EKSA StarEngine Pro (E5000 Pro) Review
EKSA StarEngine Pro
Cables: | Driver Size: | LED Lighting: | Microphone: |
AUX, USB-A, USB-C | 50mm | Yes | Yes |
The gaming industry has witnessed remarkable advancements in recent years, and gamers worldwide are constantly on the lookout for cutting-edge equipment that can enhance their gaming experience. In this review, we delve into the impressive features and capabilities of the EKSA StarEngine Pro (E5000 Pro), a gaming headset that promises to take your gaming adventures to astronomical heights.
The EKSA StarEngine Pro is a flagship gaming headset designed with meticulous attention to detail and an emphasis on delivering exceptional audio quality. Engineered to meet the demands of even the most discerning gamers, this headset offers an array of features that make it a formidable contender in the competitive gaming market.
Higher Build Quality
I could immediately tell the StarEngine Pro was of higher quality than something like the E1000 after opening the EKSA StarEngine Pro E5000 box. The lightweight plastic feeling I experienced with the E1000 headset is not present with this one. Instead, the headset’s heavier, more substantial feel caught me off, guard.
Even though the build may not be as high quality, some consumers may prefer a lightweight headset. This is not to say that heavier is always better. However, the StarEngine Pro plastic has a very pleasant overall feel. However, they are quite hefty, and those with smaller heads, possibly younger people, might find them a little too heavy and hefty for their needs.
The headphones are designed in black and green, which is a popular colour scheme among gamers, and they just so happen to match my other Razor peripherals that have the same colour scheme.
Behind a caged design, the interior of the open-back style earcup features green colouration as an accent. The LED light option, which can be turned on and off, can highlight these accents.
The StarEngine Pro does not use an open-back design, despite the fact that each earpiece has an open-back headphone design. Since this is a closed-back headset, using it in public won’t result in an audible sound leak.
A USB-C to USB-C extension cable, a USB-C to conventional USB-A cable, and an auxiliary to USB-C cable are all included in the box. Similar to the Hyper-X Cloud II, the microphone is also included separately and plugs into the headset. The fact that the microphone is detachable is always a plus in my book because it not only gives you more versatility (no one wants a bulky microphone on their headset when using headphones in public) but also allows you to replace the microphone in the event that you ever run into wire problems with the mic, which is a common problem with headsets.
I believe that the headband may be vulnerable to damage if it is unintentionally stepped on or pulled too far, as there is some tension that comes through toward the end of the range. If I had to point out specific areas where I feel durability may become a problem in the long run. Then there are two cables that stick out from the headband, one on each earpiece. I would just advise against excessive inward tilting of the earcups to ensure a longer lifespan of the headset. If the headphones are pulled inward too aggressively or extensively over a long period of time, there may be a risk of wire damage.
The StarEngine Pro is comfortable to wear
Gaming sessions can often extend for hours on end, making comfort a crucial factor when choosing a gaming headset. The EKSA StarEngine Pro has been meticulously designed with ergonomic considerations in mind. Its adjustable headband and soft cushioning ensure a snug and comfortable fit, allowing you to game for extended periods without experiencing discomfort or fatigue. The breathable earmuffs further enhance the comfort factor, keeping your ears cool and dry, even during intense gaming sessions.
The Surprise Was the Sound Quality
Even though the EKSA E1000 had its own advantages in terms of sound quality for the price, it had already raised my standards for the EKSA StarEngine Pro, and I’m happy to say that the results have been very different.
You can get these headphones pretty loud thanks to the good volume. Additionally, the sound quality itself outperformed the E1000 with strong, deep bass response, assertive mids, and clear highs.
The bass bleeds into the mids a little and is a little muddy, and the highs can occasionally be a little too prominent. However, it doesn’t make sense to go deep into critical listening on a headset like this, intended for gaming and casual listening. But once more, any pair of headphones in this price range will probably share this characteristic.
Instead, let’s examine how they fare when used for gaming and casual listening.
The EKSA StarEngine Pro (E5000 Pro) does a good job of producing a full and balanced sound for music so you can still enjoy any genre without feeling like the headset’s EQ ruins the experience. You can add some extra depth with the surround sound feature, which is most audible in electronic music genres.
I started up Counter-Strike: Global Offensive to test how it performs in games. I consider CSGO to be a good reference point for gaming audio because it is a competitive first-person shooter. The EKSA E5000 StarEngine Pro performed better than many other headsets I’ve used because it had excellent directional sound, which is a crucial component in footsteps.
I discovered that turning off surround sound while gaming was helpful because it lessened some audio artefacts that made the directional sound a little less obvious. Depending on the game and non-competitive game formats, or depending on personal preferences, the surround sound option might be more practical.
Low rumbles made the explosions sound fantastic, and higher-pitched sounds were still audible and distinct without sounding overly aggressive.
For gaming, I believe the StarEngines are far superior to the E1000 headset and perform admirably for their price range.
Microphone
Effective communication is essential in multiplayer gaming, and the EKSA StarEngine Pro excels in this aspect as well. Equipped with a high-sensitivity microphone, this headset delivers crystal-clear voice communication, ensuring that you are heard loud and clear by your teammates. The noise-cancelling feature eliminates background noise, allowing for uninterrupted and clear communication, even in noisy environments.
Compatibility
The EKSA StarEngine Pro offers versatile compatibility, ensuring that it seamlessly integrates with various gaming platforms. Whether you’re gaming on a PC, PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch, this headset is designed to work with multiple platforms, providing a hassle-free setup experience.
Features
The left side earcup of the EKSA StarEngine headphones has three buttons: a volume control, a microphone mute button, and a surround sound button that, when depressed for a short period of time, also functions as an LED control.
The surround sound mode is undoubtedly something that many people will enjoy, and having a volume control on the headset is a nice feature, but as with most surround sound modes, the key is going to be finding music that complements the feature the best. As mentioned above, I typically kept my surround sound on for music and turned it off for gaming.
Overall, I wouldn’t say the EKSA StarEngine Pro are the best gaming headphones I’ve ever used, but for the money, they can compete with some much more well-known brands in the same price range. especially if you can locate them for around $70. They are a significant improvement over the E1000 and come with everything you’d need for a versatile pair of headphones. People who frequently switch between consoles, mobile devices, and computers will find these to be of great use.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the EKSA StarEngine Pro (E5000 Pro) stands out as a top-tier gaming headset that delivers stellar performance. With its exceptional audio quality, comfortable design, durability, and crystal-clear communication capabilities, this headset is a worthy investment for avid gamers seeking an immersive and enjoyable gaming experience.
Experience gaming on a whole new level with the EKSA StarEngine Pro. Elevate your gameplay and unlock the full potential of your gaming adventures.