[section_title title=”Closer Look”] Closer Look
As always we start with the outer packaging. Coolermaster have kept the packaging fairly low key sticking with a simple black and white theme that matches the Ceres 500 itself.
The rear of the packaging is just as sparse with some real estate dedicated to highlighting the console capability of the Ceres 500.
The internal packaging that houses the headset itself it made of two parts. The bottom part acting as the base for the headset to be tied down to and another layer of plastic over the top. The packaging itself is easy to remove and get into.
With the Ceres 500 removed from the packaging we get our first look at the defining aesthetics of the headset.
The use of glossy plastic may not be to everyone’s tastes, especially when contrasted with the headband and earcups, but Coolermaster have created a clean enough presentation without the headset looking too cheap.
The earcups – depending on ear size – are around ear which is great. Without spoiling too much, the fit and seal was really good from an initial try.
The texture used on the earcups isn’t smooth but it isn’t abrasive either and shouldn’t cause any discomfort.
Lifted right from the HS1, the headband is a near carbon copy of Corsair’s original headset offering.
The microphone jack has a slight lock mechanism to it so you shouldn’t knock it out by accident or if you accidentally snag the mic for some reason. Having the microphone located on the ear-piece here rather than at the bottom usually provides more control of where the microphone rests relative to your mouth.
The volume control box is clean and functional enough but Coolermaster seem to have followed Ozone down the same path where the LED is concerned. Whilst not as annoying as a blue pulsing LED, the Ceres 500 gives you a choice of an extremely bright white LED or a red one if you mute the mic – there is no off option.
The connectivity consists of a USB input to power the headset as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack to provide a sound input to the headset itself.
Last but not least is the microphone, again, similar in design to the Onda one albeit black rather than white.
The Ceres 500 package seems a bit sparse compared to the Onda Pro, whether the carry case and hook ring is worthwhile is down to you, but it’s the components underneath that truly matter and it’s time to find out how they all come together for the Ceres 500.
