INTRODUCTION

   Although red has always been my favorite lighting color i can't deny that RGB has many advantages the main of which is that it can match the preference of every consumer out there at any given time. This is also probably the reason behind the continuous flow of RGB enabled gaming peripherals lately and unlike single color models i doubt these will cease to exist any time soon (besides what else is there aside RGB in terms of lighting?). Most although people i happen to know say that RGB lighting is mostly about peripherals which we see at all times when sitting in front of our screens like gaming keyboards, mice and mouse pads i happen to disagree since there's always room for a catchy gaming headset on, over or right next to our desks. Patriot recently enriched their Viper line of gaming peripherals once again with the V370 Gaming Headset which we've been using since early January.

   Viper Gaming is a brand of Patriot Memory LLC, a global leader in performance memory, SSD's and flash storage solutions. Viper Gaming was established in 2007 with the unveiling of the well-known, top-tier line of computer memory. Since then, the Viper Gaming brand has become synonymous with elite performance and reliability among gamers worldwide. In 2015, Viper Gaming decided to expand its product categories to include gaming keyboards, headsets and mice. Offering entry, mid-level and high-end solutions with rich feature sets that won't break the bank, Viper Gaming's award-winning peripherals provide gamers everywhere the best price-for-performance and reliability that enables every Viper Gamer to dominate in their sport.

   Just like its predecessor the very affordable and award winning V360 (actually the V361 is its immediate predecessor but we never had the chance to test that one out) the V370 Gaming Headset is actually a stereo headset (7.1 virtual surround sound is achieved with the help of a built-in USB sound card) which uses two 40mm neodymium magnet drivers (with 30mm integrated sub-drivers) that feature a frequency response of 20Hz-20KHz with 110dB (+/- 3dB) sensitivity, and impedance of 32 Ohms at 1kHz. Also just like its predecessor the V370 features a pull down omnidirectional microphone (not flexible) that features a frequency response of 100Hz-10KHz with -46dB (+/- 3dB) sensitivity, -60dB signal to noise ratio and 2.2KOhm impedance and an earcup vibration system (Patriot calls it Ultra Bass Response) which actually helps quite a bit both while playing games and watching movies. Compared to its predecessor RGB lighting seems to be the main selling point of the V370 so let's not waste any more time in checking it out.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

Patriot has placed a large product picture at the front of the box right above the main product features and next to a clear plastic window from where you can see the right earcup.

The specifications and features of the Viper V370 are all printed at the rear of the box right next to the bundle contents.

Inside the box you will find the Viper V370 gaming headset, a synthetic carrying/storage pouch, pair of cloth ear pads, ear pad mounting tool, two stickers, product catalog and a quick start guide.

THE VIPER V370

Although very similar in size as its predecessor the brand new V370 is slightly heavier at 385g (mainly due to the solid headband).

To showcase the size of the V370 we used our small to medium sized head made out of black foam.

The Viper name is placed on the exterior of both earcups right between the RGB LED strips.

The pull down omnidirectional microphone is hidden on the side of the left earcup (turns on automatically once you pull it down).

At the rear of the left earcup you can also turn on/off the ultra-bass response feature and set the volume levels (although the V360 had an on/off LED switch the V370 does not).

Left and right markings are placed on the interior over the earcups.

By default the V370 comes with two PU leather earpads but if these are a bit hard for your ears you can replace them with the much softer cloth ones included in the bundle.

Thanks to the low weight of the V370 and the substantial padding of the headpad this is a comfortable headset.

The headband extends up to 30mm on both sides (60mm total) via 8 visible increments.

Patriot has placed the Viper logo on the exterior of the headband as seen above.

The 2.2 meter long braided cable ends on a gold plated USB plug.

VIPER AUDIO CENTER

Patriot has the control software available for download from the V370 product page.

From this control software you can adjust the volume levels of both earcups and the microphone and change the LED color and effect.

Here you can see some of the available LED colors (like i said red is my color but having all of them is even better).

CONCLUSION

   As mentioned earlier we never had the chance to test the V361 but the V360 was a very good headset especially for what you were asked to pay for it. The V370 with its aluminum frame and RGB lighting is certainly an improvement over the V360 but not in everything. For example although audio clarity feels slightly improved with even more accurate highs and mids compared to the V360 at the same time bass doesn’t feel quite as deep (even the ultra-bass response feature doesn't feel as powerful as the one in the V360 headset). Volume levels are also pretty much the same as the V360 but on the other hand thanks to the suspension design of the headband the V360 was more comfortable compared to the V370 (especially after many hours of use). The microphone also produces the same results as the one used in the V360 so nothing wrong here (although we’ve used better ones in the past). As for the RGB LEDs located on the exterior of both earcups they look great and they are quite bright as well (still we’d prefer a larger area compared to the V361).

     One of the strongest sale points of the Viper V360 7.1 Surround Gaming Headset was its price so we expected more or less the same from the V370 and with a current price tag set at USD44.99 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and at around 40Euros inside the EU (unfortunately Amazon prices are quite inflated in the EU) things couldn’t be better. Sure the Viper V370 may not be the best RGB gaming headset in the market today but thanks to its audio quality and features it does represent a great deal for people looking for a new gaming headset without breaking the bank and for that it gets our Golden Award.

PROS

- Design
- Ultra Bass Response Feature (Earcup Vibration)
- RGB Earcup LEDs
- Good Mids & Highs
- Volume Levels
- Price (For Some)

CONS

- Reduced Bass (Compared To The V360)
- Comfort (Compared To The V360)