The sound quality of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X is a lot better than I’d anticipated. As a whole, the headset isn’t as accessible to users with visual impairments as other headset models I’ve used and could stand to use more texture on its buttons, and clearer R and L indicators on the inside of the headset. Speaking of hard to find, the R and L indicators on the inside of the headset are small and difficult to see.
Additionally it can be hard to find the power and Bluetooth buttons as they’re also not as textured as I’d like. That said, the recessed dials can be somewhat difficult to find, and aren’t as textured as I’d like. The ChatMix dial and dial to adjust general volume are both recessed into the headset, making it hard to accidentally adjust them with your shoulder, which is something that’s happened to me with other headsets. The headset also sports all sorts of on-ear controls including a ChatMix dial to adjust whether you want louder game sound, or louder chat sound.
Other features on offer with the Arctis Nova 7X include 2.4 GHz low latency, lossless audio, Bluetooth capabilities, and a fully retractable microphone with ClearCast bidirectional noise canceling. Additionally, you can enjoy fast charging with 15 minutes of charging for 6 hours of use, and 26 to 36 hours of battery life. On the box, the range is listed as 40 feet. Also, given the length of the cord for it, you’re better able to stay connected and in range even if you’re sitting far away from your Xbox for example, or in a weird position where a short USB stick won’t do the trick. With this, you don’t have to worry about lengthy pairing times as the USB dongle comes pre-paired and works immediately. In the box, a USB “dongle” is included that allows you to toggle between using the headset for Xbox or USB. The Arctis Nova 7X comes with some impressive features, not just the comfortable fabric strap to keep the headband from digging into your head, but also a way to quickly and easily adapt the headset for whatever you might need. That said, the ear cushions are fantastic and made up of a velour type material that's soft, cushiony, and breathable. The flat black, metal-like headband has some sharp edges to it that would definitely be improved by having that material like other Arctis headsets, so it’s baffling to me why it’s been left out. However, the model I received didn’t have any softer material on the outside of the headband which is kind of a bummer. Looking at the various product pages for SteelSeries’ other Arctis headsets (models released prior to this one), most seem to sport similar fabric material on the outside of the headband as well.
It’s surprising how well it works as the headband itself isn’t made of plastic-y material either it's made of a thicker material that feels a bit like metal. This helps prevent the headband from pressing down directly on top of your head, and acts as a better buffer than headsets that simply add extra cushioning to that area. Notably, the Nova 7X sports an adjustable fabric headband under the main headband where it meets the top of your head.
The headset is remarkably lightweight and free of a lot of the unnecessary hard plastic edges you see in other headsets that, while aesthetically look cool, can also cause the headset to feel clunky and stiff. The first thing that stood out to me about the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X was how incredibly comfortable it is to wear, even over extended periods of time. Not only does the Nova 7X come with some nifty features, its ease of use and comfort while wearing make it a standout. If you’ve been looking for a new headset, particularly if you’re a fan of SteelSeries products, you’re absolutely going to want to take a closer look at the new SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X.