Audiophiles are used to the message: the audio is half of the equation, but a good half nonetheless. Now, this is the case for gamers in Australia, too. But, with the quality and comfort of your headphones affecting your enjoyment of the game, how do you choose the right ones?
Use the following guide to help you make a better decision when choosing headphones for gamers.
Key Features to Consider
Sound Quality
The most important thing here is that you have a good frequency response across the entire range and a well-balanced sound stage where everything from the quietest footstep to the loudest explosion comes through well.
Top-end game gear isn’t specifically optimised for intense loudness – it focuses on:
● Clarity
● Detail Depth, and
● The Ability to Discern Directional Audio Cues.
The best gaming headphones are capable of a wide audiophile-grade frequency range, so your ears tune into the high-pitched treble of an in-game spell or the depth of an explosion at the bottom of the bass register.
Many gaming headphones also boast surround sound, which combines left, right and centre loudspeaker simulation to produce a 3D audio experience that can help you pinpoint the exact direction of your enemies.
The ultimate gaming audiophile headphone is the Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X, a gaming headphone that is exquisite in sound quality and comfort.
Comfort
These gaming sessions can last for hours, so get headphones that are soft on your head (padded ear cups and adjustable headbands are helpful here).
Comfort is a key feature of gaming headsets: after all, it’s a whole different ballpark when you’re wearing them for eight hours.
The most comfortable gaming headsets, like the:
● Razer BlackShark V2 Pro
● Corsair HS60…
Have ergonomic, well-padded ear cups that feel comfortable enough that you might just doze off on them for a few minutes – though try not to do that while driving.
They’re adjustable, with headbands made for elasticity, and engineered into lightweight components that won’t weigh your face down. Clamping pressure and ear pad plushness are also comfort factors to consider.
Microphone Clarity
A clear, noise-cancelling microphone is essential for team communication.
Games are where communication is the most vital and critical. The mic is perhaps the most important part of a gaming headset. Gaming headsets that have the best mic technology ensure a clear mic when you’re communicating in games.
The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro 2023 Edition is an example of a headset with the best mic quality. It has noise reduction technology to minimise ambient sounds and enhance audio presence.
Additionally, to deliver the best microphone quality, the positioning of the mic is important. 3 main aspects of a headset that help with achieving the best mic quality are the:
● Pickup Pattern
● The Mic Positioning,
● Overall Sound Quality.
Durability
Gaming headphones should be durable, with robust materials that can withstand day-to-day use.
It’s also a durability issue, as let’s be honest, gaming headphones probably get more punishing use than average – not only do gamers tend to game for long periods at a stretch, but you wouldn’t believe how much punishment gaming headphones take from casual abuse.
The most durable gaming headphones I’ve seen are not top-of-the-range but rather pricier mid-range models, including the:
● Logitech G Pro X
● Razer BlackShark V2 Pro Wireless…
Which employ premium materials for a solid build and get top marks from pro players for reliability. If you take the time to properly clean your gaming headphones, you can easily extend their life to the point where many popular models will still be operable after 2 to 5 years of heavy usage.
Compatibility
Is the model compatible with your gaming device, whether PC, console, or mobile?
If you are planning to purchase a gaming headset, compatibility is one of the most important factors, as it’s important to make sure that your new audio gear works well with your gaming system. Therefore, here is something to consider.
Platform Support
Gaming headsets will likely connect to your PC and Mac via a USB connector or a 3.5mm audio jack. However, your Xbox or PlayStation might have more limited compatibility.
If you’re able to, you might want to plan to use your headset across platforms, especially if your brand picks a favourite. If not, you might need to look into an adapter to get compatibility.
Cable or Not
Wired gaming headphones and wireless gaming headphones can use a wide variety of connections. It could be wired (the standard 3.5mm jack or a USB connection), wireless (through Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wireless), or a mixture of both.
The freedom of the wireless headset, such as the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless with no cables and extras, is made possible because those are also possible in such headphones.
Driver Support
Select a headset with drivers that work smoothly with your operating system, especially highly advanced features like surround sound or customisable equalisers.
Software Integration
Some gaming headsets have proprietary software that includes features that aren’t typically offered with regular headphones, such as sound customisation, microphone adjustments, and firmware updates.
See if this is available for your platform.
Mobile Gaming
If you are gaming on a mobile device, consider its compatibility with the headset; some phones lack the headphone jack and need to use Bluetooth instead.
Bear these compatibility issues in mind, and a gaming headset for your device will match what you need well.
Top Headphones for Gamers Picks in Australia
● Overall Best – The wired HyperX Cloud Alpha features best-in-class sound and comfort, plus top-notch durability, at an excellent price.
● Best Budget – With very good comfort and decent-sounding sports headphones, the Corsair HS55 Stereo is a good value.
● Best Wireless: For those who prefer not to be caught up in entanglements, the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless will provide up to 300 hours of battery life.
● Best for Streaming – If streaming is your thing, the Razer BlackShark V2 is hugely popular for its crystal-clear microphone and fit.
● Best For Audiophiles – The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless provides the best quality sound and is ideal for gaming enthusiasts and audiophiles.
SUMMARY
Finding the ideal headphones for gamers needn’t be as complicated as it seems. If you follow the pointers above you should be well on your way. Know your hardware and what works best with it and keep your ear to the ground for the latest spec and tech. Good luck!