Fractal Design, traditionally a PC Case brand, launches headset, Scape

Fractal Design is known for its moody and aesthetically pleasing PC cases, having been in the game since 2008. The company continues to produce Design Award-winning cases, and now, it has even expanded into fans and chairs. Today, they’re launching into a new product category with the Factal Design Scape: Gaming Headsets.

“It is with great excitement we welcome Scape to the Fractal product portfolio, which marks a leap toward our vision of reimagining the gaming space.” said Jonas Holst, CEO of Fractal Design. Combining their Scandinavian design that Fractal is known for, with some pretty great specs, it looks to be a pretty solid ‘first gen’ launch.

Introducing Scape

At the core, Fractal Design’s Scape is designed to provide gamers with an immersive and intuitive wireless audio experience. Adding a physical dial for volume and media control, as well as a physical connectivity switch, the headset overall has a premium look without lacking the components most aesthetic gamers will be looking for.

Rather than a USB-C charging solution (although the headset does support that), the magnet-assisted charging stand is the main home for the headset, also doubling as the connection point for the ultra-low latency 24-bit/96 kHz wireless audio. With a battery life of up to 40 hours, it seems the headset is just as comfortable being used in a gaming marathon as it is on its beautiful dock between sessions.

Clear Comms

Detachable microphones have been around for a while, and with such a minimal design, is a requirement for the look. Fractal’s Super Wideband mic with noise cancellation can be detached where desired, or flipped up to both mute and keep tucked away. The headset also features a dedicated mute button to double-check you’re muted in-game before yelling at mum that you’re busy before getting laughed at by the Fortnite lobby (its happened before okay).

When removing the flick-down Mic, you aren’t left without comms, as the headset reverts to the built-in omnidirectional earcup mic. For a computer setup, you’d probably want to attach the wideband mic. At the gym or on transport? Maybe leave it at home.

Connect However

USB Wireless and Bluetooth, easily switched with the onboard control. The larger-than-some dongle would be a pain if it weren’t for its home on the underside of the dock, neatly keeping it out of the way. Connecting over Bluetooth 5.3 should be a breeze, and offer a quick way to connect to other mobile and portable devices; flicking the tiny level to change between the two.

With the Scape priced at USD$199.99 MSRP, and available at AUD$299 from PC Case Gear, its definitely priced at the higher end. In a similar price, you have the Logitech G PRO X 2 or the Razer Blackshark V2 Pro for a similar battery life and connectivity. The one thing that the Scape and Fractal Design will always have is their minimal aesthetic that I wouldn’t mind being caught wearing outside my office.