Upgrading to a wireless headset

[Bobe]

I've been using an older generation of the fairly cheap Razer Carcharias for about five years, and I've run out of patience with the cable. I've always subscribed to the general principle that wires will always deliver better quality than wireless, but even if that is still true I've had enough of negotiating this troublesome cable. It's probably about time too, I've started noticing audio artifacts and apparently my microphone is starting to act weirdly.

 

So after a bit of looking around I've basically come down to two options; the Corsair Vengeance H2100 and the SteelSeries H. Bear in mind that my local retailer (which I pretty much have to use to avoid ridiculous shipping costs to Western Australia) has a limited range and probably won't stock any obscure brands that might be considered hidden gems. They literally only have those two and then Astros and Logitech.

 

I was originally drawn to the Corsair simply from a price standpoint, I don't really have to spend a lot of money because at this point basically any headset will be better quality than these Carcharias. However, a couple things made me think twice. For instance, something that bothers me about my current headset is the boom mic. I often like to wear a hoodie, especially in the winter, and when I'm not talking to anyone I'd have to move the mic down so that it doesn't pitch a tent in the hood (to be fair it doesn't poke too much but enough to be bothersome).

 

Then there's the rechargeability. Honestly, I use my headset a lot, like almost all the time. I don't use external speakers because I don't live alone and I don't like to make noise. So the 10 hour (max) lifespan on the Corsair had me a bit worried, even if I do plug it in when I'm not using it, which would be annoying in itself. Even the software that allows me to charge from USB even when the computer is turned off gave me BSoDs, so I don't really want to rely on that.

 

So basically what I'm asking is; for a casual gamer who uses headphones for everything for at least 10-12 hours a day, are the SteelSeries H overkill? Yes they have a convenient retractable mic and swappable batteries, but have some features that are wasted on me, like the share plug. I can afford them, but obviously they're not cheap (AUD$329, basically the same as my i5-4690K) and I'm wondering if it's worth the investment. I could probably claim tax on them anyway.

[JefferyD90]

I've been using an older generation of the fairly cheap Razer Carcharias for about five years, and I've run out of patience with the cable. I've always subscribed to the general principle that wires will always deliver better quality than wireless, but even if that is still true I've had enough of negotiating this troublesome cable. It's probably about time too, I've started noticing audio artifacts and apparently my microphone is starting to act weirdly.

 

So after a bit of looking around I've basically come down to two options; the Corsair Vengeance H2100 and the SteelSeries H. Bear in mind that my local retailer (which I pretty much have to use to avoid ridiculous shipping costs to Western Australia) has a limited range and probably won't stock any obscure brands that might be considered hidden gems. They literally only have those two and then Astros and Logitech.

 

I was originally drawn to the Corsair simply from a price standpoint, I don't really have to spend a lot of money because at this point basically any headset will be better quality than these Carcharias. However, a couple things made me think twice. For instance, something that bothers me about my current headset is the boom mic. I often like to wear a hoodie, especially in the winter, and when I'm not talking to anyone I'd have to move the mic down so that it doesn't pitch a tent in the hood (to be fair it doesn't poke too much but enough to be bothersome).

 

Then there's the rechargeability. Honestly, I use my headset a lot, like almost all the time. I don't use external speakers because I don't live alone and I don't like to make noise. So the 10 hour (max) lifespan on the Corsair had me a bit worried, even if I do plug it in when I'm not using it, which would be annoying in itself. Even the software that allows me to charge from USB even when the computer is turned off gave me BSoDs, so I don't really want to rely on that.

 

So basically what I'm asking is; for a casual gamer who uses headphones for everything for at least 10-12 hours a day, are the SteelSeries H overkill? Yes they have a convenient retractable mic and swappable batteries, but have some features that are wasted on me, like the share plug. I can afford them, but obviously they're not cheap (AUD$329, basically the same as my i5-4690K) and I'm wondering if it's worth the investment. I could probably claim tax on them anyway.

Grab a Logitech G930.  I have one and am SO happy with it.

[trag1c]

G930 is a wireless headset but you get what you pay for which really isn't much. You get low quality bassy audio. I hate using EQ but I had to on the G930 just so that other audio frequencies can be heard. It has tons of issues with interference but I suspect that its more so on the part of the low quality drivers that are in the Logitech gaming center or whatever they call it. The 7.1 is a complete gimmick since its only software that allows for surround sound but this can be done on any set of headphones. The 7.1 speakers set up on the G930 isn't actually individually controlled since its just a set of multiple speakers with a ground wire and a signal wire which means that the speakers all produce the exact same sound (back to my point on software.). Also the build quality is okay. However I do find the headset quite comfortable and the battery life is stellar.  The wireless range for the headset was also very good. so its not all bad but still not great.

[Aphexx]

as a former MMO raider using the corsair 2000 (the older version of the 2100) I had no probs with the battery life. if I knew I was in for a super long session then I would plug myself in to a usb outlet next to my chair for a bit. but even without plugging in I did get up to the 10 hour mark for continuous use.

that said I don't see myself getting used to losing audio and missing out on conversations to change a battery mid session.

 

as for audio /meh. its decent. its better than a turtle fucking beach but I have real headphones so it would be very tough for any run of the mill headsets to compete. I will say this I would never use it for FPS gaming. its useable but not great in terms of soundstage. and that virtual 7.1 bullshit..... don't get me started on that dolby headphone or EAX garbage.

[Guest]

“Upgrade”

[KaminKevCrew]

I had a 2100 wireless, and despite my taking very good care of them, the mic started to die after about 6 months. So if you want to get another headset in 6 months, get the corsair, otherwise I would probably get the steelseries. However, as SSL said, it really won't be much of a step up in audio quality, especially given the price. 

[Brandonberg]

I am in exactly the same boat. Right down to Western Australia (PLE? amiright?)

 

I will shortly be pulling the trigger on the Steel Series H wireless. They seem superior in every way. Apparently the share port doubles as a wired 3.5mm input so they can be used as a regular set of headphones..... very beneficial if you wanted to use them on the go. 

 

Havnt bought them yet but after watching Linus' reviews on both pairs, and doing extensive research on both pairs, i reckon the Steel series are worth the extra dollars.

[Bobe]

(PLE? amiright?)

 

Yup.

 

 

Havnt bought them yet but after watching Linus' reviews on both pairs, and doing extensive research on both pairs, i reckon the Steel series are worth the extra dollars.    

 

Yeah that's how I got to this point.

 

 

Regarding the comments about the "upgrade" in audio quality, I'm not buying it or justifying the cost based on audio quality, I'm simply assuming that nothing will sound worse than what I currently have.

[KaminKevCrew]

Regarding the comments about the "upgrade" in audio quality, I'm not buying it or justifying the cost based on audio quality, I'm simply assuming that nothing will sound worse than what I currently have.

Fair enough. Honestly though, for the price, you could probably get one of the Sennheiser wireless headphones and a desktop mic that would sound much better.

[Bobe]

Fair enough. Honestly though, for the price, you could probably get one of the Sennheiser wireless headphones and a desktop mic that would sound much better.

 

 I'm sure it would, but I simply don't like desktop mics.