26 Sep
Blog

Corsair M65 RGB Ultra Wireless Review: An Icon Goes Wireless

A side view of the Corsair M65 wireless mouse.

Corsair M65 RGB Ultra Wireless in the test: An FPS symbol becomes wireless

RRP $ 130.00

"The Corsair M65 RGB Ultra is the latest gaming technology in an iconic design."

advantages

  • Blunt, comfortable design

  • Optical mouse switches

  • Tilt gestures

  • 26K DPI sensor

disadvantage

  • Expensive compared to the wired version

  • Much heavier than other high-end mice

Corsair's M65 is an FPS (first person shooter) icon in the world of gaming mice. After seven years and several iterations, Corsair has shown that the M65 design is going nowhere. However, the M65 RGB Ultra Wireless is something new. It's the first time the design is wireless, and at a price that the range has never seen before.

While the M65 was never a budget option, the first wireless variant pushes the price down to almost double the wired version and eventually pushes the mouse over the $ 100 mark.

Still, the M65's comfortable design and tunable weight system make it a great choice for the serious FPS player.

draft

M65 Ultra Wireless on pink background.

Corsair has made a few versions of the M65 since its introduction in 2014. And the design has mostly stayed the same. It's a large, stocky mouse with a pronounced bump on its back that's perfect for palm and claw gripping. I use the palm grip and the M65 Ultra Wireless gives me just enough to hold on to.

Like previous versions, this one is equipped with an aluminum frame that gives the mouse a feeling of weight. In contrast to the previous Elite version, the M65 Ultra Wireless has a surface structured on both sides, similar to Corsair's Dark Pro RGB. I love the addition as it just adds a touch of grip to an otherwise matte design.

Even if 18 grams doesn't sound like a lot, it makes a big difference.

Just like its wired counterpart, the M65 Ultra Wireless comes with six removable weights. They are divided into three sections so you can choose to have internal weight, external weight, both, or neither. In addition to shifting weight from 110 grams to 128 grams, the weights are also distributed to adjust the center of gravity.

Even if 18 grams doesn't sound like a lot, it makes a big difference. The M65 Ultra Wireless is a heavy mouse to begin with, especially with all of the weights. There's a lot of scope for customization here, as long as you like a heavy mouse (something like the Razer Orochi V2 is better if you have a lighter variant).

Corsair M65 Ultra Wireless Weights.

The weight of the M65 Ultra Wireless also makes it feel like a unit. If you've used any of the last few iterations of the M65 you already know what I'm talking about. This is a beefy mouse that can withstand the pressure, unlike many ultra-light esport mice that feel like they'll fly away if you don't hold them tight enough.

Still, it's important to realize that weight isn't for everyone. Although the M65 has an adjustable weight, it's still heavy, just like the Logitech G502 Hero with its detachable weights. The M65 Ultra Wireless is also 13 grams heavier than the wired M65 Elite (although it's five grams lighter than the M65 Pro).

Sensor and buttons

The M65 Ultra Wireless comes with eight programmable buttons, which for me is perfect. It's a few more buttons than the Corsair Saber Pro Wireless, but still fewer than an MMO giant like the Logitech G600. In addition to left and right click, you have access to the forward and backward thumb buttons, up and down DPI adjustment, and the thumb sniper button, iconic for the M65 range.

Corsair M65 Ultra Wireless Sniper Button.

For left and right click, Corsair uses Omron's optical switches, as opposed to the mechanical switches you'll find on most mice (including the M65 Pro and M65 Elite). There are many details as to why optical switches are better than mechanical, but it comes down to the delay. Basically, a mechanical switch has a small “debounce delay” between being pressed and reaching its reset point.

Optical switches do not have this problem. They use light instead of a physical switch, which avoids debounce delays. All in all, the delay is so small that most people will never notice it. However, optical switches are technically faster. So if you need a health checkup who actually killed you from someone in Valorant, the M65 Ultra Wireless has one.

It's the feel of the optical switch that got me hung up. There are few mice with optical switches – namely the SteelSeries Prime and the Razer Basilisk V3 – so I'd recommend trying one of these in the store before picking up the M65 Ultra Wireless. It's not a bad feeling, but optical switches don't provide the same click as a mechanical switch – it's almost like there's a damper.

