Do not give me a fish, but teach me how to fish. It is a principle we follow when buying a new gaming PC. Most of us often focus on the central processor, the graphics card, or even the screen, the keyboard, and the mouse, and we completely overlook the choice of the best headset. However, the professional experience will not be complete unless it includes both a visual and audio experience to enjoy games.
The screen is the key to an amazing gaming experience. However, sound design is half the experience in gaming. Nowadays, with the smashing technological development in the gaming world, audio has become a key feature for superiority over your opponents in competitive network games. In the gaming world, a good headset will do you the favor of perceiving your surroundings very accurately. You can hear the footsteps of your enemies trying to get close to you when the screen won’t help you see them. Therefore, try to make sure that you have the best gaming headset to not regret shortly after upgrading your new computer components. We are here to assist you to make the right decision. We will highlight the most important and prominent criteria you should consider when buying a gaming headset.
1. Sound Quality
Unfortunately, you cannot determine the best sound quality just by looking at the specifications of the headset on the selling sites. You should look at the reviews of third-party websites before making your decision. You need to make sure that the speaker produces a powerful, loud sound with pinpoint detail. To be on the safe side, you should choose one of those headphones from premium brands such as Sony, Bose, Sennheiser, JBL, Corsair, and such companies to guarantee your aural satisfaction.
2. Head and Ear Fit
Gamers can spend hours in front of their consoles. That means your gaming headset should be comfortable to wear. If it is too tight or heavy, you might have a headache or neck strain after your gaming sessions. That is why it is crucial for you to make sure the headset is comfortable before committing to it. You can find out through the headset reviews. If the reviewer mentions that the headset causes headaches, stay away from it, even if it is expensive and looks professional.
You should also consider how the ear cups feel when you wear them. They’re probably not for you if they’re too tight or hot. Wearing uncomfortable headsets can impede your gaming performance, as you’ll constantly be adjusting them instead of giving 100% focus on the match.
3. Connection: Wired or Wireless
Most hardcore gamers would recommend wired gaming headsets. That’s because these devices have zero latency, which is crucial for split-second decisions you make in gaming. For example, hearing the approaching footsteps of your opponents can help you set up an ambush for them. So, you must have a low-latency headset as it will help you listen to their footsteps faster than wireless headphones.
Although the difference is almost non-existent (fractions of a second), it is a prominent feature if you want to become a professional in such games. One other disadvantage of the poor latency of old wireless standards is the confusion it can bring. You’ll see yourself firing your weapon on the screen, but you’ll only hear the shot a split second later. This slight delay can make it quite awkward to play fast-paced games.
Nevertheless, wireless headsets still have their place in gaming. If you frequently move around or want to use your headset for other purposes, like listening to music or watching movies, a wireless model might be a better option for you.
4. Latency
If you choose a wireless headset, look at the headset’s wireless standard before buying. To avoid latency, check that it runs at least Bluetooth 5.0. It would be much better if it runs Bluetooth 5.2. Some models also offer alternative proprietary wireless transmission. Instead of using Bluetooth technology, they use radio signals. These headsets allow you to enjoy accurate latency. The only downside to this is that these devices are typically costly.
5. Battery Life
Another issue the wireless headsets must deal with is battery life. If you’re playing for hours on end, your headset must have the same endurance as you. Most headsets have 20 to 30 hours of battery life, but it’s better to check the reviews about the battery life.
Aside from battery life, you must look for something that offers quick charging, or you will wait for long hours in front of the computer waiting for the charging process to finish.
6. Boom Microphone
Another thing you should not miss with a gaming headset, especially for cooperative games, is its mic quality. Experts highly recommend having a boom mic instead of a pinhole microphone because you want your teammates to hear you clearly during the game. A boom mic that delivers clear sound is crucial for competitive cooperative games.
