INTRODUCTION

   I've yet to meet a single PC user who doesn't hate wires/cables but for good or bad the day when everything will become wireless (and offer the same performance) doesn't seem draw any closer than it was even 5 years ago. Bottom line since corded devices still offer higher performance levels (not to mention that they also require no batteries / external power) compared to their wireless counterparts i don't think demanding users such as gamers and professionals will opt to replace them anytime soon. Gaming peripherals manufacturers also seem to agree with me since the large majority of such products launched each year in the market is corded and not wireless. Logitech recently launched their latest gaming headset line and today we're taking a look at their G633 Artemis Spectrum RGB 7.1 Surround Gaming Headset.

   Focused on innovation and quality, Logitech designs personal peripherals to help people enjoy a better experience with the digital world. We started in 1981 with mice, which (new at the time) provided a more intuitive way of interacting with a personal computer. We became the worldwide leader in computer mice, and have reinvented the mouse in dozens of ways to match the evolving needs of PC and laptop users. Since those early days, we have expanded our expertise in product design beyond the computer mouse, with a broad portfolio of interface devices that are the “last inch” between you and your computer or your console game, digital music or home-entertainment system. With products sold in almost every country in the world, Logitech’s leadership in innovation now encompasses a wide variety of personal peripherals (both cordless and corded), with special emphasis on products for PC navigation, gaming, Internet communications, digital music and home-entertainment control. For each of our product categories, we study how our customers use their digital devices, and then our designers and engineers set their sights on how we can create a better experience with those devices – richer, more comfortable, more fun, more productive, more convenient, and more delightful.

   Artemis was the goddess of hunt in ancient Greek mythology and so Logitech has taken every step to make the G633 one of the best gaming headsets in the market today. So under the hood of the G633 Artemis Spectrum we find Logitech's Pro-G 40mm audio drivers (20Hz-20KHz frequency response with 39 Ohms impedance and 107dB sensitivity) and a uni-directional noise-canceling 4mm foldaway microphone (100Hz-20KHz frequency response). Other features include adjustable RGB lighting (3 effects with 2 zones), 6 equalizer presets, three fully programmable macro G-Keys, foldable design, multi-platform support including gaming consoles and mobile devices, integrated volume control knob, and 7.1 virtual surround sound (DTS 7.1). So time for us to find out whether or not the brand new G633 Artemis Spectrum is worthy of the name Logitech has bestowed upon it.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

A large product picture showcasing the right side of the headset is placed at the front of the box.

The bundle contents are listed on the left side in 6 languages while the technical specifications are listed on the left in 3 languages.

Moving at the rear of the box we see that Logitech has used a large picture of the headsets left side to showcase its main features.

A welcome message is printed on the interior of the box and as you can all see the G633 is safely placed inside a formed piece of plastic.

In terms of bundle the G633 doesn't offer much so aside the headset you're also getting a 3 meter long USB to micro USB cable (310cm to be exact) and a 3.5 analog cable with an in-line audio controller/microphone.

THE G633 ARTEMIS SPECTRUM

 The G633 is a large sized gaming headset that features a metal frame dressed with glossy plastic.

As always to have a better idea about the size of the headset in our hands we placed it right next to the compact REVO Wireless model by Jabra.

Logitech gas placed their gaming logo on the outside of both earcups.

The foldaway microphone is placed at the front of the left earcup (a sticker is placed there to make it easier to see).

The main body of the microphone is not flexible but there's a retractable section which is.

At the base of the left earcup we see the micro USB and 3.5" ports.

Behind the left earcup we see one of the RGB illumination zones along with the PC/3.5mm selection switch (allows you to answer calls even while playing games), 3 programmable G-Keys (by default these can be used to cycle between all available equalizers, enable/disable surround sound and cycle through the illumination effects), microphone mute button and the volume control knob.

The earpads are not only large and very soft but are also washable.

Left and right indicators are placed above each earcup.

The headpad is also dressed from the same soft material as the earpads.

To make the G633 easier to carry and store Logitech gave its earcups a foldable design.

We probably should have mentioned this earlier but both earcups feature removable plastic plates which consumers should be able to replace in the future with custom ones (probably available from Logitech).

Personally i was hoping for a custom equalizer LED effect behind this partially clear plastic section but i was wrong.

Both sides of the headset can extend up to 43mm (86mm total) via 12 visible increments to accommodate every head type/size.

The Logitech Gaming logo is placed at the exterior of the headband.

This is what the two RGB illumination zones of the G633 look like when the headset is plugged in.

LOGITECH GAMING SOFTWARE

You should head over to the official Logitech support page to download the latest version of their Logitech Gaming Software.

The main software screen has a picture of the G633’s rear and all the available selections underneath it (just like with Logitech’s gaming keyboards and mice).

You can always program the 3 available G-Keys to reproduce the action of any of the keyboard keys or assign text macros and program shortcuts to them.

There are three illumination presets available by default and you can store yet another custom one in the onboard memory of the G633 (you can sync the illumination effect to other compatible Logitech Gaming peripherals).

Of course you can choose your very own color, select which of the two zones you want to use (or both), select which effect you want to assign to which zone, adjust the brightness and effect speed and you can also enable the sleep mode which turns the LEDs off after your selected idle time.

Logitech ships the G633 with 6 equalizer presets but you can always add your very own custom one.

Via the surround sound mixer you can adjust the volume level of each of the 7.1 channels.

You can also adjust the DTS Headphone X feature according to what you want to use the G633 with.

The G633 fully supports Arx control so you can download the Arx application to your smartphone in order to monitor the status of the system, headset and game.

CONCLUSION

   When Logitech decided to use two 40mm drivers with the G633 Artemis Spectrum that was enough to reduce its bass footprint considerably and so much like most similar gaming headsets in the market today if you like plenty of bass this is not the right tool for you. On the bright side mids and highs are very accurate and detailed/crisp so for gamers who are not looking to get blown away every time an explosion occurs this is very good. Comfort is very good too since thanks to the soft and breathable material used for the earpads and headpad we were able to watch movies and play games for many hours straight. The design of the microphone is almost very interesting since you can have it folded most of the time and unfold it only when you really need it. Unfortunately again just like the majority of gaming headsets out there it could be better but I guess when chatting with friends (especially while gaming) you don’t need the clearest audio. As for the RGB lighting effects well as already mentioned I think Logitech could had done wonders just by placing a LED plate beneath the semi-clear plastic found beneath the external tags to allow for an equalizer-like effect. I think most gamers would have liked something like that too.

   So how much will the Logitech G633 Artemis Spectrum set you back? Well currently you can find it for just USD99.99 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 125Euros inside the EU (Amazon.co.uk) a price tag which actually seems quite balanced in the USA (not so much in the EU however). Overall the G633 Artemis Spectrum delivers on exactly what Logitech says since it’s a very good gaming headset with plenty of features which is also why it gets our Golden Award. Unfortunately however it falls short in terms of bass so do keep that in mind if you’re out in the market looking for a new headset.

PROS

- Design
- Very Detailed And Crisp Mids & Highs
- 7.1 Dolby Surround Sound (DTS X)
- Comfortable
- Noise Cancelling Uni-Directional Retractable Microphone
- 3 Programmable G-Keys
- Volume Control Knob & Microphone Mute Button
- RGB Illumination
- Foldable Design
- Removable Tags
- 3 Meter Long USB Cable

CONS

- Price (For Some)
- Bass Levels
- “Limited” Illumination System
- No “Custom” Tags Available Currently