Old-time gamers will remember the days of Sound Blaster PC speakers fondly, and it’s great to see that Creative is still thriving. With today’s high demand for quality gaming headsets, our review of the Creative SXFI Air Gamer aims to find out if these premium headphones are a worthy addition to the company’s lineup.
Features Overview
On paper, the SXFI Air Gamer sounds promising. Creative boasts features like superior sound quality for gaming and beyond, two capable microphones, and customized audio profiles created through innovative ear and head scanning. Let’s dive in to see if they deliver on these promises, starting with some key technical specs:
– Style: Closed-back
– Weight (with mic): 11.1 oz
– Connections: 3.5mm analog, USB-C, Bluetooth 5.0, MicroSD
– Wireless range: 33 feet
– Headphone frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz
– Microphone frequency response: CommanderMic – 100Hz – 16kHz; NanoBoomMic – 100Hz – 8kHz
– Battery: Rechargeable LI-ion, lasts 11 hours per charge
– Drivers: 50mm neodymium
– Cables: 6-foot USB-C
– Warranty: 2 years
Build Quality & Features
From the moment you see the SXFI Air Gamer, you can tell a lot of thought went into its design. The RGB lighting is subtle, the materials are sturdy, and it looks built to last.
Packaging
The headset comes in a strong cardboard box that clearly showcases its features. Inside, a protective shell casing keeps the SXFI Air Gamer and its accessories safe. Included accessories are two microphones, a Kevlar-reinforced 6-foot USB-C cable, a USB-A adapter, a quick-start guide, and a warranty info card.
Appearance
Creative has done a great job making the SXFI Air Gamer appealing to both gamers and casual users. The headset is fairly large with big ear cups and a mostly black design. It’s subtle enough to wear for work Zoom calls with the RGB off, as its design isn’t flashy. The adjustable steel frame fits comfortably on your head, displaying measurements on a sleek metallic surface for added visual interest.
The ear cups are made from sturdy plastic, with large memory foam rims covered in perforated protein leather. While the fit isn’t tight enough to block all outside noise, the cups are very comfortable and breathable for long-term use. Although we didn’t experience any irritation or discomfort, some might find the headband’s thin padding to be an issue.
The words “Super X-Fi Headphone Holography” are subtly printed around each cup, enough to add a bit of flair without being too noticeable.
Controls
Users upgrading from a less advanced headset will appreciate not having to adjust mic settings or volume on the cable. The left ear cup features well-spaced buttons and toggles for the most frequently used settings.
The Power button also controls the RGB lighting, which can be set to a single color or a pulsating rainbow pattern. Another button switches between two SXFI modes or turns them off. A toggle lets you choose from multiple audio sources. The left cup also includes a MicroSD card slot and ports for digital and analog cables.
Volume and playback controls are managed by a touch-sensitive area in the middle of the left cup. Swiping up or down adjusts the volume, while swiping left or right navigates tracks. Tapping the middle once pauses or plays, and twice accepts or ends calls. The touch controls are user-friendly and resistant to accidental touches.
Connectivity
The SXFI Air Gamer is compatible with virtually any modern multimedia device.