

The headset has a double headband, which looks stylish, and most importantly — comfortable to use. The soft fabric part can be easily removed for cleaning and washing, as well as replacement. In general, the headphones have an expensive look, this is largely due to the materials used. «Velvet» black polymer plastic covers the entire body and reliably protects its internal technical stuffing. The ear cushions are made of soft, “airy” filler and covered with textiles. Individual details do not stand out from the overall design, the entire device is made in the same style. nine0005

Ergonomics

It’s worth sitting in them for several hours to appreciate the amazing ergonomics of these headphones. And during the whole time, the user will not only not feel discomfort from a foreign object on his head, but will generally forget about wearing a headset. The SteelSeries Arctis 5 2019 Edition headphones are so light and comfortable that they are a pleasure to use. Soft ear pads fit snugly to the head, without pressing the auricle, as they have sufficient depth and diameter. The fabric of the coating easily passes air, so you can not worry about the occurrence of a «greenhouse» effect during prolonged use, even under conditions of high ambient temperature. nine0005

Rigid headband securely controls the tightness of the crimp, without squeezing, but not dangling on the head. It has the ability to adjust to the desired size, which is facilitated by an elastic plate inside and the ergonomic shape of the plastic case, so even without visible adjustment it is universal for many users. The soft side of the headband, in turn, regulates the pressure of the headset against the top of the head, thereby preventing the headband from falling forward or backward when bent.

Case material — soft-touch plastic — pleasant to the touch and non-slip, making the headphones comfortable to pick up and put on. The coating does not tend to get dirty from the touch of relatively clean hands, but this does not mean at all that it is not easily soiled. In any case, it is convenient to clean it with a cloth moistened with a special liquid for cleaning technical devices, which can be purchased at any appropriate store. nine0005

We should also note the ease of use of the microphone. In this model, it easily slides into the hole intended for this and extends as needed. This means it won’t get in the way when you don’t need it.

In addition, the noble black color of the headphones will perfectly fit into any interior and set of gaming peripherals.

RGB Lighting

The SteelSeries Arctis 5 2019 Edition has dual-zone edge lighting. LED strips are located in a thin strip along the edge of the cups on the outside of the headset. In the off state, these lines are almost invisible, but as soon as the backlight is turned on, they will immediately sparkle with all the colors of the rainbow in the order selected by the user. The on/off key is located directly on one of the cups, this is done for quick access, and the setting and selection of flickering effects and transitions of shades from one to another is carried out using the program. The utility provides the gamer not only with the ability to select the backlight mode from the already set ones, but also create their own visual effect. nine0005

In addition, the lighting in the headset supports Prism RGB technology, which indicates the ability of the headphones to synchronize their glow mode with other devices based on this technology. This is a very impressive feature, it allows you to expand the gaming space and plunge into virtual reality in its entirety.

USB ChatMix Control

The ChatMix Control is an innovative design that allows the user to adjust the balance of game sounds and the volume of chat conversations with just one hand movement. The switch is located on the desktop in front of the player, the connection to a computer or laptop goes through the USB port. If necessary, a gamer can easily reach out and turn the knob in the right direction — chat or game. This is an incredibly convenient feature, as it does not limit the user’s actions and options for setting the sound background. nine0005

Adjustment is carried out instantly, without leaving the game, which gives the gamer a great advantage over opponents — he can chat almost simultaneously and perfectly hear all the shades of the sounds of the game reality without losing vigilance.

Sound quality

Speaker surround sound is provided by state-of-the-art DTS Headphone:X v2. 0 technology. Thanks to her, the headphones reproduce sound so detailed that even audiophiles will appreciate it. This headset can be used not only for games — listening to music or watching videos and movies will also leave a lasting impression of the sound quality. nine0005

In gaming reality, the technology allows you to hear all supported frequencies, perfectly balancing them and giving the clearest result. The use of these headphones by gamers gives them a significant advantage in the game, as they have good sound positioning, that is, an experienced gamer will be able to clearly determine the distance to the source of footsteps, explosions or other sounds.

Microphone quality

The microphone is designed with ClearCast technology and is a bi-directional model. These features allow you to achieve high-quality sound in the recording, almost indistinguishable from professional studio microphones. nine0005

The device is equipped with an active noise reduction system, which means that no matter what the level of noise is around, the user will still be perfectly audible. This is a very valuable feature, as often gamers have to play and give orders to the team, chat in the game in a competitive environment, where many players sit nearby and everyone taps on the keyboard and speaks into their own microphone. With a conventional headset, it would be impossible to hear the speaker in such conditions, and bidirectional ClearCast provides such an opportunity. nine0005

In addition, the voice is recorded in a natural arrangement, that is, a person will be heard almost the same as if he was sitting next to the subscriber.

Such a microphone will be useful not only for experienced players or beginners, but also for streamers, video bloggers and everyone who communicates via video communication and records videos with their voice. The retractable device has the ability to concretize the predominant voice and greatly muffle and suppress other sounds. The main difference from studio models is that this microphone is built into the headset, while professional audio recording devices are usually installed separately on a table or a special stand and are not connected to the headphones. However, this in no way diminishes its high quality indicators. nine0005

Benefits

The SteelSeries Arctis 5 2019 Edition are premium professional gaming headphones that stand out from the competition. The first thing the buyer pays attention to is the appearance. The perfect technological design is distinguished by good taste, style and restraint. This fact in many cases can be decisive when choosing, since not all gamers are supporters of aggressive design elements and “screaming” acid colors in gaming peripherals. In addition, not only gamers, but also connoisseurs of good sound can buy a headset. nine0005

The second important aspect is the ergonomics of the device. In this case, the headphones are distinguished by a comfortable design, a double headband and high-quality soft and porous ear cushions. All this creates a high level of comfort when using this headset model.

And most importantly — the technical part. This is all for which, in fact, headphones are purchased.

On 6 апреля, 2023 By alexxlab

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