Corsair VOID RGB ELITE Wireless Gaming Headset Review

Today we are going to review one of Corsair’s latest (gaming) peripheral – the Corsair Void RGB Elite Wireless gaming headset. That’s quite a long name if you ask me. Also, not to be confused with the Corsair Void Pro RGB wireless gaming headset that looks exactly the same as this one and priced similarly as well. Both are different products, but I think the Void RGB Elite is the “better” one, aside from being the newer headset as well. The Void RGB Elite wireless is a hundred-dollar gaming headset (or less), targeted towards gamers of course; and is compatible with both PC and PS4. This is a completely wireless headset with omni-directional microphone and 7.1 surround audio. So, if you are in the market looking for a budget-friendly wireless gaming headset, please continue reading our review below and find out what we think about this gaming headset.

Corsair Void RGB Elite Wireless Gaming Headset with 7.1 Surround Sound Review

Like I mentioned earlier, the Corsair Void RGB Elite Wireless gaming headset is one of the company’s latest gaming peripheral that is priced at $99.99 MSRP. They also have a higher end gaming headset – the Virtuoso RGB wireless. The Virtuoso is more expensive than the Void RGB Elite, at $179.99. Corsair is marketing that one as a “high-fidelity” gaming headset with more set of features.

Going back to the Void RGB Elite wireless, I think this is an updated version of the Void Pro wireless gaming headset that came with the same set of features and pricing. I haven’t tried the Void Pro wireless; but based on specs sheet it looks like the Void RGB Elite wireless is supposed to be better especially in the audio department.

The Void RGB Elite wireless features a custom-tuned 50mm neodymium dynamic drivers with an expanded frequency range of 20Hz-30KHz. The Void Pro wireless only goes from 20Hz-20KHz. Aside from the expanded range, the Void RGB Elite also features 7.1 surround sound that is available when connected to PC only. The 7.1 surround sound, of course, isn’t “real surround”. It’s a virtual surround but no big deal about that.

Corsair is also using a 2.4GHz low-latency wireless connection to connect the Void RGB Elite to the device. The wireless connection has a range of up to 40 feet; I think it has a robust connection. The downside is, it does require the included wireless dongle to function. Without it, you can’t use or connect the Void RGB Elite to any device.

On the specs sheet, it’s compatible with PC and PlayStation 4 only, but we were only able to test this gaming headset with our gaming PC. Below you can see the rest of the specifications of the Void RGB Elite wireless and after that let’s take a closer look.

Corsair Void RGB Elite Wireless Headset Specifications

Packaging and Closer Look (Comfort / Fit)

The Void RGB Elite wireless comes in a squarish black box with yellow accent. As you can see from the side, it says “never miss a beat”. It’s easy not to miss a beat; but how about details, micro details, tonality and other audio characteristics. That’s what we are going to find out in our subjective listening.

Corsair’s packaging is quite nice, as usual. The box includes some reading materials, a micro-USB to USB Type-A for charging and the wireless dongle. Never lose this dongle, otherwise you won’t be able to connect and use the headset.

The Void RGB Elite’s headband design is somewhat different from your typical headphone’s headband. Instead of it sitting on the middle top or rear top of your head, this one sits somewhere on the middle-front portion of your head. The headband is adjustable though and clicks as you slide it; but the slider doesn’t offer much resistance.

The cushion is thick enough and according to Corsair they are using a “plush memory foam”. Compared to other memory foams I have tried, this one feels less-dense and immediately returns to its normal shape.

Clamping force doesn’t seem to be an issue. It doesn’t have a strong clamping force right out of the box, but I do feel it’s a little bit unbalanced. I can feel more clamping force on the top portion and not so much on the lower portion of the ear cups. It’s not evenly distributed, as a result the lower portion of the ear cups doesn’t have a good seal or snugly fit.

The foams are covered with breathable microfiber mesh fabric, I doubt it is cotton. For me it feels okay, but it gets hotter after 30 minutes or more.

The controls are all located on the left ear cups. It makes sense since you don’t have to let go of your mouse (if you are right-handed) just to adjust or control something. There are only three buttons and a micro USB port for charging.

Hold the power button a few seconds to turn it on / off. The volume wheel (a.k.a jog dial) controls the volume, and pressing the wheel cycles through the EQ presets. My complain with this is that the voice only says “1”  / “2” etc, instead of the name of the preset. It would be nice if it will say what preset are you on.

The microphone is not removable. You can only swing it up and down. When the microphone’s hand is down and there is no red light, it means the mic is active. You can also raise the microphone hand to simply turn it off.

