After trying out the Arctis 5 RGB USB headset from SteelSeries which brought back the great S1 speaker drivers present with their previous high-end flagship models, a bidirectional design microphone for great voice clarity during conferences, an adjustable Ski Google Headband for optimal comfort but also AirWeave Ear Cushions for keeping our ears cool, dry during longer gaming sessions, we do have yet to take a closer look at the Arctis 7 model.

Besides bringing back the goodies from the less expensive model (with one small exception), the Arctis 7 does feature a slightly different, sturdier construction; this model comes with lag-free wireless capabilities, an internal battery with an advertised 15-hour life from a single charge, but also an unique USB sound card. The RGB lighting on the exterior of the earcups has been dropped in order to get the most out of the internal rechargeable battery.

Arctis 7 is shipped in a similar looking box as the Arctis 5, with a signature color theme on the top:

Here SteelSeries has also placed here small pictograms representing the main product highlights:

On both sides of the packaging, we will be able to spot abstract box art:

If we need to find out more about the headset components, we are invited to check out this information on the back side of the box:

The Arctis 7 enclosure can be easily opened after we do remove the two adhesive seals:

The headset is further secured inside custom-molded plastic, with the SteelSeries logo in the middle:

While the cups might look similar at first, the top headband is now built from a lightweight alloy material, which does not increase the overall product weight by much, but adds to the overall sturdiness:

As we have mentioned before, the Arctis 7 does integrate the signature S1 40mm speaker drivers, which do have a frequency response between 20 and 20000 Hz, a sensitivity of 98db, but also an impedance of 32Ohm. These are covered by some very comfortable AirWeave Ear Cushions, which fabrics are mostly found in athletic clothing and these are meant to let the skin breathe during intense gaming sessions. For even more customization, SteelSeries does have available as separate accessories a leather model but also a velour one, sporting the exact same shape as the original:

As with the Arctic 5, the external earcup area is covered by a black rubber paint which is of good quality and does not seem to pick up lint or skin oils easily. The SteelSeries logo is also printed here, but no RGB LED or single-color LED lighting is present here: