Element Gaming Neon 300 Review

In our first outing with Element Gaming we take look at an entry level USB headset equipped with 50mm drivers and virtual 7.1 surround.

Product on Review: Element Gaming Neon 300 Gaming Headset
Manufacturer & Sponsor: Element Gaming
Street Price: £24.99

Element Gaming are a fresh, UK based group with the mission to bring affordable, quality gaming peripherals to UK gamers. Taking on the four pillars of design, precision, reliability and performance, complete with a recognisable logo and branding based on the periodic table of elements, it becomes our task to see if this marketing facade can speak to the intended consumer.

The range of headsets from Element Gaming are named after Nobel gases and the first we take a look at the Neon 300. Being an entry level product, there is glossy plastic, in this case it is black complimented by a mid-blue colour, similar to the blue LED lighting seen on many keyboards. What the price level doesn’t tell you is that the Neon 300 has 50mm drivers driven via USB as well as offering a colourful LED lighting effect. Though the actual products are made by a Chinese OEM that are used by various other brands, it would appear that this OEM are able to cater for third party specifications and design allowing for variation.

Overview by Element Gaming

If you are looking for elite gaming headphones you will enjoy the Neon 300. With crystal clear sound that picks up every detail and nuance of a game situation to the sensitive microphone for communicating with opponents or teammates these headphones are the ideal addition to your gaming rig.

Specifications & Features

Technical Specification
– Wired USB connection
– 7:1 simulated sound channels
– 50mm driver diameter
– 20-20KHz
– 111db_+3db headset sensitivity
– 30mW
– -40db+-3db microphone sensitivity
– 3.0m cable length
– Driver CD software

Features
Amazing high quality sound
Comfy fit
Highly sensitive microphone
USB connection
Inline controls

Packaging & First Look

At the front, the semi-enclosed packaging is modest and presents the product in a pleasing way. Along the bottom there are icons displaying some of the features such as 50mm drivers and virtual 7.1 surround rendering.

At the back is a full diagram of the product with the specifications listed.

Included in with the headset is a quickstart guide and a driver disc.

Black and blue, the robust plastic can take a beating while the soft blue ‘leather’ and thick cushions look set to provide comfort.

Closer Look

The side mesh looks like scales, or magical rainbows bouncing off one another, hold the earcup together while the Element Gaming logo sits in a almost superman like diamond at the centre. When plugged in the LED lighting shines through the side of the earcup giving a pulsing coloured glow, shifting through various colours. The boom microphone is solid but can be moved down in an arc of 100°.

The adjustable strap is reinforced with metal, which should provide extra reliability.

The inside earcup is large and is covered by a fabric mesh. The leather material is difficult to determine if it is real leather, PU leather or other as it seems slightly rubbery, but seems strong and soft so shouldn’t be an issue as this price point.

Long 3m of braided cable which matches the blue and black colour scheme. This headset is controlled by a large inline remote and at the end is a USB adapter.

The inline remote is large and bulky but falls into a pleasing orientation when used in the left hand. There are controls for volume, sound mute, mic mute and LED on/off.

Software & Lighting

The software is similar to what we have seen on some ASUS products using the CMedia chipset and Xear technologies. While limited, it is easy to navigate and has all the essential headset controls, however it would have been good to have a more simple 7.1 mode on/off.

The lighting is an unmentioned bonus on the Neon 300, though other than on or off, there is no real control over its effect, which is a slow pulse between each colour.

Performance Testing

Setup, Design & Observations
To install the drivers from disc was simple, load the disc, install drivers, plug the headset into a free USB port, complete installation. This may become more difficult if like many, you are someone that now does away with an optical drive as there is currently no place to download the drivers from. The comfort and headgrip are balanced well and the cushioning was soft and pleasing. There is plenty of room in the earcup to fully enlose my ears though long periods of gaming with glasses may be hit and miss. This is because of the blue ‘leather’ material, which is soft and comfortable, but seems unable to stretch, and is questionable in regards to how well it will stand the test of time.

Once the Neon 300 is plugged in, the LED Glow kicks automatically which seems to be an automatic feature. It is vibrant and cycles through various colours, though can be switched off if desired. The inline remote lights up with a blue colour, with the microphone mute button adding a touch of red as an indicator. The contruction feels sturdy, though is fairly heavy on the cable. There is no back clip added, and considering its distance away from the headset, it is difficult to keep in your lap or on the desk without it falling and snagging the side of the headset. This happened various times and the weight is a noticeable jolt to the side of the head.

Multimedia
Listening through various test tracks, the sound balance from the 50mm drivers is pleasing and warm though slightly muted in the top end. Though at this price range it wasn’t surprising to notice a distinct lack of audio seperation and definition, overall there was little to dislike.

Battling it out in ‘Heroes of the Storm’, DotA 2 and Battlefield 4, the bass proved competent and adds a real liveliness to the action, though again there was a noticeable lack of crispness and precision. The 7.1 surround mode did little to open the sounds up and seemed unnecessary.

Microphone
The microphone was reported to be reasonable and wasn’t too sensitive or too quiet, though on setting it up I did have to enable the microphone boost. The voice was described as good, or reasonable but not as ‘sharp’ as normal.

Conclusion

The Neon 300 hits all the major pillars of a good headset and delivers them at the great price of £22.98 at the time of writing. The 50mm drivers deliver a warm bass while the comfort and design make for an interesting bargain if you are on a tight budget.

The issue at this price point is, that it is sandwiched between many other similar products (SADES anyone?) without seriously pushing any boundaries. The construction and overall quality at this level is good and any buyer that is looking for a gaming headset in this price range will enjoy the charms and features of the Neon 300. Though it arguably joins the sea of products that could equally do the same. The audio quality is decent and will please many gamers though audio enthusiasts will want to avoid. As with a cheap camera lens the focus is a little soft, however, in the right situation soft is good!

The Element Gaming Neon 300 offers excellent bang for buck with its vibrant aesthetic and warm performance.

Pros.
+ Comfortable
+ Enjoyable warm sound
+ Easy to use Software
+ LED Lighting (can be switched off)
+ Price

Cons.
– Audio definition is a little loose