As we cross into each new era of gaming, it seems as though as we are always trying to push our FPS’s to their limit, increase resolution, and get the smoothest textures possible out of our hardware. While all are very vital components, sound quality always seems to have flown a little lower under the radar, at least for this writer it has. However, it takes using garbage headsets all your life to realize, “Holy ****! I can’t believe Sound, sounds like this!” It’s like upgrading your analog video to 4k or a futon mattress to memory foam!
My initial reaction to the SteelSeriesSiberia 200, was one of hesitation. It looks a little wacky, but if unique looking headsets are your thing, you may find it more aesthetically pleasing than I do. As I examined the materials the headset is made of; hard plastic shells, bendable wire frame, super thin material covering some foam, I started to feel like I might accidently tear or break it. Despite my indescretion, I plugged it in and put them on.
Looks be damned! This is the most comfortable headset I have ever tried on!It feels snug, with only a light pressure from the encasement surrounding your ear. That thin material, which covers what has to be a marshmallow under there, is a protein-leather that feels as soft as a masseuse’s touch against my skin. As for design, what at first looked like the most backward idea about the Siberia 200, is probably its most intuitive change to the typical headset. It is not adjustable; it is a one size fits all. How? The headband is based on suspension. Instead of a pad glued onto hard plastic, there is a thin flexible strip of materi al attached to the ear shells by elastic strings. Pair it alongside the super-lightweight, but surprisingly tough, wire frame and it makes the headset feel like it’s just floating around your head.
But how does it sound?
The quality is clean and there is a deep clarity to each tone. Feel the sub tones from the bass softly resonate inside the shell, mid tones are distinguishable and full, and treble tones are sharp, but not piercing. You can pick out each instrument in a track and hear every voice clearly; no sound is overpowered or muddled by another. Close your eyes and immerse yourself into the virtual world the game developer intended.
The Siberia 200 is priced on the SteelSeries site for $80, which may seem a little expensive for a headset you’ll probably never walk around town wearing…
But there a couple of other features that may make up for the strange looks you may receive. Like, a built-in retractable mic, adjustable volume control, mute switch, and it even comes with an adapter that lets you plug in and use the headset with your phone.
With all that in mind, $80 dollars sounds like a fair price, but if you can find it for less, the SteelSeries Siberia 200 would be an incredible buy!