Verdict
In a crowded market for wireless headsets priced between $150 and $200, the Fractal Scape distinguishes itself with a thoughtful design and extensive features. Its wireless dock, which includes an auto power-on/off function, along with dual microphone options and RGB lighting control, adds significant value to a headset that delivers fundamental comfort and clear sound.
Pros
- Headset automatically powers on when removed from its dock
- Offers a choice of two microphones
- RGB lighting can be toggled on/off
- Features luxurious earpad cushions
Cons
- May have a snug fit on larger heads
- Headband could benefit from more padding
- Lacks simultaneous wireless and Bluetooth connectivity
Fractal Scape Review: One-Minute Overview
The standard for gaming peripherals continues to rise, leaving little room for overpriced or feature-heavy models that don’t deliver a superior user experience. Fractal Design demonstrates a clear understanding of this as it enters the wireless gaming headset market with a $200 model. This headset includes a charging dock and features often associated with more expensive brands.
The aesthetic appeal is a major draw, consistent with Fractal’s reputation for minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired PC cases. Available in black and white, the Scape presents a sophisticated look, distinct from many traditional gaming peripherals. With a detachable microphone and Bluetooth connectivity, it can easily be used as a smartphone headset outside the home without a prominent “gamer” appearance.
A wireless charging station is included, providing up to 40 hours of battery life with RGB disabled, and up to 24 hours when RGB is active. The headset automatically powers on when removed from its magnetic dock, a convenient feature at this price point.
While the materials and design generally contribute to comfort, particularly the high-grade memory foam earcup covers, the fit tends to favor smaller head sizes. The headband’s padding may be insufficient for individuals with larger heads, potentially causing discomfort during extended use.
Despite minor imperfections, the inclusion of both a detachable boom microphone and a built-in omnidirectional microphone adds significant utility. The headset also delivers fundamentally crisp and clear sound with robust bass response.
Fractal Scape Review: Price & Availability
- List price: $199.99 / £169.99 (around AU$285)
- Features comparable to higher-priced alternatives
- Competitively priced against models like the Razer Blackshark V2 Pro and PlayStation Pulse Elite
The pricing is a significant advantage for Fractal. The ability to offer a high-quality headset and charging station with a premium aesthetic at this price is noteworthy. The inclusion of two microphones and the overall build quality further position this headset as a leading option in the $150-$200 segment.
Key competitors include PlayStation’s official PS5 Pulse Elite headset, known for its elegant design and seamless wireless operation, and Razer’s Blackshark V2, which offers broad device compatibility similar to the Scape.
Fractal Scape Review: Specifications
Fractal Design Scape
Price: $199.99 / £169.99 / around AU$285
Weight: 11.8 oz / 338g
Compatibility: PC, Mac, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, iOS/Android
Connection type: 2.4 GHz Wireless via USB-A dongle, Bluetooth 5.3, Wired via USB-C to USB-A cable
Battery life: 40 hours RGB off, 24 hours RGB on
Microphone: 1x detachable unidirectional 50–16 000 Hz, 1x omnidirectional (built-in)
Fractal Scape Review: Design & Features
Fractal’s headset embodies the brand’s signature elegant minimalism, mirroring the design philosophy seen in its PC cases. It shares a visual resemblance with Steelseries’ Arctis series but features a more understated look and minimal RGB lighting, reflecting a “less is more” approach.
The charging dock, with its magnetic connections, maintains this minimalist aesthetic, contributing to a tidy desk setup. A USB-A dongle is discreetly stored on the dock’s underside, allowing for a clean connection to a device’s USB port and flexibility in dock placement.
Controls are located on the rear of each earcup, including power, wireless/Bluetooth connection, and mic mute on the left, and RGB on/off on the right. A “control crown” on the upper-left rear manages volume and multimedia functions like pausing music and skipping tracks. While most controls are sturdy and easily accessible, the control crown can be somewhat finicky, being small for precise volume adjustments and awkward for press-and-hold functions.
