Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT Review: Gaming Luxury

Corsair’s Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT redefines gaming headsets, showcasing Corsair’s commitment to excellence. This cutting-edge accessory combines immersive audio, seamless connectivity, and personalized aesthetics.

In the realm of gaming peripherals, it stands out for its audio quality, comfort, and customizable design. It ensures a unique and fatigue-free gaming experience, bridging the gap between crisp audio and untethered mobility.

Key Takeaways

• The Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT headset emerges as a compelling choice for gaming enthusiasts seeking a blend of premium features and versatility. It excels in Comfort and design, featuring lightweight aluminum earcups with an elegant silver finish. 
• The things I have liked about the Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT are its immersive Gaming Experience, Ergonomic Design, Audio Excellence, Seamless Connectivity, Intuitive Controls, Detachable Microphone, and Premium Build Quality.
• The things I have not liked about the Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT are its Price, Battery Life Reduction, Complex Controls, No Protection from Water and Dust, Limited Improvement Over Predecessors, and Not Ideal for Bass-Heavy Music.

Specifications

Box Contents

Corsair’s Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT comes with a versatile USB-C cable for charging and wired connection. A 3.5mm audio cable with in-line control provides an alternative wired option. The USB wireless transmitter ensures low latency and 2.4GHz wireless up to 60 feet, though it lacks a dedicated storage spot.

The package features a detachable microphone and Bluetooth compatibility with various devices like PCs, gaming consoles, and mobile phones. It also includes a stylish quilted fabric carrying bag with a magnetic closure, adding a high-end touch to the overall package.

• VIRTUOSO RGB WIRELESS XT
• USB wireless transmitter
• USB charging cable, 1.8m  
• 3.5mm stereo cable with in-line controller
• Storage pouch

First Impressions

Corsair’s latest Virtuoso series, the Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT, aims for a top spot among gaming headsets. As the priciest in Corsair’s lineup, it delivers a high-end gaming experience with impressive construction, a wide frequency range, tasteful RGB lighting, and a refined appearance.

Maintaining features of its predecessor, it seamlessly blends with accessories like the Corsair ST100 RGB Headstand. Whether you’re a gamer, audiophile, or someone on the go, the Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT offers practicality, adaptability, and style.

Design

The Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT, the latest in the series, closely resembles its predecessors in design and construction, maintaining a robust and dependable gaming headset experience.

Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT features lightweight aluminum earcups with a silver finish and RGB-lit logo. The comfy combo of leatherette and memory foam raises durability concerns. The large earcups offer both style and comfort, minimizing strain, even for eyeglass wearers.

The Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT features diamond-cut earcup hinges and a rear volume roller. With ten adjustable settings, the headband accommodates different head sizes, maintaining a refined aesthetic despite button and connection density.

Comfort

Corsair’s Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT headset prioritizes comfort with reduced clamping force and enhanced headband cushioning. Weighing 64.5 grams, it’s slightly heavier but boasts excellent weight distribution for prolonged use. The all-metal construction, featuring an aluminum headband and memory foam cushions, provides a solid feel.

However, there’s occasional slipping due to the slack headband. The headphones offer a secure fit with tilting hinges but may cause mild irritation over time. Despite minor drawbacks, the Virtuoso XT excels in delivering comfort during extended use.

Control Scheme

Corsair’s headset boasts a well-organized on-ear interface with a Bluetooth three-button setup on the right earcup for power, volume, and track navigation. Switching between wired and wireless modes is seamless with a dedicated toggle, and an auto-off feature conserves power after 10 minutes of inactivity.

The left earpiece features a flexible microphone, a Mini-USB port for connectivity, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a USB-C port for charging. Despite initially seeming overwhelming, the controls are clarified through device pairing. The exposed USB port suggests indoor use, but overall, navigating the headset is intuitive for a user-friendly experience.

Connectivity

The Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT gaming headset excels in connectivity, covering PC and PS5 basics and providing USB-C and 3.5mm connectors for Xbox and Switch. It features Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX, aptX HD, and AAC support.

The standout is its ability to connect to two devices simultaneously using Bluetooth and a 2.4 GHz dongle, enabling seamless multitasking with separate volume controls for each source. Some users experienced occasional audio interruptions in close proximity, but overall, Corsair delivers adaptability, ensuring a comfortable and user-friendly experience that outshines competitors in prolonged usage.

Performance

The Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT delivers impressive sound performance, marking a return to form for Corsair. The audio quality is exceptional, offering depth and detail across various sounds, from explosions to music and dialogue.

While the wireless USB dongle provides the most effective experience, connecting via Bluetooth or a 3.5 mm audio port is also an option, though it may lack some punch and the surround sound feature found on PCs. Nevertheless, the headset competes well with high-quality headphones and significantly outperforms budget-wired headsets.

Music

The Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT impresses as a versatile music companion, delivering striking clarity across various genres in daily use. However, playing Travis Scott’s latest Utopia album revealed some disappointments. Despite Corsair’s claims of the XT’s 50mm neodymium drivers offering a broad frequency range, I found the lows lacking, and the mids felt excessive and bothersome.

The Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT has a generally satisfactory sound profile, but some users may notice inaccuracies in reproducing certain bass noises. Corsair’s iCUE software, particularly the “Pure Direct” mode in the Equalizer, significantly enhances sound quality. The headset offers respectable noise isolation for gaming, but those with larger ears may find the somewhat shallow ear cups challenging. 

