The best Corsair gaming headset for PC in 2019, is also the newest to their line-up. We’re talking about the Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless High Fidelity Gaming Headset. Despite looking incredible and leveraging many of Corsair’s new technologies, they are going to be the best bet available when it comes to performance. Read ahead to find out why…
5. Corsair HS35 Stereo Headset
Entering the line-up on the budget end of the spectrum is the HS35 Stereo. These were released recently in June of 2019. They are intended to target the budget gamer, but still provide a fair level of quality.
Being a wired headset, the HS35 is light on boxes accessories. Inside you’ll find just the headset, a detachable mic, and the always included Warranty Guide.
The headset itself is designed with a metal flexible strap at it’s core. This provides plenty of flexibility without concerns of breaking. The headset as a whole has nice aesthetics including rubber wrapped color matched cables, and an embossed corsair logo on the headband.
The microphone is detachable, and can be replaced with a corsair branded rubber cap. The mic is discord certified, and has a clean crisp sound. The earcups are wrapped in a cloth memory foam set of pads. Underneath, corsair has put in their 50mm drivers with a sensitivity of up to 113dB and a impedance of 32 Ohms at 1kHz. What this equates to is a bass-filled sound that covers up what really is a budget headset.
The HS35 is making the list because it’s a great solution for those who don’t want to spend a lot, but want to isolate their gaming experience. These will also be a great solution for mobile gamer’s, music listeners, or people who just want something cheap for productivity. Check it out below:
4. Corsair HS50 Stereo Headset
The Corsair HS50 is one of the first headsets that really caught my eye from the team at Corsair. This headset was designed as an entry point into the budget gaming headset market. There is a pretty large jump in quality when you look at the HS35 vs the HS50.
The biggest comfort change is the leather type ear cups included on this headset. This will help in those long gaming sessions, especially if you’re someone who sweats a little, this is going to bring comfort up quite a bit. In addition to the leather ear cups, the whole headband is also wrapped in the same leather type material but with diamond stitching. This add’s to the overall aesthetic and comfort. These additions make them easier to clean as well.
For control-ability, the HS50’s are equipped with a built in free rolling volume knob and mute button on the bottom of the left ear cup.
Not that it is necessarily a decision maker, but the HS50’s are available in Carbon (black), blue and green variants. This was initially branded as the Switch, PS4, and XBOX variants, but really it means nothing other than a color.
In comparison to the HS35’s the HS50 has somewhat of an improved audio experience. You’ll notice slightly lower amounts of bass, with a lot more clarity. In switching between the two, you’d be quick to forget where the quality in the HS35’s is lacking, however when keeping comfort and quality in mind, the HS50’s clearly take the cake for spot #4. Check it out below:
Bonus Thought: What about the HS60?
One of the biggest questions I get is, “which should I buy? HS50? HS60? HS70?” The truth is, the HS50 and HS60 are exactly the same headset. The main differentiation between the two is the USB adapter that comes included in the HS60. This adapter will adapt USB to 3.5mm and unlock simulated 7.1 surround.
This headset didn’t make the list, because it’s ultimately a secondary variant of the HS50. Additionally, the majority of people don’t need a USB headset. I would also say, the simulated surround in my experience, was overrated and at times useless for gaming, watching youtube, and listening to music. For those of you interested in this however, you’re ultimately getting more than the HS50, and can often times find it online for roughly the same price as the HS50s.
Check it out here:
3. HS70 Wireless Headset
Much like the HS50’s and HS60’s, the HS70’s fall into the same aesthetic and build quality. The reason? They are basically a wireless variant of the previous two. I won’t go into too much detail on sound and mic quality because they’re ultimately the same as the HS50’s/60s.
You will notice the HS70’s are slightly heavier, but still fit the ears snug, and comfortably. These closed back cups do fit on the ear, which can be slightly irritating over long periods of time. You’re headset is still wrapped in the leather like material, and has the same base headband design. Keep in mind, again, they do have a soft memory foam design which should help with fatigue.
What is lacking on these is Corsairs wireless slipstream technology, but we will dive more into that later in the article. They do however still come equipped with a permanent lithium ion battery which should last upwards of 16 hours. Battery life is indicated with a build in LED on the earcup opposite of the volume controls. The color of the LED will change from green to amber to red indicating the remaining life. Also note, these wireless units come equipped with a power button next to the LED.
