Headset recommendation?

Forums › Gaming › Headset recommendation?

Kol12

370 posts

Ultimate Geek

#207698 9-Jan-2017 19:14

I'm after a gaming headset, doesn't necessarily have to be gaming but must have a mic as that is the primary purpose.

I currently have a pair of Takstar Pro 80's, they're actually what the Kingston Hyper X Cloud are but with Kingston's gaming branding on them... I was recommended them after reading through many reviews as being near audiophile headphones. I love them, and they are my all purpose right now but lack a mic and I'd like to get into teamspeak.

As these will likely remain my main cans I don't want a high end headset, they will likely only be used for teamspeak game/situations. But, being somewhat of an audiophile I want good sound quality while preferably staying in the mid range bracket. I think I'll pass on 7.1 headsets as I may look at trying to achieve that with a sound card solution instead...

So what are you guys rocking? Any recommendations?

PS: I know that the Kingston Hyper X Cloud is probably at the same sound quality as the Takstar Pro 80 as they pretty much are the same headphone but I don't feel right about having the same headphone as a headset.

1 | 2

683 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1700637 9-Jan-2017 20:08

My Corsair Raptor HS40 USB Gaming Headset has served me well for the last few years.

networkn

Networkn
32351 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1700696 9-Jan-2017 23:49

You don't mention budget?

Kol12

370 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1700697 10-Jan-2017 00:00

networkn:

You don't mention budget?

I said mid range, but more specifically, honestly I'm not looking to spend a lot, $100-140.

Some sets I'm considering are:

Turtle Beach Ear Force PX22

Creative Sound BlasterX H5

Plantronics RIG 500E

Plantronics RIG 500

NightStalker

315 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1700710 10-Jan-2017 07:49

I have Turtle Beach Z60's which are older than the PX22. I really like them and would probably look at Turtle Beach again.

Two problems I have with them is that the off (mute) switch for the microphone easily switches back on. Can remove microphone boom or turn pickup volume down to help with the switch problem when microphone not needed.
Additionally the 3.5mm cord from the headset to the box controller thing is about 1m. Due to the short length the box controller either ends up sitting in my lap or on the desk between my arms in the way. It can be a bit cumbersome and frequently falls towards the floor.

I'm not sure if the PX22 has these problems but it would be worth checking out as well as the other models you listed.

The PX22 looks similar to my Z60's design. I find them comfortable for long periods of time. I don't use the microphone for much but it is now my preferred option for conference calls on my mobile when at home and the microphone pickup is very clear. I've also never had any driver issues (Win 8/10) with the Windows finding the model and installing them.

Kol12

370 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1701140 10-Jan-2017 21:37

NightStalker:

I have Turtle Beach Z60's which are older than the PX22. I really like them and would probably look at Turtle Beach again.

Two problems I have with them is that the off (mute) switch for the microphone easily switches back on. Can remove microphone boom or turn pickup volume down to help with the switch problem when microphone not needed.
Additionally the 3.5mm cord from the headset to the box controller thing is about 1m. Due to the short length the box controller either ends up sitting in my lap or on the desk between my arms in the way. It can be a bit cumbersome and frequently falls towards the floor.

I'm not sure if the PX22 has these problems but it would be worth checking out as well as the other models you listed.

The PX22 looks similar to my Z60's design. I find them comfortable for long periods of time. I don't use the microphone for much but it is now my preferred option for conference calls on my mobile when at home and the microphone pickup is very clear. I've also never had any driver issues (Win 8/10) with the Windows finding the model and installing them.

Hmm where would the control box ideally be located? Not used to having a box hang between the 3.5mm cord.

All of the sets I listed review very well, not audiophile level, but they're only going to be for team speak gaming etc.

KrazyKid

1238 posts

Uber Geek

#1701170 10-Jan-2017 22:26

I got the Steelseries Siberia V200 for Xmas - 1.8m cord - NOT USB

Quite happy with them in the 2 weeks I've used them. Comfortable and sound good.

Mic retracts into headset - not sure if this is a plus or not yet :)

PANiCnz

990 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1701266 11-Jan-2017 10:20

Just get the HyperX can't be beat for the price. Or get a mod mic for your existing headphones.

Quic Broadband

Move to New Zealand's best fibre broadband service (affiliate link). Note that to use Quic Broadband you must be comfortable with configuring your own router.

NightStalker

315 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1701326 11-Jan-2017 11:39

Kol12:

Hmm where would the control box ideally be located? Not used to having a box hang between the 3.5mm cord.

All of the sets I listed review very well, not audiophile level, but they're only going to be for team speak gaming etc.

I don't think there is an ideal place for the box, just what ever works for you. Ideally for me if it was about 20cm longer it would sit out of the way on the desk better maybe between keyboard and monitor.
If I get motivated I might screw a hook under my desk near the front so at least it can hang there.

I noticed that some of the models you mentioned have this controller box so was just giving you a heads up to watch out for it and hopefully you can see them hands on first before buying.
Alternatively watch some unboxing clips on YouTube as they will give you a better idea of cord lengths.

I had a random thought this morning about using an extension (about $5) cable to fix my problem but it wont work because of 3.5mm plug is made so it can carry multiple channels.
If you are only after stereo then an extension cable might work for you.

LesF

176 posts

Master Geek

#1707210 21-Jan-2017 20:53

I also have a Steelseries headset - 3Hv2 from PB Tech. I'm happy with this, good fit and great sound for gaming.

Prolly not for listening to music, but in games it is always clear where the enemy footsteps are coming from, and all those other important sounds.

I don't use the mic a lot in-game but its flexible and easy to position where I want it.

Can't remember what I paid, but I'm not one to fork out silly high amounts, but won't go for anything too cheap either... that helps huh.

richms

28172 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1707216 21-Jan-2017 20:57

I bought a razer "7.1" headset.

I have tried and tried the config software with the helicopter sound and it says to move it so it sounds like its in the correct place but nothing I do makes it ever sound like its infront or behind, just a pan side to side with some reverby effects. Since I am still flatmate free can have the 5.1 speakers on the PC nice and loud still but this was to hopefully make 4 am gaming sessions more compatible with others in the house. Seems just the same as stereo out of the front socket of my PC into any other pair of headphones, except with RGB lights on the side ;)

Richard rich.ms