In addition to a switch upgrade, the M65 Ultra Wireless comes with a sensor upgrade. It features the 26K DPI Marksman sensor, just like the Corsair Saber Pro Wireless. That's even above the 25.6K DPI sensor on the Logitech G Pro X. As with the optical switches, a higher DPI sensor is technically more accurate, even if it's not relevant to most people.

Corsair M65 Ultra wireless sensor.

The query rate of 2,000 Hz is relevant. The change from 1,000 Hz – typical for wireless gaming mice – to 2,000 Hz reduces the response time to 0.5 ms. From the buttons to the sensor to the polling rate, the M65 Ultra Wireless is designed to give you even the smallest edge.

Connectivity and battery life

Like the Corsair Saber Pro Wireless, the M65 Ultra Wireless also features Bluetooth and Corsair's wireless slipstream technology. You can switch between them at the bottom of the mouse, which I did a lot when switching to a home theater setup with the M65 and my Logitech G915 TKL.

The M65 Ultra Wireless is exactly what I'm looking for in a wireless gaming mouse.

Without lighting, Corsair claims up to 120 hours of battery life when using Bluetooth (90 hours when using Slipstream). After 15 minutes, however, the mouse automatically sleeps, so you can use the M65 for weeks without charging. Compared to my Razer Viper Ultimate, I haven't felt the loading error nearly as often. And when I did, the USB-C port for charging meant I was rarely without a replacement cable.

The M65 Ultra Wireless is exactly what I'm looking for in a wireless gaming mouse. The quick switching between 2.4 GHz wireless and Bluetooth makes the mouse versatile for different setups and the battery lasts long enough to never feel like a problem. USB-C is a big win too, unlike mice like the Razer Viper Ultimate, which stuck with a micro-USB port.

software

Corsair's iCue software is one reason to choose the M65 Ultra Wireless. As with Logitech's G Hub and Razer's Chroma, iCue lets you customize RGB lighting and change key assignments, including assigning absurd macro functions to each of the keys. Once you have everything set up, you can save your DPI, lighting and macro profile on the mouse for use without iCue.

Corsair's iCue is an integral part of the M65 Ultra Wireless.

There's not much in terms of lighting as the M65 Ultra Wireless has a single zone for the logo on the back. However, iCue gives you access to custom lighting effects like rain or a temperature sensor. I have a penchant for static lighting in my rig, which iCue divides into a separate, simplified section.

The most fascinating part of iCue with the M65 Ultra Wireless is the gyroscope. The six-axis gyroscope enables the configuration of the lift detection, but also opens up the possibility of gestures. The M65 Ultra Wireless includes forward, backward, left and right tilt gestures that you can assign to any key or macro like a normal key.

Gestures in the Corsair iCue software.

And to my surprise, it works. I can't imagine ever using the tilt feature – immediately after setting it up, I accidentally frenzied the mouse after turning it upside down – but it works. There are also some uses for it such as For example, using Alt + Tab to scroll through windows or assign a key like PrintScreen that you might otherwise have to look for.

Corsair's iCue is an integral part of the M65 Ultra Wireless. It goes well beyond buttons and lighting, and gives you access to unique features like gestures and important settings, such as: B. when the mouse goes to sleep.

Our opinion

The Corsair M65 Ultra Wireless targets two other mice directly – the Logitech G Pro and the Razer Viper Ultimate. The Viper Ultimate is about $ 20 more expensive, while the M65 and G Pro are both $ 130. In terms of performance, there isn't much of a difference between these three mice, so it comes down to features and preferences.

The Corsair mouse has a number of advantages in this regard. The optical switches are faster, it contains a massive battery and comes with USB-C for charging. I also love the design and feel of the M65, though a lot of it depends on your hand size and the way you hold your mouse.

I would have liked a slightly cheaper price – around $ 110 like the Saber Pro Wireless – but the M65 still feels a step ahead of the competition.

Are there alternatives?

Yes, several. For high-end wireless FPS mice, the Razer Viper Ultimate, Logitech G Pro X Superlight, and Corsair Saber Pro Wireless are all options.

You can save a lot with a wire too. Corsair's wired M65 is $ 60 cheaper, and there are options like the SteelSeries Rival 3 for around $ 30.

