Sometimes, you just want earphones that doesn’t just SOUND good but also look AMAZING as well. So today, we’re doing a Geek Lifestyle review on the ASUS ROG Strix Fusion 300 Headphones. Just like our last Geek Lifestyle review, this review will be more towards how this piece of tech fits your everyday Geek lifestyle needs. So let’s get it on!
Geek-sthetic – 9/10
The design on this headset screams GAMER. The headset itself sports a very angular look. The gray and black colors give it that sleek aesthetic. Some may complain about the plastic feel of it but I’m personally okay with it. The mic tucks neatly into the left earpiece so the whole package looks clean and smooth.
The red lights on the sides (yeah, sorry. It’s not RGB) appears quite nice and accents the headset without being a distraction when you’re playing, even when you’re in a dark room. You can make the lights pulse using the Aura software.
A small visual detail that I appreciate is the design that pops out when you extend the earpiece’s length. It’s akin to what a microchip looks like and looks pretty cool. The ROG logo which you can see on the sides is small and classy as well.
Even the cords look nice and sturdy giving the who package that awesome gamer look you want for your geek headset.
It’s worth noting though, the the aesthetic DOES take a bit of a hit when you don’t use the USB connector and opt for the 3.5mm jack as the lights won’t turn on.
Sound Trip Factor – 8/10
The Fusion 300 sounds great. The sound that comes out is balanced and gives you a nice experience while you game. There’s a 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound button that gives you that option and, while having the option is great, I personally kind of opted not to use it because of the echo it produces which is sort of like when you’re talking in an empty warehouse. But if you’re okay with that, then you can enjoy the 7.1 VSS at a push of a button… as long as you’re plugged via USB. Yup, that option (just like the lighting) won’t be available to you if you’re using the 3.55mm cable.
One thing I really did like was how the package came with a CHOICE of ear pads for you to use. The typical leather type one is great for noise cancellation so you can REALLY get into your gaming. On the other hand, you also have the option to replace those with a mesh fabric type that puts more emphasis on comfort and breathability. This is GREAT especially if you plan to do a gaming marathon. In addition, there’s a good amount of foam on the headband to give you a good comfort on your head. Once again, great for long usage times.
My big negative is that there are no outside controls for volume. Any volume adjustments have to be done via software which can be a bit annoying if certain volume levels in what you’re playing / watching suddenly rise and you want to make quick adjustments.
Mic Comms Quality – 7/10
The mic of the Fusion 300 is okay. It’s of good quality and will get the job done but don’t expect to get a super crystal clear output that you can use for professional recordings etc. That said, the Fusion 300’s mic sound output is on par with good headset mics out there and will let you get your comms out during your game. Your voice will be clear enough to be heard by teammates or whoever you’re speaking to online. The mic is also bendable if you prefer it to be at a certain angle. Lastly, the mic also auto-mutes when you put it back up.
Everyday Reliability – 7/10
Due to the comfort options of the Fusion 300, it’s definitely something you’ll want with you during your gaming sessions. As a headset, you’ll usually only want this for your PC / Laptop gaming especially with the hits it takes when you’re just using the 3.5mm cable and not the USB. I mean, they’re not large hits (you just lose the light and the VSS) but you just won’t get the full effect. The 7.1 VSS is also, in my opinion, not that viable for your usual listening to music or videos because that echo effect really doesn’t work.
Final Geek Lifestyle Verdict – 7/10
The ASUS ROG Strix Fusion 300 is a great headset to have, although a bit on the pricey side. It sports the Gamer headset look you want – sleek and classy. The sound’s good but the 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound seems not preferable to uses outside of gaming. The Fusion 300 shines with how balanced the sound is and the good mic quality. The cherry on top for me, however, are the ear pad options. The Mesh Fabric pads really are comfortable and are incredibly useful for long periods of gaming. I really only wish there were external controls for volume as this did feel truly limiting.
Specs Summary
- USB and 3.5mm (1/8″) Connectors
- Platforms
- PC
- MAC
- Mobile device
- PlayStation® 4
- Xbox One®
- Driver diameter : 50 mm
- Driver material : Neodymium magnet
- 32 Ohm Impedance
- 20 ~ 20000 Hz Frequency Response (headphones)
- Microphone
- Uni-directional Pick-up Pattern
- 50 ~ 10000 Hz Frequency Response
- Sensitivity : -39 dB ± 3 dB
- Flexible
- Retractable (Auto-mutes when retracted)
- Braided cable (USB cable: 2M; 3.5mm cable:1.5M)
- 2 meter Cable Length
- Weight: 360 g
- Accessories
- USB cable
- Quick start guide
- ROG Hybrid ear cushion
- 100% protein ear cushion
- 3.5mm cable
- SRP Price: PHP 6,350
Availability: All ROG Concept Stores Nationwide and through these official resellers —Octagon, PCHub, PC Worx, JDM Techno Computer Center Gilmore, Complink, Villman, PC Express, Gigahertz, NUTECH, Thinking Tools, PC QuickBuys, Davao Futurebright Enterprises