Accessories

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless review

Best for gaming?

Published

July 22, 2024

I have always wanted to get my hands on a SteelSeries headset. You see, in gaming circles, it’s a popular brand among gamers looking for a relatively affordable option for gaming headsets. Along came the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless with a high promise when it comes to delivering quality audio for gaming.

Competitively priced

Let’s get the affordable part out of the way. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless retails for PhP 7,765/ USD 129.99. That’s right around the ballpark of one the more popular recommendations among gaming circles – The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 which, depending on where you’re looking, ranges from USD 150-170.

Among gaming-centric headsets released relatively recently, it’s also priced quite competitively. It’s more affordable than the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023), Sony INZONE H7 and H9 (the H3 is wired so that’s a non-starter here), and PlayStation’s Pulse Elite.

It’s also a lot more affordable than “mainstream” headset options like the Sony WH-1000XM series and Airpods Max.

While compelling, pricing alone isn’t the determining factor in making this purchase decision. So, what kind of value are you getting exactly?

Headset highlights

That’s our News Editor Luigi wearing the Arctis Nova 5

To me, the Arctis Nova 5 offers five features that help its case as the “default option” for gaming-related headset recommendations.

Game specific presets through the companion app.

The Arctis Nova 5 has a companion app available for iOS and Android. Through the app, you get a robust list of game preset equalizers already optimized for plenty of games. The list includes first person shooters like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and CS: GO, sports games like NBA 2K24 and EA Sports FC 24, and popular titles like Baldur’s Gate 3, Genshin Impact, Tekken 8, and much, much more.

Many of the titles are recently released games. If the specific game you’re looking for isn’t on the list, just pick one that’s close to that game’s genre and it should work like a charm. For instance, I always fire up Returnal when testing audio products because it has one of the best sound designs on any game ever. Unfortunately, that title isn’t available as a preset. So, I chose any of the shooter games like COD and Hell Divers 2 as the preset and I found that these worked well with the game.

By default, the equalizer is set to flat and I found that it works well for most media consumption. I tried switching things up and used music-focused titles like Hi-Fi Rush but felt that flat was still best for general music listening and video viewing.

Lightweight.

The headset is mostly made of plastic making it extremely light. That means there’s absolutely no strain whatsoever on your head when wearing it for an extended period.

Some might view this as a markdown in build quality. However, I think the weight and price byproducts balance the steady but not stellar build.

Battery Life.

The Arctis Nova 5 promises a 60-hour battery life (or the equivalent of 8-hour gaming sessions every day for a week). Further, USB-C fast charging can juice up to six hours in just 15 minutes.

Naturally, I don’t game for eight hours a day (nor should you, unless that’s how you make a living). In my mixed use of music listening, video viewing, video conferencing, and gaming for roughly 20 hours per week, I only felt the need to charge the thing once every two weeks. That’s elite.

There’s one outlier when I brought it to an overseas work trip. I charged the headset once towards the end of the trip, right before the flight back, to make sure I had enough juice for the plane ride.

Connectivity.

The headset’s claim to versatility in connectivity lies in two connection options: 2.4Hz dongle and direct Bluetooth.

The direct Bluetooth connection means it can seamlessly pair with most smartphones and laptops, and PCs. Meanwhile, the 2.4Hz dongle connection means you can use it with anything that has a USB-C port.

In my time with the device, I used it on the following devices:

Legion Go
PlayStation 5
ROG Ally
iPhone 14 Pro Max
MacBook Pro
Huawei MateBook X Pro
ASUS ZenBook DUO (2024)
OPPO Find N3
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5
Xiaomi Pad 6S 12 Pro
…and possibly more

That’s quite an exhaustive list. And yes, it works on a Nintendo Switch too.

ClearCast microphone.

The Arctis Nova 5 is now my default headset when taking video calls because of the ClearCast mic. For one, I love the way it’s tucked into the left earcup. Unlike Razer’s BlackShark V2 (2023) whose microphone is an attachment that can easily be misplaced.

Second, I asked for feedback from those I was in a call with and got feedback that my audio is pretty clear and crisp. I won’t be recording any voice overs with this mic, but for calls, it’s more than good enough. I imagine the same is true for co-op games, of which I do not play because I suck as a teammate.

Almost perfect

There are a few things I wish the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless had to make it my default headset for everything I do.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC).

