Review: RIG R5 Pro

The gaming headset market has expanded significantly in recent years, and amidst intense competition, accessory manufacturer Nacon introduces a new contender: the RIG R5 Pro (also known as RIG R5 SPEAR PRO HS). For those familiar with the RIG brand, it originated with Plantronics (a brand we extensively reviewed and appreciated about ten years ago). However, following Poly’s acquisition and subsequent shift in focus towards office accessories, the gaming division is now owned and managed by French Nacon, a company historically recognized for its expertise in esports and lightweight design. With the R5 Pro, Nacon advances its offerings by integrating “graphene drivers” into the budget segment – a technology typically reserved for significantly more expensive hi-fi headphones.

We subjected this wired, lightweight headset to rigorous testing on the PlayStation 5 Pro and, notably, the PlayStation Portal, to ascertain if the new technology genuinely enhances the gaming experience or merely constitutes marketing rhetoric.

First impressions and design

Upon unboxing the RIG R5 Pro, the classic RIG design lineage is immediately apparent, though it has evolved under Nacon’s stewardship. The headset retains an ultra-light design (approximately 268 grams), but the earcups now incorporate a novel “Snap+Lock” system, allowing users to easily detach the outer covers for customizable aesthetics. While the initial tactile impression may suggest a plastic construction, the finish is acceptable for its price point and demonstrates sufficient robustness for daily use.

The ear cushions feature a breathable, sport-fabric material. This design ensures comfort during extended console gaming sessions; however, it inherently allows for some bass leakage. The “floating” fit, a preferred design, avoids excessive pressure on the scalp, which is a significant advantage for users who wear glasses.

Technology and features

Central to the R5 Pro are its new 40mm drivers, reinforced with graphene. This material’s exceptional lightness and stiffness are intended to minimize distortion and facilitate a faster sound response – a critical factor for spatial audio reproduction in 3D environments.

Regarding specifications, the headset offers a frequency range of 20 Hz – 20 kHz, encompassing the full audible spectrum. Of particular importance for console gamers is the 32 Ohm impedance. This low impedance makes the headphones exceptionally easy to drive, negating the need for an external amplifier to achieve ample volume and power directly from your DualSense controller or PS Portal.

Being fully analog and wired (3.5mm), the headset offers the inherent advantage of zero latency upon connection. This design choice eliminates concerns such as app malfunctions, the need to charge active noise cancellation (ANC), or waiting for firmware updates. The integrated volume control operates smoothly; however, a more precise adjustment mechanism with finer steps would be beneficial, as it is often simpler to manage volume directly through the console’s interface. Nevertheless, the overall design is simple, functional, and optimized for Sony’s proprietary Tempest 3D Audio, which significantly enhances the gaming experience.

The microphone features the classic “flip-to-mute” functionality, a design hallmark of RIG headsets. Raising the boom mutes the microphone, while lowering it enables communication. The microphone’s sound quality is notably impressive for its price point. Its wired connection inherently bypasses the audio compression often encountered with wireless headsets. Your voice is reproduced naturally and clearly in party chat. While it may not filter background noise as aggressively as some software-controlled high-end headphones, it effectively minimizes controller button presses for your teammates. It offers functional, clear, and reliable communication.

RIG R5 Pro Sound Quality

To evaluate the performance of the graphene drivers, we immersed ourselves in classic PlayStation titles.

We commenced testing by evaluating the dynamics in God of War: Ragnarök. Upon Kratos’s swing of the Leviathan axe, an immediate distinction from older RIG models became apparent. The bass response is markedly “faster” and more distinct. Each impact delivers a crisp, defined attack (characterized more by a “thud” than a generalized “boom,” in audiophile terms) that proves impressive. However, it does not deliver the profound, physical weight that causes eardrums to resonate during substantial explosions; instead, it provides a more analytical and “correct” bass profile that emphasizes positional audio and event clarity over indiscriminate rumble.

To assess detail and positional accuracy, we transitioned to The Last of Us: Part 2, where the R5 Pro demonstrated exceptional performance. The richness of detail in quiet segments is phenomenal for this price range. Dripping water and the chilling sounds of Clickers are positioned with unsettling precision within the soundscape, a testament to the graphene drivers’ rapid response. The soundstage feels open and airy, allowing for precise enemy localization and demonstrating the headset’s brilliant handling of 3D audio.

We concluded with a music test to evaluate resolution, selecting the trusty Susan Wong and her rendition of Sound of Silence. Gaming headphones frequently exhibit limitations in this domain, yet the R5 Pro delivers a surprisingly crisp treble response. Guitar strings resonate beautifully, and vocals possess a close, intimate quality, devoid of the “boxiness” often characteristic of the budget segment. This confirms the headset’s capability to deliver both subtle nuance and dynamic action.

RIG R5 Pro Summary

The RIG R5 Pro represents a significant advancement for Nacon. Integrating graphene drivers at a price point under a thousand kronor is a notable achievement, delivering detailed, fast, and airy sound that elevates the gaming experience in titles like The Last of Us and FPS games such as Call of Duty. It provides an “audiophile-lite” experience, where some of the more pronounced “comfort bass” is deliberately moderated in favor of enhanced clarity and precision. Concurrently, users must acknowledge its wired-only connectivity, which, while not a deal-breaker, is inherently less convenient than a fully wireless solution.

If wireless functionality and maximum low-frequency rumble for explosions are paramount, traditional headphone designs might remain more appealing. However, for those seeking a competitive advantage and the ability to discern every detail in an ultra-light package at a compelling price point, the R5 Pro is an essential accessory for your PlayStation Portal or PS5.

Nacon sent review copies for this test. Senders of material have no editorial influence on our tests.