Asus ROG Strix Fusion 300

No more angry owls

Although not exactly the most understated headset in the world, the ROG Strix Fusion 300 is a far sight more laid back than some of Asus’ previous gaming headsets. Sure, it still has controllable lighting (though the only colour available is red) and some ROG branding and design elements, but otherwise the headset is fairly understated. One thing it does have in common with many of the previous Asus headsets is that the Fusion 300 is quite a heavy headset, weighing in at 360g. Thankfully, the ample padding on the metal and plastic headband, combined with the good clamp and nicely padded earcups distribute the weight well, so it doesn’t pressure the top of your head too much. Speaking of earcups, the box comes with a second set of cushions made of a hybrid material that lets out a little sound but should keep your ears a little cooler if that proves to be a problem.

Each earcup sports one of Asus’ 50mm Essence drivers, and they do some fine work. The bass is expansive but not overwhelming, and the mid ranges are pleasantly open. The trebles are a little weaker than we’d like, but only slightly. On the left earcup there is a single button that toggles virtual 7.1 sound on and off. Outside of properly mixed sources the surround sound is virtually unnoticeable, and while it does a decent job delivering surround from a proper source, it’s not spectacular by any means. The fold out mic is quite good, and even though it’s remarkably short seems to have no problems delivering crisp voice in games or over Skype. Some on-ear or inline volume controls would have been nice, but you can’t win them all. DANIEL WILKS