How long it will take?

Omron optical switches do not have the same 50 million click lifespan as mechanical switches. Most optical switches, however, last longer than mechanical ones. The M65 Ultra Wireless should last 15 years or more, long gone when you're likely to want to switch to something new.

Should you buy it?

Yes sir. The M65 Ultra Wireless is an excellent wireless gaming mouse. It has the same premium features as similar mice like the Razer Viper Ultimate and the Logitech G Pro X Superlight. However, you can save a lot with inexpensive wireless options like the Logitech G305 or the wired version.

Editor's recommendations



16 Sep
Blog

Corsair Sabre RGB Pro Wireless Review: Competitive Mouse

Corsair Saber Pro Wireless on a black background.

Corsair Saber RGB Pro Wireless Review: Competitive Mouse, Competitive Price

RRP $ 110.00

"The Corsair Saber RGB Pro Wireless offers all the functions of the best wireless eSport mice, only for less money."

advantages

  • 2,000 Hz polling rate

  • Flexible iCue software

  • Comfortable design with palm grip

  • Only 79 grams

  • Two wireless modes

disadvantage

  • Limited extra buttons

  • One RGB zone only

In the world of esports mice, it's usually hard to get excited about another barebone mouse – especially if it's an update to an existing model. This is the Corsair Saber RGB Pro Wireless. It's almost identical to the $ 60 Saber RGB Pro, just no cables and at almost twice the price.

Even so, it's cheaper than the competition and comes with specs to look forward to.

You can buy a great wireless gaming mouse like the Logitech G305 for less than half the price, yes. But with an updated sensor, two wireless modes, and software that goes beyond RGB lighting, the Corsair Saber RGB Pro Wireless is a great gaming mouse that beats the competition.

draft

Corsair Saber Pro Wireless on a black background.

The Saber Pro Wireless is part of Corsair's Champion Series, a line of products designed in collaboration with eSports athletes for optimal performance. In terms of dimensions, it is identical to the available Saber Pro, only with the wire cut off. However, the wireless model is only a hair heavier – 79 grams versus 74 grams.

It's not ambidextrous like the Logitech G Pro, which is the direct competitor of the Saber Pro Wireless. Instead, the top shell is offset to the left for a right-handed design and protrudes about 10mm further out at the front. A high center gives you a lot of support in relation to the palm grip. The claw grip works too, although I prefer something smaller like the Razer Viper Ultimate because I don't have the biggest hands.

The Saber Pro Wireless doesn't need looks given its price.

Because of its looks, the Saber Pro Wireless is not going to win any awards. It's a black mouse with an RGB Corsair logo on the back (which you can customize via iCue). It's even less noticeable than the wired Saber Pro. The wireless model lacks lighting around the scroll wheel and does not display the DPI scale on the side of the mouse.

Still, given its price, the Saber Pro Wireless doesn't need any looks. It's $ 20 cheaper than the Logitech Pro and $ 50 cheaper than the Razer Viper Ultimate. There are cheaper wireless mice like the Steelseries Rival 3, but nothing with specs that rival the Saber Pro Wireless.

Sensor and buttons

The Saber Pro Wireless features Corsair's Marksman 26K DPI sensor, which you can adjust in iCue in 1 DPI increments. According to Corsair, the mouse has a tracking resolution of 650 IPS and you can set a query rate of up to 2,000 Hz. This rate corresponds to a response time of 0.5 ms in wired mode, and Corsair claims "wireless transmission under 1 ms" with its slipstream technology.

Corsair Saber Pro Wireless with the scroll wheel.

Compared to the wired Saber Pro, the polling rate appears to be a downgrade. The wired model supports a polling rate of up to 8000 Hz. However, each step above 1000 Hz divides a millisecond. So the higher you go, the less return you will get. And 2,000 Hz is fast enough, so this spec is less of a downgrade than it might seem.

No one should reasonably be using a 26K DPI mouse, but the Saber Pro Wireless allows you to. Wireless gaming mice like the Razer Orochi V2 score with 18K DPI. For higher demands, you'll need to turn to Logitech's flagship options with its 25K Hero sensor like the Logitech Pro X Superlight.

