27/03/2023
Thanks PC Ultimate Legacy for providing the headset :P and Sun Cycle Malaysia for bringing them in. First time reviewing so.... here it goes
As a gamer and audiophile (self-proclaim gaming audiophile), I always strive to find the perfect headset that offers excellent sound and surround sound quality, comfort, sound quality and durability. When I heard that the Fnatic React gaming headsetโs price went down, I rushed straight to acquire one for RM139. After using it as my primary headset for two weeks, I am ready to share my thoughts on its build quality, comfort, features, sound quality and signature, surround sound accuracy, microphone quality, and price to performance ratio.
Disclaimer: I do not hold the โaudiophile standardsโ in this review nor was sponsored
๐ ๐ฒ๐๐ต๐ผ๐ฑ๐ผ๐น๐ผ๐ด๐
To test the sound quality of the Fnatic React gaming headset, I used critical listening techniques with various sources of hardware, drivers, softwares, games, audio files, including on-board motherboard sound, a dedicated digital-to-analog converter (DAC), and gaming DAC hardware. I also tested the headset with different software applications for virtual surround sound.
Motherboard: Gigabyte AORUS X570 Xtreme
DAC: FiiO K5Pro
Gaming DAC: Sennheiser GSX 1200
Softwares: Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, Boom3D, DTS:X 2.0
๐๐๐ถ๐น๐ฑ ๐ค๐๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐๐:
One of the first things I noticed about the Fnatic React gaming headset is the sturdy build quality. The headset has a robust metal frame with a soft-touch finish that gives it a premium feels. The ear cups and headband are well-padded, which makes them suitable to wear for long gaming sessions. The headband is adjustable and can fit most head sizes, while the ear cups swivel, making it easy to find the perfect fit.
๐๐ผ๐บ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐:
Comfort is an essential factor when it comes to gaming headsets, and the Fnatic React gaming headset does not disappoint. The ear cups are large and well-padded, which makes them comfortable to wear for a certain period of time. The headset is can get heavy but the adjustable headband ensures a comfortable fit for most head sizes. The ear cups are slightly breathable, making it perfect for sweaty gamers like me looking for a workout. Although at times, the weight does gives you that feeling like youโre wearing a brick on the head. But then again, audiophilesโ headphones can make you feel like youโre wearing a whole house on your head.
๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐:
When it comes to features, the React is relatively basic, with no additional โbells and whistlesโ. However, it does come with an in-line remote that allows for easy volume adjustments and muting of the microphone. Overall, the React is a no-nonsense gaming headset that gets the job done without breaking the bank.
๐ฆ๐ผ๐๐ป๐ฑ ๐ค๐๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฆ๐ถ๐ด๐ป๐ฎ๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒ:
When it comes to sound quality and signature, this is be the most important part to an audiophile, and remember, headsets and headphones doesnโt have to be expensive to deliver good sound quality.
The Fnatic React gaming headset delivers a mixed bag of results. Compared to other gaming headset in the price range, the sound quality of the Fnatic React gaming headset is decent. The bass lacks definition, can get muddy but still, impactful, which is suitable for games that require an immersive sound experience without making explosions sound like a Michael Bay movie. But itโs the midrange is where sadly they fall short. It can get very harsh and muddy, which can make vocals and instruments sound painful and unclear, I turned up Weezerโs โIโm Your Daddyโ and PTSD to my ears. Treble is quite fine as usually this is where headsets usually fails but has a slight unbalanced tonal balance, which can make the overall sound signature sound unnatural.
The sound signature of the Fnatic React gaming headset lacks coloration and coherence, which means that the soundstage is narrow, and the instruments and vocals do not sound as detailed and separated as they should be. The sound signature is also recessed, which means that the overall sound feels distant and lacks a sense of immersion.
๐ฆ๐๐ฟ๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฆ๐ผ๐๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ฐ๐ฐ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐:
The Fnatic React+ gaming headset comes with 7.1 surround sound, which provides a somewhat accurate directional audio in games. The virtual surround sound works alright for gaming and can still help you locate your enemies in games but not pin-point accurate, no pleasure from other players in the server accusing you cheating in the game. But, for the price point, it's still a great feature to have.
๐ ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฝ๐ต๐ผ๐ป๐ฒ ๐ค๐๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐๐:
The Fnatic React gaming headset comes with a detachable noise-canceling microphone that provides clear communication with your teammates. The microphone is flexible and can be adjusted to the best position for your voice. The microphone also comes with a foam windscreen that helps reduce background noise. For the low price, Iโm surprised.
๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐๐ผ ๐ฃ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐บ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐ฅ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ:
Starting at RM 139, the Fnatic React gaming headset offers excellent value for money. The headset comes with a sturdy build quality, comfortable fit, and a variety of features that make it an excellent choice for gamers on a budget. The sound quality is not the best, but it's still decent, considering the price point.
๐ข๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐น๐น:
The Fnatic React gaming headset is a good choice for gamers who are looking for an affordable headset that offers excellent value for money. The headset comes with a sturdy build quality, comfortable fit, surprisingly good mic but at the small cost for sound quality.
๐ง๐;๐๐ฅ? ๐ฆ๐ผ๐น๐ถ๐ฑ ๐. ๐๐ณ ๐๐ผ๐ ๐ฝ๐๐ ๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐บ๐ฎ๐ถ๐ป ๐ณ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐๐ผ๐ฟ, ๐ ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐ฟ
P.S Website still developing, I just picked up coding ๐ Video on this is still being worked on as well.