Holding the mic mute button will also turn the mic feedback on or off. I don’t think there is a (shortcut) button for turning 3D surround on / off though. You’ll have to turn it on / off via the iCUE software. Speaking of the software, let’s check it out below.

iCUE Software for Void RGB Elite Wireless

The iCUE Software isn’t required, but if you want to change the lighting effects, play with the EQ settings, fine tune a preset or make your own EQ preset, then you’ll have to install it. If you’re already using other Corsair products, then it’s convenient since there’s only 1 software you need to install for all of Corsair’s products.

This is also where you can enable or disable the Dolby 7.1 (virtual) surround sound effect. I don’t play much with EQ, as I prefer to listen to the default or stock sound signature of a headphone. The names of the EQ presets are pretty much self-explanatory as well.

Ah, I do have an issue with how you interact or change the EQ preset. Earlier I mentioned that when you press the job wheel and cycle through the presets, the voice will only say 1, 2, 3 etc. I noticed that when you turn on / off an EQ preset, its position will also change as well; depending on which preset you enabled last.

This means, that preset 1 may no longer be equivalent to “movie theater” if you turn on / off a different preset or several of the presets. It will be annoying if you are using this feature. I hope Corsair will fix this. Make the voice say the name of the preset and/or not change the position of the preset when turning it on / off.

Testing and Subjective Listening Experience

I’ve been using the Void RGB Elite Wireless for about a couple of weeks now and I’m pretty sure the drivers are at their prime condition already. I’m not expecting that this headset would sound like an audiophile headphone. Let’s be realistic here.

My ears are already exposed to different kinds of headphones; from entry level headphones / (gaming) headsets, to planar magnetic headphone and even audiophile-grade headphones. You can check some of the headphones I have reviewed here.

So, in terms of sound quality, to my ears they sound good for its price and good for gaming. As expected, it is leaning towards the warm side of the spectrum. It has the enough bass depth so that gamers would enjoy the sound of gun fires and explosions.

The mids are a bit veiled or laid back to my ears and the highs aren’t that extended as well. Sibilance is not an issue but clarity is a bit lacking on the treble region. Sound stage and layering isn’t it’s best characteristics as well. It’s a closed back headphone after all. Enabling the 7.1 surround offers a 3D-like experience or cinema-like experience, but again it’s nothing spectacular.

If you ever plan to get this headphone and you like to listen to music a lot, you might want to look somewhere else, or perhaps try Corsair’s Virtuoso (haven’t tried it yet though). But for gaming purposes and multi-media consumption it’s definitely good for its price.

Currently, I don’t have a (gaming) headphone or headset that is priced similarly to the Void Elite that I can compare with. The last gaming headset I was able to test and review is the Audeze Mobius. And that one is definitely on another level overall. The Void RGB Elite is simply no match for that headset.

The mic is decent as well, it is serviceable. Be sure to install the microphone foam windscreen to reduce the popping sound or “tssss”.

Pricing and Availability

The Corsair Void RGB Elite Wireless gaming headset is now available and comes with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $99.99 USD. It is available in White and Black colors. Pricing and availability may change, so for latest pricing and availability be sure to check out the links below.

For US: Available on Amazon.com here or Newegg.com here
For UK: Available on Amazon UK here

Corsair Void RGB Elite Wireless Headset Review Conclusion

Overall, the Corsair Void RGB Elite wireless headset is a good headset for gaming and media consumption. It’s okay for casual music listening as well, but if you need something analytical, detailed and accurate tuning, this isn’t the headphone for you.

I think it is okay for its price and aesthetically speaking it does look “premium”. However, once I hold it with my hands and upon closer look, that word “premium” slowly vanishes. The overall construction and materials used doesn’t make it premium. But again, it’s okay, just don’t call it a “premium” headset.

I can’t find any cons about this product. But there are things that you may want to consider before pulling the trigger. It’s a pure wireless headset. There is no wired connection option. If you lose or damaged the wireless dongle, then good luck in using the headset. You’ll have to contact Corsair for that matter.

Also, I hope Corsair fixes the issue I pointed out with the EQ presets. If you don’t use EQ at all, then it might not be an issue for you. As for battery life, 2 weeks isn’t enough to gauge it’s reliability. On paper it says up to 16 hours; and based on my actual use, one charge lasted for a day or two depending on how long I use it.

Finally, the Corsair Void RGB Elite wireless is loaded with a good number of features for its price. Sound quality is good; it has RGB lighting; it’s wireless and that’s convenient; and it has 7.1 surround sound if you are into that as well. 7.1 works only in PC though. In the end, I can’t find any reason not to recommend it.