Roccat ELO X Stereo Gaming Headset Review

Are you looking for a new gaming headset that ticks all of the boxes, including the one that says "not too expensive"? Then it looks like Roccat has the answer for you with their new ELO X Stereo Gaming Headset. Affordable it may be, but lacking in features it is not. It comes with built-in controls, powerful drivers, and that iconic Roccat style that we've all come to know and love... but wait, there's something different this time! Roccat ELO X Stereo Gaming Headset It's no secret that Turtle Beach snapped up Roccat a while ago, and the best of each brand has been spreading from one brand to the other. Roccat is now Turtle Beach's more PC focused division. With that, we've got their fantastic microphone tech, glasses friendly design, and higher quality drivers making their way to Roccat headsets. This is a very good thing, and I'm eager to put it to the test. I'm not short on choice either, as the headset will work on every major console, mobile device and PC, including next-gen consoles... Albeit, I can't test those until next month. Features A self-adjusting metal headband and rotating earcup hinges create a weightless, dynamic fit unique to you.Superior memory foam cushioning featuring ProSpecs Glasses Relief System alleviates pressure on glasses.Experience supreme stereo sound with a pitch-perfect audio profile thanks to precision-tuned 50mm driversEnsure crystal-clear communication with teammates thanks to a detachable noise-cancelling microphone with TruSpeak technology.Enjoy supreme stereo sound while gaming on your PC, gaming console, or mobile devices thanks to a versatile 3.5mm jack and PC splitter.Connectivity technology: WiredIncluded components: Elo X Stereo, PC Splitter, Quick-start guide What Roccat Had to Say "With the ROCCAT® Elo X Cross-Platform Stereo Gaming Headset experience a weightless, dynamic fit with a self-adjusting metal headband and superior memory foam ear cushions. Precision-tuned 50mm drivers produce pitch-perfect sound while a detachable noise-cancelling microphone ensures crystal-clear chat. Finally, the 3.5mm jack lets players go from PC to game console to mobile easily." - Roccat General Specifications Jack plug: dual plug 3.5mm (3-pin)Audio controls: master volume wheel, mic muteLeatherette headband with foam cushioningRemovable unidirectional microphoneOver-ear design featuring memory foam314g weightCable length: 1.65m Drivers Measured Frequency response: 20 ~ 20000HzDrive diameter: 50mmDriver unit material: Neodymium magnet Compatibility Xbox OneXbox Series XPS4PS5Nintendo SwitchPCMacMobile Packaging The box is very nicely designed, with a large photo of the headset in all its glory on the front. It's usually a good sign when they show off the finer details on the box. As you can see, it's listed as "cross-platform" but in reality, it'll just work on anything that has a 3.5mm jack. Around the back, they've detailed the ear cup padding, the headband and even the microphone. There's some international translations here too. The headset is nicely protected with plastic film on the ear cups, and a durable plastic mould keeping everything securely in place in the box. While the headset comes wired with a 3.5m 4-pole cable, ensuring the drivers and microphone work on consoles and mobile, there's a splitter cable so you can use separate jacks on PC and similar devices. You also get a removable microphone boom. A Closer Look & Performance The Roccat Elo is a really nice looking headset, I'd say it looks pretty understated, but that's a bit hard with the Roccat logo emblazoned on the side like some She-Ra special. I do like it though, it's funky and best of all, it's not RGB. I do like the driver design though, they're pretty minimal in their own right and the closed-back design gives me hope for a decent sound too. The only other big of brighter branding would the be the world ELO on the sides of the headband. There's a fair bit of plastic on show here, but honestly, I think it looks and feels pretty decent. That semi-matte finish and very light texture to it is nicely muted and even under my bright spotlight right now, it doesn't look too harsh. Ergonomics are a strong point for this headset, and everything pulls and turns in one direction or another. The ear cups can be rotated inwards, so you can ensure a clean fit around your ears. Of course, they rotate all the way in too, so you can comfortable wear the headset around your neck between games. It's a minor feature, but one I absolutely love to have on my own headsets. On the side of the ear cups you'll find some basic controls. There's a volume wheel and a microphone mute button. The volume is great as you can just max the source volume and deal with the rest here, saving you from getting up to make adjustments. The ear cups pack Roccat's 50mm drivers, which are pretty damn impressive actually. The maximum volume certainly won't leave you longing for more, it's got a good kick to it with plenty of low-end grunt too. It's not excessive bass either, but there's a good amount for sure. What there does appear to be is a bit of boost on the mid-range, giving the headset a