Gaming Headset

Tommy_Gun · October 14, 2024

Im looking into getting a wireless headset. My budget is around 100 USD but I am willing to pay a little more if it is worth it. I havent paid any attention to headsets in general since I bought my Astros A40's back in like 2017. As of right now I am thinking Corsair HS70. When I was looking at specs for headsets I notice there are way more options compared to 17' like virtual surround sound, spatial audio and Dolby Atmos. Can y'all please help me out.

podkall · October 14, 2024

32 minutes ago, Tommy_Gun said:

like virtual surround sound

Stereo all you need, virtual doesn't fit with some people at all and can be completely pointless feature they dont use.

Things like 7.1 surround sound fall into this, the headphones can mimick this, but it's not for everyone and it alters the sound in a way not always desired.

Look at Corsair, SteelSeries, Logitech, Razer and HyperX headphones. Those are popular.

See if any expensive are on discount in your country that pushes them down into your budget.

Watch reviews of specific headphones to see how well they do. (some even showcase mic quality, and some are very detailed or informative enough to give you a picture)

Ciuy · October 18, 2024

Hello,

For gaming you most def want to either stick to cable 3.5mm/Usb cans or 2.4Ghz Wireless (especially if you want to use the built in mic/boom stick).

Regarding wireless bluetooth:

BT Headphones are either meh latency/quality or both and work very poorly in combo with a microphone (bandwidth splits to 120kbps and sound is 1932 radio like on the default SBC codec Win auto switches). No way to fix the microphone issue at all. Never buy headsets over bluetooth unless you don`t care about quality.

BT Codecs Sbc/AAC are lame, standard use no care workhorse.

APTx=HD/LL/adaptive are ok if you can control them with a good DAC but a pita to switch around. Also less than CD quality audio like the previous ones, which is important for surround in games ex, in combo with apps like Dolby Atmos (Central), DTS and so on that require more band.

LDAC (Sony) is quite useful over Bt for audio only (mic not supported over), set on Quality it gives almost CD Quality and ok latency but must stay 3-4m from Tx or else it drops fast. Offers enough band for Dolby to function 360 bubble good enough. I also have the Sony WH1ks that sound great but build quality sub-par & heavy.

Regarding Wireless 2.4Ghz:

Wireless 2.4 have none of those issues with the codecs mambojambo salad, all of them use a in-house transmitter (Tx) usually locked at 16bit/48k Hz (cd quality) for battery & other reasons cant go higher, deliver 20s latency, plenty bit rate, no issues in combination with a microphone incorporated in cans. They do differ from who makes them, some range longer, others sound better; It is it`s own mess but not worth verifying. Battery lasts less considering they output more performance. For Hi-Fi, one must switch to 3.5mm jack or USB-c cable, as expected in the audiophile field.

There are plenty 2.4ghz cans and all will sound as good as they are build by who makes them (brand and such), bandwidth wont be an issue anymore but the quality of the Tx 2.4Ghz dongle is more important now, like a good "cable".

Most 2.4ghz cans also have Bt with good codec support, 3.5mm jack is a bonus. Also usb-c charging can also acts as connectivity while charging and can be switched to act as a 3.5mm if more advanced (but quality might drop i read).

Wireless E Interference might be an issue if you also have a router in vicinity, phone near-by, other 2.4Ghz mouse/keyboard nearby & especially wireless chargers or usb 3.0+ hubs. They are a jamming bubble of 1ft. Quality will die like a bad wifi signal if to close or in-between. Keep them direct line of sight Tx-Rx, no cross-crossing.

My thoughts are that Logitech/steelseries has better range over the defaults. I would avoid razers since build quality is lesser than the internals.

Personally i use B&O Portals for gaming & movies ($130-250) they are tuned & come with Dolby Atmos as well free, which I believe to be the best compared to Razers THX, DTS or Win for surround and it works for stereo 2ch speakers as well (only); it has height simulation.

Grab what you can at a good deal and select based on what they offer and looks. Reviews will give you good idea of build quality.

Edit:

Here is a paper by Intel about 2.4Ghz & USB 3.0+ radio interference so you know how to best avoid conflicts over 2.4Ghz which is a very loud & used band. Basically use 2.0 usb.

https://www.usb.org/sites/default/files/327216.pdf