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14 Sep

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Logitech G435 Gaming Headset Review: Too Cheap to Be Good

September 14, 2021
Posted by Samson

The Logitech G435 gaming headset on a stand.

Logitech G435 gaming headset

RRP $ 80.00

"The Logitech G435 is a wireless gaming headset that sacrifices too much to be affordable."

advantages

Wireless Lightspeed connection with Bluetooth support
Easy
Comfortable for long gaming sessions
Payable

disadvantage

Feels cheap
Disappointing sound quality
Not a boom mic

When looking for the best gaming headset, it's easy to fall into the trap of wanting wireless connectivity. With one less cord, the workspace is really tidy, and it's nice to be able to get up without taking off the headset.

However, the feature significantly increases the price due to the need for a wireless radio, electronics, and battery. However, this is not the case with the Logitech G435 Lightspeed. You won't find a cheaper wireless gaming headset – at least not one from a well-known brand.

Unfortunately, the G435 is cutting too many corners to reach this price point, leaving you with a headset that doesn't feel like it's worth $ 80.

draft

Thin headband of the G435 gaming headset from Logitech. Niels Broekhuijsen / Digital Trends

When it comes to design, the first thing you notice about the G435 is that it is extremely light. It only weighs 165 grams, which is absolutely nothing for headsets, especially wireless ones. For comparison: Razer's Barracuda X weighs 250 grams, which is considered light, and something high-end like Corsair's Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT weighs 382 grams, even lighter than the 240-gram Logitech G335.

So yes, the G435 is very light indeed. But the quality of workmanship is a problem with a headset for this lamp. There is no getting around it: The G435 feels thin and cheap. The plastic parts are all thin, there are no beautiful materials and the headband looks full, but is just a plastic frame with a fabric cover.

I feel like if I held the headband in my fist it would just be strong pressure to snap. This is not good. Logitech only markets the light weight as a benefit, but it feels like it was a decision to cut costs, and it shows. The heavier Logitech G533 looks and feels higher quality and can be picked up at a discount for less than the newer G435.

However, I cannot deny the advantages of an ultra-light headset. The light weight and soft fabric ear cups of the G435 make it one of the most comfortable headsets I've ever worn. It's also surprisingly comfortable to rest on your neck.

The ear cups don't pivot to lie flat on your chest, but since there's no protruding microphone and it's surprisingly small, your chin won't collide as much when you turn your head.

characteristics

When it comes to features, it's no surprise that the G435 isn't very featured. But that doesn't mean it's shabby. The headset supports various spatial audio codecs including Dolby Atmos, has an optional volume cap of 85 decibels to protect your ears, and the dual beamforming microphones work together to reduce background noise.

And yes, that means the G435 doesn't have a boom mic, as is common with gaming headsets. Boom microphones provide sharper, clearer audio quality compared to the smartphone-grade quality that beamforming microphones offer. It's a surprise to see Logitech leave it out here as even the G335 includes one.

The G435 is charged via the USB-C port, and a fully charged battery has a lifespan of 18 hours. Controls are just as easy: there is an on / off button, volume control and a microphone / mute button.

Controls of the G435 gaming headset. Niels Broekhuijsen / Digital Trends

The primary connection method for the G435 is via the included 2.4 GHz Lightspeed dongle, but you can also use it with Bluetooth devices in a low-latency mode – this combination does it not only with PCs, but with PlayStation devices and mobile phones can be used.

That's pretty cute considering the vast majority of gaming headsets don't support Bluetooth and you often have to jump on something like the SteelSeries Actis 9, which costs a whopping $ 200.

Sound quality

The actual test of the headset naturally depends on the sound quality. The G435 is still packed with 40mm drivers, which sounds promising, but in practice I wouldn't expect any acoustic miracles from the G435. There's a lot of bass and some detail at the top, but the headset lacks something in the middle section – I'd describe the sound profile as hollow.

The sound lacks the "fullness" that makes you turn up the volume for the satisfaction you want. So it is good that it is equipped with a volume limiter.

But then again, this is a $ 80 wireless headset. Great sound quality was never the primary goal, and the acoustics are good enough for casual gaming. However, if you are a competitive gamer you may want to look for something a little more revealing sound so you don't miss your opponents' steps as they sneak up on you.

