Buying a new gaming headset is a responsible job that needs to be done wisely. PC Gamer Portal speakWhat are the things to keep in mind before buying a gaming headset?
Wired headphones sound better, but wireless headphones are also good
First of all, it is necessary to decide on the basic question: will the new headphones be wired or wireless? Both options can be supported by solid arguments.
Fans of wired headphones can say that this is the best way to ensure great sound quality without having to worry about connectivity and latency issues. Absolute truth. But at the same time, it is impossible not to mention that wireless technology has made great strides in recent years. Headphones connected via a 2.4 GHz dongle will sound great – the average user won't notice the slightest delay in most cases.
However, the same can hardly be said about Bluetooth headphones – you're better off not buying them for gaming. Bluetooth is useful if you want to wear a gaming headset outside to listen to music, but they cause noticeable lag when gaming. You may even notice that the audio is a bit slower than what's happening on the screen. But if the headset supports both 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth, it's okay. The first one can be used for PC and consoles, while the second one can be used for listening to music on the go.
A good driver will handle both music and games
Inside the Earcup there is a driver – the part that transmits sound to the ear. They are basically small speakers so their quality determines the sound quality.
Size, to a certain extent, matters. The 40mm driver will give the sound plenty of depth and power, although there are smaller models that are just as good. And Earbud headphones have very small drivers, but they are placed deep in the ear canal, helping to achieve the desired effect.
Here you should decide what type of headset you want to buy: gaming or universal. The second option is more recommended because headphones that play music well are also great for gaming. Of course, it can be difficult to balance spending a lot of money on a dedicated gaming headset that emphasizes positional audio… But unless you're a professional eSports player, they're unlikely to make much of a difference to the gaming experience.
Good drivers from trusted brands like Razer, HyperX, Beyerdynamic, Corsair and others will perform well not only in games but also in movies, music and other tasks. Buy peripherals from famous brands, check reviews from other buyers and reviews from experts. So you definitely can't go wrong.
If the headphones look uncomfortable, they probably are.
Comfort is one of the most subjective categories and depends on many factors; Sometimes this parameter is difficult to convey accurately in reviews. However, as a rule, the first impression here is rarely misleading – uncomfortable headphones can be distinguished from comfortable headphones even by appearance. No matter your head shape or hairstyle, comfortable headphones should have secure head cushioning.
Ear pads or cushions on the cups are also important. Many manufacturers use synthetic leather alternatives and some are actually comfortable. Others make your ears sweat a lot during long gaming sessions, and any reviewer will certainly note this.
Again, it's hard to give any general advice here, so just pay attention to any mentions of comfort or discomfort in reviews and solid reviews. Also, remember that all headphones squeeze your head differently: some fit perfectly for the first few days, but then start slipping off whenever you turn your head.
Having a microphone is nice but not necessary
Any good gaming headset should have a microphone with some depth and richness to the sound, and the sound should be clear enough to cut through the soundscape of a multiplayer game. But in reality, this is not as important as one might think. If you barely use voice chat and don't intend to use a headset for remote work meetings, microphone quality won't be a priority.
However, a microphone is never redundant, so look for headphones with built-in cardioid. Another option is a headset with a retractable microphone, which can be removed if you plan to travel or simply store it away for convenience.
Finally, remember – if you like headphones but they don't have a good microphone, no one will stop you from buying your own in the future. And it's almost guaranteed to be better.
The bigger the battery, the better
This item is related to wireless headphones. The longer they operate without recharging, the better. Most good models give an average operating time of 25-50 hours and this is a quite respectable number. The 2.4 GHz connection uses more battery than Bluetooth, and RGB lighting can also affect the autonomy of the headset.
