RIG 300 PRO (Hardware)
Official GBAtemp Review
Product Information:
- Official Store: https://www.riggaming.com/copy-of-400-series
First glance at a budget headset
Before even looking at the device, the RIG 300 Pro’s main draw is its price. In a market where branded headsets can easily go upwards of $100, the RIG 300 Pro wired headset retails for £30/$30. The package comes with the following:
- RIG 300 PRO headset
- User manual
Once unpacked, you can see where the price drop comes from. The shell is noticeably plastic-y, borderline flimsy. While I haven’t drop-tested, I wouldn’t be surprised if it suffers from cracks if it falls from the level of my desk.
Also indicating the low-cost of this device is the headband adjustment mechanic. It’s not retractable as most headsets but you’ll have to manually clip/unclip the ear cups along three notches on the head band. It’s not a feature I came across in previous headsets but it has likely been adopted to cut down the cost of this device.
However, the plastic build does add to the lightweight aspect of the device. This enhances the overall comfort which is supplemented by the padded ear cups and headband with their fabric lining. With the adjustable head strap, it doesn’t press over the ears and the oversized ear cups offer generous room for the ears. These aspects make the RIG 300 PRO adequate to use for an extended period of time.
Budget hardware, decent audio
On the audio front, this budget headset is rather decent. The output is clear, with a balanced soundscape on the treble and bass. This makes it appropriate for general audio needs whether it’s for gaming, video streaming or listening to your playlist. However, I didn’t find it particularly adept at picking up more subtle audio cues which tend to be indicative of higher-end headsets. Such a feature usually delivers a more immersive experience while also providing a slight edge in competitive gaming, but it’s missing with this headset.
That doesn’t mean the RIG 300 PRO’s audio isn’t appropriate per se. It’s not bad for the price at all and the versatility is appreciated. Its standard 3.5mm headphone jack also makes it compatible with virtually any console and PCs, without any worries about lags or battery issues. I also liked that it has in-line volume and mute controls, which I find more ergonomic than controls bound to the ear cups. The headset also packs a built-in mic which I found to be serviceable and a nice-to-have.
While the mic is easy to flip up when not in use, the fact that the mic isn’t detachable is a personal downside, as this somewhat limits its versatility to use when out-and-about. Similarly, the non-detachable headphone jack limits portability as well as its longevity in case it gets damaged.
These downsides might also be due to cost-cutting design choices but I wouldn’t mind if this peripheral costs slightly more but offered more replacement options as well as a better build.
You get what you pay for
As it stands, the £30 RIG 300 PRO headset is a decidedly budget audio peripheral that delivers decent audio but doesn’t strike on the hardware front. You could consider it if your gaming budget is limited as it is overall value for money but it doesn’t do much to stand out from the crowd other than its affordable price point.
If you invest a bit more, you could have a better audio experience. But if you’re really on a tight budget, I’d really recommend the dirt-cheap, yet incredible-sounding $7 Monk Plus from Venture Electronics.
Updates
Following the publication of this review, RIG's PR representative reached out to clarify some of the aspects criticised in this review. Below are their comments and my follow-up response but, save for this updates section, the interaction did not lead to any change in the original text or score.
- RIG notes that the build is designed to be lightweight yet virtually unbreakable. Indeed, the headset is light, making it appropriate to use for extended periods of time, as noted in this review. Following their comment, I drop-tested and twisted the headset and it indeed did not suffer from any cracks or damages. That said, the finish of the build still feels flimsy and plastic-y, despite being sturdy. At a glance, it won't scream classy or premium, even if it is durable and it's worth bearing in mind as a headset's aesthetics also plays in while in use.
- RIG also highlighted that the headset size adjustment mechanic is their standard, even in higher ends ones. While it works fine and likely adds to the lightweight aspect, it is still a manual process and the adjustment options are limited to the three notches. A retractable mechanic would allow for a more custom and snug fit, but the adjustments in the RIG 300 PRO should still be suitable for most cases.
Verdict
- Decent sound quality
- Lightweight
- In-line controls
- Plastic-y build
- Non-detachable mic and cord
