Hi,
I'm considering buying a headset, but also one that has a mic for use in Mumble/TS/Vent/etc.
But I honestly know very little about headsets and/or mic's.. so thought I'd post here for some thoughts & ideas and suggestions..
Here's some I was looking at (budget is $100 max):
Logitech G330 Gaming Headset - $39
Plantronics Gamecom 377 Open Ear Gaming Headset - $49
Logitech USB Headset H360 - $54
Logitech USB Headset H530 - $55
Creative Fatal1ty Pro Series Gaming Headset Mk II - $59
Plantronics .Audio655 DSP Gamers USB Stereo Headset - $62
Plantronics Gamecom 777 Surround Sound 7.1 Gaming Headset USB - $69
Creative Tactic3D Alpha Gaming Headset - $69
Sharkoon X-Tactic SP Stereo Headset - $69
Corsair Gaming Audio Series HS1A Gaming Headset - $75
Roccat Kulo Premium Surround Gaming Headset USB - $79
Corsair Gaming Audio Series HS1 USB Gaming Headset - $89
Sennheiser PC151 Headphones with Mic - $95
Razer Carcharias Professional PC Gaming Headset - $95
Creative Tactic3D Sigma Gaming Headset - $99
I'm looking for comfort, sound quality and a decent mic for when/if I use it. I've not listed some of the headsets I saw as they looked "uncomfortable" to wear/use.. some of the ones listed don't look too comfy.. but better than the ones I didn't list.
Would love some feedback/opinions on the above brands and headsets.
Also - is it better to connect using a USB port or 3.5mm jack? As some of these headsets only connect 1 way, and others have adapters and/or can connect either way..
Headphone & Mic options/opinions
Kamatsu
Quaker
I'm using a basic Logitech Clearchat headset these days ($30) and I'm quite happy with it. I've mostly used Logitech and Plantronics brands.
I prefer light weight headsets. I've had some over-the-ear types (like the Creative ones in your list) and I've found them to be uncomfortable during a long playing session, and I prefer to be able to still hear what's going on around me.
I wouldn't go for any USB headset, but that's mostly because they've had some game compatibility issues with some systems (which may be cleared up under Windows 7 - I dunno). So, I'd go for plain old 3.5mm (1/8") plugs over USB, particularly if you have a discrete sound card. (I'd have to check, but it seems to me that USB headsets have to have their own audio amplifier built into the cord or headset, and don't use the computers sound card or on-board sound at all.)
A headset is defined as having a microphone. A headset without a mic would be just "headphones".
I prefer light weight headsets. I've had some over-the-ear types (like the Creative ones in your list) and I've found them to be uncomfortable during a long playing session, and I prefer to be able to still hear what's going on around me.
I wouldn't go for any USB headset, but that's mostly because they've had some game compatibility issues with some systems (which may be cleared up under Windows 7 - I dunno). So, I'd go for plain old 3.5mm (1/8") plugs over USB, particularly if you have a discrete sound card. (I'd have to check, but it seems to me that USB headsets have to have their own audio amplifier built into the cord or headset, and don't use the computers sound card or on-board sound at all.)
Quote:
| I'm considering buying a headset, but also one that has a mic... |
Painbringer
Also - is it better to connect using a USB port or 3.5mm jack? As some of these headsets only connect 1 way, and others have adapters and/or can connect either way..
From what i have heard USB is the better option in win7 but if you can get a audio plug with the adaptor to USB you are ok.
There is a bug that can happen with the Audio plug style that happens to some people. Some claim it’s a bug with realtek. (punkbuster and realtek do not like each other)
I do not have realtek audio and I randomly get another bug. The system will crazy spam you that your headset and mic is plugged in and plugged out over and over and over. It’s a random thing. Happens once or twice a month easy to fix but annoying.
P.s. Like said above some of the usb or audio to usb adapters will cancel your systems audio chip and can fix some issues. Unfortunately you will not know what games cause problems till after you try them with your system.
From what i have heard USB is the better option in win7 but if you can get a audio plug with the adaptor to USB you are ok.
There is a bug that can happen with the Audio plug style that happens to some people. Some claim it’s a bug with realtek. (punkbuster and realtek do not like each other)
I do not have realtek audio and I randomly get another bug. The system will crazy spam you that your headset and mic is plugged in and plugged out over and over and over. It’s a random thing. Happens once or twice a month easy to fix but annoying.
P.s. Like said above some of the usb or audio to usb adapters will cancel your systems audio chip and can fix some issues. Unfortunately you will not know what games cause problems till after you try them with your system.
truOnyx
Quite a list you have here. As far as the <$100 it will be tough voting without trying 3 or 4 of them yourself. The longer you can wait to try that many before buying the better. I have owned a lot of different headphones in this $ range and you know what I decided after my 10th set? Paid a bit more to get into the next range! Why? There was little difference except for these traits:
Size/Weight: don't care how good they work this will effect how long you can stand them on your dome
Ear Cup Style: for gaming some styles will be better for comfort while others are also better for isolation
Build Quality: how much plastic vs metal will determine how well they hold up to abuse... accidental or otherwise
Virtual Surround/Individual Drivers: this can also tie in with whether or not you are going for a digital only solution (usually USB only) vs Analog with 3.5mm connections where there are physically as many drivers in each ear as there are channels.
SO within your list I would give the nod the Plantronics 777 and the Razer Carcharias. The Plantronics have the plus of flexibility on connections 3.5mm or USB, over the ear cups, and should be plenty durable as can be expected from the commercial brand. Only con would be its reliance on YOUR sound card to be able to experience the virtual 7.1 effects. *the next tier sets usually include a module with a built in sound card* The Razer Carcharias is also one of the most comfortable quality sets ever with a 3.5mm connection. *I have the Megalodons which is basically the next tier up from these* Since I have an even more expensive headset for my 3.5mm needs, the USB only connection wasn't a big deal for me. Being able to use your new headset for say, your iPhone or mp3 player is a plus but that a personal choice. Ultimately I would try the Creatives and the surprisingly the Corsair sets as I have heard they are actually quite good! If I can convince someone to let me try the Corsairs out I'll update.
Size/Weight: don't care how good they work this will effect how long you can stand them on your dome
Ear Cup Style: for gaming some styles will be better for comfort while others are also better for isolation
Build Quality: how much plastic vs metal will determine how well they hold up to abuse... accidental or otherwise
Virtual Surround/Individual Drivers: this can also tie in with whether or not you are going for a digital only solution (usually USB only) vs Analog with 3.5mm connections where there are physically as many drivers in each ear as there are channels.
SO within your list I would give the nod the Plantronics 777 and the Razer Carcharias. The Plantronics have the plus of flexibility on connections 3.5mm or USB, over the ear cups, and should be plenty durable as can be expected from the commercial brand. Only con would be its reliance on YOUR sound card to be able to experience the virtual 7.1 effects. *the next tier sets usually include a module with a built in sound card* The Razer Carcharias is also one of the most comfortable quality sets ever with a 3.5mm connection. *I have the Megalodons which is basically the next tier up from these* Since I have an even more expensive headset for my 3.5mm needs, the USB only connection wasn't a big deal for me. Being able to use your new headset for say, your iPhone or mp3 player is a plus but that a personal choice. Ultimately I would try the Creatives and the surprisingly the Corsair sets as I have heard they are actually quite good! If I can convince someone to let me try the Corsairs out I'll update.