Steelseries has done it again! The gaming peripherals giant has just dropped their latest audio marvel – the Arctis GameBuds in the Philippines. As someone who’s been around the block with gaming audio, I can confidently say these earbuds are set to shake up the market.
Here’s our full review of Steelseries’ latest gaming earbuds.
Build and Design
Right off the bat, the Arctis GameBuds impress with their sleek, ergonomic design. Steelseries didn’t just throw these together; they based the design on over 62,000 ear scans to ensure a comfortable fit for a wide range of users. The result? A pair of earbuds that feel secure and comfortable, even during those marathon gaming sessions.
One of the standout features in the design department is the charging case. It’s not just a place to juice up your buds; it’s also home to the 2.4GHz dongle. This clever bit of engineering means you’re less likely to misplace that crucial piece of kit. It’s these thoughtful touches that really set the GameBuds apart.
The build quality screams premium, with an IP55 water-resistant rating that protects against dust, dirt, and water. Whether you’re sweating it out in an intense gaming session or caught in a light drizzle, these buds have got you covered.
Specs and Features
The Arctis GameBuds are packed to the brim with features that cater to the modern gamer’s needs. Let’s break it down:
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: These buds work seamlessly with PS5, Xbox, PC, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices.
- Dual Connectivity: With both Bluetooth 5.3 and 2.4GHz wireless options, you’ve got flexibility in spades.
- 360° Spatial Audio: Immersive sound that puts you right in the middle of the action.
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): A 4-Mic Hybrid ANC system keeps you focused on your game.
- Mobile Companion App: Over 100 game-specific audio presets for PS5 and Xbox.
The Quick-Switch Wireless feature is a game-changer, allowing you to swap between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz with just a triple tap. It’s perfect for those who juggle between gaming and other audio needs.
Listening Experience
Now, let’s talk about the meat and potatoes – the sound quality. After the second patch, the audio experience on these buds is nothing short of stellar. The bass quality is premium, delivering a rich, full-bodied low end that doesn’t overpower the mix. These buds manage to hit all frequencies with impressive clarity.
While the higher frequencies can occasionally get a bit pitchy, the well-balanced low end helps to manage the overall sound profile. It’s a sound signature that works well across various genres of games and music.
The spatial audio feature deserves a special mention. It creates an immersive soundstage that genuinely enhances the gaming experience, especially in titles where directional audio cues are crucial.
Frequency Response Analysis
Using our IEC711 frequency response tester, we’ve conducted detailed measurements of the Arctis GameBuds across its four main EQ profiles. Let’s break down what these measurements reveal:
Bright Profile
The Bright profile shows a measured response starting at 85 dB, with a carefully balanced curve that maintains consistency between the left and right channels. There’s a gradual rise from the sub-bass region, leading to a notable peak in the presence region (6-8kHz). This tuning particularly excels in competitive gaming scenarios where detecting subtle audio cues is crucial. The treble emphasis around 8-10kHz enhances detail retrieval without becoming harsh.
Deep Bass Profile
Measuring similarly at 85 dB, the Deep Bass profile demonstrates the most aggressive tuning of all presets. The graph shows a pronounced elevation in the 50-100Hz region, creating a rich, full-bodied low end. What’s impressive is how the bass boost doesn’t muddy the mids – there’s a controlled slope from bass to midrange, maintaining clarity while delivering impactful low frequencies. This profile is ideal for action games and bass-heavy music genres.
Clear Vocals Profile
Using Clear Vocals profile at 85db, Arctis Gamebuds is showing the most conservative approach of all profiles. The frequency response maintains remarkable linearity through the critical midrange (500Hz-2kHz), with minimal coloration in the bass regions. This tuning prioritizes vocal clarity and dialogue intelligibility, making it perfect for story-driven games and communication-heavy scenarios.
Flat Profile
Measuring also at 85 dB, the Flat profile lives up to its name with an impressively neutral response across the frequency spectrum. The graph shows excellent consistency between channels, with minimal deviation from 20Hz all the way through the upper frequencies. This profile serves as an excellent baseline for users who prefer to experience content as close to the original mix as possible.
All profiles demonstrate exceptional channel matching between left and right drivers, indicating high manufacturing consistency. The measurements align perfectly with our subjective listening experiences, confirming the GameBuds’ ability to deliver distinct, well-implemented sound signatures for different use cases.
Battery Life Experience
Steelseries claims up to 40 hours of total playtime, with each earbud providing over 10 hours of use on a single charge. In real-world usage, these numbers hold up pretty well. The charging case provides three additional full charges, which means you can game for days before needing to plug in.
The Qi wireless charging support for the case is a nice touch, adding to the overall convenience factor. And if you’re in a pinch, the fast charging feature gives you about 3 hours of playtime with just a 15-minute charge.
Comfort
Remember those 62,000 ear scans I mentioned earlier? They’ve paid off. The GameBuds are some of the most comfortable earbuds I’ve used for extended periods. The multiple silicone tips included in the package ensure you can find the perfect fit for your ears.
Even after hours of use, I didn’t experience any significant discomfort or fatigue. This is crucial for gamers who often find themselves in lengthy gaming sessions.
Software and App Experience
The mobile app for the Arctis GameBuds is a mixed bag. On one hand, it’s user-friendly and packed with features, including those 100+ game-specific audio presets. The ability to change these presets on-the-fly without interrupting your game is impressive. It also has the ability to save presets on the buds
However, there are some hiccups. The app occasionally disconnects from the GameBuds despite an active Bluetooth connection, and there’s a noticeable 3-5 second lag before the interface updates when changing settings. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it can be annoying at times.
On the PC front, the Steelseries GG software is a more polished experience. It integrates seamlessly with the GameBuds, just as it does with other Steelseries devices. The cohesive nature of the software across different Steelseries products is a big plus, especially if you’re invested in the Steelseries ecosystem.
Versatility
One of the GameBuds’ strongest suits is their versatility. The dual connectivity options (Bluetooth and 2.4GHz) mean you can easily switch between your gaming setup and mobile devices. I’ve found myself using them with my Legion Go and Ally X for gaming, then seamlessly transitioning to use them for calls or music when I’m out and about.
Price and Value
At Php 10,458.00, the Arctis GameBuds aren’t cheap. However, when you consider the feature set, build quality, and performance, they’re competitively priced. They go toe-to-toe with similarly priced offerings from Sony, like the Inzone and Pulse Explore, and in many aspects, they come out on top.
Conclusion
The Steelseries Arctis GameBuds are easily one of the best gaming-centric earbuds I’ve tested. They offer a compelling package of premium sound quality, versatile connectivity, and thoughtful design. While there are minor software niggles and the price might be steep for some, the overall experience is top-notch.
If you’re a gamer looking for a versatile audio solution that can handle your gaming needs and double as your everyday earbuds, the Arctis GameBuds should be high on your list. They’re a testament to Steelseries’ commitment to innovation in the gaming audio space, and they set a new benchmark for what we can expect from gaming earbuds.
The Steelseries Arctis Gamebuds is now available in the Philippines for PhP10,458.
Source: Gadget Pilipinas
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