Cleer Audio has unveiled two new open-ear gaming headphones designed to provide immersive audio without isolating users from their surroundings. The ARC 3 Gaming Earbuds and ARC II Gaming Headphones aim to deliver high-quality sound and low latency for mobile and multi-platform gamers.
ARC 3 Gaming Earbuds: Mobile Gaming Optimized
The ARC 3 Gaming Earbuds are tailored for mobile gaming with several key features:
Low Latency Audio
A USB-C dongle enables ultra-low latency wireless audio with just 30ms delay. This minimizes audio lag that can impact competitive gaming.
Open-Ear Design
The earbuds sit outside the ear canal, allowing ambient sound to pass through. This design helps gamers stay aware of their surroundings while still enjoying immersive game audio.
Extended Battery Life
With up to 10 hours of playtime on a single charge and an additional 40 hours from the charging case, the ARC 3 can last through even the longest gaming sessions.
Smart Charging Case
The case features a touchscreen display for adjusting settings and a UV-C sterilization system to keep the earbuds clean between uses.
Key Specifications:
- 16.2mm graphene drivers
- Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX Adaptive
- IPX5 water resistance rating
- Customizable EQ via companion app
- Noise-reducing microphones for voice chat
- Price: $234.99
ARC II Gaming Headphones: Versatile Multi-Platform Option
The ARC II Gaming Headphones offer a similar open-ear concept with some distinct features:
Flexible Design
An adjustable ear hook design aims to provide a secure fit for active users or longer gaming sessions.
Multi-Platform Compatibility
A low-latency USB-C dongle enables use across mobile devices, PCs, and PlayStation consoles.
Motion Controls
A 6-axis motion sensor allows for hands-free control of certain functions through head movements.
Key Specifications:
- 16.2mm neodymium drivers
- Up to 35 hours of battery life (with case)
- IPX5 water resistance rating
- Customizable audio profiles via app
- Beamforming microphones for clear communication
- Price: $189.99
Comparing the Two Models
Both the ARC 3 and ARC II offer open-ear designs and low latency audio, but they target slightly different use cases:
- The ARC 3 excels for mobile gaming with its longer battery life and advanced charging case features.
- The ARC II provides more versatility for gamers who play across multiple platforms.
Potential Benefits of Open-Ear Gaming Audio
Open-ear designs like these can offer several advantages for gamers:
- Situational awareness: Hear game audio without blocking out the environment, which can be crucial for safety or social situations.
- Comfort for extended use: The open design may reduce ear fatigue compared to traditional in-ear or over-ear headphones.
- Natural sound: Some users find open-ear designs provide a more spacious, natural soundstage.
Considerations Before Purchasing
While these headphones offer unique features, potential buyers should consider:
- Sound isolation: Open-ear designs inherently provide less isolation from ambient noise compared to traditional headphones.
- Bass response: The open design may impact low-frequency performance compared to sealed headphones.
- Price: Both models are premium-priced options in the gaming audio market.
Cleer Audio’s new ARC gaming headphones bring open-ear technology to the gaming space, potentially offering a balance between immersion and real-world awareness. As with any audio product, the best choice will depend on individual preferences and gaming habits.