The Fractal Design Scape looks like a gaming headset from the longer term, which makes it the most effective factor I’ve examined in 2035. I imply, this yr

I check so many gaming headsets over the course of a yr, it is easy to start out mixing them into one. After all, the fundamental archetype for one is just about sorted at this level—a snug headband, two earcups, a microphone, and an awesome set of drivers. I assumed I could not actually be stunned by a brand new mannequin, however the Fractal Design Scape modified all that for me in 2025.

It’s acquired the identical recipe, positive. But by way of the expertise it delivers, it looks like Fractal Design has taken all of the issues I like a couple of actually good set of gaming cans and elevated them to new heights. I’m satisfied it is the best way all wi-fi gaming headsets ought to be from this level onwards, and that makes it the most effective factor I’ve personally examined all yr.

The Scape is a lesson in refinement. For a start, it’s got a grown-up chassis design. No garish colour schemes here, just a flat black, matte finish with some subtle, recessed RGB lighting. The controls feel reassuringly well designed, too. Each clunks and clicks with a positive action, with not a cheap material to be found.

Speaking of materials, the Scape’s earcups and inner headband are covered in a plush, couch-like fabric that manages to be warm and cossetting, yet also breathable enough to prevent a case of the dreaded sweaty ears.

Plus, the microphone arm is both removable and flip-to-mute, which feels like it should be the standard going forward. The Scape is a class act, full of design features that feel… well, actually designed, rather than strewn across the frame in a haphazard fashion.

The best bit, though, is the charging stand. It’s a flattened, pill-shaped throne that takes up very little room on your desk, with two fabric-covered ovals protruding from the top. Push the headset in the general direction of its plinth, and a gentle magnetic force sucks it into place—where it then tops itself up thanks to the magic of Qi wireless charging tech.

It sounds like a small thing, doesn’t it? After all, there are other headsets on the market with charging docks. But of all the models I’ve tested, this is the one that actually encourages me to keep my headphones charged through sheer ease of use.

There’s no clunky socket mechanism to contend with, nor an ugly plastic frame to mangle into my setup. It’s such an intuitive piece of design, magnetically thunking the set into its holder quickly becomes a reflex action.

Where do you keep your gaming headset when you’re not wearing it? For most of you, I bet it’s usually strewn untidily on your desktop. Perhaps it sits atop your tower, partially blocking some vents. Or, for the more conscientiously-minded of you, perhaps you’ve bought a little headset hook.

With the Scape, there’s no need. The throne begs to be used, and as a result, your headset is always charged and ready to go the second you sit down for a session.

Of course, all of this would be for naught if the Scape sounded awful. Luckily, however, it’s got a set of drivers that I can happily listen to for hours at a time. It’s tuned towards the neutral straight from the box, but Fractal’s software provides easy EQ adjustments that really allow the audio quality to shine.

It’s got a detailed, polished quality to the treble that makes footstep listening a delight, while the low-end can become surprisingly hefty with a little push. It sounds premium, is the best way I can describe it. Self-assured. Punchy, without being overblown.

The Scape isn’t perfect, mind. The microphone quality is average, there’s no noise cancelling to be found, and the fabric earpads have a tendency to rustle for a second or two when you first put them on. Oh, and it’s pricey. $200 for a gaming headset with no ANC is a little bit of a stretch, there is not any denying it.

But truthfully, I feel it is value each penny. I’ve acquired some very costly planar magnetic units in my assortment: large, magnesium-chassied beastie bois which can be able to some really astounding audio high quality. I get them out every so often, simply to remind myself what the most effective headphone driver tech is able to nowadays.

Then I put them away once more, and return to the Scape. It’s simply so refined, so handy, really easy to stay with, that it is the one you wish to come house to on the finish of the day. And let’s be trustworthy, I can not praise it extra extremely than that.

If you wish to discover out who wins within the PC Gamer Hardware Awards, we’ll be publishing all of the winners on New Year’s Eve.