Are you tired of gaming headsets that scream 'gamer' with their flashy designs and neon colors? Fractal’s new Scape headset is here to change the game—literally. With its Scandinavian minimalist aesthetic, this $199.99 headset is as refreshingly elegant as the company’s renowned PC cases. But here’s where it gets interesting: it’s not just about looks. After weeks of testing, I can confidently say the Scape is one of the best headsets I’ve used in this price range, blending sophistication with functionality in a way that’s hard to ignore.
Design That Defies Expectations
Fractal’s Scape stands out in a sea of over-the-top gaming gear. Available in sleek gray or black, it features clean lines and a minimalist design that wouldn’t look out of place in a modern office or living room. The subtle LED glow around the ear cups is a rare touch—it’s the first time I haven’t felt the urge to disable LEDs immediately. And let’s talk about that chunky Digital Crown-inspired knob on the left ear cup. It’s not just a volume control; it’s a multitasking marvel, letting you pause, skip, or reverse tracks with a click or two. It’s the kind of thoughtful design that makes you wonder why more companies don’t do this.
Sound and Customization: A Winning Combo
But this headset isn’t just a pretty face. The sound quality is exceptional for the price, delivering warmth and detail that rivals even pricier competitors like Sony’s InZone H9 II. And this is the part most people miss: Fractal’s web-based Adjust Pro tool is a game-changer. It lets you tweak everything from EQ presets to mic sidetone and LED themes (yes, there’s a ‘northern lights’ option). Plus, you can download a portable version of the app for offline use. It’s customization made effortless.
Flexibility in Mic Options
Here’s a bold statement: the Scape’s dual mic system is a feature more headsets should adopt. You get a detachable boom mic for crystal-clear voice quality and a built-in mic for when you want to go incognito. While the built-in mic isn’t as impressive, it’s a lifesaver in a pinch. And the microphone noise cancellation? It’s surprisingly effective—even my oscillating office fan was barely audible during calls. But here’s the controversial part: why don’t more companies offer this level of flexibility? Is it a cost-cutting measure, or are they just not listening to users?
Charging Made Effortless
Battery life is solid, with over 40 hours of playtime (RGB off) or 24 hours (RGB on). But what truly shines is the magnetic charging dock. It’s not just a charger—it’s a stand, a desk organizer, and an extender for the 2.4GHz audio transmitter. It’s so seamless that I almost forgot to charge it during testing. And yes, you can still use it while charging via USB-C. Why can’t all headsets be this convenient?
Connectivity: Room for Improvement?
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: connectivity. The Scape supports Bluetooth and 2.4GHz, but not simultaneously. It also lacks active noise cancellation (ANC), which might be a dealbreaker for some. While it can’t match the versatility of the Astro A20 X or SteelSeries’ Nova Elite, it holds its own in sound quality and design. But here’s the question: would you sacrifice ANC and multi-source audio for a headset that looks and sounds this good? Let’s debate that in the comments.
The Verdict
Fractal’s Scape is a stunning debut in the gaming headset space. It’s not perfect—ANC and lie-flat ear cups would’ve been nice—but it’s a strong contender at $200. Its elegant design, impressive sound, and thoughtful features make it a standout choice. While it may not have every bell and whistle, it’s a headset that prioritizes what matters most: style, sound, and usability. And that’s a winning combination in my book.
What do you think? Is the lack of ANC a dealbreaker, or is the Scape’s design and sound quality enough to win you over? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
