Gaming headsets: The ultimate guide

As games become more realistic, headsets help gamers to become even more immersed in the action. we take a look at the latest quality headphones on the market.

QPAD QH-90 PRO GAMING HEADSET
SRP: £99.99
DISTRIBUTOR: VIP Computers
THEY SAY: The QPAD QH-90 pro gaming headset aims to broaden the experience of all gamers by bringing Hi-Fi to the gaming scene. The QH-90s are designed with closed cups, reducing sound leakage. It has a detachable microphone, solid aluminium construction, a super-soft padded leather headband and leather padding on cups.
SPECS: Hi-Fi capable 53mm drivers, 15-25.000 Hz frequency response.

OZONE RAGE 7HX 7.1 SURROUND SOUND GAMING HEADSET
SRP: £59.99
DISTRIBUTOR: Meroncourt
THEY SAY: The Rage 7HX features premium 7.1 surround sound that enhances directional awareness and will amplify your gaming experience like never before. Rustles, footsteps, shouts, incoming fire, passing vehicles: you will hear everything before you see it. Even after hours of continuous use, the Rage 7HX won’t start to feel heavy.
SPECS: Premium 7.1 surround sound, lightweight, XL cloth ear padded cushions, detachable mic with advanced noise cancelling technology, in-line remote control.

SENNHEISER PC 350 SPECIAL EDITION GAMING HEADSET
SRP: £169.99
DISTRIBUTOR: VIP Computers
THEY SAY: The sound of the PC 350 Special Edition Noise Blocking gaming headset has been specially developed to provide an extremely ‘game realistic’ soundscape. This is achieved by reproducing high sounds such as gunshots and explosions, by adding high-level bass control.
SPECS: 38mm speakers, noise cancelling microphone, Sennheiser’s ‘Eargonomic Acoustic Refinement’ technology, collapsible design, aluminium earcups.

MAD CATZ TRITTON KUNAI
SRP: £36.99
DISTRIBUTOR: Entatech
THEY SAY: Built for multiplayer online environments, the Tritton Kunai Stereo Gaming Headset delivers a comfortable, high-quality stereo audio experience and simplifies online chat. Boasting compatibility for the PC, Mac, and any portable gaming device with a 3.5mm jack, you’re free to play in full stereo no matter where the game takes you.
SPECS: 40mm speaker diameter, 20Hz – 20kHz frequency response, three-metre cable, 3.5mm connector, in-line audio controller, removable and flexible microphone.

STEELSERIES SIBERIA V2 HEAT ORANGE EDITION
SRP: £104.99
DISTRIBUTOR: Gem Distribution
THEY SAY: The Sibera V2’s over-the-head suspension design keeps the headset light and adjustable for every head size. The earcups feature noise-reducing foam covered in grey leather to keep out noise and helps you focus on the important audio or voice communication. The retractable, active noise-cancelling mic hides in the left earcup when you don’t need it.
SPECS: 50mm driver units, orange LED illumination, integrated volume controller, noise-cancelling microphone, 1.2 metre cord.

ASUS ECHELON CAMEO EDITION
SRP: £62.99
DISTRIBUTOR: VIP Computers
THEY SAY: The Echelon Camo Edition evokes the excitement of first person shooters, one of the most popular PC gaming genres. Many of the leading titles in the segment allow players to customise camouflage and textures applied to weapons and outfits, and Echelon Camo Edition pays tribute to this.
SPECS: 3.5mm jack, 50 mW max input, 50mm driver diameter, 2.5- metre cable, noise cancellation, 20 – 20000 Hz frequency response, 268g.

COOLER MASTER STORM SIRUS
SRP: £105
DISTRIBUTOR: Target Components
THEY SAY: Built for gaming enthusiasts and audiophiles alike, the Cooler Master Storm Sirus creates an immersive gaming experience with hi-fidelity sounds capes and intensified bass.
SPECS: 5.1 surround sound, eight speaker channels, mixing console, uni-directional microphone, background noise cancellation.

PLANTRONICS GAMECOM COMMANDER
SRP: £250
DISTRIBUTOR: Micro-P
THEY SAY: Victory is yours with the tournament-ready Plantronics GameCom Commander PC headset. With its closed-ear design and unmatched noise isolation, audio, and voice technology, the GameCom Commander shuts out distractions and has 7.1 Dolby surround sound.
SPECS: Noise-cancelling mic, weighs 16 ounces, QuickDisconnect adaptor for switching from PC to mobile device, two-metre cable, 40mm speaker driver.

GXT 26 5.1 SURROUND USB HEADSET
SRP: £43.99
DISTRIBUTOR: Ingram Micro
THEY SAY: Perfect for gaming, the GXT 26 has an over-ear design, true 5.1 high performance surround sound with eight built-in speakers, and an adjustable microphone.
SPECS: USB connection, self-adjusting headband, integrated volume remote control, 2.2-metre cable, weighs 480g, minimum requirements: Windows 8, 7, Vista or XP.

HAMA DIGITAL HEADSET
SRP: £25.99
DISTRIBUTOR: Midwich
THEY SAY: This Digital USB stereo PC headset gives crisp, clear communication to your gaming community. Full sound spectrum brings reality to the action while in-line volume control and microphone mute give you full, instant control.
SPECS: Two-metre cable, 15 Hz – 20 kHz frequency range, 100 mW power.

ORION HEADSET
SRP: £58
DISTRIBUTOR: Spire Technology
THEY SAY: The Orion comes with true to life in-game audio detail with big 50mm neodymium magnet drivers, effective 30dB noise isolation, and full size 100mm over-ear cushions with a perfectly snug fit for prolonged gaming sessions.
SPECS: 20 – 20000 Hz frequency response, 2.5-metre cable, weighs 268g, passive noise isolation, 100 dB headphone sensitivity, -30 dB microphone sensitivity.