This one really drives me nuts because I’ve really only extensively used headsets with active noise cancellation over the past half decade. Even some minor active noise canceling would have made this a no-brainer recommendation for me. Alas, that is not the case.

I mentioned earlier that I took this with me on an overseas work trip. That was not ideal at all. Coming from the Sony WH-1000XM4 and even the soundcore Space One headsets, I severely missed the active noise canceling feature. I could hear the buzzing sound and worse, a crying, whining child during the flight.

The lack of this feature is bearable in most settings like in your home while playing and while out and about walking or inside a buzzing café. But for traveling, it is best to have something that has ANC.

In-app equalizer adjustment.

The presets are great and all, but it doesn’t allow for personalized tweaking to make it sing the way you want to. The only way to change the equalizer is to switch it to any of the game presets as well as a flat and focus options. Focus ups the voice while flat is… just flat.

As of writing, your best option is to try every single available preset and find which one works best for you when it comes to uses outside of gaming. It’ll probably take an entire weekend day if you’re truly meticulous about it.

I wish it had slots for 2-3 personalized presets that users can switch to. I fervently hope this comes in a future app update.

A slot for the 2.4Hz USB-C dongle.

I tend to misplace tiny things. In fact, as of writing, I am unsure where I placed this exact USB-C dongle. I am also currently at a loss as to where I placed another tiny USB dongle, but that’s for a controller.

The dongle that comes with the Arctis Nova 5 is so tiny that I’m sure they could’ve figured out a way to include some kind of pouch in the headset itself to store it. They were able to figure out the mic part, perhaps they could have done the same for the dongle.

I’m sure I’ll find the dongle with a clean sweep of my room but some way to safely carry it with the headset would have done wonders.

Is the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless your GadgetMatch?

As far as gaming-focused headsets go, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless could soon replace its older sibling, the Arctis 7, as the top recommendation among console gamers. The sound quality is top-notch and the presets really do help in making you feel immersed in the gameplay.

That same level of immersion can also be experienced when listening to music that’s perfectly mixed. I strongly recommend using this with Apple Music for lossless sound. The sound isolation is elite and works both in gaming and music.

Some level of active noise canceling would have taken this over the top for me. I’m not even looking for something on par with Sony’s XM-series. Even something to the level of the soundcore Space One would have done the trick. If that comes in a future product, SteelSeries, you know where to find me.

That said, the Arctis Nova 5 is still a product I can recommend. The value you’re getting for what you’re paying outweighs any drawback I found. It’s a really good gaming headset and one you should consider if you’re in the market for one.

Accessories

Razer sharpens its competitive edge with Viper V4 Pro and Gigantus V2 Pro

Ultra-light. Ultra-tuned.

Published

March 26, 2026

GadgetMatch

Razer expands its pro-grade lineup with a lightweight mouse and a highly customizable mouse mat built for different playstyles. The Razer Viper V4 Pro focuses on speed, precision, and responsiveness, while the Razer Gigantus V2 Pro brings tailored surface options that adapt to how players move.

Lighter, faster, and built for control

The Viper V4 Pro weighs approximately 49g in Black and 50g in White, making it around nine percent lighter than its predecessor. Razer achieves this through mechanical refinements like a thinner shell and a more compact PCB, without compromising durability. The structure still feels solid in hand, even with the aggressive weight reduction.

This balance matters in competitive play. A lighter mouse reduces fatigue and allows quicker adjustments, but stability keeps movements consistent. The Viper V4 Pro aims to deliver both.

Plug in, tweak, and play instantly

Razer also streamlines setup and tuning. The optimized hemispherical dongle maintains stable connectivity while providing quick status updates through LED indicators.

Players can adjust settings without installing software using Razer Synapse Web, enabling browser-based customization. Onboard controls allow quick DPI and polling rate changes mid-match, so adjustments happen without breaking focus.

A mouse mat that adapts to your play style

The Gigantus V2 Pro evolves Razer’s mouse mat lineup by introducing five distinct speed ratings paired with corresponding foam firmness. Instead of a one-size-fits-all surface, players can now choose based on how they aim and move.

Developed with esports pros like Nikola “NiKo” Kovač, Faker, and Zellsis, each variant reflects real competitive needs across different roles and playstyles.

