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Sharkoon have opted for a simple over-the-head design for both the X-Tatic SX and SP headsets which should prove more comfortable than neckband models like the SteelSeries Siberia. The entire construction is plastic in both cases although the headbands are covered in padded faux-leather. The headbands are both fully adjustable on both sides.
The X-Tatic SX is finished almost entirely in white which makes it look quite stunning. Thankfully, Sharkoon have opted for grey faux-leather on the inside of the headband and earcups which should prevent too much grime being picked up in the most ‘at risk’ areas. The headband has a large ‘XTATIC SX’ logo stretched across the top while the Sharkoon logo is confined to the top of the earcups.
For the X-Tatic SP, Sharkoon have used a black colour scheme for the whole headset. This gives it a much more understated appearance than the Xbox model which will appeal to a larger number of customers. Like the SX, the headband also features a large logo which reads ‘XTATIC SP’.
Build quality seems reasonable for the price point of these headsets even though both use an all-plastic construction. They should be able to withstand a reasonable amount of abuse but they do lack the indestructible feeling of the SteelSeries Spectrum 5XB. Most of the plastic surfaces have a matte finish although there are glossy plastic inserts on the outside of each earcup for decoration. These are pretty small, though, so shouldn’t pick up too many fingerprints.
The inline control is another feature shared by both headsets. Alongside the volume control wheels, there are also microphone volume controls and mute buttons. We also find a 2.5mm jack located on the side of each volume control for Xbox 360 Chat. On the SP model there is also a small switch to let you select between USB (PS3/PC) or 2.5mm (Xbox) microphone inputs. The inline control is located about 80cm down the cable on both models which is too far in our opinion. It also pulls on the left earcup which can be quite annoying if you’re playing for a while.
Like most other Xbox headsets on the market, both the X-Tatic SX and SP have numerous cables that need to be plugged in to various places. Audio is supplied via a standard 3.5mm connector which can be converted to two RCA connections using the supplied connector. Power is supplied via a USB connector which also provides the Playstation voice functionality with the SP version. The headsets are both fully PC compatible as long as you have a spare USB port and a headphone jack (and a microphone jack with the SX).
Those who use an HDMI connection between their console and headset will need to use the 3.5mm connector without an adapter. Connecting the headsets up in this manner is difficult as the separate connections only break out from the main cable about 20cm from the end. This doesn’t leave enough cable to plug the 3.5mm connector into your TV and the USB cable into your Xbox or PS3. So you’ll either need a 3.5mm extension cable or a USB extension cable.
