Searching for Gaming Headset vs Headphones and Mic? Which one is the best for you? Here is the solution. Continue reading
Close out the rest of the world and immerse yourself in the complete surround sound auditory experience of using headphones while gaming.
It’s a total immersive environment. With the right headset, you’ll not only hear sounds transmitted right into your ears – you’ll be able to discern which direction they’re coming from. That creature sneaking up on you in the brush?
It’s behind you! What about the shouting from your other teammates when you’re out on a tactical mission? You know exactly how to locate them solely through sound.
So, the right headset can be the difference between mission accomplished on an objective you’ve been working towards for hours – or failure. Modern ones take your gaming experience to a whole new level.
When it comes to headsets, you have two major choices. On the market, there are specific gaming headsets that come with built-in microphones. You can also purchase a regular set of stand-alone headphones and a separate microphone. In this article, we’ll look at the pros and cons of each, as well as whether you should invest the extra money into getting a gaming headset.All About Gaming Headsets
Gaming headsets themselves come in two major varieties. Would you like wired or wireless?WIRED
Wired gaming headsets have several advantages over the more technologically advanced wireless versions. For one thing, they are easier to set up. You just take them out of the box and plug them into your system. The sound on wired headsets is also superior and won’t interfere with other audio equipment.
You never need to charge them or worry about them running out of battery power in the middle of a game. Probably the chief advantage is that they cost less than wireless. Wired headsets are limited by the length of their cable range.WIRELESS
You are not tied down to a cable with wireless headsets, giving you a full range to move. Also, you’re not connected to a transmitter, either. Wireless headsets usually connect through Bluetooth, so that’s compatible with most gaming consoles.
However, do keep in mind that when you choose wireless, the sound quality isn’t superior to wired unless you go into very high price brackets. Wireless gaming headsets usually operate on the multi-use 2.4GHz radio wave band. Nearby devices can interfere with the signal, including the microwave and laptops.GAMING HEADSET MICROPHONES
Connecting a microphone to the gaming headset has literally changed the game for many die-hard players. Especially for military games, you can really feel like you’re in the field on a tactical mission, speaking into the mic with team members to coordinate attacks. It’s an advantage over having to purchase a separate mic like you would if you just had regular headphones. However, one con is that if the mic is faulty, the whole headset won’t work, either.
A more sensitive mic is not necessarily a better one. It will pick up background noise that can be distracting. You’ll want one with a mute button, too.OTHER GAMING HEADSET FACTORS
You have plenty of other features to take into consideration when choosing a gaming headset over headphones and mic. You want it to be comfortable, so that your ears aren’t being crushed and headaches encouraged.
For gamers who play long hours, this is of great importance. You’ll want to decide between stereo or surround sound. You can also choose between open air headsets or closed air headsets. How wide is the frequency response? It should cover an auditory range from dog-whistle high down to a deep, low bass.Using Headphones and A Mic for Gaming
You can certainly use your regular headphones with your gaming console. All you need to do is add a separate microphone. That’s one of the great benefits to not purchasing a specific gaming headset – your costs are kept low and you get an amazing quality of sound. There are attachable microphones to buy that can fit to any set of headphones and will give you that excellent sensitivity you’re looking for.
Also, you can use wireless headphones with Bluetooth that connect to the gaming console or computer, and then attach a microphone for the full ‘gaming headset’ experience.USB MICROPHONES
There’s a wide range of USB microphones to choose from on the market. Get one that comes with its own stand, so it sits sturdily on your computer desk or gaming surface. One bonus is that you’re not limited to just a small attached mic. You can choose exactly the mic model that you want.
Depending on the model, they’re also designed for professionals in the radio, podcasting, and music industries, so you’ll find high end mics for a large price range. Of course, your mic doesn’t have to be used for just gaming!
With plenty of models to choose from, you’re sure to find the right USB microphone for your gaming needs. One possible downside is that USB microphones might require their own recording or mixing software. There is free software, like Audacity, but you’ll have to buy more high-end software if that’s what you’re looking for.Are Gaming Headsets Worth It?
For the ‘cool’ factor, gaming headsets are an awesome addition to your gaming experience. But, compared to headphones with separate mics, are they a worthwhile investment? They can get pretty pricey!
Opinions from the professional gaming community are mixed. Some gamers just love them and think they’re worth every penny, simply because they’re an all-in-one tool that is super easy to set up and gives them that immersive experience.
Other gamers claim that headsets are an overpriced ‘rip off’ and you get much better sound quality from highly rated headphones, not to mention they are so much less expensive.
If you’re tangled up in cables and tired of having to fiddle with separate headphones and mics, then a wireless gaming headset is definitely worth it. With both headsets and headphones, you can customize the comfort level by adding ear pads, but that’s about it. With headphones and a mic, you get a ton more options, you pay less, and many gamers claim you can get a better sound quality.
Above all, your gaming experience should be the best it can be based on your preferences!
