I understand the option for email etc to have cloud-based profiles etc but does not make much sense for a jack connection.

Not surprising as every other company is after your email address but it is a shame that SteelSeries is also asking for a serial number as well before allowing access to features through a “subscribe-wall” effectively. You can get virtual 7.1 surround sound and the noise-cancelling feature but not without first signing up through the SteelSeries Engine which will require your username, password and product serial. You’ll also find a dial for volume control and a switch that turns the microphone on and off. The arm of the microphone also allows for you to adjust the position, so you can get it in the sweet spot. SteelSeries stick with the same microphone design, allowing it to sit neatly within the left ear cup retracting when not in use. It is probably one of the most comfortable headsets I’ve worn and reminds me of the Siberia V2 which were one of my favourites. Along with the headset earcups being nicely padded with their AirWeave fabric, it makes for easy long gaming sessions as they don’t make your ears overheat. It stops the need to find the right ‘notch’ like other more static designs. This type of design I personally think still makes it one of the most comfortable headset setups on the market. The suspension-band design makes a comeback, taking the weight from the headset off your head and distributing it. We looked at their special edition grey version. The Arctis 3 has a more modern matte plastic which a little highlighting in gloss coming in a few colours black, white, red, blue and grey. Much like the Arctis 5, Arctis 7 and other competitors are starting to move away from the “traditional gaming” look that usually includes RGB lighting all over and an eccentric design. It’s the cheapest in the range if you are on a budget, but there’s also the Artics 5 to consider if you have a little extra cash to splash.

The Arctis 3, the baby of the Arctis family is a gaming headset with virtual 7.1 surround sound, designed for the gamer with more minimalist tastes.

Steelseries arctis 3 white