CORSAIR VIRTUOSO PRO vs VIRTUOSO: What’s the difference?

With the release of the CORSAIR VIRTUOSO PRO, we felt it useful to let you know how it differs from the previous CORSAIR VIRTUOSO headsets. If you’re interested in all the features of the Virtuoso Pro, then take a look at our article for that. For now, though, let’s see how it’s different from the previous versions, and which is best for you. We’ll start with the comparable specs.

While popular wisdom would say that wireless headsets are superior to their tethered brethren, this is not always the case, as we’ll explain by comparing the CORSAIR VIRTUOSO PRO vs VIRTUOSO headsets.

This is the main thing that differentiates the VIRTUOSO PRO from the previous VIRTUOSO headsets. Let’s break it down:

• VIRTUOSO PRO: 3.5mm
• VIRTUOSO RGB WIRELESS XT: 2.4Ghz, 3.5mm, Bluetooth
• VIRTUOSO RGB WIRELESS: 2.4Ghz, 3.5mm

So, no, you can’t wander around with reckless abandon while continuing to hear audio from your PC or console anymore. However, the ubiquitous 3.5mm connection provides a lot of advantages.

Firstly, it can plug into almost any device. After all, the 3.5mm standard was introduced in the 1950s, so there’s more than half a century’s worth of devices that will work with the VIRTUOSO PRO. Additionally, this means you can use pretty much any DAC or mixer, and of course you need not worry about battery life or losing connection.

We also refined the iconic silhouette from the other VIRTUOSO headsets. Anyone familiar with CORSAIR’s products will immediately identify this as part of the VIRTUOSO family. However, a closer look reveals some cool differences.

Starting at the top, we’ve redesigned the headband. We’ve now stitched the headband to create multiple “cushions”, which helps to improve comfort by making distinctly squishy bits of padding.

Moving to the earcups, the open-back design (more on that later), has allowed us to create a more interesting look than the previous closed-back VIRTUOSOs. The exterior of the earcups, previously brushed aluminum or polished plastic, now have the characteristic CORSAIR triangular honeycomb design.

From the spec sheet at the beginning of this page, you can see that this is the lightest variant in the VIRTUOSO line-up at just 338g/11.9oz, however, that's not the only comfort improvement we've made.

A side-benefit of the open-back design is that the earcups allow heat to dissipate way more quickly. Those with experience using the other VIRTUOSO headsets know that they can get hot after long periods. With the VIRTUOSO PRO, it will take far longer to get sweaty, which is always an advantage, especially for extended periods of streaming.

Another way that we've increased the wearability of the VIRTUOSO PRO as compared to the previous headsets is with a change to the upholstery on the earcups. Where the older VIRTUOSOs used a leatherette material, here we've gone with a breathable fabric instead. Leather is great for a touch of premium classiness, but fabric is the correct choice for a professional set of cans designed for longer periods of use. The earcups, by the way, are also totally replaceable, with a quick clockwise spin, they click free.

So, if after a couple years of use, the ear cushions have become soaked through with the sort of sweat that only comes along as a result of frequent Valorant clutches, you can always request spares from our customer support team. this is the case with the padding on the headband, too. Meaning you can totally refresh the contact points on the VIRTUOSO PRO, keeping it like new for years to come.

Beneath these triangles you can catch a glimpse of the drivers and the sails logo. It’s worth noting here that these are user replaceable too. This means you can get spares if you break them, or just yank them off if you like the naked vibe similar to a set of speakers. The yokes that hold the earcups to the headband have also changed, sporting a more compact design.

Now, some might be displeased at the elimination of RGB lighting and the almost total lack of visible logos, however, we designed the CORSAIR VIRTUOSO PRO to be a more performance-focused, visually subdued experience. Additionally, due to the 3.5mm connection, powering RGB lighting wouldn’t be possible.

Aside from visual changes and the move to wired connectivity, the biggest differences between the new model and the previous VIRTUOSO headsets is the use of a new diaphragm material and an open-back design. Both of these changes have created a very distinct listening experience as compared to the older VIRTUOSOs. Let’s talk about it.

The open-back design gives the VIRTUOSO PRO a very different audio quality. Essentially, air being able to escape makes the sound feel more natural. You’ll see people describe this as a wider soundstage, and it makes whatever you’re listening to sound more realistic. This is because the open-back design makes the audio sound less like it's coming from small drivers next to your ear and more like it coming from around you. You can read more about it on our open-back vs closed-back article. Now, let’s talk about graphene.

Typically, the diaphragm (the bit that vibrates, creating the noise) is made from plastic-based materials, however, this is not necessarily the best material choice. This is why we went with Graphene for the VIRTUOSO PRO. Graphene is a super low mass material, which allows it to move with very little power and it’s less prone to distortion. We’ve actually written all about Graphene on a separate page you can visit for a more in-depth explanation of this fascinating technology.

If you're considering any of these headsets, check them out over on our main website right now.