Roccat Kave 5.1 XTD Digital Headset Review

Up Close

With brand identity and first impressions counting for so much in the fast moving world of technology, it’s good to see that Roccat have continued with their ice-blue packaging and a really nice futuristic font. Everything is clearly laid out and with the blue/white lettering on the black background it is both eye-catching and readily identifiable as a Roccat product. Although nearly everyone pops along to the website for the latest drivers these days, it’s still good to see an included CD. Something many manufacturers would do well to learn from, although naturally there is an environmental cost. 

       

The Kave XTD is both familiar and new. Whereas the original Kave used three movable pads on the headband, with the XTD they have been consolidated into a single padded arrangement. The ear pieces are a combination of the soft-touch matte black that we’re used to from Roccat, alongside piano black for some added glitz and glamour. The microphone is removable should you so desire, but otherwise inflexible.  

      

One of the big surprises, especially given the price tag, is the all plastic construction of the headband. At the very least we’d expect metal hinges. Perhaps beneath this swathe of plastic there is a metal heart. However, there are 15 different height positions so you’re guaranteed to find one that suits you. 

      

The ear cups house the multiple speakers that show this off as a genuine surround headset rather than one that makes do with interpolation. The foam surrounds are surprisingly rigid and there is no foam option. 

Speaking of surprises there is a hell of a lot of cable here, but it’s not braided. Surely times aren’t that tough at Roccat? The velcro cable ties are of the very highest quality, so clearly it’s a design decision. We quite like a bit of braid though, especially for this price.