Our opinion

The Logitech G435 Lightspeed has a lot to offer, such as light weight, comfort and Bluetooth support. However, unless you absolutely need a wireless headset for under $ 80, I'd stay away from that and spend the same budget on a wired pair.

With the need to squeeze a wireless radio, control module, and battery into the tight budget, Logitech had to make concessions on build quality and sound quality. They take off too much of the overall experience, and while it's wireless, the G435 doesn't feel like $ 80 headphones.

Are there alternatives?

The next alternative is Razer's recently launched Barracuda X gaming headset, which costs $ 20 more. While it doesn't support Bluetooth, it offers better processing and sound quality, plus a proper microphone, and looks better for outside the home. It's more expensive, but well worth the extra effort.

The Logitech G533 is also a good choice. Although it originally sold for $ 150, you can currently pick it up at Retailers for only $ 74.

If you're shopping wired on the same budget, the entry-level HyperX Cloud II headset offers much better build quality and sound quality.

How long it will take?

Although the G435 should last two to three years if carefully cared for, its fragile construction is an accident or a rage that is far from snapping into place.

Should I buy it?

If you really need a $ 80 headset, don't buy a wireless headset. Too much of the budget goes into the wireless radio, electronics, and battery, and with that budget it is better to buy a wired headset.

Editor's recommendations

19 Aug

Blog

Corsair HS80 RGB Wireless Review: All a Gaming Headset Needs

August 19, 2021
Posted by Samson

Corsair HS80 cover

Corsair HS80 gaming headset

RRP $ 149.00

"The Corsair HS80 hits the nail on the head with less is more approach and offers great comfort, great sound and effortless control."

advantages

Intuitive controls
Great sound quality
Oh so comfortable
Wireless connection with PC and Playstation
RGB

With so much choice on the market, buying a new gaming headset isn't easy. If you suffer from decision-making paralysis, it's easy to go for something top-notch, like Corsair's Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT, that is not only good-looking but also packed with features. The problem? It comes at a high price and it's still not perfect. This is where something like Corsair's new HS80 RGB Wireless comes into play.

At first I wasn't very enthusiastic about the HS80. It's not top notch, it's just mid-range, so it isn't full of features and doesn't offer the most luxurious of materials. But in some ways that's its best quality, which may make it one of my new favorite gaming headsets.

Design and functions

Corsair HS80 headband Niels Broekhuijsen / Digital Trends

With the HS80, Corsair didn't focus on making the most beautiful headset. Rather, the focus here is on comfort. It uses a headband-like fit on the top that molds perfectly to your skull, making it one of the more comfortable headsets I've tested. The ear cups have fabric on top of the foam, which in turn is not the most luxurious of materials.

But it offers plenty of depth for wider ears, and the headset has an asymmetrical design to accommodate your earlobe. As a result, the HS80 doesn't feel like an expensive headset, but it is sleek and smooth in fit. This is a headset that you could wear for hours and this headband makes it more comfortable than a classic design headset like the Razer Blackshark V2 Pro.

Then there are the controls of the HS80, or rather the lack of them. On the left ear cup, you'll find a power button and volume control, and that's it. The right earpiece is completely free of controls. What is clearly missing is a microphone mute button, but it's fine: just flip the microphone up to mute it and down to unmute it. It also has a bell that lets you know what it's doing, and the light on the end turns red in the up position, although that doesn't help that much with a microphone like this as it's out of sight. This means fewer buttons than most headsets, and simply flipping the microphone up is much more intuitive than fumbling for the mute button like you do with the SteelSeries Arctis 7 or Logitech G Pro X wireless headsets.

The simplicity of the controls on the HS80 makes it one of the most intuitive gaming headsets out there.

It charges through a standard USB-C port with up to 20 hours of battery life, which is roughly industry standard – expect to charge the HS80 once or twice a week. Connectivity is via a USB dongle, which is connected to PCs and laptops together with PlayStation 4 and PS5 units.

