KEY POINTS TO CONSIDER WHEN PURCHASING A GAMING-HEADSET
A great gaming headset is an absolute must for anyone seeking a fun, action-packed gaming experience. A headset is essentially a combination of a set of headphones and a microphone, designed to enable you to really get in on the action. Online gaming with friends via the likes of Discord and TeamSpeak makes the whole experience so much more enjoyable than just playing alone. The market is brimming with a seemingly endless choice of all sorts of different gaming headsets. Here’s our low-down on what to look out for if you decide to purchase one.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Good sound quality is absolutely essential
When purchasing a gaming headset, the number one criterion should be the sound quality it delivers. Your whole gaming experience will quickly turn sour if music, voices and noises sound muffled or distorted. By opting from the very outset for a high-quality model with exceptional features, you can be confident of enjoying impressive sound quality and a rich bass. What’s more, ambient effects, such as gun shots, will sound all the more realistic.
Should you opt for an open-back or closed back design?
If you’re the type of person who likes to fully immerse themselves in their favourite games without being disturbed, then your best bet would be to opt for closed-back headphones. These block out external noise and prevent anyone or anything distracting you from focusing on the action. Closed-back gaming headsets are, for example, ideal if you:
- often have to contend with background noise
- regularly go to LAN parties
- are a fan of heavy bass
Closed-back gaming headsets do have one disadvantage though: because the ear cups are completely closed, they can get rather warm during longer sessions, which some people find a little uncomfortable.
Open-back gaming headsets as well as gaming headphones like the TYGR 300 R not only allow some of the gaming music to escape, they also permit background noise to intrude from the outside. As a result, they are not as full-on as closed-back models and boast the following features:
- natural sound
- realistic tones
- plenty of atmospheric depth
This can, for example, make it easier for you to locate your opponents and enemies during gameplay. A further advantage is better air circulation around your ears. This means they won’t become uncomfortably warm even during the summer months. So, if you’re not constrained by factors such as noisy housemates, you also have the option of purchasing an open-back model. Many gamers also opt for open studio headphones such as the DT 990 PRO. Find out why studio headphones are suitable for gamers as well in this article: Are studio headphones also suitable for gaming?
The MMX 150 represents a compromise for any user who can’t decide whether to opt for a closed-back or open-back model. Although, technically speaking, the MMX 150 headset has a closed-back design, the Augmented Mode feature enables users to adjust the volume so that it creates the kind of three-dimensional sound profile associated with open-back headphones. This enables you to experience your surroundings in a more natural way. Ambient noise can be readily picked up as well, meaning your surroundings become veritably intertwined with the whole gaming experience.
Integrated microphone with excellent voice quality
A first-rate microphone is an essential component of any gaming headset. In the heat of battle, tactical exchanges with team-mates can make the difference between defeat and victory. And this is why they need to be transmitted clearly and precisely. A high-quality integrated microphone will ensure that all players can hear your voice perfectly and will eliminate any background noise. If there are occasions when you want to use your gaming headset to listen to music, many models even feature a detachable microphone.
Comfortable fit even during long gaming sessions
Die-hard gamers spend hours on end in the virtual world of computer games every single day. If you are just such an enthusiast, you must make absolutely sure that the gaming headset you choose is a comfortable fit. You should keep an eye out for a model which boasts the following features:
- ergonomic, lightweight design
- soft ear pads
- flexible hinges
- comfortable, adjustable head strap
- padded headbands
This will ensure your head won’t experience any pressure or discomfort later on.
USB connector or jack plug?
Many gaming headsets come with a jack plug. They can be connected directly to the sound card for use with the following devices:
- PC
- notebook
- TV
- smartphone
- tablet
- console
In many cases, models that come with a jack plug are more reasonably priced. However, if you do opt for a headset with a jack plug, please note that your PC will need to boast a superior sound card in order for you to enjoy surround sound.
Gaming headsets, on the other hand, have their own sounds cards, and can consequently deliver optimum sound irrespective of your PC’s own hardware. On the downside, gaming headsets with a USB connector have the following drawbacks:
- In most cases, you an only use them on your PC.
- You always need a free USB slot on your computer or console.
And what about wireless headsets?
Numerous wireless gaming headsets now also ensure an excellent sound experience. With a wireless model like the MMX 200 wireless you benefit from the following advantages:
- No plug
- No sockets
- Low latency despite wireless
- Up to 35 hours of battery life
Studio-level sound and voice quality - Clear voice transmission without disturbing ambient noise thanks to the removable META VOICE microphone
- Intuitive operation thanks to the control wheel and META LINK SWITCH
Conclusion
If you prefer to immerse yourself in your favorite games, we recommend choosing a gaming headset from the mid to high price segment with a classic stereo design and surround sound. How much you want to spend on a new gaming headset ultimately depends on your options, ideas and needs. There are also inexpensive models that are not necessarily worse than expensive devices