Earlier this month I reviewed a pair of wired Corsair gaming headsets. Now, I’m going to take a closer look at a pair of higher-end wireless headsets from the same manufacturer. Without further ado, let’s get more familiar with the Corsair Void RGB Elite and Corsair Virtuoso wireless gaming headsets.
Corsair Virtuoso wireless gaming headset
I’ll begin with the Corsair Virtuoso, which is Corsair’s flagship model, and a top-shelf gaming headset for PS4 and PC. This headset is Corsair’s priciest model, but it offers impressive audio and high-quality design. Here are a few key features of the Corsair Virtuoso.
High fidelity audio
The Virtuoso is 7.1 surround sound compatible, and the sound quality easily matches other sets in the same price range. A pair of 50mm high-density neodymium drivers carry a broad range of frequency for pristine audio. These are definitely a great choice for enjoying cinema-quality surround sound with games and any other media.
Sleek design
I love the look of the white model of Virtuoso, which is the one I received for review. The clean lines and simple shapes are elegant and pleasing. It also features ambient LED lighting on both the ear cups as well as the end of the microphone.
While overall the headset is lightweight and comfortable, if I could change one thing it would be the circular ear cups. I’ve never been a fan of ear cups that are a perfect circle because ears aren’t! When I put these type of headsets on, I tend to feel a bit of crowding on the top and bottom of my ear.
For this reason, I prefer a more rectangular shape in headsets. However, this can boil down to personal preference. Others may actually seek out a rounder shape, but for me, it detracts from the comfort of a headset. Nevertheless, the Corsair Virtuoso is otherwise a very comfortable headset.
Battery and charging
I also love that the Corsair Virtuoso wireless gaming headset uses a USB type-C charger. It’s just so much easier to plug in and manage. More and more elite headsets are moving in this direction, and the sooner we can get rid of micro USB connections the better!
The battery itself charges quickly and lasts for upwards of 20 hours. That’s definitely not bad for a wireless headset with ambient lighting. It also features a sleep and wake function that will turn the headset off if you remove it and lay it down, conserving battery life without having to power down.
Detachable microphone and volume control
At first, I was a bit annoyed at not being able to retract the microphone into an upright position when not in use. This is a feature common to many other headsets. While the arm of the mic has a very desirable aesthetic appearance, it is fixed in a small movable area.
However, the broadcast-grade microphone on the Corsair Virtuoso wireless gaming headset is detachable, so essentially the trade-off is that it can be tucked out of the way, but only by actually removing it entirely. Otherwise, it’s one of the nicer mics I’ve seen in regard to appearance and form. The mute button is also very sneaky, hiding under the base of the mic arm. It took me a while to find it.
Finally, probably my only big disappointment with this headset is the volume control. Again, the design and appearance are high quality—but the function is lacking. The Corsair Virtuoso has a wheel volume control, but it has to be spun surprisingly far to have an effect. The control is so lacking in sensitivity that I find myself having to spin it multiple times before I begin to sense a change in volume.
Corsair Void RGB Elite wireless gaming headset
The Corsair RGB Elite is another wireless headset compatible with PS4 and PC. This one comes in at a discount in comparison to the Virtuoso—aiming more at the middle of the market. However, it doesn’t hit the same benchmarks of performance and style either.
Audio quality
The Corsair Void RGB Elite does offer great 7.1 surround sound—but with a slightly narrower range of frequency that the Virtuoso. Still, it’s suitably excellent for its price range. This headset definitely broaches the realm of higher-end audio fidelity.
That said, I did have a few unpleasant experiences with stuttering or brief disconnections in audio. Each lasted only a second or two, but they happened frequently enough for me to take notice. The RBG Elite definitely does not have the same solid wireless connection as the Virtuoso.
Comfort and design
The RBG elite features the same ambient LED lighting which is always a bonus. However, I have to admit I’m not a big fan of the overall design and aesthetics. In the end, the headset is comfortable, but the shape and configuration are not as pleasing in my own personal taste.
Personally, I just don’t like the way this headset goes from thick to narrow in places such as the ear cup to headband connection, or along the microphone arm. The location of the headband adjustment mid-way between the top and sides is a bit off for me too. I do appreciate the rectangular ear cups, but overall it’s just not a design that reflects my own taste and preference.
The Corsair ST100 Premium Headset Stand
If you are considering a Corsair headset (or really any wireless gaming headset), you may also want to consider this great accessory. The Corsair ST100 features two USB 3.1 ports. So while it may take up a USB port on your PC/console, it actually gives back two in return. One port can be used to charge your wireless headset while not in use.
It also acts as a bridge between console/gaming device and headset. Connecting the ST100 to your console or device, then plugging your headset into the stand via the 3.5mm headset jack will actually enable 7.1 Surround Sound capability regardless of which headset you are using. This isn’t necessary with the RGB Elite or Virtuoso since both are already 7.1 surround sound-capable, but it’s definitely a handy feature for other headsets.
It also incorporates RGB LED lighting at the base for an increase in aesthetic appeal. At first, the ST100 may seem a bit pricey for a “headset stand”, however when you consider the other amenities it offers, it’s actually a very practical and desirable add-on to your gaming setup.
Final Thoughts on the Corsair Void RGB Elite and Corsair Virtuoso wireless gaming headsets
Both the Corsair Void RGB Elite and the Corsair Virtuoso wireless gaming headsets offer excellent 7.1 surround sound audio quality. That said, the Virtuoso certainly has the edge in high fidelity, and also keeps a strong wireless connection—while conversely, the RGB Elite gave me a few intermittent drops now and then. Furthermore, I love the sleek design of the Virtuoso, but simultaneously find the RGB Elite to be a bit less suited to my personal taste in headset aesthetics.
Of course, the RGB Elite is also the more economical choice, which weighs into consideration for those looking for a great experience that won’t hurt their pocketbook. The Virtuoso is definitely Corsair’s flagship model, but not everyone may feel justified in spending extra for “premium” features when the RGB Elite still delivers comfort and decent audio quality at a lower barrier to entry.
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