Fractal’s debut gaming headset breaks the mold with an unexpectedly sleek and sophisticated design. If you think gaming headphones have to be flashy and over-the-top, the $199.99 Scape from Fractal is here to challenge that notion with its quietly elegant Scandinavian minimalist style. Unlike typical gaming gear that screams for attention, the Scape feels more like a polished piece of modern furniture, echoing the refined aesthetics of Fractal’s well-known PC cases. Its clean lines and subtle color choices—available in gray or black—are designed to complement your workspace rather than clash with it.
I’ve been putting the Scape through its paces both during work hours and gaming sessions over the past few weeks, and honestly, it ranks as one of the best headsets in its price bracket I’ve tested so far. Considering this is Fractal’s first venture into audio hardware, they nailed the build quality and attention to detail. The headset’s understated LEDs cast a gentle glow beneath the ear cups—finally, lighting on a gaming headset that I didn’t feel the urge to instantly disable. On the left ear cup, there’s a large control knob reminiscent of Apple’s Digital Crown. It adjusts the volume with easy turns and supports single-click for pause/play as well as double- and triple-clicks to skip tracks forward or backward. This simple, tactile control feels intuitive and refined.
What Makes the Scape Shine
Aside from style and build, the Scape offers practical features that elevate the user experience. On the right ear cup, a button lets you cycle through three preset audio equalizer modes, an extremely handy function that smartly doesn’t hide these controls inside an app. Speaking of customization, Fractal’s web-based tool, Adjust Pro, is a highlight in itself. This online interface allows you to personalize everything—from EQ presets and microphone sidetone to the headset’s LED themes (with charming options like “campfire” and “northern lights”) or switching off the lighting entirely. Firmware updates are handled here too, and there’s even a portable version of Adjust Pro available for offline use, showing thoughtful design catered to all users.
Flexible Microphone Options
One standout feature is how versatile the mics are. Fractal includes a detachable boom mic that offers clear voice quality perfect for gaming chat, but if you prefer a cleaner look or want to use the headset in public, you can remove it and rely on the built-in mic instead. While the built-in mic's quality isn’t as polished, it performs adequately for casual calls or quick conversations. The boom mic also has a mute function and toggling noise cancellation to reduce background hums, like the oscillating fan in my office, which worked impressively well. The mic sidetone level is adjustable through the web app, allowing you to control how much of your own voice and surroundings you hear—a detail that some users may find either helpful or distracting.
Battery Life and Charging Made Easy
Fractal promises over 40 hours of battery life with LEDs off, and about 24 hours when illumination is on. In practice, the headset comfortably lasted several full workdays plus weekend gaming without needing a recharge. But here’s where it gets really clever: the Scape’s magnetic charging dock eliminates the usual hassle of tethering your headset. The dock functions both as a stylish stand and as a range extender for the 2.4GHz wireless signal. If you want, you can also connect the headset with the included USB-C cable to charge while continuing to use it—no downtime necessary.
Connectivity: Good, But Room for Growth
Speaking of wireless, the dock (or the transmitter on its own) can also connect to other gadgets, like I often plug it into my Nintendo Switch dock after work. Switching to Bluetooth is as simple as flipping a switch on the left ear cup. However, the headset can’t stream 2.4GHz and Bluetooth audio simultaneously, which may feel limiting to some users. It supports multipoint Bluetooth connection to link two devices, but can only play from one at a time.
Compared to other recent headsets, the Scape’s connectivity is somewhat basic. For example, the $179.99 Astro A20 X offers 2.4GHz connection with the ability to toggle between two wired devices, plus Bluetooth—but not simultaneous streaming. On the premium end, SteelSeries’ $599.99 Nova Elite lets you mix audio from up to four wireless sources simultaneously. Wouldn’t it be exciting if Fractal expanded the Scape’s multi-device capabilities in a future model? That would truly set it apart.
Impressive Audio Quality for the Price
Don’t be fooled by the understated look—the Scape delivers audio performance that punches well above its price. Games and music sound warm and detailed, challenging higher-priced competitors like Sony’s $349.99 InZone H9 II headset and outperforming the Astro A20 X easily. The main drawback is the lack of active noise cancellation (ANC), which the H9 II includes. But here’s a hot take: I wouldn’t pay an extra $200 solely for ANC, especially given that the Scape maintains a more refined aesthetic, includes the unique charging dock, and offers streamlined customization. It’s a trade-off that might divide gamers: do you prioritize bells and whistles, or do you want elegant simplicity paired with solid performance?
Final Thoughts: A Sophisticated Choice for Gamers Who Value Style and Substance
Fractal’s inaugural gaming headset is a refreshing alternative for those tired of gaudy gaming peripherals. It’s a visually appealing, highly functional device that’s remarkably easy to customize without sacrificing quality sound or comfort. Although it lacks some advanced features like concurrent multi-source audio, ear cups that lie flat for portability, and active noise cancellation, the Scape hits its price point impressively and leaves very few complaints. For anyone looking to elevate their gaming and audio setup with a headset that doesn’t scream "gamer gear," the Scape is well worth a closer look.
And here’s the question to spark discussion: In an industry flooded with flashy, aggressive designs, do you think understated elegance like Fractal’s Scape deserves a bigger place? Or is gaming gear meant to stand out boldly, reflecting the energy of the games themselves? Share your thoughts below!
Photography by Cameron Faulkner / The Verge
