As part of a refresh of the entire SteelSeries Arctis headset series, the SteelSeries Arctis 5 received an update. The headset promises great sound quality and an even more impressive microphone. Gaming headsets have never been better, but the options for streamers and content creators are rather limited.
When you take the SteelSeries Arctis 5 out of the box, you notice its good design. The headset itself is completely black and both ear cups feature a circle of led lights that alternate colours. A modern looking black design makes this headset a perfect choice for both gamers and professionals. But good looks are not its sole strong point.
Design and comfort
As part of its modern design, the SteelSeries Arctis 5 uses an elastic headband to further distribute the weight of the headset over a larger area. This results in a much better wearing comfort and makes the headset feel lighter.
The headset is relatively large, but remains comfortable for longer sessions. The over-the-ear pads feel soft and breathable, but never push down too hard. Gamers, streamers and content creators who wear glasses will have an enjoyable user experience. The SteelSeries Arctis 5 is one of the most comfortable headsets I have ever tested.
User-friendly experience
The SteelSeries Arctis 5 is as comfortable as a gaming headset gets and everything is well thought-out. Reaching with your hand towards the back of the left ear cup, reveals a volume wheel and mute button for the retractable and bendable microphone.
These controls make for small adjustments and ensure that you can change the volume without touching your computer. The mute button is a helpful addition for gamers, streamers and content creators to prevent broadcasting private conversations.
Adjustments, settings and equalisers
When required, you can configure your SteelSeries Arctis 5 headset through the available software. The SteelSeries Engine tool is relatively effortless to use and offers some great presets for both listening music and gaming. From within the software, you can also adjust the colours of the light rings on both sides of the headset.
An equaliser further improves the sound quality of the SteelSeries Arctis 5, but, if you decide not to fine-tune the headset, the default settings are excellent too. The sound of the speakers inside the headset has enough depth to it and it is hard not to recommend the SteelSeries Arctis 5.
A professional microphone
A gaming headset requires a good microphone and SteelSeries promises that the microphone of this Arctis 5 headset delivers voice recordings on par with professional standalone microphones seen in recording studios. After months of testing, the microphone performs better than most of its more expensive competitors.
Professional microphones sound better than the microphone of the SteelSeries Arctis 5 headset, but the difference is not as evident as you would expect. After editing the sound of both microphones and lowering the bitrate to a more reasonable 128 or 256 kbps, the difference between both recordings is difficult to notice. This makes the headset a perfect choice for both streamers and content creators.
Verdict
SteelSeries is known for designing sleek looking gaming headsets and the SteelSeries Arctis 5 is no exception. This comfortable over-the-ear headset is the best choice for gamers, streamers and content creators, even for people with glasses. The elastic headband perfectly distributes the weight of the headset making the headset feel lighter and more comfortable, even after hours of use.
Product information
SteelSeries Arctis 5 2019 Edition
A modern looking over-the-ear headset with a high quality microphone for streamers and content creators.
Retail price: 129,99 euros
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Disclaimer. This post contains copyrighted images from the SteelSeries Arctis 5 2019 Edition, a gaming headset developed and produced by SteelSeries. The fair use of copyrighted works for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting or research is not considered as an infringement of copyright.
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