A notable feature is the dedicated mute mechanisms for both microphone options: the boom arm mutes when flipped up, while the built-in omnidirectional mic uses a button.
Fractal Scape Review: Performance
Considerable effort has been invested in the headset’s comfort. The earcup cushions feature high-quality memory foam pads, comparable to those found in premium audio models.
The Scape, weighing 11.9oz (338g), is moderately light for a wireless headset. Its design incorporates significant clamping force, which helps distribute weight away from the headband and enhances passive noise cancellation, creating a better acoustic environment for low frequencies.
This design approach effectively blocks external noise and delivers full-bodied bass. However, the headband’s padding is less substantial and uses a lower-grade material, which may lead to discomfort during prolonged use, especially for individuals with larger heads. Adjusting the headband to its maximum extension can shift more emphasis to horizontal clamping, potentially improving comfort for longer sessions.
The sound quality, while not audiophile-grade, provides a standard 20Hz-20KHz frequency response. Its drivers are capable of delivering power, detail, and nuance in gaming audio.
Battery performance aligns with specifications, offering over 40 hours of use with RGB off. The inclusion of an RGB off button on the headset itself is convenient, eliminating the need to access Fractal’s web-based software. Enabling RGB lighting did not reduce the charge life to the stated 24 hours in testing, suggesting potentially longer battery life depending on usage.
The dual microphone setup offers versatility, but the noise cancellation on the unidirectional boom mic is not particularly strong, allowing some external sounds to enter voice chat. This is even more pronounced with the omnidirectional mic. While the dual mic design is a positive, the noise cancellation could be improved, potentially through firmware updates. This remains an otherwise impressive package, priced to challenge established brands like Razer, Logitech G, and Corsair.
Should You Buy the Fractal Scape?
Buy it if…
- Your desk could use a stylish centerpiece. The Scape’s wireless charging dock embodies Fractal’s minimalist design, making it an attractive addition to any desk.
- You prefer subtle aesthetics over flashy RGB. The option to turn off RGB lighting is convenient and helps conserve battery life.
- You need microphone flexibility. The headset offers a rare choice between a detachable unidirectional boom mic and a built-in omnidirectional mic.
Don’t buy it if…
- You have a large head. The headset has a snug fit, which might cause the headband to dig in during long sessions for those with larger head sizes.
- You game in a noisy environment. The microphone’s noise cancellation is not highly effective, allowing ambient sounds to be picked up.
- You seek a universal headset. The combination of a wireless docking station and lack of Xbox compatibility means it’s not an all-in-one solution for every gaming setup.
Also Consider…
If the Fractal Scape doesn’t fully meet your needs, consider these premium wireless alternatives:
Fractal Scape
Price: $199.99 / £169.99 / around AU$285
Weight: 11.84oz / 338g
Compatibility: PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, iOS/Android
Connection type: 2.4 GHz Wireless via USB-A dongle, Bluetooth 5.3, Wired via USB-C to USB-A cable
Battery life: 40 hours RGB off, 24 hours RGB on
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro
Price: $199 / £199 / AU$349
Weight: 11.2oz / 320g
Compatibility: PS5, PC, Nintendo Switch
Connection type: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless (Hyperspeed dongle)
Battery life: 70 hours
PlayStation Pulse Elite
Price: $149.99 / £129.99 / AU$239.95
Weight: 12.1oz / 347g
Compatibility: PS5, PlayStation Portal, PC, Mac
Connection type: Wireless (PlayStation Link via dongle), Wired (3.5mm audio jack), Bluetooth
Battery life: 30 hours
PlayStation Pulse Elite: Sony’s official console peripherals are typically well-executed. The Pulse Elite not only boasts an appealing design but also offers competitive specifications among wireless headsets in its price range. PlayStation Pulse Elite review
How the Fractal Scape Was Tested
The wireless capabilities and various usability options, including the RGB battery-saving setting, were thoroughly tested to assess the Scape’s stated battery capacity and wireless stability.
Testing involved extensive hours of use without charging, evaluating wireless range, and using the headset for online gaming and communication platforms.
