IO Graphite 2 Gaming Headset Review – High-Quality Sound and Thoughtful Design

Technical specifications

• Speaker diameter:  50 mm
• Headphone frequency range:  20 – 20000 Hz
• Microphone frequency range:  50 – 10000 Hz
• Headphone impedance:  32 ohms
• Microphone impedance: 2.2 kOhm
• Headphone sensitivity:  112 ± 3 dB
• Microphone sensitivity:  -38 ± 3 dB
• Connectors: USB-C for connecting to a PC, 3.5 mm for connecting a microphone
• Cable length:  1.8 m
• Compatibility: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 , Windows, Linux , iOS, Mac OS, Android
• Weight:  315 g
• Controls: buttons
• Colors: White / Black / Ice Cream / Rose Gold
• Features: C-Media CM6572 audio chip, detachable microphone, built-in EQ with four modes, software support for customization, custom speakers with gold plating

Packaging and assembly

The IO Graphite 2 gaming headset comes in a rectangular black and gray cardboard box. The front features an image of the device and its name, the back displays technical specifications, and one of the side panels provides information about the model’s features.

Inside, in addition to the headphones, there is a detachable 1.8-meter USB-C cable, a USB-C to USB-A adapter, a microphone, a pop filter, two silicone ear tips, replaceable fabric ear pads, a sticker with the brand logo, and documentation.

Design

The IO Graphite 2 headphones come in four colors: Ice Cream, Rose Gold, White, and Black. We received the latter color for review, so we’ll discuss it below.

The new product has an “aviation-inspired” design: generously sized oval earcups are attached to a massive metal headband. The headband is covered in elastic eco-leather with precise stitching and soft padding inside. The company logo is embossed on the outside of the headband, and the side designations are on the inside.

When developing the headset, special emphasis was placed on its ergonomics, so it features adjustable earcups with notches for precise positioning. The earcups, in turn, have a mechanism for adjusting the angle to ensure the tightest and most comfortable fit.

The earcups come with faux leather earpads out of the box, but they can be swapped for fabric ones. Both earcups feature soft padding that’s 3 mm thicker than previous-generation models. This provides a more comfortable fit, essential for long gaming sessions.

The controls are located on the left earcup. They consist of four multifunctional buttons, the functions of which I’ll explain below. For added convenience, the buttons are of varying sizes and have raised markings, making their functions easy to understand and their locations easy to locate by touch.

In addition to the controls, the left earcup features a status indicator and two ports: a USB-C port for connecting to an audio source and a 3.5mm jack for connecting to a microphone. The microphone has a movable stem and a pop filter. Both ports have silicone seals to prevent moisture and dust from entering.

The USB-C connector is 1.8 meters long and is made of paracord, a material more commonly found in mice. Its advantages include being lightweight and extremely flexible, meaning it won’t interfere with your headphones. Its detachable design makes it easy to replace if damaged, though this is unlikely due to its exceptionally high quality. Another nice bonus is the inclusion of a reusable zip tie for compact storage.

Connection, control and configuration

The IO Graphite 2 headphones connect via USB-C and are compatible with PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 , Windows, Linux, iOS, Mac OS, and Android. In other words, they work with any device capable of playing audio and equipped with a USB-C output. If your audio device doesn’t have one, the included USB-A adapter will do the trick.

To connect to the audio source, simply connect the cable to both devices. After that, the headset is ready to use . Driver installation is not required, but you can find setup software on the model’s page . The manufacturer’s website is currently under development, so the necessary files have been carefully stored in the cloud , where you can easily download them.

The setup utility looks simple, but it packs a punch. It lets you adjust the microphone and speaker volume, select a preset sound profile, create your own, and change your voice.

The controls are located on the body. As mentioned above, they vary in size and have raised markings, so you can find them and understand their functions by touch. This is convenient, as in the heat of battle, removing the headphones to check where the buttons are and what they do is quite impractical. Their functions are as follows:

• volume key “+”: short press increases the volume, long press skips tracks forward;
• volume key “-” short press decreases the volume, long press scrolls back through tracks;
• The “EQ” button starts and stops playback with short presses, accepts and ends calls with long presses, and switches the equalizer mode with double presses;
• The button with the image of a microphone is responsible for turning it on and off.

The headset is powered via the cable, meaning it turns on/off when connected. You’ll hear a beep and the status LED will flash green. Similar indicators are provided for changing the equalizer mode and activating/deactivating the microphone.

Impressions of use

The IO Graphite 2 headset has a stylish, modern, and high-quality appearance. The White and Black color options are classic and will appeal to those who prefer a minimalist design, while the Ice Cream and Rose Gold options will appeal to those who prefer brightly colored devices and want to stand out from the crowd.

In addition to its striking design, this new product boasts excellent craftsmanship, including a metal headband, tactilely pleasing ear pads, soft padding, and a durable paracord cable. An extra pair of ear pads is included, allowing you to choose the perfect one for your needs.

While we’re on the subject of accessories, I’d like to remind you that there’s a USB-A adapter included, which will come in handy if your audio source doesn’t have a USB-C port or it’s occupied.

Speaking of connectivity, it’s worth noting the headphones’ wide compatibility , allowing them to be connected to PCs and laptops , mobile devices, gaming consoles, and more. In other words, they can be used with virtually any device, as USB-C ports are now standard on virtually everything. You don’t need specialized software, but if you still want to customize the settings, you can install it.

In terms of usability, the model provides a secure, snug fit with good passive sound isolation, while also remaining comfortable even after extended use. I also appreciate the convenient, logically designed control buttons and the lightweight, durable cable, which is flexible enough to stay out of the way. The detachable cable and microphone are also a plus.

The IO Graphite 2 headset delivers audio with custom 50mm drivers featuring gold-plated membranes, air chambers in each earcup, and a premium C-Media CM6572 audio chip, delivering 24-bit sampling and distortion below 90 dB. The drivers have a frequency range of 20–20,000 Hz, impedance of 32 ohms, and sensitivity of 112 dB.

This model delivers a smooth and balanced sound with deep bass, detailed mids, and vibrant highs, making it ideal for all usage scenarios, from watching movies and listening to music to chatting and gaming. In the latter, you get excellent positioning, which enhances immersion and gives you a distinct advantage over competitors.

Worth mentioning separately are the four presets, which will allow you to achieve the best sound for specific tasks:

• Clean – basic “universal” sound with good detail and high quality;
• Game – in this mode, the low frequencies are slightly cut and the mids are boosted, thanks to which you get clearer positioning and less deafening sound of loud sounds, such as gunshots and explosions;
• Bass – with this preset you will get a sound with a richer bass;
• Vocal – boosted high frequencies for better vocal sound.

The new product’s microphone also delivers. With a frequency range of 50-10,000 Hz, an impedance of 2.2 kOhm, and a sensitivity of -38 dB, it perfectly captures every nuance of voice, while built-in noise cancellation ensures clear sound. Thus, the IO Graphite 2 headset’s microphone can be used not only for comfortable communication but also for streaming or voice recording. While other models are better suited for the latter two tasks, it’s still worth considering as a starting point.

Conclusion

The IO Graphite 2 is a great headset that has everything you need and nothing you don’t.

Its advantages include high-quality materials, good assembly, well-thought-out design, attractive appearance, easy connection, wide compatibility, convenient controls, customization options, a clear microphone, high-quality sound, four equalizer modes, and a wide range of accessories.

The new model is priced at 3,500 rubles. Therefore, given the above and the lack of any drawbacks, the IO Graphite 2 is not only a great model in terms of features but also affordable. This makes it an excellent choice for users looking for high-quality, affordable headphones for a wide range of applications.