The gaming industry in this century is experiencing a peak of popularity. Virtually every company considers it their duty to release a device related to the game class. So even among the laptops, intended primarily for "mobile work", there appeared gaming devices. Manufacturers are not to blame for the fact that the current generation of gamers cannot imagine their life without a gaming mouse, keyboard and headphones. On the latter and will be discussed in the current article.
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Gaming headset which company to choose
Gaming headphones or headset? In fact, these two types of devices are one and the same, however, headphones are primarily intended for listening to music and watching movies. The headset is equipped with a microphone and additional buttons with which you can negotiate in games, as well as carry out a number of pre-programmed actions. Thus, it is more correct to call the heroes of our article "gaming headsets".
The headphone market is quite large and devices of various configurations are represented on it. But the whole class of gaming headsets combines the functions and options that each model should have.
So good headphones should have the following criteria:
- high-quality sound, with which you can recognize not only the steps of a suitable opponent, but also echoes behind the wall. As a rule, in top headphones there is support for 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound.
- wearing comfort - in fact, the whole class of gaming headphones is represented by full-size headsets with headband and large ear pads. It is on their quality and it will depend on how much you can sit in the headphones without interruption.
Thus, when choosing a headset for games, you need to pay attention to both the usability and the quality of the output sound. All other pribludy and chips of a particular headset - an amateur.
The lion's share of gaming headsets comes with a high-quality microphone for voice chat inside games. But if you do not play online, then this option is not required. As for the additional controls and buttons, the developers often hang the headphone cups with a large number of keys. However, they rarely come in handy in gaming PC gamers who have mice with a function block and gaming keyboards with extra keys.
The sound control on the headset may well be useful in battle, but almost all new-generation games have the function of automatically adjusting the volume, which ultimately “makes the player forget” about this option.
But you should forget about wireless headsets for games once and for all. Despite the dominance of wireless technologies, the development of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi interfaces, players still reject such devices. It’s all the fault of having a weak battery in them, and as a result, discharging the battery at the most inopportune moment. Yes, and the delay in the transmission of data over the "air" is significantly higher than in wired counterparts.
As a rule, all gaming headsets are connected to a computer using a wire via a USB interface, but a number of models use the old proven method - a dual 3.5 mm mini-jack - microphone + headphones.
The market of gaming headsets is represented by various companies, among which there are both exclusively game representatives and top-end firms producing acoustics:
1. A4Tech
One of the most popular brands among gamers that produce low-cost and high-quality peripherals. Under the wing A4Tech produced computer mice, keyboards, headphones and headsets. And, of course, among them, first of all, there are representatives of the game class.
2. Sennheiser
German company, founded in 1945.Specializes in the production of headphones / headsets and is considered one of the best in its segment. The company is not a manufacturer of gaming peripherals, but a number of devices can be used for games.
3. Razer
Exceptionally gaming brand, which produces not only headsets with keyboards, but also laptops of this class. Devices of "Reiser" production are popular among cybersportsmen, however, due to the high cost they did not take root in the ordinary ordinary gamer.
4. HyperX
A subsidiary of Kingston Technology, which in addition to issuing solid-state drives and gaming peripherals, among which are worthy representatives with a low price.
5. Logitech
Like A4Tech, the company produces devices of various classes and budget levels. In the manufacturer's portfolio you can find both expensive headsets and ultra-budget headphones.
But, despite the quality and functionality of certain headsets, the user, above all, is repelled by the "thickness of his wallet." How much are you willing to pay for gaming headphones? By definition, a quality game headset cannot be cheap. But anyone can touch the class of gaming devices. We have selected for you 8 gaming headsets of four levels of budget.
The best gaming headsets ultrabudget level
A4Tech HS-60
A4Tech HS-60 - one of the best headphones in the initial price segment. In fact, this is one of the cheapest and quality headsets on the Russian market. For a low cost, the user gets a full-size headphones with a microphone with a good sensitivity of 97 dB. The headboard has metal guides, in which wires are hidden, thanks to which the headset is easily adjustable and wear-resistant. Of the additional features there is a sound control on the wiring, as well as a “hanger” for the monitor, complete with a headset.
Of course, the sound quality of this model can not be with that of the top gaming headsets, but it is quite enough for gaming battles. Connecting to a computer using two mini-jacks for 3.5 millimeters. For a number of gamers who prefer to play on a laptop with one hybrid input, this headset may not be suitable. However, to want more from a device with such a price is not decent.