The five surface options include:

Max Control for ultra-high friction and precise flicks
Control for consistent micro-adjustments
Balance for a mix of speed and stopping power
Speed for quicker swipes
Max Speed for the fastest possible movements

Each surface is paired with Razer’s GlideCore foam, tuned to match the friction profile. Softer variants provide more stopping power, while firmer ones prioritize speed and responsiveness.

Built for consistency across every match

Razer ensures the Gigantus V2 Pro works seamlessly with modern optical sensors. Lab testing guarantees consistent tracking, whether for fine adjustments or wide flicks.

The mat is also designed for competitive environments. It features stitched edges to prevent fraying, an anti-slip base for stability, and a rollable build that makes it easy to bring to tournaments.

A complete competitive setup

Together, the Viper V4 Pro and Gigantus V2 Pro form a cohesive setup that covers both input and surface. The mouse emphasizes low latency, precision tracking, and a shape validated by pros. The mouse mat complements it with clear, playstyle-based options.

Rather than focusing on a single standout feature, Razer builds a system. One that supports consistent performance, adapts to player preference, and helps turn practice into results when it matters most.

Accessories

Logitech G debuts PRO X2 SUPERSTRIKE with faster click tech

Faster clicks, deeper control

Published

March 25, 2026

GadgetMatch

Logitech G is pushing competitive gaming performance further with the launch of the PRO X2 SUPERSTRIKE. It’s a next-generation wireless mouse built around a new click system designed for speed and control.

At the center of the PRO X2 is its patent-pending SUPERSTRIKE technology. It reduces the travel distance needed to register a click, cutting latency by up to 30 milliseconds based on internal testing. The result is faster inputs that can make a difference in high-stakes, split-second moments.

The mouse also introduces the Haptic Inductive Trigger System (HITS), replacing traditional mechanical microswitches. Instead of relying on physical contact, it delivers tactile feedback the moment a click signal is sent, helping players feel each input in real time.

Customizable clicks for competitive play

Developed with esports teams like G2 Esports, NAVI, and BLG, the PRO X2 SUPERSTRIKE focuses on precision and consistency. It supports 10 selectable actuation levels, allowing users to fine-tune how deep a click needs to be before it registers.

These adjustments can be made through Logitech G HUB, giving players the flexibility to match their setup to different games, roles, or playstyles without interrupting gameplay.

The mouse also uses Logitech’s LIGHTSPEED wireless technology with up to an 8kHz polling rate. This ensures fast and stable performance without the limitations of a wired connection.

Precision tracking and lightweight build

Powering the PRO X2 is Logitech’s HERO 2 sensor. It supports up to 44,000 DPI, 888 IPS tracking speed, and over 88G acceleration. Logitech says tracking remains free of smoothing, acceleration, or filtering, allowing for more consistent and direct input.

Despite its performance-focused internals, the mouse keeps a lightweight build at 61 grams. Logitech says this supports faster movements and reduces fatigue during long sessions.

Battery life is rated at up to 90 hours on a single charge, letting players stay in the game longer without interruptions.

Price and availability

The Logitech G PRO X2 SUPERSTRIKE is priced at PhP 11,945. It is available in the Philippines via Shopee and authorized Logitech retailers.

Accessories

Jackery SolarSaga series: Free power for small devices

Portable solar panels can charge small gadgets directly

Published

March 22, 2026

GadgetMatch

As fuel prices continue to surge as of late, one of the ways to make up for the additional expenses is to turn to alternative power sources. That’s including solar power.

And Jackery is here to help Philippine consumers, with the availability of their portable SolarSaga panels.

These solar panels are an alternative to traditional and permanently installed rooftop solar panels. They are engineered for modern and mobile life with portable, lightweight, and sleek designs. They are built primarily to be set up and put away easily, and charge small devices directly.

Simply put the Jackery SolarSaga panels where sunlight is available, and it will convert up to 25% of sunlight into usable energy.

To charge small gadgets like phones and portable fans, or even smartwatches, the SolarSaga panels come with a USB-C and USB-A port.

Another way is connecting the SolarSaga to Jackery’s Explorer power stations like the Explorer 300 Plus or 1000 Plus.

From there, users can power up devices, essentially for free. On its own, the Jackery SolarSaga panels are available in 100W and 200W variants.

The panels are also IP68 rated for water and dust resistance. This makes them usable outdoors when brought to adventures like camping, picnics, or beach trips.

The panels are already available through Jackery’s Lazada and Shopee platforms, as well as Techroom’s Lazada and Shopee accounts.