Over the last five years, the gaming headset industry has blossomed with options. Because technology and gaming aficionados are continuously looking for new releases, annual product cycles are popular. With limitless iteration comes a lot of safe refining rather than risky experimentation. After all, headsets are basically headphones with microphones attached; why reinvent the wheel every eighteen months when there are already lots of fantastic designs?
There would be no advancement without real design brilliance. Every gaming headset would be the same except for a distinct branding on the side. Here are my recommendations for the three most inventive gaming headsets available right now, along with a little explanation of why they made the cut.
- Recon 500 Turtle Beach
This one came completely out of nowhere and was the nicest surprise. At $79.95, the Turtle Beach Recon 500 is a cheap headset with a slew of extremely innovative features and technology. That's unusual for the audio industry, let alone a gaming peripheral.
Rather of reusing one of Turtle Beach's proven audio platforms, the Recon 500 has all-new "Eclipse" twin drivers. Instead of playing back sounds through a single speaker, it features two positioned concentrically, with the smaller one handling higher frequencies and the bigger handling bass. They also injected the ear cups with a wood composite substance, similar to how speaker cabinets are created, to increase the audio tuning.
All of this adds up to an exceptional-sounding headset with some of the most outstanding audio quality available for any budget, much alone $80. The bass, mids, and treble have far more room to shine than on most other sub-$100 headsets. And, despite how large the twin drivers made the ear cups, the rest of the design lives up to this performance, with a superb mic, excellent braided cable, and respectable appearance.
My only criticism in my evaluation was that the adjustment range is a little limited in comparison to other models, and the headband style is a touch simple. Still, this is a significant industry problem, and I can't wait to see the next model with the Eclipse speakers.
- Sony Wireless Pulse 3D Headset
Sony's new $99 Pulse 3D Wireless Headset not only sounds excellent, but it also comes in an eye-catching style that's unlike anything else on the market. It exemplifies how much industrial design can still make or break a headset.
The Pulse 3D has a sleek white and black casing that complements the look of the PlayStation 5. It has smooth contours and fascinating lines, and its suspension strap system does not need to be adjusted to accommodate most head sizes. The general design is inspired by Sony's older Gold and Platinum headsets, but it appears to have fallen out of a hyper-stylish sci-fi future. I'm sure the visual design will still be outstanding in twenty years.
Fortunately, the headgear is more than simply a fashion statement. It also sounds terrific, thanks to precise drivers built on Sony's years of expertise creating audio hardware. It also features physical switches for all of its functions, which is a lovely throwback in a device that is otherwise modern. You won't have to deal with any suspect touch sensitive regions here.
As an added benefit, the Pulse 3D is more than simply a PlayStation headset. It works excellent wirelessly with Sony's consoles, but it also works with PCs, Macs, and docked Nintendo Switches. And it comes with a cord that allows you to use it with Xbox consoles...though I'm sure Sony would prefer you didn't!
HP Omen Mindframe Prime 3.
This one is ideal for gamers looking for something unique, as well as those with a strong neck capable of supporting its one-pound girth. The Omen Mindframe Prime retails for roughly $149 and appears to be simply another PC USB gaming headset on the surface. It includes RGB ear cups, a flip down mic, and a large top suspension strap.
Inside, thermoelectric cooling devices substantially cool your ears for added comfort while playing. A big metal plate in front of each speaker cools it down, while an opposing plate on the rear of each ear cup warms it up. As a consequence, there is an intensive cooling feeling without the need of fans or special gel in the ear pads.
I've played with this one, but I'm not an owner for a couple of reasons. The first is the tremendous weight. Because of the cooling mechanisms and plates, the ear cups are significantly heavier than most competing models, making this one of the heaviest gaming headsets ever made. This runs directly opposed to the cooling mechanism's long-term comfort. The second potential source of concern is the permanently connected microphone. I've read online that the mic hinge creates strain on the internal wiring, which can lead to problems over time.
Nonetheless, the cooling mechanism is one of the most innovative concepts I've seen in a headset. When HP just purchased HyperX, one of my favourite headset brands, I was sceptical. I'd want to see what their great engineers can achieve with the Mindframe's cooling technology. I believe it would fit well inside one of HyperX's bigger headset designs, such as the Cloud Revolver.