CORSAIR VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless SE Overview
Once out of the box, our first impression of the VIRTUOSO SE was that we weren’t dealing with an entry-level product. The machined aluminum components give the headset a rigid frame and feel, while keeping the weight to a minimum. Holding the headset in our hands and adjusting them to our head gave is a good feel for their construction quality, which is top notch. Nothing felt loose or under-engineered, while the headband proved to be flexible in order to provide a good fit. The VIRTUOSO line of headphones is available as the standard model, and the SE. While the standard model is available in Carbon or White color schemes, the SE model is available solely in Gunmetal, and the only version that features the aluminum components.
Starting out with the earcups, we first want to highlight the awesome looking design CORSAIR chose for this headset. Each earcup features a disc-like side panel with micro-perforation RGB lighting. This design choice allows the RGB LED beneath to illuminate a subtle, yet precise CORSAIR ship logo on each earcup. Another design choice we found interesting was the circular shape of the earcups. CORSAIR has typically used an oval or more anatomical shape on their previous headsets, though the large size of the circular earcups should be comfortable to most users, and really mimics the designs found on high-end headphones.
Taking a look at the left earcup first, we find three connectivity ports along the bottom portion of the earcup frame. Towards the front of the headset is the female Mini USB port that pairs up with the removable microphone. Centered at the bottom of the earcup is the 3.5mm stereo jack for connecting the included 1.5M braided cable. Barely visible unless the headset is on, is a tiny LED that illuminates in different colors and patterns depending on the status of the headset. Last is the USB Type-C port used to not only charge the headset, but to provide access to 24-bit/96kHz audio. While the wireless SLIPSTREAM adapter offers 24-bit/48kHz playback, the USB connection is required if you want to enjoy higher fidelity audio.
Moving to the right earcup, positioned towards the rear of the bottom of the frame is a switch that allows you to toggle between wireless and USB modes, and just next to it is an aluminum volume wheel, which features the same knurled texture that is found on the included cables and wireless adapter. The scrolling of the wheel is smooth and has a good level of resistance to it; not overly tight or loose.
Flipping the earcups to their interior sides once again reveals the circular design that CORSAIR chose with the VIRTUOSO headsets. An ample amount of memory foam padding is wrapped in a soft, faux leather material, providing a comfortable fit for long gaming sessions.
A soft cloth material is used to cover the speaker grill.
Connecting each earcup to the headband is a 180-degree swiveling aluminum frame that also allows a good deal of earcup tilt for a good fit. The wide angle of rotation will really help the VIRTUOSO be compatible with multiple head shapes, and the ample tilting angles goes right along with that.
Moving up the headband we find additional aluminum components, namely the ratcheting aluminum band that allows for 12 positions of size adjustment on each side. Each level has a visual indicator as well, so if you are packing these up and tossing them in the pouch, you can easily remember what setting you had your headset on.
At the top of the adjustable portion of the headband is another aluminum accent that features the CORSAIR name in a very subtle manner.
The remainder of the headband is wrapped in the same faux leather material as the earpads, and is padded along the top and bottom.