I used the Saber Pro Wireless as my only mouse for about a week – and I still use it. As someone who spends at least a couple of hours every night in Destiny 2, the Saber Pro Wireless could keep up. I switched to my Razer Viper Ultimate and an older Corsair M65 with no noticeable difference out of shape.

Corsair says the Saber Pro Wireless has seven programmable buttons, even though I only counted six (and six only show up in iCue). In addition to left, right and middle mouse clicks, you have a DPI setting button in the middle and thumb buttons for forward and backward on the left. You can reassign any of the buttons in iCue, as well as assign macros or functions to them.

No one should reasonably be using a 26K DPI mouse, but the Saber Pro Wireless allows you to.

The left and right click buttons use Omron switches that are rated for 50 million clicks. They're also Corsair's Quickstrike buttons, which means there is no gap between the switch and the button. Honestly, I can't tell any difference from other high-end gaming mice, so this seems to be mostly marketing fluff. Omron switches, however, are nice to have and to be expected for a mouse of this class.

Connectivity and battery life

According to Corsair's pricing, wireless is worth about $ 50 more on the Saber Pro Wireless. And it is. The slipstream wireless tech held up perfectly in a nervous shooter like Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, as well as a slower action game like Resident Evil Village. When switching between wired and wireless, I could never tell the difference.

Slipstream isn't all you have access to, however. The Saber Pro Wireless also works with Bluetooth 4.2, and you can switch between the two with a toggle on the mouse button. As someone who likes to use PC peripherals on my Nvidia Shield, the Saber Pro is a perfect match for the Bluetooth-enabled Logitech G915 TKL keyboard.

Corsair says the Saber Pro can last up to 90 hours on one charge, which is a lot longer than it sounds like. I immediately started using the Saber Pro without charging it. Even then, the mouse lasted a full week before it needed to be charged, and it warned me via a little red LED on top before it ran out.

The wireless dongle for the Corsair Saber Pro Wireless.

The battery life is 90 hours in Bluetooth mode without lighting. If you want to use slipstream, that drops to 60 hours. Even so, I never had battery life issues even when using Slipstream with the lights on. By default, the mouse goes to sleep after 15 minutes, so you can save some juice while you're away.

Once the battery is empty, you can connect the included USB-C cable for charging while you continue to use the mouse. I've got used to this on my Razer Viper Ultimate, so I'm glad Corsair added a wired mode as well. The charging port is sunk slightly to handle the bulk of the cable, although I would have liked Corsair to have moved it a little further back. The included cable protrudes about half an inch in wired mode.

software

Bundled software is usually an afterthought, but iCue, on the other hand, is a reason to get the Saber Pro Wireless. Corsair has kept adding to this software and is now better than ever. Lighting is the least interesting part of the software, at least for the Saber Pro Wireless.

As mentioned earlier, you can rebind any of the six buttons. In addition to keystrokes, mouse functions and special language keys, you can also use macros. I used the built-in macro recorder to create a 591 step macro and it worked. The recorder even records delays so that you can execute complex input strings at the push of a button.

The macro recorder in Corsair's iCue software.

There are a variety of options in iCue. Switching between languages ​​on the keyboard, starting apps with one key and programming complex macros are all possible – and they are also easy to set up in iCue.

You can divide the DPI in iCue into five profiles that are saved on the mouse. Once you've set these, you can use the mouse on all computers without iCue installed. Along with the DPI settings, you can organize lighting and button mappings into three built-in profiles that travel with the mouse.

There is also a lot going on in the settings. You can turn off DPI adjustment, which is useful for avoiding gaming mishaps, and you can adjust the time after the mouse falls asleep. As is typical for iCue, you can also calibrate the sensor to your surface and pair the mouse again if it gets disconnected. Out of the box, the mouse worked for me straight away, even without iCue installed.

Corsair has gone deep instead of far with iCue. Logitech's G-Hub is useful, if not nearly as deep as iCue, and Razer has several apps that focus on overall PC performance, not customizing peripherals. Simply put, iCue is packed with functionality for peripheral devices while maintaining accessibility.

Our opinion

The Corsair Saber RGB Pro Wireless is not for everyone. You can save a lot of money on mice like the Rival 3 that have lower specs but still hold up for the average gamer.

