gaming headset

Gamers love the fully immersive experience that the latest generation of PC gaming offers. Games achieve this by combining multiple sensory inputs that create a convincing and compelling playing environment, where the player feels they're an integral part of the action. Here's where gaming headphones give you an edge.

Gaming headset benefits

While great graphics with smoothly moving ultra-fine details are essential, immersion comes when multiple sensor inputs work together. Irrespective of quality, images will appear superficial without an accompanying soundscape to match.

The best audio experience layers sound effects, dialogue and music together. Voices and sound effects provide spatial awareness and generate sudden emotional responses, while music has the power to evoke underlying emotive feelings.

Good quality sound will help focus your attention, heighten your senses and let the adrenaline flow when things get dramatic. In addition, being able to discern subtle noises of approaching danger and deduce the direction the sound is coming from can give you a competitive edge.

Gaming headset audio features

Noise reduction

Game audio played through speakers is a great option, but distracting background noises can break the sensory illusion at a crucial moment when you're trying to concentrate. These noises can come from a broad range of sources:

•    A noisy computer cooling fan can create a constant low-level sound that may become annoying over time, especially when the game sound is quiet.
•    Noises that other people nearby create, such as conversations in the next room, shouting or sudden loud crashes, can be distracting.
•    Noise from outside, such as constant traffic or construction noise, regular overflying aircraft or occasional emergency vehicle sirens, can also contribute to distractions.

Ear cushions covering the ears will significantly reduce unwanted sounds. You'll only hear the sounds played through the headphones, except for loud background noises like a fire alarm - which you won't want to miss.

Microphone

If you love multiplayer gaming, you'll want to chat with teammates to give advice, encourage and warn of impending dangers. A freestanding mic by your computer is a simple solution, but it means you have to position your head near it whenever you want to speak.

A boom microphone integral to your gaming headphones will solve this issue and, thanks to noise-cancelling technology, ensure your fellow players hear you.

Gaming headsets combine headphones and a microphone into a single package that provides all the audio features you need.

Surround sound

Games use surround sound technology to provide audio cues from specific directions that follow the corresponding visual cues. This sound generation technique creates a more realistic and believable soundscape than old-style stereo systems.

The latest headsets include technology that simulates surround sound systems. The advantage of a headset is that, unlike carefully positioned speakers, you can move around without affecting the quality of the sound.

Gaming headset comfort

Fantastic audio quality is terrific, but you'll want your headset to be comfortable so you're not distracted by the annoyances of awkward fitting, irritating materials, hard-to-reach controls, or uncomfortable weight.

Over-the-ear cups should fit neatly against your head, without so much pressure they dig in or so loose that they don't stay in position. Memory foam ear cups will provide a snug, comfortable fit. A good quality metal construction, using aluminium or steel, should ensure an adjustable design that holds its shape over time, and handles the rigours of taking the headset on and off.

Ear cup coverings should use a high-quality soft material that doesn't irritate the skin. This is because when you become immersed in the gameplay, you may subconsciously and repeatedly move your head in response to events on the screen. Such movements can cause inferior materials to scratch the skin, causing rashes.

Controls for fine-tuning audio or muting the mic should be easy to reach. You'll want to concentrate on the game, so adjusting fiddly, hard-to-reach buttons or knobs is a non-starter. Good quality gaming headsets have simple-to-use controls for hands-free operation. Consequently, gaming headsets are typically more technologically and ergonomically advanced than others.

Finally, the headset should be as light as possible with balanced weight distribution, so that wearing them does not strain your neck muscles or cause the headset to slip off at the most awkward times. This can be an issue with lower-quality wired headsets where the cable connected to your computer pulls on one side of the headset.

Wired and wireless headsets

Gaming headsets are available in both wired and wireless options. Some models offer both options by including wireless technology and a removable cable.

Wireless headsets offer the best flexibility for moving around during gameplay without worrying about a cable getting snagged or in the way.

There are downsides to wireless headset technology. Depending on the wireless connection technology used, budget wireless headsets may suffer a perceptible time lag or reduced audio quality due to bandwidth limitations. Ensuring the headsets use a fast 2.4 GHz connection will minimise any throughput issues.

Another downside is that wireless mice require batteries to power their functions. Battery life between recharging will be the primary consideration, but you must balance this with comfort. A large battery can add weight that affects comfort over long periods. A good headset should provide sufficient battery life to meet your daily needs without adversely affecting comfort.

The best wireless gaming headsets are available with sound quality matching their wired equivalents, ultra-lightweight construction and long battery life.

HP's gaming headsets

The HP store stocks a great range of HP and HyperX gaming headsets. HyperX is a renowned award-winning developer of gaming products. The HyperX brand is synonymous with superior comfort, aesthetics, performance, and reliability. These are all critical criteria for choosing the perfect gaming headset.

Gaming headsets from HyperX's range of options offer serious gamers the sound quality, performance and features they'll need to get the most out of their PC gaming. You can see the full range of options on the HP store.

Summary

The latest games deliver a fully immersive experience by combining visual and audio cues, combining landscapes and soundscapes into a coherent, complementary sensory input. We've identified the following factors when looking for the best gaming headset.

•    When choosing a gaming headset, it's essential to find a comfortable set suitable for long periods of play that provide great-quality audio.
•    Headsets that fit comfortably over the ear will reduce external noise levels while offering comfort.
•    Headsets that support surround sound will offer a more immersive and satisfying playing experience.
•    Headset mics with noise-cancellation technology will make it easier for others to hear you.
•    Wireless headsets prevent trailing cables from getting in the way of your mouse or keyboard.

Visit the HP store to discover some of the best choices in gaming headsets and see the latest offers.

About the Author: Stephen Mash is a contributing writer for HP Tech Takes. Stephen is a UK-based freelance technology writer with a cybersecurity and risk management background.