The Swedish PC case manufacturer Fractal Design has officially entered the audio market with the launch of its very first gaming headset, the Scape.
The product isn’t entirely new—its initial announcement came last year alongside the Refine gaming chair. Now available in two finishes (Light and Dark) for $199.99, the Scape targets demanding users who value minimalist aesthetics, refined craftsmanship, and a sleek, uncompromising alternative to traditional gaming headsets.
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A Versatile and Multi-Platform Headset
This over-ear model stands out for its versatility, offering three connection modes—2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.3, and USB-C—making it compatible with PCs, Macs, Sony PS5/PS4, Nintendo Switch, and Android/iOS devices. The only major omission is Xbox support, as it lacks both a 3.5 mm jack and Xbox Wireless protocol.
Out of the box, the package is complete: the headset, a wireless charging dock, a detachable boom microphone, a braided USB-C to USB-A cable, and a user guide. Setup is straightforward—just connect the dock via USB-C, plug the other end into a PC USB-A port, and you’re good to go.
Design and Comfort
Visually, Fractal Design leans on elegance and subtlety. Weighing just 338 grams, the Scape is built from lightweight plastic with metal accents and plush fabric padding. The design avoids flashy logos and loud styling, opting instead for refined touches like a twisted metal headband, beveled edges, and discreet RGB lighting hidden between the cushions and earcups. Even in RGB mode, it remains understated—and the lighting can be turned off entirely.
Comfort is excellent for medium-sized heads thanks to the light build, adjustable headband, and breathable cushions. The clamping force is firm enough to keep it secure without causing discomfort during long sessions. However, limited earcup rotation and a stiff headband reduce comfort for larger heads. While Bluetooth makes it somewhat portable, it’s clearly designed for gaming and remote work, not sports or active use.
Charging and Battery Life
The wireless charging dock adds a premium touch. Weighted just right for stability, it uses magnetic padded flaps to hold the headset in place, with a dedicated cutout for the boom mic. It charges via USB-C or directly on the dock.
Battery life is impressive:
- Up to 50 hours (RGB off)
- ~20 hours (RGB on)
- 3 hours to full charge via USB
- 5 hours on the dock
- 15-minute quick charge = +3 hours use
Given the dock, battery concerns are minimal—it’s always ready when stored.
Controls and Features
The Scape favors physical controls, a smart move over unreliable touch surfaces.
- Left earcup: crown-style wheel (volume, play/pause, track control), mic mute button, Bluetooth/2.4 GHz switch, and mic noise suppression toggle.
- Right earcup: RGB on/off, audio mode switch, USB-C port.
The controls are intuitive and easy to access mid-game.
Software and Customization
Fractal provides both a web portal and standalone app for customization. Users can tweak RGB lighting (10 presets, 6 customizable profiles), adjust audio with a 12-band EQ, and save up to three personal profiles. Microphone settings include sidetone, noise reduction, and live testing.
However, there are limitations: no RGB sleep timer, no virtual surround customization, and no advanced noise cancellation settings.
Sound Quality
Equipped with 40 mm drivers, the Scape delivers a balanced, immersive sound profile:
- Gaming (FPS focus): clear directional cues, accurate spatialization, and satisfying impact for gunfire, explosions, and ambient effects.
- Music: clear vocals, well-separated instruments, present but not overpowering bass.
- Movies: strong immersion but limited by the lack of active noise cancellation (ANC).
The maximum volume can feel a little underwhelming for certain tracks. Wired USB use introduces cable resonance noise if the cord rubs against clothing, due to its stiffness.
Microphone Performance
The detachable boom mic delivers good but not outstanding results. Voice capture leans slightly heavy on the low end, making speech sound less crisp than ideal. Noise suppression works, but at the cost of some clarity. An integrated mic EQ would be welcome to fine-tune output.
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Buy Fractal Design Scape Dark Wireless Headset – $199Verdict
At $199, the Fractal Design Scape is a premium gaming and multimedia headset that combines:
✅ Refined minimalist design
✅ Excellent build quality
✅ Intuitive physical controls
✅ Strong audio performance for both games and music
✅ A practical, premium wireless charging dock
✅ Solid battery life and versatile connectivity
Its main shortcomings are the absence of active noise cancellation, slightly limited max volume, and a microphone that could benefit from clearer tuning.
Still, Fractal’s first attempt is impressive—the Scape stands as a credible alternative to offerings from SteelSeries, Logitech, HyperX, and Razer, appealing to gamers and professionals who want a stylish, comfortable, and dependable headset.
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