In the competitive world of gaming peripherals, headsets play a critical role in enhancing the gaming experience. The ST 900 Pro X Gaming Headset and the Arctis Pro Wired are two top contenders in this category, each offering unique features and capabilities. This article provides a comprehensive comparison of the ST 900 Pro X Gaming Headset vs Arctis Pro Wired, evaluating their design, audio quality, microphone performance, comfort, and value for money.
Design and Build Quality
ST 900 Pro X Gaming Headset Design
The ST 900 Pro X Gaming Headset boasts a sleek and modern design, with a robust build that exudes durability. The headset features a metal frame with adjustable hinges, ensuring a secure fit for various head sizes. The ear cups are made from high-quality memory foam, providing comfort during extended gaming sessions. Additionally, the headset comes with customizable RGB lighting, adding a touch of personalization to your gaming setup.
Arctis Pro Wired Design
The Arctis Pro Wired, on the other hand, follows a more minimalist design approach. It features a lightweight steel and aluminum alloy construction, making it both durable and comfortable. The ski goggle suspension band evenly distributes weight across the head, reducing pressure points and enhancing comfort. The ear cushions are made from breathable AirWeave fabric, keeping your ears cool and dry. Unlike the ST 900 Pro X, the Arctis Pro Wired does not have RGB lighting, focusing instead on a clean and professional aesthetic.
Audio Quality
ST 900 Pro X Gaming Headset Audio
The ST 900 Pro X Gaming Headset delivers impressive audio performance, thanks to its 50mm neodymium drivers. These drivers provide a wide frequency range and deep bass, creating an immersive gaming experience. The headset also supports 7.1 virtual surround sound, allowing gamers to pinpoint the exact location of in-game sounds. This feature is particularly advantageous in competitive gaming, where audio cues can make a significant difference.
Arctis Pro Wired Audio
The Arctis Pro Wired stands out with its high-fidelity audio capabilities. It features premium speaker drivers with high-density neodymium magnets, delivering a frequency response of 10-40,000 Hz. This wide range ensures that you hear every detail, from subtle ambient sounds to booming explosions. The headset also supports DTS Headphone
v2.0 surround sound, providing an immersive 3D audio experience. The Arctis Pro Wired is Hi-Res Audio certified, guaranteeing top-notch sound quality for both gaming and music.
Microphone Performance
ST 900 Pro X Gaming Headset Microphone
The ST 900 Pro X Gaming Headset is equipped with a detachable noise-canceling microphone. This microphone effectively filters out background noise, ensuring clear communication with teammates. The flexible boom arm allows for easy adjustment, and the mute function adds convenience during gameplay. However, some users have reported that the microphone quality can be inconsistent, occasionally picking up ambient sounds.
Arctis Pro Wired Microphone
The Arctis Pro Wired features the ClearCast bidirectional microphone, widely regarded as one of the best in the gaming industry. This microphone utilizes a unique design that captures clear and natural voice communication while eliminating background noise. The retractable boom allows for easy storage when not in use. In various tests, the ClearCast microphone consistently outperforms many competitors, making it a preferred choice for professional gamers and streamers.
Comfort and Fit
ST 900 Pro X Gaming Headset Comfort
Comfort is a crucial factor for any gaming headset, especially during long sessions. The ST 900 Pro X Gaming Headset excels in this area with its memory foam ear cushions and adjustable headband. The headset provides a snug fit without being too tight, ensuring comfort over extended periods. However, the weight of the headset might be a concern for some users, as it is slightly heavier compared to other models.
Arctis Pro Wired Comfort
The Arctis Pro Wired prioritizes comfort with its innovative design. The ski goggle suspension band and AirWeave ear cushions create a lightweight and breathable experience. The headset fits comfortably on the head, and the adjustable headband ensures a perfect fit for various head sizes. Many users praise the Arctis Pro Wired for its comfort, even during marathon gaming sessions.
Additional Features and Connectivity
ST 900 Pro X Gaming Headset Features
The ST 900 Pro X Gaming Headset comes with a range of additional features designed to enhance the gaming experience. It includes customizable RGB lighting, allowing users to match the headset with their gaming setup. The headset also has on-ear controls for volume adjustment and microphone muting. In terms of connectivity, the ST 900 Pro X offers both wired and wireless options, providing flexibility for different gaming scenarios.
Arctis Pro Wired Features
The Arctis Pro Wired focuses on delivering high-fidelity audio without many extra frills. It includes a built-in DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter), enhancing audio quality and providing precise control over sound settings. The headset also features a GameDAC version that allows for high-resolution audio playback. Connectivity options include a standard 3.5mm jack and USB, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices.
Value for Money
ST 900 Pro X Gaming Headset Value
When considering the ST 900 Pro X Gaming Headset vs Arctis Pro Wired in terms of value for money, the ST 900 Pro X offers a competitive price point. It provides a solid combination of audio performance, comfort, and additional features, making it a worthy investment for gamers on a budget. The customizable RGB lighting and wireless connectivity add further value to the headset.
Arctis Pro Wired Value
The Arctis Pro Wired is positioned at a higher price point, justified by its superior audio quality and premium build. For audiophiles and serious gamers, the investment in the Arctis Pro Wired is well worth it. The Hi-Res Audio certification, DTS surround sound, and exceptional microphone performance make it a standout choice. While it lacks some of the flashy features like RGB lighting, it more than compensates with its overall quality.
Choosing between the ST 900 Pro X Gaming Headset vs Arctis Pro Wired ultimately depends on individual preferences and priorities. The ST 900 Pro X offers a great balance of performance, comfort, and affordability, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers. On the other hand, the Arctis Pro Wired delivers unparalleled audio quality and comfort, making it the preferred option for those willing to invest in a premium gaming headset. Both headsets have their strengths and are sure to enhance your gaming experience in unique ways.