Cyborg 5.1
Home : Hardware : Reviews : Cyborg 5.1
As a 5.1 surround sound pair of headphones, how the sound comes through comes in two flavors: 3.5mm and USB. Almost like the Razer Piranha we reviewed last month, it comes with both sets of jacks except that the USB actually works.
The layout of the 5.1's is pretty unique. The cans (earmuffs) look like they're shaped incorrectly, but in fact are molded better for the ear than the typical headset. They go fully over the ear and do not sit on it. The cans also have a 100 degree turning radius, though we don't see any particular reason for going the extra 10 degrees. Another new thing we're pleased to see is ventilation holes in the cans. This easily lets air flow so your ears don't overheat, which is a huge distraction. It was expected to bring down the quality of sound, but we're glad to say it didn't.
In keeping with the sleek design, the 5.1 has glossy cans with lit logo's on both sides (green Cyborg on the right, red on the left), a thin band and the headrest. Unfortunately, the headrest is also thin, which means that it does become uncomfortable after a short time. The cushion isn't thick and doesn't spread the weight of the headset around much, so it becomes irritating pretty quickly depending on how it's seated on your head.
There's also the microphone, which isn't built in. It plugs into the left can with a 2.5mm jack. When we first saw this, it looked like a great idea; sure most headsets have discreet microphones that tuck away, but they always tend to get in the way somehow. Having it a separate piece eliminates that problem. Unfortunately, it didn't work out as smoothly as we'd anticipated. Check the testing on page 3 for more details.
The wire was also somewhat disappointing. Only 6' instead of 9', it's the standard cable that's thick, so it doesn't get tangled easily. At the tip is the split between the USB and 2 3.5mm jacks, which was one of the larger flaws on the Piranha that Saitek did right. However, there's no clip and the control is rather far from the headset, roughly 3' away, and we found it sitting in our lap instead of dangling most of the time, which was a nuissance.
The wire control has a switch for changing from surround to stereo mode, or the USB to 3.5mm jacks. As with the Piranha, it's a great addition in the even that a USB port isn't available or, in the case of 5.1, if you're using someone elses computer and don't have the drivers on-hand. It also has a standard mute switch and two separate volume controls for stereo and surround. Sadly, the surround volume is controlled through two buttons while the stereo uses an old fashioned knob.
Home : Hardware : Reviews : Cyborg 5.1
Presentation
Once the box is opened, you can tell that there is little hope of accomplishing that. First and formost is the headset, sitting comfortably in it's hard-cover case that comes with the headset. This is surprising and an excellent decision, considering most headsets, no matter the price, come with no carrying case or a pathetic dingy one. The 5.1's case isn't going to save it from a run in with, say, your car, but it handles just as it should in luggage and can take a good beating without showing it. 
The 5.1's firmly placed in it's carrying case, it's a perfect fit and will actually protect the headset.
As a 5.1 surround sound pair of headphones, how the sound comes through comes in two flavors: 3.5mm and USB. Almost like the Razer Piranha we reviewed last month, it comes with both sets of jacks except that the USB actually works.
The layout of the 5.1's is pretty unique. The cans (earmuffs) look like they're shaped incorrectly, but in fact are molded better for the ear than the typical headset. They go fully over the ear and do not sit on it. The cans also have a 100 degree turning radius, though we don't see any particular reason for going the extra 10 degrees. Another new thing we're pleased to see is ventilation holes in the cans. This easily lets air flow so your ears don't overheat, which is a huge distraction. It was expected to bring down the quality of sound, but we're glad to say it didn't.
In keeping with the sleek design, the 5.1 has glossy cans with lit logo's on both sides (green Cyborg on the right, red on the left), a thin band and the headrest. Unfortunately, the headrest is also thin, which means that it does become uncomfortable after a short time. The cushion isn't thick and doesn't spread the weight of the headset around much, so it becomes irritating pretty quickly depending on how it's seated on your head.
Full 100 degree rotation makes the 5.1's double as unappreciated speakers.
The detachable, flexible microphone.
There's also the microphone, which isn't built in. It plugs into the left can with a 2.5mm jack. When we first saw this, it looked like a great idea; sure most headsets have discreet microphones that tuck away, but they always tend to get in the way somehow. Having it a separate piece eliminates that problem. Unfortunately, it didn't work out as smoothly as we'd anticipated. Check the testing on page 3 for more details.
The wire was also somewhat disappointing. Only 6' instead of 9', it's the standard cable that's thick, so it doesn't get tangled easily. At the tip is the split between the USB and 2 3.5mm jacks, which was one of the larger flaws on the Piranha that Saitek did right. However, there's no clip and the control is rather far from the headset, roughly 3' away, and we found it sitting in our lap instead of dangling most of the time, which was a nuissance.
The wire control has a switch for changing from surround to stereo mode, or the USB to 3.5mm jacks. As with the Piranha, it's a great addition in the even that a USB port isn't available or, in the case of 5.1, if you're using someone elses computer and don't have the drivers on-hand. It also has a standard mute switch and two separate volume controls for stereo and surround. Sadly, the surround volume is controlled through two buttons while the stereo uses an old fashioned knob.
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