Following last week’s review of the Prime+ gaming mouse from Steelseries, we now turn our attention to the Arctis Prime headset, developed as part of the same product family. The Arctis Prime is a wired gaming headset engineered with e-sports in mind. However, it presents a notable omission that we’ll discuss further.
Upon unboxing, the build quality immediately impresses. The headset exhibits a stylish design with a sleek, matte finish. It feels lightweight and offers considerable comfort when worn. Users with larger head sizes will appreciate the easily adjustable Velcro strap, providing a fully customizable and secure fit.
Initial audio testing involved music playback via a smartphone connection. Avicii’s “Heart upon my Sleeve” was selected as a comprehensive test track due to its varied dynamic range. During quieter passages, the headset’s clarity and fidelity are immediately apparent. As the track progresses and the bassline emerges, its presence, while clean, could benefit from greater intensity. Given the headset’s size, the inclusion of a larger, more responsive bass driver seems feasible.
Next, a voice communication test was conducted. The microphone, discreetly housed within the left earcup, is easily deployed. While its activation status isn’t visually indicated when worn, the tactile feedback from the on/off button is readily discernible. Voice transmission was reported as clear and articulate. The microphone’s flexible design allows for precise positioning, ensuring optimal voice capture. This adjustability proves highly practical.
The subsequent evaluation focused on online gaming performance, the Arctis Prime’s primary design focus. A conveniently located volume control on the rear of the earcup facilitates quick adjustments to game audio levels. However, the absence of a dedicated chat mix control is a notable omission, particularly given the headset’s e-sports target audience. This absence is a significant drawback in an otherwise well-engineered headset.
Steelseries’ software suite remains comprehensive and intuitive, enabling users to fine-tune their gaming experience. The Arctis Prime offers seamless compatibility with PC, Mac, Xbox, Playstation, Nintendo, and mobile devices (Android and iOS).
In conclusion, the Steelseries Arctis Prime presents a compelling value proposition within its price range and design. Despite its merits, a few shortcomings prevent it from achieving a higher recommendation.
