Many gaming enthusiasts don’t just play games for fun but even make it a professional career. Today, professional gamers are raking in thousands of dollars from playing games. Getting an immersive sound experience while gaming is almost as important as the visuals playing on the screen.
The need for an immersive gaming experience gave rise to the development of special headsets for gaming. Games are played in real-time now, and winning or losing is determined by the tiniest margin. Picking out sounds that signify danger or opportunities could make or break a gamer’s potential to win. Gaming headsets are designed to enhance gamers' concentration by picking up all sounds and perfectly relaying them to the gamer’s ears.
Gaming has evolved so much that you now get to play as part of a team in real-time. As part of a gaming team, two-way communication is essential for the team to win. You communicate ideas and tactics to teammates over the headset and vice-versa. You also get to exchange friendly banter with opponents.
Tips for Handling Gaming Headsets
When in use, gaming headsets are meant to fill your ears with sounds from the game. When not in use, they are meant to be kept in a safe place. Most gamers hang the headset over the screen of their laptops or on top of the gaming console. The last thing you want is your gaming headset crashing to the floor regularly. Hence, there are custom-made holders that are specifically designed to hold headsets when not in use.
Before you buy your gaming headset, be sure to consider the following factors to ensure that the headset performs optimally.
What Are Things to Consider Before Buying Gaming Headsets?
Comfort
The first factor that a gamer should consider when selecting a gaming headset is comfort. You do not want a headset that leaves your ears burning or your head itching after a few minutes. Gaming is a time-intensive endeavor that could go on for hours at a stretch. Thus, an ideal gaming headset should be equipped with soft ear pads that are easy on the ears and offer maximum comfort.
Driver Size
The size of a gaming headset’s driver determines how well the headset relays the game’s sound. The higher the headset’s driver size, the better sound it produces.
Compatibility Range
A gaming headset’s range of compatibility is also significant when choosing the best gaming headset to buy. This factor is of particular importance to gamers who play games on different platforms. Some gaming headsets are compatible with only one platform, while there are others that support multiple platforms.
Thus, instead of getting different headsets for different consoles and platforms, a single do-it-all gaming headset that supports multiple platforms will do the trick and save cost.
Corded vs. Cordless Headsets
Corded gaming headsets are connected to the game via wires. Cordless headsets connect to the game wirelessly usually via Bluetooth. They come with built-in batteries and can run for up to 20 hours without charging. Cordless gaming headsets are slightly more expensive than corded ones, but they help you keep your gaming space decluttered with one less streak of wire.
Battery Life
This factor applies to only cordless gaming headsets. Since they are powered by a built-in battery, battery life should be a major consideration when choosing a cordless gaming headset. The battery life of cordless gaming headsets is usually proportional to the price. Thus, cordless gaming headsets with long battery life tend to cost more.
Microphone
A gaming headset essentially relays sound to your ears— that is its primary function. However, a good headset also helps you relay sound to other gamers too. Therefore, another feature you should be on the lookout for when buying a gaming headset is the availability of a microphone. A separate gaming microphone usually serves this purpose, but now there are gaming headsets that have microphones in the market.
A gaming headset equipped with a microphone makes it easier for you to communicate with opponents and teammates in real-time. It also saves you the cost of getting a separate gaming microphone and frees up extra space on the desk.
Noise Cancelation
Another feature to look out for in a gaming headset is noise cancelation. Noise canceling helps to improve the gamer’s concentration by filtering out all unnecessary noise. A good gaming headset should have a noise canceling feature to keep out distractions.
Aesthetics
A gaming headset should not always be all black and predictable. Headsets for gaming can also spot some aesthetical features like changeable design covers.
How Much Do Gaming Headsets Cost?
The price of gaming headsets ranges from $15 to $450. The higher the price, the better the quality of sound and comfort the gaming headset will give. Gaming headsets within the $150 to $300 price range offer a good balance between cost and efficiency.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are playing games for fun or playing professionally, a good gaming headset will undoubtedly elevate your gaming experience. It is crucial that you ensure that the gaming headset you choose is compatible with your gaming platform— it would be a waste of money to buy a gaming headset that is incompatible with your gaming console.
Best Gaming Headsets FAQ
Q: Can I use a gaming headset for music?
A: Gaming headsets can be used to play music, and are especially helpful if you like to listen to your own music while you game. However, they may not give you the same output as a regular headset.
Q: Do non-professional gamers need a gaming headset?
A: Gaming headsets are not reserved for professional gamers only. The immersive gaming experience that gaming headsets afford gamers is not restricted to pro gamers— gamers of any level will find these headsets beneficial.
Q: Can regular headsets be used for gaming?
A: Regular headsets will work reasonably well with most games, but they do not offer the same quality of gaming sounds as headsets specifically made for gaming.