However, if you are a serious esports gamer, you will love the Corsair Saber RGB Pro Wireless. With an insanely high DPI sensor, long battery life, and a price that beats other top peripheral brands, it's a simple mouse for competitive gamers.

Are there alternatives?

Yes sir. The Razer Viper Ultimate and Logitech Pro are both excellent ambidextrous mice, but they're a bit more expensive.

The Steelseries Rival 3 is a much cheaper alternative, although it doesn't have such a nice sensor.

How long it will take?

The Omron switches on the Corsair Saber Pro Wireless are rated for 50 million clicks. If you clicked 10,000 a day – which is unlikely – it would last just under 14 years. Realistically, you can use Saber Pro Wireless for over 15 years.

Should you buy it?

Yes, if you're looking for a high quality wireless mouse that covers the basics. However, it depends on the type of games you are playing. Something like the Razer Naga is better suited for MMOs with its extra buttons, while the Corsair M65 has a blunt design that is easier to use in shooters.

Editor's recommendations



19 Aug
Blog

Corsair HS80 RGB Wireless Review: All a Gaming Headset Needs

Corsair HS80 cover

Corsair HS80 gaming headset

RRP $ 149.00

"The Corsair HS80 hits the nail on the head with less is more approach and offers great comfort, great sound and effortless control."

advantages

  • Intuitive controls

  • Great sound quality

  • Oh so comfortable

  • Wireless connection with PC and Playstation

  • RGB

With so much choice on the market, buying a new gaming headset isn't easy. If you suffer from decision-making paralysis, it's easy to go for something top-notch, like Corsair's Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT, that is not only good-looking but also packed with features. The problem? It comes at a high price and it's still not perfect. This is where something like Corsair's new HS80 RGB Wireless comes into play.

At first I wasn't very enthusiastic about the HS80. It's not top notch, it's just mid-range, so it isn't full of features and doesn't offer the most luxurious of materials. But in some ways that's its best quality, which may make it one of my new favorite gaming headsets.

Design and functions

Corsair HS80 headbandNiels Broekhuijsen / Digital Trends

With the HS80, Corsair didn't focus on making the most beautiful headset. Rather, the focus here is on comfort. It uses a headband-like fit on the top that molds perfectly to your skull, making it one of the more comfortable headsets I've tested. The ear cups have fabric on top of the foam, which in turn is not the most luxurious of materials.

But it offers plenty of depth for wider ears, and the headset has an asymmetrical design to accommodate your earlobe. As a result, the HS80 doesn't feel like an expensive headset, but it is sleek and smooth in fit. This is a headset that you could wear for hours and this headband makes it more comfortable than a classic design headset like the Razer Blackshark V2 Pro.

Then there are the controls of the HS80, or rather the lack of them. On the left ear cup, you'll find a power button and volume control, and that's it. The right earpiece is completely free of controls. What is clearly missing is a microphone mute button, but it's fine: just flip the microphone up to mute it and down to unmute it. It also has a bell that lets you know what it's doing, and the light on the end turns red in the up position, although that doesn't help that much with a microphone like this as it's out of sight. This means fewer buttons than most headsets, and simply flipping the microphone up is much more intuitive than fumbling for the mute button like you do with the SteelSeries Arctis 7 or Logitech G Pro X wireless headsets.

The simplicity of the controls on the HS80 makes it one of the most intuitive gaming headsets out there.

It charges through a standard USB-C port with up to 20 hours of battery life, which is roughly industry standard – expect to charge the HS80 once or twice a week. Connectivity is via a USB dongle, which is connected to PCs and laptops together with PlayStation 4 and PS5 units.

Corsair HS80 sideNiels Broekhuijsen / Digital Trends

But this simplicity is what makes the HS80 so great – many multi-function headsets have too many controls, and fiddling around to find the right ones can be a hassle. This is one that you just turn on, change the volume, and flip the microphone up and down to mute it – it's that simple.

Sound quality and games

Typically, wireless gaming headsets don't have the best sound quality due to limitations in the wireless protocol – the dongle prioritized the audio stream based on latency rather than quality, causing some compression loss along the way. The HS80 is no exception, but all in all, its sound profile is actually very pleasing.

