4 Best Features to Look for in a PC Gaming Headset
Whether you’re a hardcore PC gamer or just like to play in your spare time, one thing is true: your headset can make or break the experience.
If you’re on the hunt for a brand new headset because yours is just not cutting it, or you want to combine your headset with mic functionality (say goodbye to your webcam mic!), you’re going to need to know what to look for.
After all, there are a lot great PC headsets in the market these days. Knowing which one to add to your collection of must have PC gaming accessories is going to be tough if you aren’t sure which features to look for.
That’s why today, we’re going to help steer you in the right direction.
1. The Microphone
Though often overlooked, the mic portion of your headset is critical if you want to have a good time gaming.
You have two options when it comes to the type of mic your headset supports:
- Built-in microphone that doesn’t detach from the headset
- Detachable mic so you can use your headset as a pair of headphones too
If your microphone is detachable, make sure to look for one that has adequate mobility so you can place it in just the right spot. Also, some headsets let you fold your mic away into the headset when you don’t need it.
2. Surround Sound
Much like the microphone feature your headset has, the quality of the sound in your headset matters to the experience too.
Surround sound is a common feature in gaming headsets and can make a big difference depending on the type of games you like to play. With surround sound, you’ll enjoy things like a 360-degree soundscape and multiple speakers covering each ear for the ultimate sound quality.
In fact, some of the best PC gaming headsets have the ability to provide directional sound. For example, if you’re playing a game and someone comes up behind you, the sound you’ll hear in your headset will come from the back speaker and seem as though you immersed in the game.
Having this type of technology built into your gaming headset is not only cool, but it offers you a competitive advantage against other players.
3. The Seal – Isolation Makes a Difference
It won’t matter what kind of amazing sound quality your gaming headset has if the seal doesn’t work properly. This is especially true if you play games that use directional sound to help guide you through the game.
Remember, the headset pad should cover your ear entirely if you want to have a good seal and isolate the sound. If the pad covers your ear, but doesn’t seal immediately, it might just be a matter of needing to ‘break in’ the headset and have it take the shape of your head after a few wears.
If you want added isolation features, you might even consider getting a headset that has noise canceling ability, which filters out any background noise that’s happening. This will ensure the sound output of your game is crystal clear.
4. Build Material
Many inexpensive gaming headsets are made of cheap plastic and have a tendency to break. That’s why you should always look into the material that your headset is made of. You’ll want to look for a headset with a metal or wire frame to ensure it’s sturdy enough to last.
If you have to opt for plastic, that’s okay, just make sure it has a wide range of movement. That way you don’t accidentally snap the headset in half trying to place it on your head.
And there you have it! The top 4 features to look at when the time comes to invest in a new PC gaming headset.