Advantages:
- ultra affordable price for this class of devices;
- sensitive microphone on bending "leg";
- wire sound control and a clothespin for the monitor;
- robust double arc design;
- a set of summer (leatherette) and winter (fur) ear cushions;
- with long listening ears do not get tired.
Disadvantages:
- the quality of "summer" embouchures with leatherette on the fan;
- quiet sound, quite appropriate price, without bass and treble.
Defender Warhead HN-G110
Defender Warhead HN-G110 - a representative ultra-budget class headsets. Judging by the name, the manufacturer positions its device as a game device, but neither the appearance nor the functionality speaks about it. But this does not prevent the use of headphones in games. The frequency range is quite high for a headset with such a cost - 20-28000 Hz. In this case, the headphones have a sensitive microphone and sound control.
In general, headphones fit any gamer due to its sliding design. The quality of ear cushions at a decent level, however, the sound output is quite consistent with its price range - weak, without highlighting the bass. Like the A4Tech HS-60, they connect to a PC with two mini-jacks.
Advantages:
- low price;
- sound control and microphone;
- good noise insulation;
- quality materials ear cushions.
Disadvantages:
- weak and flimsy design headband;
- not suitable for listening to music due to the lack of bass, quiet sound;
- microphone adjustment only in the vertical plane;
- low position of the sound control on the wire.
The best gaming headsets budget level
A4Tech Bloody G501
A4Tech Bloody G501 is an interesting functional model from A4Tech with a low price for this class of devices. Connecting to a PC using the USB-interface, which eliminates the possibility of using the headset in a smartphone or player. High-quality sound is achieved by the built-in sound card. Gaming headphones have a soft headband and high-sensitivity omnidirectional retractable microphone.
The appearance of the headset speaks for itself - black and red aggressive design, good quality plastic and pleasant to the touch ear cushions. In this case, the functionality is to become top-end devices. On the control panel there is not only a volume control, but also additional function control keys. Special software allows you to customize the equalizer and sound display modes. The Bloody G501 headset supports 7.1 “virtual” surround sound, although its quality is not comparable to real Surround 7.1.
Advantages:
- the best value for money and functionality;
- control panel with sound control and additional buttons to switch presets and mute the microphone;
- beautiful design and quality performance;
- braided wire;
- wearing comfort and long use;
- durable design of the headband and the headphones bowls themselves;
- quality sound with the ability to customize.
Disadvantages:
- A number of PCs may have audio problems, which will require the installation of additional drivers;
- "Artificial 7.1."
ASUS Cerberus
ASUS Cerberus is a direct competitor of the A4Tech Bloody G501 model in the price range. “Cerberus” is equipped with two microphones: one is built-in, of tolerable quality, which is more suitable for Skype talks, the other is external, very sensitive and suitable for gaming chat. With regard to the quality of the sound produced and the possibility of positioning, then they have no complaints. In this gaming headset, it is easy to hear the steps of the enemy approaching in CS: GO or to recognize the sound of a caliber in World of Tanks by breaking through. The connection interface uses a standard USB.
Like any other device from Asus, ASUS Cerberus is notable for the high quality of performance not only of the case, but also of the ear cushions. However, a minor drawback is the ill-conceived system of ventilation of the cups, due to which sometimes it is necessary to remove and “air” the headphones.
Advantages:
- removable and highly sensitive microphone;
- The best ratio of price and quality;
- neutral design with red trim;
- sound control, extension cable included;
- wire in nylon braid;
- quality sound.
Disadvantages:
- insufficient ventilation of the cups;
- large head sizes can cause discomfort.
Top mid-level gaming headsets
Sennheiser PC330
The Sennheiser PC330 is a full-size headphone with superb sound and microphone. In this model, the German quality is felt in all details, starting from materials of ear cushions / wires and ending with assembly. The external microphone has a noise cancellation function, and the headphones are connected to the computer using two classic 3.5 mm mini-jacks, which allows using the headset not only for games, but also for listening to music.
In fact, the Sennheiser PC330 is a universal headset that fits different usage scenarios. However, it is in the games she manifests herself best. The high reproducible frequency range of 14-22000 Hz clearly positions the actions of the enemy, and the volume control does not “interfere” on the wire and is placed on one of the bowls. And the right bowl has a turning mechanism in the style of "DJ headphones", but this "feature" is little involved in games and is almost useless.
Advantages:
- excellent and clear bass sound;
- quality materials and assembly;
- Classic design with height-adjustable microphone;
- sound control, rendered on the headphone bowl;
- Good price for German sound and brand.
