Gaming headsets have long been more than just headphones with a microphone. Like other such accessories, they should harmoniously complement the player’s workplace. Devices of the Animate series are not just equipped with backlight, because they can animate images directly on their body. Like the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 laptop, the ROG Delta S Animate has triangular lighting zones on the cups, but they don’t just light up the logo, but display an animated image. We will talk about this and other capabilities of the headset in this review. We also got the ROG Strix Flare II Animate keyboard “to the pile”, which, as you can see from the name, also has an animation zone. Therefore, let’s talk a little about it.
ROG Delta S Animate kit
The headphones will come to the buyer with a separate microphone (which can be removed if it is not needed), an extension cable from USB-C to USB-A, and two sets of ear cushions (leatherette and fabric). Judging by the case, the headphones do not provide for travel to tournaments, but are more designed for stationary use, so the set did not receive a case for transportation.
In addition, there are branded stands for the headset, which allow you to place the headphones more conveniently when they are not in use. In our example, this is the ROG Metal Stand with an official price tag of 1,199 hryvnias. And this is not the only option from the manufacturer, if you want something else. Although it is not necessary to limit yourself exclusively to branded ones.
Design and usability
As is often the case, the ROG Delta S Animate is a large, full-sized gaming headset. There are at least four models in the Delta line that share the same shape but have different capabilities. Interestingly, having the same design, these models have an excellent weight, which for Delta S Animate and ROG Delta S is 300-310 grams, and the two “younger” versions weigh 387 each.
The common element of the headsets of this line is the triangular “figure” of a closed cup. Each model “decorates” them in its own way, where Animate is the most original version thanks to the animated LED lighting, which we will return to in more detail soon. Inside the cup, the ear cushions repeat the shape, but the size allows you to completely cover the ears and comfortably place the headphones on the head.
First of all, the headset is designed for use with a PC and has an exclusively wired connection, for which a 1.5-meter soft cable is attached to the left earpiece. The complete adapter from USB-C to USB-A additionally plays the function of an extension cord, which will add another meter (but already with a regular hardened cable). Therefore, in most cases, should be no problems with the convenient placement of headphones at the workplace.
Also, everything is not bad with use. Delta S Animate is really light and sits comfortably on the head even during long gaming sessions or work/study. You can spend two or three hours in a row in them. Comfortable ear cushions and a soft lining on the hoop help with this. The kit comes with two types of ear pads, but it’s a bit hot in the summer with both options.
Additional convenience is added by the ability to remove the microphone so it doesn’t get in the way when you’re watching movies, listening to music, etc., when you don’t need it. But when it is needed, it can be quickly connected and adjusted for conversations. Its flexible leg allows you to do this without too much trouble.
There is also no trouble with wearing. The flexible hoop and swivel cups fit comfortably on the head and “hug” the ears. You can adjust the size with fixed positions. But it should be taken into account that they will be too big for a child, as well as not very suitable for people with a small head. For example, I don’t often have to increase the size of my headphones, and these felt quite “loose” even at the minimum fitting size. But this is very subjective.
As for materials, the user is left with artificial leather on the hoop and plastic on the cups (Soft-Touch) and their fasteners (ordinary matte). Of course, the base is metal, but it is not visible from the outside. There are almost no extra sounds from the construction. Everything is assembled well and there is no doubt about durability.
Animate lighting
But the main emphasis in the design remains lighting. Both cups have large LED zones that can display animated images on the headphones. By purchasing the headphones with the ROG Strix Flare II Animate keyboard, you can get a pair of devices that will complement the effect in the workplace. This is a very unusual and original option for decorating accessories. The ASUS company often applies such unusual solutions both in the design and in some functionality of its devices, which also applies to Animate backlight.
Yes, you can display some kind of animation or image on these zones. These are available in the company gallery of add-ons, or you can create your own. Having chosen your own, it is not necessary to animate the image, leaving only, for example, the logo of your own company or your favorite brand. Additionally, you can add animated text. In separate mode, the headphones can display microphone input signal levels.
All animations are customized through the ARMOURY CRATE application. You have to work on your own version, because the “pixel” image will not look the same in the backlight as it does on the monitor screen, so this task may require additional time and effort. But there are interesting options among the animations prepared by the manufacturer.
As for the appearance of devices with such backlight, it really adds originality. On headphones, of course, such an effect is imperceptible during operation. But when they are just at the workplace, they look more interesting than usual. With the keyboard, the story is a little different, because the animation is always in the peripheral vision and can distract attention. During a week of work, I personally did not get used to it, which is why it was more convenient to leave a static image there (with the silhouette of Mezha logo, of course).
The basic settings are in the tab with the corresponding name. Here you can choose the desired one among the downloaded effects. Animations can be synchronized on both cups, or different ones can be set. You can also set the backlight intensity here in increments of 25%.
Going into edit mode will open up a lot more options. There are animation settings (delay, contrast, brightness), choosing an animation and switching to loading new ones, as well as adding text. But the main part of the space is occupied by the editing section, where you can create your own options. There aren’t many settings, so it’s easy to figure it out. Creating animation is already much more difficult, so I doubt that many users will do it. It is much easier to use a random static image that will serve as a background and overlay text (team name, company, game nickname, etc.) on top.
In the case of the keyboard, there is no difference in settings. The menu and set of settings are the same here.
In general, accessories with such backlight look really interesting, add more originality to the workplace. In the future, the manufacturer will probably add RGB lighting, not just white, but even without it animated lighting areas look something new and fresh.
Configuration and management
With a fairly universal USB-C connector, the headphones can be connected not only to a PC, but also to a console. But all settings should still be done on PC via ARMOURY CRATE. Also, through this application, the headphones receive updates, so you can’t do without it.
There are enough settings. In the left speaker, the user can change the volume, set separate volume levels for the right and left channels, choose the bitrate (16 or 24) and frequency, as well as configure the microphone sound monitoring.
On the right are all the other settings, which include sound optimization (profiles for music, games, conversations, and movies), reverb, equalizer, and virtual surround, as well as bass boost, compressor and voice clarity.
Microphone settings include noise level, Perfect Voice (like a filter) and intelligent noise cancellation.
In addition, the application has the ability to create different profiles with a set of settings for different situations. And all updates also happen thanks to the application.
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