Side by side
Sennheiser PC38X vs Fractal Design Scape
Sennheiser PC38X
88 positive (72%) · 21 mixed (17%) · 13 negative (11%)
Trust + time weighted: +58%
AI summary — not a quote
The Sennheiser PC38X is widely regarded by the Reddit community as one of the best all-in-one wired gaming headsets, frequently recommended over traditional 'gaming' brands for its superior imaging and natural tuning. While it excels in competitive FPS titles due to its open-back design and accurate sound localization, users often debate its value compared to the Sennheiser HD560S, which some find better for music. Common criticisms focus on its plasticky build, high clamping force, and potential long-term issues with the flip-to-mute microphone mechanism.
Pros
- Excellent directional audio and imaging for competitive FPS gaming
- High-quality built-in microphone compared to most gaming headsets
- Easy to drive via console controllers or PC without an external amp
- Natural, well-balanced tuning that works well for both games and music
Cons
- Build feels 'plasticky' and can be prone to creaking
- Flip-to-mute microphone mechanism may become unreliable over time
- High clamping force and shallow/narrow ear pads can cause discomfort
- Open-back design offers zero noise isolation and leaks sound to others
Top excerpts
They come from Sennheiser, so an actual respected headphone manufacturer rather than "gaming" brands, and are often referred to as the best wired gaming headset on the market.
I'm looking for audiophile headphones for gaming (open world, single player story driven and multiplayer) that sound better than PC38x (my current headset)
PC38x is just a worse HD560s but with a mic.
If you're talking FPS, you could try the DROP PC38X. They were developed with Sennheiser's then communication division.
560S are solid all around including gaming. Most things are better than 990. 38X is a little better for gaming in *some* ways but not enough to justify the switch imo, and 560S is better for music.
Fractal Design Scape
20 positive (71%) · 6 mixed (21%) · 2 negative (7%)
Trust + time weighted: +69%
AI summary — not a quote
The Fractal Design Scape is widely regarded as a strong contender in the wireless gaming headset market, frequently praised for its balance of comfort, price, and performance. While often compared to the Audeze Maxwell, users generally agree that while the Scape may have slightly lower audio fidelity for music, it offers a more comfortable, lightweight design and a superior software experience at a lower price point.
Pros
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio, especially when found on sale below its $200 MSRP
- Significantly lighter and more comfortable for long sessions than heavier competitors like the Audeze Maxwell
- Versatile 'all-rounder' performance that handles both gaming and music well
- Premium user experience with a convenient web-based app for EQ customization
Cons
- Audio quality for music is considered slightly inferior to higher-end planar magnetic options
- Lack of Xbox compatibility limits its use for multi-platform console gamers
- Diminishing value proposition for users who do not specifically need wireless functionality
Top excerpts
Fractal Scape
Good (for wireless) wireless options would be fractal scape, cloud 3 S wireless, audeze maxwell (gen 2 is on the way), a50x or a50 gen 5.
cloud 3 S wireless, audeze maxwell, fractal scape
I personally was particularly impressed by the Fractal Scape ($200, but I snagged them for $140 on black friday)
Your best bet in that price range is the Fractal Scape. It's a quality gaming headset that's also good for music, and it's very well designed for convenience.