TURTLE BEACH FORCE Z SEVEN
SRP: £229.99
DISTRIBUTOR: Turtle Beach
THEY SAY: The Ear Force Z Seven is a professional tournament grade gaming headset for the PC that is licensed and endorsed by Major League Gaming (MLG). The Z Seven is perfect for elite eSports players or gamers who want a pro experience.
SPECS: Control unit, voice morphing, sonic silencers, auxiliary input, interchangeable speaker plates, 5.1 surround sound, ear guard with Blast Limiter, 50mm speakers.

ASUS VULCAN PRO
SRP: £94.99
DISTRIBUTOR: Spire Technology
THEY SAY: The Vulcan Pro comes with an exclusive ROG Spitfire USB audio processor, 7.1 virtual surround, has the world’s only active noise cancellation created specifically for gaming, which reduces low frequency noise by 85 per cent.
SPECS: 40mm driver diameter, uni- directional microphone, 20 – 20000 Hz frequency response, 2.5-metre cable, weighs 326 g, comes with carrying case.

COOLER MASTER STORM SONUZ
SRP: £65
DISTRIBUTOR: Target Components
THEY SAY: At home or on-the-go, the large high quality drivers in Sonuz will blow you away. The headset includes huge breathable on-ear padding that is both soft and comfortable while facilitating the delivery of deep full sounds far beyond your expectations.
SPECS: 53mm drivers, detachable 3.5mm microphone, 97mm earpads, flexible headband, in-line remote with volume control and microphone on/off button.

GXT 40 ELITE GAMING HEADSET
SRP: £59.99
DISTRIBUTOR: Ingram Micro
THEY SAY: The GXT 40 Elite is a premium quality gaming headset ideal for PC, notebook, ultrabook, tablet and smartphone. With an adjustable headband and soft ear pads the GXT 40 Elite is ideal for long gaming sessions.
SPECS: Over-ear pads, in-line volume control and mic mute, adjustable headband and microphone, weighs 316g, comes with notebook/PC and smartphone converter cables, carry bag included.

LOGITECH G35
SRP: £119
DISTRIBUTOR: Gem Distribution
THEY SAY: Powered by Dolby Headphone, the G35 delivers immersive 7.1 channel sound and a winning mix of play-all-night comfort and power-at-your-fingertips customisation. A glowing red indicator light provides a visual cue to your audio status and keeps you informed when the mic is muted.
SPECS: Three programmable G-Keys, USB port, mute light, three headband pads included.

SOUND BLASTER EVO HEADSET
SRP: £99.99
DISTRIBUTOR: Computer 2000
THEY SAY: Featuring 40mm FullSpectrum drivers, the Sound Blaster EVO is the headset for amazing audio. With its dual mic array you can enjoy crystal clear communications. Free Sound Blaster EVO Control Panel software has audio enhancement technology.
SPECS: 40mm drivers, 7.1 surround sound, noise cancelling dual microphone, can be connected via USB 2.0 and analogue 3.5mm jack, fold-flat portable design.

SPEEDLINK MEDUSA NX 5.1 SURROUND HEADSET
SRP: £149.99
DISTRIBUTOR: Meroncourt
THEY SAY: Experience sparkling trebles, feel the savage bass and pinpoint sounds with stunning accuracy with the Medusa NX 5.1. It allows you to determine where sounds are coming from.
SPECS: Compatible with PC, Xbox 360 and PS3, eight integrated driver units, Dolby Digital and Dolby Pro Logic II, 5.1 surround sound, noise- reduction mic, flexible headband, weighs 310g, 4.3m-cable.

QPAD QH-85 PRO GAMING HI-FI HEADSET
SRP: £79.99
DISTRIBUTOR: Meroncourt
THEY SAY: The Hi-Fi capability of the new QPAD QH-85 will not only open a world of magical sounds for you, it can also give you an advantage in many games. The QH- 85 is designed with open cups and will produce a natural sound with clear bass, mids and highs.
SPECS: Hi-Fi capable 53mm drivers, 15 – 25.000 Hz frequency response, detachable microphone, solid aluminium construction.

THRUSTMASTER Y250
SRP: £69,99
DISTRIBUTOR: Gem Distributor
THEY SAY: The Thrustmaster Y250 has pure analog audio for accurate, optimal reproduction of the sound of games on your PC. The unidirectional mic is designed to accurately target just your voice. The headset has been crafted by Thrustmaster’s teams to provide outstanding comfort during gaming sessions.
SPECS: 50mm drivers, 10 hz – 25 kHz frequency range, 2.8-metre cable, weighs 364g, mic mute switch, tablet/mobile connectivity.

TURTLE BEACH EAR FORCE Z22
SRP: £69.99
DISTRIBUTOR: Gem Distribution
THEY SAY: This delivers the Turtle
Beach audio advantage to your PC with exceptional sound and comfortable design for hours of immersive gaming, entertainment and chat. Separate controls for game and chat volume keep communications crystal clear.
SPECS: 3.5mm PC/Mac audio connection, 4-pole auxiliary cable, 50mm speakers, adjustable bass and treble levels.

CONTACTS
CENTERPRISE: 01256 378071
COMPUTER 2000: 0871 880 3000
ENTATECH: 0333 101 1000
GEM DISTRIBUTION: 01279 822 822
INGRAM MICRO: 0871 973 3000
MERONCOURT: 01462 680 060
MICRO-P: 01256 707070
MIDWICH: 01379 649200
SPIRE TECHNOLOGY: 01202 828444
TARGET COMPONENTS: 01977 739 300
VIP COMPUTERS: 0871 622 7500