Gaming

The Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT excels in gaming, particularly in action-packed titles like Doom Eternal, with a solid frequency response. Experimenting with sound settings, the FPS competition preset restores factory-quality audio. Gaming is enjoyable, but prolonged use may be uncomfortable for some.

The headset supports PS5’s 3D surround sound, Windows Sonic, and Dolby Atmos, working well with different platforms. Personally, the Pure Direct EQ setting is preferred for a more natural gaming experience.

iCUE

To fine-tune your Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT, download the iCUE software. Version 5.5 features a clean interface supporting all headset functions. Customize RGB lighting, mic sensitivity, and more with three tabs: Lighting Effects, Equalizer, and Device Settings.

The 10-band equalizer in iCUE allows personalized sound profiles with presets like Pure Direct and Bass Boost. Adjust mic volume and sidetone through sliders. Customize the LED Corsair logo on the headphones, though limited to two lighting zones with a full RGB spectrum.

Drawbacks include the inability to store lighting settings and reliance on iCUE running in the background. The software also controls the headset’s active time before sleep mode. Firmware updates for the headset and USB dongle are available through iCUE.

The dongle supports 2.4GHz multipoint, allowing multiple devices on a single dongle. However, 7.1 virtual surround sound isn’t supported through iCUE, but Dolby Atmos can be enabled through Windows sound settings.

While iCUE installation is optional, it enhances the headset experience for those making extensive adjustments. Overall, the Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT is versatile, supporting console standards, and iCUE adds refinement for users seeking personalized settings.

Dolby Support

Exciting news! The Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT includes a lifetime PC license for the Dolby Access app, offering an alternative to iCUE. This is perfect for those avoiding iCUE or keen to explore the headset’s spatial audio capabilities. Dolby Atmos enhances the gaming experience, creating immersive sound in various games.

The convenience of changing equalization settings without iCUE adds value, justifying the expense, considering Dolby Atmos software alone costs $15. The default sound of the headset is impressive, allowing precise detection of footsteps and gunshots. Dolby Atmos provides a spatial audio effect, immersing you in the action, and making gameplay more responsive and enjoyable.

Battery Life

While Corsair claims 15 hours of use on a single charge for the Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT, my tests showed it lasts a bit longer with constant output and RGB lighting off. Charging via USB-C on a PC takes around three to four hours. Although the battery life dropped from 20 to 15 hours due to dual connection capability, you’ll still get close to 20 hours on a single device.

For gaming, expect to recharge every other day or daily for work and casual gaming. While not the best in class, it’s decent for a gaming headset. Keep in mind that using both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connections simultaneously affects battery life. Although lacking rapid charge, the ability to play wired via USB while charging eases some concerns.

Microphone Quality

The Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT maintains Corsair’s tradition of a “broadcast-grade” microphone, offering excellent audio quality for gaming headset standards. While not on par with dedicated podcast microphones, it performs well for in-game chat and applications like Discord or Teamspeak.

The versatile 9.5 mm omnidirectional microphone on the Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT features a mute indicator with a bright LED that can be disabled in iCUE’s Device Settings. iCUE provides control over microphone settings, adding value for streaming and business meetings with customizable features to enhance the user experience.

Should You Buy It or Not?

Having conducted thorough testing on the Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT, I have concluded that:

Buy It If:

• Money is not a constraint: If budget is not a limiting factor for you, the Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT is an excellent choice, given its premium features.
• Top-notch Sound and Microphone: If you prioritize exceptional sound quality and a good microphone, the Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT stands out, providing a top-tier gaming experience.
• Versatility Matters: For those who value versatility, the headset offers a wide variety of connectivity options, including Bluetooth, making it suitable for different devices.

Don’t Buy It If:

• Similar Features, Lower Price: If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option with similar features, the Virtuoso SE in a lighter shade of gray and without Bluetooth connectivity might be a suitable alternative.
• Battery Life Priority: Those who prioritize longer battery life may find the Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT falling short in this aspect.

Conclusion

In summary, the Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT has provided a consistently positive experience over the past month. While not the most premium wireless gaming headset, it stands among the best, offering an excellent microphone, diverse connectivity, and impressive sound quality. However, the price increase for Bluetooth connectivity and enhanced comfort may be a deterrent.

Despite initial concerns about durability, the headset has proven reliable. The ability to simultaneously connect to a computer and phone is convenient but leans more towards luxury. For those on a budget, the Virtuoso SE offers a more affordable option without sacrificing much.

Corsair’s commitment to providing choices is evident, with the XT and SE models catering to different preferences. While the XT’s higher cost and shorter battery life may deter some, it remains one of the finest gaming headsets tested recently. If budget is not a concern and top-tier quality is a priority, the Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT is a solid choice.

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Abdul Hannan

[Hardware Reviewer]

After many years of exploiting various pieces of hardware, Abdul Hannan now serves as an editor at Tech4Gamers. He’s been in the PC hardware reviewing industry for almost a decade, and his staff of passionate geeks and reviewers is second to none.

Abdul Hannan is constantly seeking new methods to improve the performance of his computer components since he is an ardent overclocker. He is well-known for providing the most extensive and unbiased analysis of the newest and greatest hardware for PC gaming, including everything from GPUs to PSUs.