Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE review

Our Verdict

87%

Stunning sound and build quality, but it comes at a price.

The Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE (Special Edition) is a completely different animal to any other Corsair headset we’ve reviewed, and in numerous ways. Its price is in a different league for a start. Its $190 price tag makes it the most expensive headset Corsair has produced by far. If you’re still reading, that price is arguably justified, though, as the Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE is a superb headset.

Its all-aluminum construction means the headset feels extremely solid without being heavy, and the headband offers a reasonable amount of padding and flex too. We did get a hint of pressure on our heads after prolonged use, though, and a little more padding on the headband would help. However, there’s a good amount of pressure from the earcups to both seal in sound and prevent leakage. Battery life is good for up to 20 hours, and it’s boosted thanks to an accelerometer that automatically switches off the headset when it’s not in use.

Both the RGB lighting and 7.1 surround sound are configurable in Corsair’s iCUE, but the former is restrained and only appears in small Corsair logos on the earcups. The microphone itself is detachable, which isn’t particularly convenient compared to pull-out or flip-down designs, but the build quality and audio are excellent, with a bevelled aluminium mouthpiece and a bendable arm. Meanwhile, the circumaural faux leather earcups are well padded and fold at right angles in both directions to allow for easy storage.

The Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE is equipped with a wireless dongle, which is equally well-made, but can also hook up to PCs and consoles using an included mini jack cable or a USB cable, with the latter providing a slightly higher sample rate and bit depth. However, even in wireless mode, with a range that stretches to 60 feet, the audio quality from the 50mm drivers is exceptional.

The sound is incredibly crisp and clear in the high end and mid range frequencies for every audio test we threw at it, from vocals to guitar riffs, yet it still has considerable punch in the low end too – the sound is a huge improvement over Corsair’s Void Pro RGB, which we also had to hand. This audio reproduction was reflected in games as well as music, where the 7.1 surround sound was evident and very immersive – the sound quality of every aspect, from explosions to the pop and fizz of nearby bullets, sounds fantastic with loads of details. However, enabling surround sound can make music sound squelchy, so it’s best to switch to stereo mode for music listening.

Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE pros and cons

Pros

• Superb sound quality
• Comfortable
• Excellent build quality

Cons

• Headband cushion could be thicker
• Expensive
• 7.1 surround sound makes music sound poor

Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE specs

Connections: 2.4GHz wireless, USB charging and audio, 3.5mm analogue jack
Frequency range: 20-40,000Hz
Sensitivity/Sound pressure level: 109dB
Microphone frequency response: 100-10,000Hz
Microphone sensitivity: -42dB
Weight: 308g (288g without boom mic)
Battery Life: 20hrs wireless
Extras: Aluminium construction, removable microphone

Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE price

With a price north of $250, the Viruoso RGB SE is an expensive gaming headset but it goes some way to justify this with its aluminum build and overall feature set.

Price: Expect to pay $270 USD / £220 GBP

Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE review conclusion

There are plenty of good headsets available for under $150, so the Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE has a tough challenge to justify its price. However, it sets itself apart with exceptional sound and build quality.

That said, if its cost is too much for you to stomach, the standard Virtuoso model sports otherwise similar hardware for noticeably less money at $150. It comes with a standard mic instead of the so-called broadcast-grade microphone, and you lose the padded storage pouch and premium aluminium earcup design, but it’s still a decent headset. Your ears will appreciate whichever version you choose, though – the audio reproduction is superb, earning this headset a place on our best gaming headset list.