Corsair HS80 side Niels Broekhuijsen / Digital Trends

But this simplicity is what makes the HS80 so great – many multi-function headsets have too many controls, and fiddling around to find the right ones can be a hassle. This is one that you just turn on, change the volume, and flip the microphone up and down to mute it – it's that simple.

Sound quality and games

Typically, wireless gaming headsets don't have the best sound quality due to limitations in the wireless protocol – the dongle prioritized the audio stream based on latency rather than quality, causing some compression loss along the way. The HS80 is no exception, but all in all, its sound profile is actually very pleasing.

Corsair HS80 auricle Niels Broekhuijsen / Digital Trends

Let me explain: if you listen to quiet music, you won't notice anything wrong. In fact, you'll enjoy the sound of the HS80 thanks to its superb 50mm drivers. But when the music is busy you will hear some compression loss. But it's a headset to play with, and in-game you're generally too busy to pay attention to those losses – and if not – it's likely a relaxed scene playing quieter sounds that don't suffer from those losses anyway.

Pleather ear cups may look better, but the HS80's foam ear cups improve its sound profile.

The HS80 comes with the same 50mm drivers as the much more expensive Virtuoso XT Wireless RGB, so they sound just as good in terms of frequency response and sound signature. In fact, they sound better – I prefer the sound of the HS80 over the more expensive headset.

I suspect this has something to do with the foam pads instead of synthetic leather and the shape of the ear cups – the softer materials lead to a warmer and fuller sound without sacrificing details at the top.

The HS80 also comes with Dolby Atmos support, which you can activate through Corsair's iCue software. While it paints a slightly better 3D picture of the sound around you, I'm generally not a huge fan of these sound-modifying algorithms – yes, they expand the soundstage and make sounds look like they're further away with more "position". “But the reduction in intimacy leaves a flatter sound that is subjectively less detailed. I just leave it out – sound engines in games today are pretty good anyway, especially a game like Insurgency Sandstorm.

Our opinion

After a solid week with the Corsair HS80, I can confidently say that it is one of the best gaming headsets available today. It might not be the fanciest, but it's super comfortable, has a great sound, and is intuitive to use – isn't that all you expect from a headset? There is no reason to pay more for features that interfere with the primary purpose of hearing.

Are there alternatives?

At $ 149, there's quite a bit of competition for the HS80. The main competitors are the Razer Blackshark V2 Pro and the SteelSeries Arctis 7, both of which are available at the same, if not slightly higher, prices.

But they don't offer more features, making the HS80 a compelling mid-tier option.

How long it will take?

It is reasonable to expect the HS80 to last about three years under most circumstances, or slightly longer with mild use.

Should I buy it?

Yes, the Corsair HS80 is a brilliant gaming headset that meets all the right criteria and not much more. The HS80 offers a simple, straightforward, effective and comfortable design and is an easy recommendation.

Editor's recommendations

29 Aug

Blog

Razer BlackShark V2 Review: Quality Gaming Headset For Less

August 29, 2020
Posted by Samson

Player with Razer BlackShark headset

Razer BlackShark V2 review: premium headset, good price

"The sound profiles are definitely the best feature of this headset."

Sound profiles and easy customization
Solid audio
Superior microphone performance

Player with Razer BlackShark headset Photo courtesy of Razer

The Razer BlackShark V2 – and with it the cheaper V2 X – offers exceptional performance at an exceptional price. The BlackShark V2 combines audio quality with the much rarer solid microphone performance.

THX game profiles are for sure the best feature of this headset.

The base price of $ 100 also makes this headset a great value. There are plenty of cheaper models out there, including the $ 60 V2 X, but few offer as many features as the BlackShark. Lots of the digital trends Top gaming headset picks Go for more than double the price of the BlackShark.

Sound profiles

THX game profiles are easily the BlackShark V2's best feature, allowing you to customize the EQ settings for each game individually. It comes with by default Profiles for several popular games including Apex Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and Valorant. Not every game has a preset profile, but the Razer Synapse app makes it easy to change the settings regardless. You just have to do more of the work yourself.