Corsair HS80 auricleNiels Broekhuijsen / Digital Trends

Let me explain: if you listen to quiet music, you won't notice anything wrong. In fact, you'll enjoy the sound of the HS80 thanks to its superb 50mm drivers. But when the music is busy you will hear some compression loss. But it's a headset to play with, and in-game you're generally too busy to pay attention to those losses – and if not – it's likely a relaxed scene playing quieter sounds that don't suffer from those losses anyway.

Pleather ear cups may look better, but the HS80's foam ear cups improve its sound profile.

The HS80 comes with the same 50mm drivers as the much more expensive Virtuoso XT Wireless RGB, so they sound just as good in terms of frequency response and sound signature. In fact, they sound better – I prefer the sound of the HS80 over the more expensive headset.

I suspect this has something to do with the foam pads instead of synthetic leather and the shape of the ear cups – the softer materials lead to a warmer and fuller sound without sacrificing details at the top.

The HS80 also comes with Dolby Atmos support, which you can activate through Corsair's iCue software. While it paints a slightly better 3D picture of the sound around you, I'm generally not a huge fan of these sound-modifying algorithms – yes, they expand the soundstage and make sounds look like they're further away with more "position". “But the reduction in intimacy leaves a flatter sound that is subjectively less detailed. I just leave it out – sound engines in games today are pretty good anyway, especially a game like Insurgency Sandstorm.

Our opinion

After a solid week with the Corsair HS80, I can confidently say that it is one of the best gaming headsets available today. It might not be the fanciest, but it's super comfortable, has a great sound, and is intuitive to use – isn't that all you expect from a headset? There is no reason to pay more for features that interfere with the primary purpose of hearing.

Are there alternatives?

At $ 149, there's quite a bit of competition for the HS80. The main competitors are the Razer Blackshark V2 Pro and the SteelSeries Arctis 7, both of which are available at the same, if not slightly higher, prices.

But they don't offer more features, making the HS80 a compelling mid-tier option.

How long it will take?

It is reasonable to expect the HS80 to last about three years under most circumstances, or slightly longer with mild use.

Should I buy it?

Yes, the Corsair HS80 is a brilliant gaming headset that meets all the right criteria and not much more. The HS80 offers a simple, straightforward, effective and comfortable design and is an easy recommendation.

Editor's recommendations



10 Jul
Blog

Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT Review: Good Beyond Gaming

Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT

RRP $ 269.00

"Corsair's Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT isn't perfect, but the way it offers the practicality to replace both your gaming headset and everyday headphones puts it in a league of its own."

advantages

  • Great chic looks

  • Excellent workmanship

  • Versatile connectivity

  • Can replace two headsets

  • Practical RGB mic mute display

disadvantage

  • Below average battery life

  • Short radio range

  • Expensive

Buying a gaming headset is not easy. It can be if you keep your expectations low, but if you're looking for something exclusive the thought of losing $ 269 on a wireless gaming headset can be a little daunting.

That's the price of Corsair's newest flagship gaming headset, the Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT, and while it's certainly worth the price, let's see if the stuff you can't see is good enough. Unlike many headsets, there is a lot to cover with this one, so let's dive in.

Build quality and comfort

As expected, the workmanship of the Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT is excellent. The headset uses a lot of synthetic leather and metal, which gives it a very chic look and feel. Corsair's elementary back-to-basics design also plays well here, as it gives the headset a very "contemporary headphone" look rather than the look of many garishly styled offerings.

I actually really like the design, and since the microphone is detachable and supports Bluetooth with Apt-X, you can easily use this set on the go in public. The bright bit of RGB might even attract curious eyes.

In terms of comfort, the Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT is generally good, but a bit missed – that may be a personal observation, but I find the ear cups too flat. This is done, of course, to get a sleeker profile for the modern look, but it presses a little against my right ear which causes discomfort with prolonged use.

That's my only complaint about comfort – the faux leather is soft, the pillows are … cushiony, and the clamping force is minimal so you won't get a headache. If your ears fit better than mine, which is more likely than not, you'll find the Virtuoso XT very snug. For larger ears, Logitech's G Pro X (wireless) headsets are generally more comfortable thanks to roomier ear cups.

The ergonomics of the controls are also great, with most of the buttons on the bottom of the right earcup. The only button that is on the left cup is the microphone mute button, and in fact, it's on the microphone itself, right on the base where it connects to the headset.