Disadvantages:
- fragile cable;
- Ears quickly sweat because of kozhzam in ear cups;
- low noise insulation for this class of devices;
- For some players, long wearing will cause discomfort due to the high pressure of the headphones on the head.
HyperX Cloud Core
HyperX Cloud Core - gaming headset, released a division of Kingston and is the most budget in the line of HyperX. Headphones are positioned by the company solely as a gaming solution, which combines high-quality sound and a comfortable fit. The quality is traced in every detail: leatherette in ear cushions, neodymium magnets, aluminum in the headboard design, durable plastic bowls.
The microphone in the model is condenser, requiring additional power. Since not all sound cards are capable of issuing additional volts for a headset, before buying, you should make sure that your laptop or PC has the necessary “sound” for the headset. Otherwise, after the acquisition, a highly sensitive microphone will become a useless option.
The headset has high reproducible frequencies (15 - 25000 Hz) and impedance (60 Ohms), which indicates excellent sound and a large number of supported devices. Connecting with a standard mini-jack and a classic non-hilarious design make it possible to use HyperX Cloud Core not only for games, but also for listening to music in public places.
Advantages:
- best sound in the middle price range;
- very sensitive microphone and extension cable included;
- high-quality assembly and materials;
- braided cable;
- comfortable wearing and long use;
- The ability to use as a classic headphones for listening to music.
Disadvantages:
- lack of replaceable ear cushions;
- condenser microphone with all the consequences;
- because of the high impedance, a sound amplifier or a discrete sound card is needed for “swinging” and louder sound.
The best gaming headsets top level
Razer kraken pro
Razer Kraken Pro - headset from the top manufacturer of gaming peripherals. The headphones have a good sound of good quality that can rip off the brainchild of Senheiser. It is quite enough for accurate positioning in games, and the quality of the headset itself is time tested. This model has a recognizable design, as well as many reprints with improved functionality, characteristics and, of course, increased price. Do not forget that the Razer in the gaming industry, like Apple - expensive and high quality.
By the way, there are no complaints about the assembly and quality of materials for the Kraken. In bowls with velvet or leather ear cushions there are neodymium magnets, and the connection from the console or PC via mini-jacks. The microphone is sensitive, the software allows you to simulate high-quality surround sound in 5.1 mode with clear bass and high volume.
Advantages:
- high-quality surround audio 5.1;
- the convenience of use;
- first-class body materials and cushions;
- extension cable 2 meters in the kit;
- the presence of neodymium magnets in bowls.
Disadvantages:
- Not every player will be able to deal with the software Razer Synapse;
- stranded cable without nylon braid;
- poor functionality at this price.
Logitech G633 Artemis Spectrum Gaming Headset
The Logitech G633 Artemis Spectrum Gaming Headset is a kind of “masthead” model among cybersportsmen that stands out above all for its appearance and lighting. This headset has two volume controls, both on the bowl itself and on the cable. Moreover, in addition, a number of function keys are located on the headphones, which are intended not only to control the sound level, but also to turn off the microphone and LED-backlighting.
Connection to gaming devices is possible using a USB interface and 3.5 millimeter mini-jacks. The quality of sound and assembly - at the highest level, which corresponds to the price category. The device supports 7.1 surround sound, which allows you to determine the enemy running up to tens of meters, as this is especially important in shooters. However, the average cost of the device may deter an ordinary user from buying.
Advantages:
- high-quality surround audio 7.1;
- dual type of connection to gaming devices;
- possibility of use, both with consoles, and with PC;
- spectacular appearance;
- function buttons on the bowls.
Disadvantages:
- high price;
- weak microphone for this class of headsets;
- big ear cushions will not suit every player.
What gaming headset to buy
1. If you are only interested in ordinary headphones with a microphone for World of Tanks or any MMORPG, then it will be enough to buy ultrabudgetary A4Tech HS-60, which combine low cost and good performance. Various sets of ear cushions for the summer and winter period will be a boon for lovers of exclusive things.
2. By paying a small amount, you can buy A4Tech Bloody G501, which by their very appearance speak of belonging to a gaming class. And the functionality for a relatively small amount is simply huge.
3. Fans of high-quality German sound are recommended to purchase the Sennheiser PC330 model in a classic package.
4. If you want a top-end device with a game design, then your choice should fall on the G633 Artemis Spectrum Gaming Headset from Logitech, which combines not only functionality but also excellent sound and materials.
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