If you’re looking at a headset that connects via a 3.5mm jack (some also use two 3.5mm connections, one for the headphones and one for the microphone) and you’re on PC, you might want to look into purchasing a dedicated soundcard. Onboard soundcards found on either desktops or laptops can potentially pick up static noise due to poor shielding or dodgy power supplies, which will negatively affect the sound quality.
To bypass your onboard soundcard, you can purchase a £6 USB soundcard from Amazon. This will completely eliminate static noise from your 3.5mm-connected headset. If you want the best performance from a headset used via an analogue connection, however, it may be worth investing in a pricier external or internal soundcard.
Do I need a wireless headset?
Wireless technology works well in headsets as there’s no perceived audio delay. But it’s worth remembering that you may lose a little audio fidelity via a wireless connection – it all depends on the headset and its specifications. Of course, if you want to go wireless, there are other issues to consider: you’ll pay a premium for the privilege and will have to remember to charge your headset. Read our guide to the best wireless gaming headsets for more information.
Should I worry about build quality or weight?
A well-built headset should last you several years. It all depends on how often you use it, how you treat it and, of course, how well it was manufactured. Pricier headsets often add sturdier-feeling hinges and materials in addition to improved sound quality and fancy features.
Weight is another key consideration as the heavier the headset, the less comfortable it will be for epic gaming sessions. Another comfort factor is the size of the earpieces. As not everyone’s ears are the same, the earpieces on certain models may potentially press on the earlobe or around the ear and cause pain. What might be comfortable for a few minutes may be extremely uncomfortable after an hour.
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Is software important for gaming headsets?
When it comes to headsets, there isn’t much in the way of essential software. Unlike gaming mice and keyboards, a headset doesn’t need to be configured. However, some manufacturers bundle software to allow you to change microphone characteristics, EQs, lighting and even the programmable buttons on wireless headsets. Of course, this only applies to PC gamers.
What about LED lights?
Lighting is a feature that’s a little more recent, with even cheaper headsets now offering basic lighting capabilities. Since the headset will be on your head most of the time, though, you won’t get the same benefit as you do from LED lighting on gaming mice and keyboards – you won’t be able to utilise its lighting capabilities to provide you with visual prompts, for instance.
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source: https://www.expertreviews.co.uk/headsets/1405585/best-gaming-headset