The microphone even has an RGB light ring at the end, and I think it's awesome, even if it's not exactly an ergonomic thing. It glows bright red when you mute the microphone and participates in whatever light show you have when it doesn't. This may seem like a small detail, and it is, but tell me, when was the last time you forgot you muted yourself and wondered why your friends weren't answering? Yesterday? Today? Yes me too. Every headset has to have that.

Connectivity

Most PC wireless gaming headsets have two or three types of connectivity. First and foremost there is a wireless interface with its own dongle, then a 3.5 mm jack if you need the cable anyway, and they often work via their USB charging cable too.

But Corsair has an additional treat: Bluetooth with support for the Apt-X codec. With most gaming headsets, this wouldn't be all that important, but this one looks pretty good and it's nice to be able to connect it to your phone for use on the go. Unplug the mic and no one would say it was a gaming headset. The next alternatives with this feature set are the Steelseries Arctis 9 and Arctis Pro wireless headsets, as they also support Bluetooth but don't support Apt-X and still look a lot like gaming headsets, which they are less likely to be worn in public makes suitable.

The headset also supports multiple device inputs at the same time, which is another handy feature. Connecting the headset to your PC via the dongle and your phone via bluetooth is not only great for easy toggling on the go, but you also don't have to take the headset off when you receive calls. The music quality is also better than Apt-X.

A quick range test showed disappointing results. In my apartment, I have my office at one end, and most headsets can reach halfway to the kitchen while maintaining a stable connection. The very best headsets stay connected to the other side of my apartment, but not the Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT: I could barely step out of my office into the hallway.

Audio quality

The sound quality is always a bit mixed with gaming headsets, especially wireless devices. That makes sense, of course: the drivers are tuned to pick up the enemy's footsteps and reloading noises and provide appealing bass for explosions. And since the wireless connection is geared towards low latency rather than audio quality, you end up with sound that audiophiles generally don't like.

And while the Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT is no exception to this set of requirements, it actually does quite well, especially over the Bluetooth connection when using a source device that supports the Apt-X codec. Music is fun, voices are clear, and there is enough detail to please most listeners. It won't compare to the best hi-fi headphones out there – it's not even in the same league – but for a gaming headset as practical as your everyday headphones, it's more than enough .

But again, keep in mind that the audio quality suffers a bit with the included 2.5 GHz dongle on the PC – you will not notice this at all in the game, since most games do not have sufficient audio quality anyway. The incoming voice streams from multiplayer chats aren't good either, but if you're playing music for pleasure you may want to do it from your phone or use a wired connection. The only catch is that the battery life on dual devices is pretty limited – you'll be happy to hit 15 hours.

Our opinion

Corsair's Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT is a stunning wireless gaming headset that tries to achieve anything. And while it doesn't do a perfect job, it offers a ton of practicality with its great connectivity options, great user ergonomics, nice production quality, and decent convenience. If you're wondering if the $ 269 price tag is worth it, I'd probably say – when you need a headset that can do it all. Just keep in mind that wired headsets often sound better, battery life isn't the best, and they have a very short wireless range.

Are there alternatives?

There are always tons of alternatives in the gaming headset space, but few look as good as the Corsair cans and practicality remains an issue – Bluetooth is often absent on many models and a microphone that is not detachable together with garish gamer styling, makes its use as an everyday outdoor headset for many devices a hard best seller. With this combination of connectivity functions, the Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT is in a league of its own. The next alternative would be the Arctis 9 and Arctis Pro headsets from Steelseries, but they don't offer the same visual appeal and neither do they support the Apt-X codec for high quality sound over Bluetooth.

If you're looking to save some cash and skip Bluetooth altogether, Logitech's G Pro X wireless headset is a great alternative that is more convenient but less practical.

How long it will take?

This headset should last around three to four years, depending on how you use it. The delicate faux leather is likely to fall apart first after heavy use, and I've had my battery life concerns over the years as it's not the best to start with.

Should I buy it?

If you're looking for a new wireless gaming headset and want to use it as your everyday go-to headphone, the Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT is definitely worth considering. It's a little expensive, but since it can replace multiple headphones, the price is justified.

Editor's recommendations