warmer and more open sound. I quite like that as it makes details really pop while gaming, and I enjoy the sound for music too. However, I found the headset handles a moderate EQ pretty well and something akin to the "rock" preset can net some great results for movies and music. The drivers sound best on their default setting for gaming though, striking a solid balance between game detail and team chat mix. However, it's the ear cup design its self that really surprised me. They're quite big, but they're not hollow. There's no reverberation when you tap on them, and you can't hear cable drag over your clothes either. I'm guessing there's some dampening material in there, and the end result is a really tight sound response from the drivers, which results in less echo and distortion. They feel really immediate, even in bass-heavy fast-paced music. Not bad for a cheaper gaming headset, not bad at all. The ergonomics are really good though. The headband uses that classic deal band design. The two metal bands give the headset a good clamping force over your ears, while still allowing it to bend and flex as required. However, the inner headband is on springs, and will auto adjust to the wearer. Few headsets fit me quite right, as I do have a large head and I'll admit this one is cutting it close but it does fit. It feels a little tight at first, but the PU leather design and memory foam are known for this, and it takes a little time to break in a new headset. Overall though, I found it comfortable and the lightweight design was certainly a benefit for the longer gaming sessions. The headband is a lot more breathable than the leather too, but it also gives it a little traction helping secure the headset in place. The amount of padding is much more than a headset of this weight and size needs, but hey, I'm not complaining about it, as it's very comfortable. The ear cups aren't breathable, but their design is still a welcome choice. It creates more of a seal around your ears, which helps lock in the sound, and block ambient noise out too, much like a set of ear defenders. The added benefit of this is that it does help tighten up those lower frequencies, giving you more bass for your buck than you get from open drivers. It's got a good amount of padding to it too, with an around the ear design. Plus, Turtle Beach's acquisition means they've lent them their glasses friendly relief design, so there's a soft spot for your frames to pass through. The detachable microphone is great, as I rarely (if ever) use one while gaming outside of a headset review/test. However, it's nothing remarkable and nothing bad, it's a pretty standard mic as to be expected in this price range, but it's certainly nothing to complain about either. It has a built-in pop filter and a positional boom, which is always welcome. How Much Does it Cost? The Roccat Elo X Stereo is available right now from many major retailers for just £39.99. No, that's not a typo, it's really a touch under £40, which is exceptional value for money given that the thing comes from Roccat, who are owned and borrowing technologies from Turtle Beach. They do a surround version for just £59.99 and a wireless surround version for $89.99, and the base model sets a pretty high standard. Overview It's no secret that over the years I've been a long time fan of Roccat products. I've used their gaming mice for many years now, and their keyboards, and I've owned a few of their headset too, both for PC and on some mobile devices. The same is true of Roccat's new overlords, Turtle Beach, their headsets have lived on my desk for many years too, so to see the two brands working together on improving their designs, build quality, ergonomics and sound quality is a huge benefit to consumers. Build Quality For a cheaper headset, the ELO X is anything but cheap in terms of quality. It feels really robust, with a metal headband that can take some serious flex and punishment, hard wearing plastics on the ear cups, durable cables, etc. I'm really surprised at how solid the ear cups sound. Tapping on them it like tapping on a solid block of resin, as they appear to be filled in with some dampening materials. Cheap headsets tend to sound hollow in some regard, but not the ELO X. Perfect Fit Again, I'm surprised at the ergonomic options. For the base model, it's not lacking in features. The headband has an auto-adjustment system, the ear cups can be turned inward a lot, and outwards a tiny bit. They also pivot and rock. You get plenty of memory foam and PU leather, and even a handy glasses relief system too. It feels as good to wear as their much more expensive models. Should I Buy One? Roccat made great headsets before, but their latest designs really ramp up to give up some of the innovations from Turtle Beach and put them into the PC focused design that Roccat is well known for. It'll work on current-gen and next-gen consoles, PC, mobile and just about anything else with a headphone jack. Simple, affordable, stylish and comfortable, but also packing a mighty acoustic punch you just won't find anywhere else for this kind of money. Very impressive. Roccat ELO X Stereo Gaming Headset Review