Asus’ ROG Strix Go 2.4 Electro Punk gaming headset largely delivers on its premium price tag, providing premium audio and a compact design. As the title suggests, it provides 2.4GHz support via a provided USB-C dongle and a bunch of customisation options thanks to the expansive Asus Armoury Crate software. While the Strix Go 2.4 is rather comfortable for longer gaming sessions, certain design choices form the bulky headband and plastic hinges leave a little more to be desired in terms of build quality. However, thanks to multiple methods of connectivity, the Strix Go 2.4 remains versatile enough for moist situations both in and out of the house.
Design
In terms of design, the Strix Go 2.4 is admittedly sleek, showcasing a black frame with pink accents, the latter of which are exclusive to the Electro Punk edition. At just 290 grams, it’s lighter than most of its competitors such as the SteelSeries Arctis 7, which weighs in at 362 grams. As Asus have crafted the Strix Go 2.4 with portability in mind, it makes a noticeable difference for longer gaming sessions and trips alike, mainly weighing less on the ears. Thanks to earcups that fold inwards, the Strix Go 2.4 is easy enough to store in the included carry case. It’s also worth noting that these earcups can also be folded in the same way to sit on your shoulders for small breaks when the headset is not in use.
As previously mentioned, Strix Go 2.4 comes bundled in a premium carry case, with a hard touch finish externally and soft fabric design internally. While it can be a little tricky to learn exactly how to twist the headset into shape for storage, the case also comes decked out with pockets and crevasses for each method of connectivity, from the USB-C dongle, to USB-C cable and USB-C to USB-A adapter. While the headset lacks Bluetooth functionality, next-generation consoles will benefit seamlessly from the compact USB-C dongle, which provides the highest quality 2.4GHz connection of the available connection methods. Unfortunately as small as the USB-C dongle is, its wider design can cover some of your ports when connected to a PC, depending on where your USB-C port is placed.
Thanks to the lightweight design of the Strix Go 2.4, most heads will fit rather comfortably into the headset. The earcups are a little smaller than I would like, but still sit comfortably on the ears, even if the padded earcups can feel a little thin at times. The earcups provided are not made from memory foam, but also do a good job at blocking most external noises. The only issue I had with the design was the headband. It’s definitely flexible, but feels a little too rigid at times, leaving me to feel as if my confidence in the headset would soon lead to its demise.
Functionality
Besides the lack of Bluetooth support, the Strix Go 2.4 comes packed with USB-C, USB-A and 3.5 connections, which make it versatile enough for situations in and out of the house. The USB-C dongle is definitely the winner here as it will provide the wireless connection to consoles including the Nintendo Switch and various USB-C compatible phones, but does leave iPhone users like myself a little lonely as we have to bring a lightning to USB-C adapter to the party for wireless use.
In terms of sound quality, the Strix Go 2.4 is nothing sort of solid, well-rounded and robust. The bass is incredibly punchy and max volume levels presented little to no crackling. The headset also does a great job at picking up each and every layer of sound in the environment, from footsteps in the background to immediate gunfire around the corner. That being said, the dual 40mm Neodymium magnet drivers deliver mainly what you would expect from a headset of this price. The Strix Go 2.4 also features a detachable mic that works with Active Noise Cancelling to eliminate any unwanted background noises during chat.
Software
Thanks to Asus’ Armoury Crate software, the ROG Strix Go 2.4 is extremely customisable. While the headset uses the Armoury II software, keep in mind that this can also be accessed via the Armoury Crate Software. You can choose from seven profiles including 7.1 surround sound. Beyond this, you can also access EQ settings, bass and reverb settings to tweak to your liking. While the seven profiles are likely enough for most gamers, I can always appreciate the room for added depth. The software itself is also incredibly easy to navigate.
Battery
Doing my best to utilise each of the three connectivity methods for this review, I got around 22 hours of general use. While Asus claims the headset features 25-hour battery life, there will inevitably be certain factors like connectivity, microphone use and standby time which play into the experience. Even at 22 hours, I would still consider this an impressive stretch and in line with most of the premium gaming headsets at this price.
The only gripe I had with general battery life came from the low-level battery warnings. With what seems like 20-30 minutes until dying, the low-level battery AI voice chimes in every 60 seconds, reminding you that it’s time to charge. I can appreciate the consistency, but given how much is left in the headset, could be drawn out to at least 5 minutes between warnings, as each reminder grew increasingly more annoying.
Verdict & Value
Overall, the Asus ROG Strix Go 2.4 Electro Punk is a satisfying, compact and versatile gaming headset. Capable of both internal and external use, Asus have done their best to create a comfortable and premium sounding headset, albeit at a premium price. Although flexible, the general build quality leaves a little more to be desired in terms of the plastic headband and smaller earcups, but most gamers will find the lightweight design suitable for longer gaming sessions. Without Bluetooth connectivity, the Strix Go 2.4 falters in terms of true versatility, but more than makes up for it in sound quality and customisation alone when used in a gaming environment.
THREE AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Highlights: Sleek and compact design; Comfortable enough for longer gaming sessions; Premium sound quality; Expansive customisation via Armoury Crate software
Lowlights: Earcups can be a little small for larger heads and ears; Plastic headband and hinges feel a little too cheap for the price tag
Manufacturer: Asus
Price: A$349
Available: Now
Review based on unit supplied by Asus.
