Fractal Design Scape
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite

Fractal Design Scape SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite

Common Features

  • Both products have an over-ear fit.
  • Both products have detachable cables.
  • Both products have stereo speakers.
  • Both products support spatial audio.
  • Both products have 40 mm driver units.
  • Both products have passive noise reduction.
  • Both products have two drivers.
  • Both products have a noise-canceling microphone.
  • Both products have a mute function.
  • Both products have rechargeable batteries.
  • Both products have battery level indicators.
  • Both products have removable batteries.
  • Both products can be used wirelessly.
  • Both products support Bluetooth 5.3.
  • Both products have USB Type-C.
  • Both products have control panels placed on a device.
  • Both products can be used as a headset.

Main Differences

  • Fractal Design Scape weighs 338 g while SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite weighs 380 g.
  • Fractal Design Scape has RGB lighting, while SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite does not.
  • Fractal Design Scape has a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, while SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite has a lowest frequency of 10 Hz.
  • Fractal Design Scape has a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz, while SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite has a highest frequency of 40,000 Hz.
  • Fractal Design Scape does not have active noise cancellation, while SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite does.
  • Fractal Design Scape uses a neodymium magnet, while SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite does not.
  • Fractal Design Scape has two microphones, while SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite has four microphones.
  • Fractal Design Scape has a removable microphone, while SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite does not.
  • Fractal Design Scape has a battery life of 40 hours, while SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite has a battery life of 30 hours.
  • Fractal Design Scape supports 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity, while SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite supports 3.5mm connectivity.
  • Fractal Design Scape is compatible with PlayStation, PC, and Nintendo Switch, while SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite is compatible with PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox.
  • Fractal Design Scape has a maximum Bluetooth range of 15 m, while SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite has a maximum Bluetooth range of 10 m.
Specs Comparison
Fractal Design Scape

Fractal Design Scape

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite

Design:
Fit Over-ear Over-ear
has a detachable cable
weight 338 g 380 g
has RGB lighting
can be folded
has an open-back design
has stereo speakers

The Fractal Design Scape and SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite both feature an over-ear fit, which is ideal for immersive audio experiences. However, the weight of the two headsets differs slightly; the Fractal Design Scape weighs 338 g, while the Arctis Nova Elite is a bit heavier at 380 g.

Both headsets come with detachable cables, offering users flexibility for various setups. In terms of design, the Fractal Design Scape includes RGB lighting, which adds a customizable aesthetic, whereas the Arctis Nova Elite lacks RGB lighting.

Neither product offers a foldable design, and both have a closed-back structure rather than an open-back one. Both models are equipped with stereo speakers, providing a solid audio experience, but no additional differences appear in this aspect.

Sound quality:
lowest frequency 20 Hz 10 Hz
highest frequency 20000 Hz 40000 Hz
has active noise cancellation (ANC)
supports spatial audio
driver unit size 40 mm 40 mm
has a neodymium magnet
has passive noise reduction
drivers count 2 2

The Fractal Design Scape and SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite differ in their frequency range. The Scape offers a lowest frequency of 20 Hz and a highest frequency of 20000 Hz, while the Arctis Nova Elite extends both ends, with a range of 10 Hz to 40000 Hz. This means the Arctis Nova Elite can potentially produce a wider range of audio frequencies.

In terms of noise cancellation, the Fractal Design Scape lacks active noise cancellation (ANC), while the Arctis Nova Elite includes ANC for additional environmental noise reduction. Both models support spatial audio, enhancing the surround sound experience, and are equipped with 40 mm driver units, providing a similar size for sound reproduction.

Another distinction is in the magnets used: the Fractal Design Scape features neodymium magnets, which are typically known for their strength, while the Arctis Nova Elite does not specify the use of neodymium magnets. However, both models offer passive noise reduction and have two drivers, ensuring clear audio performance in both.

Microphone:
has a noise-canceling microphone
lowest mic frequency 50 Hz 100 Hz
highest mic frequency 16000 Hz 14000 Hz
has a removable microphone
has a mute function
number of microphones 2 4

Both the Fractal Design Scape and SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite feature noise-canceling microphones, helping to reduce background noise during use. However, the two differ in their frequency ranges: the Scape has a mic frequency range from 50 Hz to 16000 Hz, while the Arctis Nova Elite's mic range spans from 100 Hz to 14000 Hz, offering slightly less low-end coverage and a narrower overall range.

The Scape is equipped with two microphones, and its microphone is removable, providing extra convenience for users who prefer to detach the mic when not in use. In contrast, the Arctis Nova Elite has four microphones but does not offer a removable mic option.

Both headsets include a mute function for quick audio control, ensuring they are equipped for easy management of microphone input in various situations.

Power:
Battery life 40 hours 30 hours
has a rechargeable battery
has a battery level indicator
has a removable battery

Both the Fractal Design Scape and SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite come with rechargeable batteries, ensuring convenience for extended use. The Scape offers a longer battery life, rated at 40 hours, compared to the Arctis Nova Elite's 30 hours.

Both products feature a battery level indicator, allowing users to easily monitor remaining battery life. Additionally, both models have removable batteries, giving users the flexibility to replace or swap batteries when needed.

Connectivity:
connectivity 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, USB 3.5mm
compatibility PlayStation, PC, Nintendo Switch PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Xbox
Can be used wirelessly
Bluetooth version 5.3 5.3
Has USB Type-C
maximum Bluetooth range 15 m 10 m

The Fractal Design Scape and SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite offer different connectivity options. The Scape supports 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, and USB connections, while the Arctis Nova Elite only supports a 3.5mm wired connection. Both headsets can be used wirelessly, and both feature Bluetooth version 5.3 for a stable connection. However, the Scape offers a wider range of Bluetooth connectivity, with a maximum range of 15 m, while the Arctis Nova Elite has a slightly shorter Bluetooth range of 10 m.

In terms of compatibility, the Scape is compatible with PlayStation, PC, and Nintendo Switch, while the Arctis Nova Elite adds compatibility with Xbox in addition to PlayStation, PC, and Nintendo Switch.

Both models include a USB Type-C port for charging, ensuring modern connectivity for power management.

Features:
release date June 2025 October 2025
control panel placed on a device
can be used as a headset
has a vibration function

Both the Fractal Design Scape and SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite feature a control panel placed on the device itself, allowing for easy access to adjustments. Both can also be used as headsets, serving their intended purpose for both audio and communication needs.

Neither of the two headsets includes a vibration function, meaning they both lack the feature that adds tactile feedback during gameplay or media playback.

Comparison Summary

This is a specification comparison between the Fractal Design Scape and SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite. Both products feature an over-ear fit, detachable cables, stereo speakers, and support for spatial audio. The Fractal Design Scape weighs 338 g, while the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite weighs 380 g. The Fractal Design Scape has RGB lighting, which the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite lacks. The Fractal Design Scape offers a battery life of 40 hours, while the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite offers 30 hours. Additionally, the Fractal Design Scape is compatible with PlayStation, PC, and Nintendo Switch, while the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite is compatible with more platforms, including Xbox.