SteelSeries Siberia v2 Gaming Headset

We’ve been using this new Siberia V2 gaming headset from SteelSeries for a couple of weeks and liking it a lot. I also managed to convince a few friends to get a headset+mic set so we’d be able to chat while playing StarCraft 2.

It’s the first time I ever heard of the SteelSeries, despite its relative popularity with certain crowds.

This unit, the Siberia v2, was also selected for the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards Performers and Presenters Gift Bag in 2010.

They come in shiny colors of red, white and black — our test unit is the large, glossy black pictured here although I thought the red and white ones are much funkier.

Despite its size, the Siberia V2 actually feels light when used in prolonged periods of time. I think it’s party because of the materials used and that headband suspension design helps ease the pressure and tension.

I must admit these are the most comfortable pair of headsets I’ve ever used — I’m able to play SC2 for 2 to 3 hours straight without getting that warm feeling in the ears or wanting to take it off because it becomes heavy on the head.

One interesting feature with this headset is the retractable, uni-directional microphone which is hidden into the left ear pad — so you can practically stow or hide it away when not being used.

The cable length is pretty generous — probably around 3 meters long with a dedicated mic control and volume control located in the cord.

Audio quality is pretty good, sound isolation is excellent and noise cancelation works great. Had some problems with the mic during several rounds of SC2 but I think it was more due to the connection rather than the headset.

Headphones
Frequency response: 18 – 28.000 Hz
Impedance: 32 Ohm
SPL@ 1kHz, 1 Vrms: 112 dB
Cable length: 1 + 2 = 3 m (9,8 ft.)
Jacks: 3.5 mm

Microphone
Frequency response: 50 – 16.000 Hz
Pick up pattern: Uni-directional
Sensitivity: -38 dB

I used to like using my 8-year old 2.1 Altec Lansing speakers when playing games but I find this headset more appealing now (also helps that we used the mic for voice chat). I was looking for something I didn’t like about this unit but frankly, I could not find one.

The SteelSeries headphones are being distributed locally but I don’t have any exact retail price to share. Their online store lists the Siberia V2 at 85 euros which translates to over Php5,500USD 94INR 7,945EUR 89CNY 683. Will update post once I get more info.

Update: I am told the suggested retail price is Php4,999USD 85INR 7,222EUR 81CNY 620 (also available at 0% installment plan.) and comes in orange and blue colors as well.