The gaming headset business has exploded with alternatives in the previous five years. Annual product cycles are popular because technology and gaming enthusiasts are constantly seeking for fresh products. When there is no limit to repetition, there is a lot of safe refinement rather than dangerous testing. After all, headsets are simply headphones with microphones attached; why reinvent the wheel every eighteen months when there are so many amazing designs currently available?
There would be no progress without true design genius. Except for a different logo on the side, every gaming headset would be the same. Here are my picks for the three most innovative gaming headsets on the market right now, along with a little explanation of why they made the list.
- Turtle Beach Recon 500
This one appeared out of nowhere and was the most pleasant surprise. At $79.95, the Turtle Beach Recon 500 is a low-cost headset with a host of cutting-edge features and technologies. That's unique in the audio business, let alone for a gaming accessory. Instead of employing one of Turtle Beach's tried-and-true audio platforms, the Recon 500 has all-new "Eclipse" dual drivers. Instead of a single speaker, it has two positioned concentrically, with the smaller one handling higher frequencies and the larger handling bass. They also injected a wood composite component into the ear cups, similar to how speaker cabinets are made, to improve audio tuning.
All of this adds up to an outstanding-sounding headset with some of the best audio quality available for any budget, much alone $80. The bass, mids, and treble have far more space to shine than on most other sub-$100 headsets. And, despite the size of the ear cups due to the dual drivers, the remainder of the design lives up to this performance, with a terrific mic, nice braided cable, and passable aesthetic.
My only concern was that the adjustment range is a bit limited in compared to other models, and the headband design is a little basic. Still, this is a major industry issue, and I'm forward 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 great, but it also looks great and is unlike anything else on the market. It demonstrates how important industrial design is in making or breaking a headset. The sleek white and black housing of the Pulse 3D fits the aesthetic of the PlayStation 5. It boasts smooth shapes and intriguing lines, and its suspension strap system does not require adjustment to fit most head sizes. The overall appearance is reminiscent of Sony's previous Gold and Platinum headsets, but it looks to have escaped from a hyper-stylish sci-fi future. I'm confident that the visual design will be amazing in twenty years.
Fortunately, the headwear has a purpose other than fashion. It also sounds fantastic, due to accurate drivers based on Sony's years of audio hardware development experience. It also has physical switches for all of its operations, which is a wonderful throwback in an otherwise contemporary technology. There will be no questionable touch sensitive areas to deal with here.
In addition, the Pulse 3D is more than just a PlayStation headset. It works well with Sony's consoles wirelessly, but it also works with PCs, Macs, and docked Nintendo Switches. It also comes with a connection that allows you to use it with Xbox consoles...though Sony would probably prefer you didn't!
- HP Omen Mindframe Prime 3 3
This one is perfect for gamers searching for something different, as well as those who have a strong neck capable of holding its one-pound girth. On the surface, the Omen Mindframe Prime looks to be just another PC USB gaming headset costing around $149. It comes with RGB ear cups, a flip-down microphone, and a huge top suspension strap.
Inside, thermoelectric cooling units significantly cool your ears, providing additional relaxation while playing. A large metal plate in front of each speaker cools it, while a smaller plate on the back of each ear cup heats it. As a result, there is a strong cooling sensation without the need of fans or special gel in the ear pads.
I've toyed with it, but I'm not the owner for a few reasons. The first is the massive weight. The ear cups are substantially heavier than most competing models due to the cooling systems and plates, making this one of the heaviest gaming headsets ever built. This contradicts the cooling mechanism's long-term comfort. The permanently linked microphone is the second possible source of concern. According to what I've seen online, the mic hinge puts strain on the internal wiring, which can lead to difficulties over time.
Despite this, the cooling system is one of the most creative ideas I've seen in a headset. I was sceptical when HP just acquired HyperX, one of my favourite gaming headset companies. I'd want to see what their brilliant engineers can do with Mindframe's cooling technology. It appears to be a good match for one of HyperX's larger headset designs, such as the Cloud Revolver.
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