SteelSeries is another popular brand of gaming products. It competes fiercely with Razer as it offers more or less the same product at a more affordable price. One product that every manufacturer is constantly racing is a set of headphones. After Effi reviewed the most comfortable Arctis Nova 7 Dragon Edition, now it's my turn to test the Arctis Nova 5 Wireless which is the mid-range version of the gaming headphone set from this popular brand.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type of Closed Headphone Set
40mm Audio Driver
Neodymium magnets
Spatial Audio 360
ClearCast Gen 2.X microphone
Intelligent Features of X-Ray Hearing
Quick-Switch Wireless
Bluetooth 5.3 connection
60 hours continuous battery
8 hours a day for a week
Charge 15 minutes, use 6 hours
Control Arctis Nova 5 Companion App
Android, iOS
Sonar
Windows only
Price RM599
DESIGN AND USE
Overall, the design of the Arctis Nova 5 Wireless is still similar to the Arctis Nova 7 such as additional fabric for the headband, plastic construction that makes it light but still has a bit of premium value, and each ear cup has different buttons and physical control wheels for audio control. The Nova 5 Wireless is designed to be non-foldable, so it's more suitable for playing at home. The features I appreciate the most are the dual dongle connection and Bluetooth Quick-Switch Wireless which easily changes devices with one button.
Yes, these headphones have no problem connecting to any console, no matter PlayStation 5 to Xbox Series X to Nintendo Switch or ROG Ally. More than 100 audio presets are included so that the Arctis ova 5 Wireless can be played with various video games. X-Ray Hearing, Immersive Sound, and 360 spatial audio features are also supported for a more immersive listening experience.
The microphone system is the type that can be pulled out when you want to use it as well as ClearCast 2.X technology with its own AI system for a clearer and louder voice. A special Arctis Nova 5 Companion App is also provided to easily control and perform various settings before playing.
Wearing these headphones for long periods is also not a problem, because of the attractive headband design and comfortable ear cups. Only, I prefer the slightly thicker headrest on the Nova 7 Dragon Edition. I also love these headphones because they don't make me sweat after hours of playing video games.
AUDIO QUALITY
By default the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless emits light and quiet audio. It is not complicated with various details, it focuses on vocals with a focus on clarity and wants to give users. This is not a problem because the app and these headphones support a variety of audio presets that will surely provide an interesting experience.
The X-Ray Hearing feature on these headphones is truly unique as it can amplify the sound of footsteps or suspicious movements in many video games. It's also 360 degrees because at night when I'm playing horror games, I often look back for potential creepy distractions. This means, vocals on these headphones are nice and bright that don't disappoint.
The bass on the Arctis Nova 5 Wireless is slightly submerged causing a lot of explosions and shots like cheap firecrackers that have exploded in the wind. It's almost nonexistent makes me want to take some of the excess bass on the Sony ULT Wear and transfer it to these headphones if possible. While the high-pitched part does not have a good treble, it does not reach a melodic level and keeps dying as if someone turned off the radio while the music was playing.
It's good that the audio quality is like this, because it doesn't make me tired and bored playing video games. I can play endlessly until my ROG Ally runs out of battery or until my fingers get tired of pressing the buttons on the DualSense for PlayStation 5. The problem is that these headphones are not suitable for listening to music or watching movies, unless you find a suitable video game preset for sure will not be satisfactory.
Where is the ANC?
Don't expect active noise cancellation support or sound-through mode (Ambient) with these headphones as SteelSeries doesn't include them on the grounds that it's a mid-range product. So to prevent you from being complacent and still have an awareness of what's happening around, the Sidetone feature like on Jabra is introduced. This feature activates the microphone always for the user to hear his own voice as well as the surrounding voices, it can be turned off from within the application or the mute button.
CONTROL AND APPLICATION
Every button on the Arctis Nova 5 Wireless ear cups feels good to press except the volume wheel. What I don't like is because it's "cheap" no good details are given on each control method. This makes me confused which button to press and this volume wheel should have a tactile effect that makes it easier for the user.
Thankfully there are apps for computers and mobile devices available. This application is like most applications to control gaming headphones. It is easy to use with a very user-friendly interface. I usually do the initial settings before playing a video game like I check a car engine before a long drive.
BATTERY
SteelSeries promises the longest lasting battery with their latest headphones. According to official specifications, these headphones can last up to 60 hours or 8 hours a day for a week. It also uses USB-C for fast charging 15 minutes of charge equal to 6 hours of use.
Throughout my use, whether using the dongle on ROG Ally, a Windows laptop and PlayStation 5 for video games while using Bluetooth on a smartphone – these headphones have no problem being used all day long enjoying a variety of content.
WHAT'S IN THE BOX?
You will appreciate what SteelSeries gives with every purchase of Arctis Nova 5 Wireless namely;
1x SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless.
1x 2.4GHz USB-C Dongle
1x USB-A to USB-C Cable.
1x USB-A to USB-C connection cable.
1x Set of manual and safety book.
CONCLUSION
For the price of RM599, SteelSeries offers a complete package. Smart features built into the mobile phone application and Sonar on Windows are able to provide an immersive gaming experience.
Then the microphone is also very clear which is suitable for chatting then the audio is also good enough to hear the movements in the game. If you don't care about bass and just want an affordable gaming headphone that is really useful and provides a lot of benefits, the Arctis Nova 5 Wireless is the headphone for you.
PROS/ADVANTAGES
A design that looks beautiful and premium.
Comfortable to wear for a long time.
Good audio for immersive gaming.
Very long lasting battery.
Functions and features for gaming that are very useful.
Bluetooth dual-connection support and Dongle that is easy to switch between devices.
CONS/DISADVANTAGES
Audio is more suitable for gaming not other entertainment.
The build quality is suspect for long use.
Confusing buttons and control wheels.
Short head that could be a little thicker.
No 3.5mm audio jack.