The cheaper V2 X skips THX Spatial Audio right away, but you can add it through the app for $ 20. Given the total cost of $ 80 for the headset and app, this isn't a bad deal, and you get most of the best features of the flagship V2 at a slight discount. It also works a lot better than some of the spatial audio we've seen, and often tries not to mimic the feel of surround sound.

Many hardware and accessory manufacturers simulate how a product increases the “immersion” or the feeling of really being in the game. Most of the time this is just marketing, but that honestly feels amazing. For example, you can use the EQ settings to adjust the steps in first person shooters or the music and ambient sounds in a game like Death Stranding. This doesn't lead to consoles of course, but it's a fantastic experience on PC. But the right audio device can make a difference on consoles too, and the BlackShark V2 definitely did. I was thrilled to boot up Ghost of Tsushima and hear the rustle of the wind or Resident Evil 3 where I enjoyed using sound as a strategy.

The triple drivers are designed to isolate treble, bass, and midrange, the last of which is often ignored. It's a small difference, but I noticed the added detail.

Razer BlackShark headset on the desk Photo courtesy of Razer

Microphone test

It's easy to ignore the importance of a headset's microphone quality. How often do you listen to yourself? But you've probably felt the frustration of a muddy-sounding teammate, or someone drowned out by background noise, especially when competing with game noise.

The microphone is very flexible and I found it easy to get it in an optimal position so that my AC power in the background was less of a problem. The foam microphone cover also smoothens the sound and avoids harsh consonant noises. This is especially important if you plan to use the BlackShark for streaming as well. Small details can mean getting a new follower or clicking a viewer off.

The microphone is also detachable, which is a nice bonus for Storage or travel, and it is more accessible for possible exchange. I also find that detachable microphones are usually longer and more flexible than built-in microphones that need to be folded up or rolled back into the headset.

When I work from home, my current favorite gaming headset often does double duty. I grab a headset for Zoom calls, Spotify sessions, and game breaks as soon as I'm practically signed out. Audio is less important for work meetings, but I got people to comment on how clear I sounded on a video call in addition to playing games.

Player with Razer BlackShark headset Photo courtesy of Razer

Mirror models

My biggest problem with both headsets is the look.

The BlackShark V2 and V2 X are very similar. They might be too similar. Both are very comfortable, have good microphone and audio quality, and are easy to use, but the more expensive V2 does everything a little better. The cheaper V2 X has slightly less advanced foam for its ear cushions, the cable is more rubber than threaded, it only plugs into a 3.5mm jack, and it doesn't have “advanced microphone control functions”.

What matters, however, is not the list of details. This is how they feel. And frankly, the differences feel relatively small in practice. This is less of a blow to the V2 than more proof of the V2 X. For anyone looking for a well-rounded entry-level headset, it's worth a look.

Nevertheless, I found myself in the direction of the full V2. As small as these differences are, they are still there. So if you are ready to drop that $ 100 then don't settle for not having to.

My biggest problem with both headsets is the look.

I feel like a helicopter pilot carrying them. And it's not just the microphone, the pillow, that surely amplifies this effect, a fact that I'd be happy to endure to improve fidelity. The headsets can only be described as bulbous. And I'm sure some of it is hard to avoid. Razer emphasized the BlackShark's triple drivers that are designed to deliver this fantastic sound. But I still didn't like wearing them for that reason. The headsets aren't heavy, but they look clunky and clumsy. And while I might care less if my gaming mouse isn't the most aesthetic, others can see my headphones.

Our opinion

The Razer BlackShark V2 and V2 X are solid headsets with a good price. The V2 is certainly better, but those looking to spend a little less will not be disappointed with the V2 X either.

Is there a better alternative?

There are so many headsets out there that it is easy to paralyze yourself with choice. Yes, there are other good headsets out there at this price point, but the BlackShark V2 is better than average. And it works fine on all devices.

How long it will take?

Despite the design differences between the two models, both are robust. They are well built and should last a while. The BlackShark V2's THX Spatial audio and game profiles are a nice touch too. I wouldn't be surprised if we saw more iterations of this function in the future.

Should you buy it?

If you are looking for a good entry-level to mid-range headset with quality audio and microphone in the market, definitely it. It works very well when you want to work on shape. If aesthetics are a must, they might not be for you.