Fractal Scape Review: Apple-Like Design, More Features

Navigating the crowded market for wireless gaming headsets in the $150 to $200 range presents a challenge, but Fractal Design’s debut Scape model makes a compelling case for itself with a premium aesthetic and a surprisingly robust feature set. The package includes a wireless charging dock, dual microphone options, and an understated design that feels more sophisticated than typical gaming gear. While comfort may vary for some users, the overall value proposition is strong, offering crisp audio and thoughtful touches usually reserved for more expensive competitors.

The bar for gaming peripherals continues to rise, leaving little room for products that fail to deliver a great experience. Fractal seems acutely aware of this, entering the wireless headset arena with a $200 offering that carries the sleek, minimalist design language of a much pricier Apple product. It bundles a charging dock and features reminiscent of higher-end Astro headsets, positioning itself as a serious contender.

For many, the visual appeal will be a major draw. True to Fractal’s reputation for Scandinavian-inspired PC cases, the Scape comes in black or white with a mature, clean look. It avoids the overt “gamer” aesthetic, allowing you to use it with a smartphone via Bluetooth and the detachable microphone without drawing undue attention. The included wireless charging station is a standout feature, offering up to 40 hours of battery life with RGB lighting disabled and 24 hours with it enabled. A magnetic connection on the dock automatically powers the headset on when removed, a luxurious touch at this price point.

Comfort is generally well-considered, thanks in large part to the exceptionally plush memory foam earcups. However, the design favors a smaller head size. The headband’s padding is less generous than the earcups, which could become noticeable during extended wear for those with larger heads. This minor flaw is counterbalanced by the generous inclusion of not just a detachable boom microphone but also a built-in omnidirectional mic. Audio quality is fundamentally strong, delivering clear, detailed sound with a satisfying bass response.

Priced at $199.99, the Fractal Scape competes directly with established models like the Razer Blackshark V2 Pro and the PlayStation Pulse Elite. It’s impressive how Fractal has managed to include a high-quality headset and an elegant charging station at this cost. The build materials feel solid, and the finish is excellent, making it a frontrunner in its category.

From a design perspective, the Scape embodies minimalist principles. It shares some visual DNA with the Steelseries Arctis line but feels even more subdued, with a nearly debadged look and very subtle RGB lighting. The wireless dock continues this elegant theme, featuring hidden magnetic connectors and a clever design that conceals the USB-A dongle on its underside. This allows for a clean cable management setup from the dock to your device.

Physical controls are mostly intuitive, located on the rear of each earcup. You’ll find power, connection toggles, and mic mute on the left, with an RGB toggle on the right. A small “control crown” on the upper-left rear handles volume and multimedia commands, though it can feel a bit fiddly for precise adjustments. A particularly nice touch is the dedicated mute mechanics for each microphone: the boom arm mutes when flipped up, while the built-in mic is controlled by a button.

Performance is largely excellent. The high-grade memory foam earcups provide significant comfort and passive noise isolation, aided by a firm clamping force that helps distribute weight. This design also creates a tight acoustic chamber, enhancing the full-bodied bass. However, the headband’s lighter padding means some users might still feel its presence over time.

Sound quality is precise and powerful, handling detailed game audio and communication clearly even in noisy environments. Battery life met or exceeded claims in testing, easily surpassing 40 hours with RGB off. The inclusion of a physical RGB off button on the headset itself is a welcome convenience.

The dual microphone setup is a unique selling point, offering flexibility between a detachable boom mic for focused communication and a built-in option for convenience. However, the active noise cancellation on the boom mic isn’t the strongest, allowing some ambient sound to leak into your voice chat. This is more pronounced with the omnidirectional mic. This is an area that could potentially be improved via firmware updates.

For those considering a purchase, the Fractal Scape is an excellent choice if you appreciate minimalist design, want a headset that doubles for casual mobile use, and value the flexibility of two microphones. The wireless charging dock is a beautiful and functional desk centerpiece.

It may be less ideal if you have a larger head, as the snug fit could lead to discomfort. Those who game in very noisy environments might find the microphone noise cancellation insufficient. Additionally, the lack of Xbox compatibility means it isn’t a universal “battlestation” headset.

When weighing alternatives, the PlayStation Pulse Elite offers similarly elegant design and seamless wireless operation for PS5 and PC users at a slightly lower price. The Razer Blackshark V2 Pro, while an older model, remains a versatile all-rounder with exceptional battery life and can often be found on sale.

This assessment is based on extensive testing over several weeks, using the headset with PC, PS5, and iPhone across various connection types. Usage included long gaming sessions, Discord communications, and work calls to evaluate battery life, wireless stability, and microphone performance in real-world conditions.

(Source: TechRadar)