Fractal (or Fractal Design as many still defiantly call them) have been steadily expanding their brand for the last few years. In addition to some outstanding PC enclosures, last year saw the release of the Refine ergonomic gaming chair (which has been confiscated by my better half). This year, they have dropped the Scape gaming headset for $199.95 USD, and PC Perspective got our hands on a review sample. A few weeks later, and I am ready to let my loyal readers know what I think about this new offering from Fractal.
Product Specifications
- Battery life (RGB off): >40 hours
- Battery life (RGB on): >24 hours
- Compatibility: PC, Mac, Playstation 4/5, Nintendo Switch, iOS/Android
- Frequency response: 20-20,000 Hz
- THD @ 1 kHz: <0,5 %
- Audio connection mode: 2,4 GHz Wireless via USB-A dongle, Bluetooth 5.3, Wired via USB-C to USB-A cable
- Built-in controls: Media control crown (HID volume, play/pause/next track), Ambient lighting (on/off), Power, Connection switch, Mute and microphone noise cancellation (on/off)
- Range (Stereo Audio): Up to 40 meters (unobstructed)
- Charging time 0-100% (Docking Station): <3 hours
- Charging time 0-100% (USB Cable): <3 hours
- Wireless charging 0 – 4h playtime with RGB: 15 minutes
- RGB type: 6 individually addressable LEDs per cup
- Audio resolution (Dongle): 24-bit/96 kHz (Codec: LC3+)
- Microphone types: 1x Detachable microphone: Uni-directional for voice input, Super Wideband protocol with audio frequency 50–16,000 Hz, 1x Built-in microphone: Omni-directional for voice input, 1x Built-in microphone: Omni-directional microphone for noise cancellation
- Windows Dynamic Lighting: Compatible
- Dimensions without stand (WxHxD): 160 x 195 x 84 mm
- Dimensions with stand (WxHxD): 160 x 205 x 90 mm
- Weight: 338 g (incl. microphone) 314 g (excl. microphone)
- Included in box: Headset, Docking Station, Wireless dongle, USB A to USB C Cable (1.5m), Detachable Microphone, Manual
- Warranty: 2 years
Pricing
Manufacturer Description
“A gaming headset crafted to deliver a rich, immersive, and intuitive wireless audio and communication experience which integrates seamlessly into your gaming environment.”
Overview
To start with, Fractal didn’t take the simple, more traveled road of building a wired headphone with a simple boom microphone. The Scape is a fully wireless, 2.4 ghz, or Bluetooth gaming headset. It includes a detachable, folding boom mic, as well as having a microphone built in to the headphones themselves. The Scape also includes an attractive magnetic charging/display stand for when the headphones are not in use. They can also be charged via a USB-C port on the bottom of the right ear cup while in use. This is not a wired connection, as the Scape still transmits audio through one of its wireless modes when connected in this manner.
The overall design of the Scape is very nice. There are no “gamer” sharp angles or pointy ear pieces, just an elegant design consisting of smooth curves. I personally love the sculpted design of the metal, single pivot-point yokes, which attach the headband to the earcups. The earpads themselves are formed of an extremely soft memory foam, covered by a textured microfiber. At the rear of the left earcup is a round metal volume control knob that I found to be extremely convenient. Just below this is a mute/unmute button for the microphone, a mode switch for selecting 2.4 ghz or Bluetooth, and the rgb control/ hold for power button. On the right ear cup is an RGB on/off button, an audio profile selector, an led indicator for the profile, and the aforementioned USB-C port.
The closed-back earcups and headband themselves are plastic, but have a very nice, quality feel to them. The only branding visible anywhere on the scape is a small Fractal logo at the bottom center of each earcup. It is nice to see something labeled a “gaming” product that isn’t emblazoned with some overt self aggrandizing labeling. Even the RGB lighting on the Scape is tasteful and reasonably subtle.
I do have to say here that I did not find the Scape to be extremely comfortable. I was alone in this though, as I had a few friends try them on to get their opinions. Everyone else found them very comfortable. I believe my discomfort stems from the yoke design, which limits the ability of the earcup to tilt. On most people, this would not be much of an issue, but I have a fairly narrow head, and the earcups sat with the bottom tilted inward on me. After some fidgeting with the headband and the angle of the earcups, I did manage to get it a little better, but it was never super comfortable to me. Additionally, the Scape are not light, so you’ll never just forget your wearing them.
The Control App
Fractal have created a browser based control suite for the Scape, that is very easy to understand and navigate. Overall, I really like this approach, as there is no bloatware running on your system at all times like so many other companies in the industry (Asus, Razer, Corsair, etc). The web app is nice. You can adjust your RGB settings, or sync them with the Windows RGB controls.
You can adjust the equalizer for the headphones in three separate profiles, which are switchable on the headphone, with no need to open the app. You can also change settings on the microphone as well. My only concern with browser based hardware control is if a company decides to stop supporting a device, then you’re stuck with it in whatever settings you last entered. I’m not saying this would happen with Fractal, I’m just saying it is a concern, but I’d still rather have that concern than bloatware.
The Sound
While I’ve never really considered myself an “audiophile” I’m sure that there are some who would apply that title to me. I do enjoy listening to music on high quality equipment, but I also appreciate doing so on a budget that isn’t ridiculous (see my Under $25 IEM review for proof).
I’ll get this out of the way first thing, the Fractal Scape is not great for music. It is not bad, and the equalizer allows some improvement, but the drivers just aren’t resolving enough for me for music. I do think the important point in that statement is “for me”. A lot of people don’t have many hundreds of dollars in audio equipment on their desk. Many think that Beats are great because that is all they’ve listened too. For those people, the Fractal Scape is going to sound fantastic for music. Of course, I’m getting off track here, because the Scape is not marketed for that purpose. The Scape is a gaming headset, and for that purpose, it excels.
I’ll start with the detachable microphone. It is simply fantastic. I have used this mic on the PCPer podcast, as well as in a couple of virtual meetings for my day job. No one could tell that I wasn’t on my studio microphone. It’s absolutely the best headset microphone I’ve ever used. The headset’s built in microphone is actually decent as well. There is some audible compression going on with it, but considering the size and space limitations, it is still pretty good.
For gaming or watching movies, I found that the audio was excellent. Imaging and soundstage are exceptional. I could easily hear the direction and distance of movement in games. It was really the same in watching movies. If someone was speaking and moving from the left to the right of my screen, the audio followed them very well. The built in DAC and amplifier on the Scape are programmed well to manage spatial awareness at this level with two simple drivers.
Summary
It’s very interesting to see Fractal reaching out into a completely new market, and to do it so well on their first attempt. While the Scape isn’t perfect, it’s extremely good, and as far as I have used, the best wireless gaming headset at the $200 price point. People with narrow heads, like myself, might run into some minor comfort issues, and it’s not a replacement for dedicated headphones or IEM’s for music listening, but for gaming, they are fantastic.
Review Disclosures
This is what we consider the responsible disclosure of our review policies and procedures.
How Product Was Obtained
The product was provided by Fractal for the purpose of this review.
Company Involvement
Fractal had no control over the content of the review and was not consulted prior to publication.
PC Perspective Compensation
Neither PC Perspective nor any of its staff were paid or compensated in any way by Fractal for this review.
Advertising Disclosure
Fractal has not purchased advertising at PC Perspective during the past twelve months.
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