The main selling point of these HS70’s is going to be that wireless functionality, while still being somewhat on the budget side of the spectrum. Being that these have been out for quite a while, you can usually pick them up for about $20 more than the HS60’s, sometimes even less.
Check them out here:
2. Void Elite RGB Wireless Headset
Finally we’re starting to get into the more premium end of the spectrum. TheVoid Elite RGB are by no means a high-end headset, but until recently, they were the priciest offering from Corsair.
Starting with the design, these are completely different than the rest of the line-up. The Voids have a metal headband at their core for flexibility just as the other’s do. The difference is the heavy duty metal “Z” hinges that allow you to rotate the ear cups freely. These are great when you want to lay your headset down on your shoulder, however they add quite a bit of weight overall making these the heaviest headset in the lineup.
The ear cups like others in the list are close backed, and are equipped with cloth wrapped memory foam. These are designed for around the ear fitment making them really comfortable. It would have been nicer for cleaning if they had a similar leather type material as the HS series. That being said, these are probably the most comfortable thus far.
Functionality
This variant in the line-up is also equipped with a flip up microphone, which is a real joy to use. Not only is it easy to move up and out of the way, but doing so mutes the microphone. Functionally speaking, if you had to take a bite of a snack, drink some water, or even just cough, you can easily do so without messing up your flow too severely.
If you’re wondering about controllability, the Void’s have a power button and mute button (aside from the flip up mic) on the left ear cup. Volume can be controller here as well, while charging can be completed via the included micro USB cable and connection at the same location. As with the HS70’s, an LED indicator is placed near the charge cable for assistance in monitoring battery life.
There is a catch here…
The biggest flaw to the Void’s is their heavy weight. I have been using these on the daily for nearly 2 years, and it hasn’t been an issue, but I can see it being frustrating. The problem is they fit loosely, which combine with their heavy weight could make them feel like they’re going to fall off. It hasn’t been an issue for me, but it’s worth noting.
The Voids are available in a USB variant as well if you want a more premium feel, but aren’t interested in dropping a bunch of cash. Money not being too heavy of a concern, wireless is always more convenient. Check them out here:
1. Virtuoso RGB Wireless Headset
The topper of the Top 5 Best Corsair Gaming Headsets is the Virtuoso RGB Wireless. These are brand new to Corsair and look like an absolute dream. These are at their core designed with a lightweight headband and again, memory foam earpads to conform to the shape of your head.
Rather than heavy weight materials like we saw on the Voids, the Virtuoso’s are designed with lightweight aluminum accents. These will provide great durability long term, while helping with comfort and aesthetic. Speaking of aesthetic, they’re offered in a white variant, a carbon (black) variant, and the SE model which looks like a combo of black and brushed nickel-esque hints.
Being the Virtuoso RGB’s, we know Corsair has hidden some lighting in the headset. Finally though, we have something different in the RGB arena which is Corsairs new Capellix RGB’s. These RGB’s are the same we saw in the K57 review on Joestech. The short story on these, is Corsair put a ton of R & D into fitting a ton more RGB into a smaller space while making them more efficient. This equates to brighter lights, better battery, and a more fun experience. You’ll find these RGB’s inlaid as the Corsair sails logo on each ear cup.
Functionality
The Virtuoso’s are equipped with what are sure to be the best “precisely tuned” 50mm high-density neodymium driver from their team yet. They provide a frequency rang of 20Hz-40,000Hz which is nearly double the range provided in the Voids. The microphone on the Virtuoso’s is rated as “broadcast grade” and is removable if you just want to use these as a headset.
With the RGB changes, and high capacity lithium ion battery corsair chose, these have a battery life of up to 20 hours, which is a decent improvement over their predecessors. Additionally, Corsair added an accelerometer into the Virtuoso’s so they will shut off when you set them down, and turn back on when you pick them up.
Charging can be performed via the included USB cable. However, the headset can be run wireless using Slipstream technology, via USB, or via 3.5mm wired connection. Slipstream wireless is designed to actually be faster than a wired connection in some cases though, and provides one of the most efficient (power-wise) connections. There is no reason not to go wireless if that’s the case.
Of course these are equipped with simulated 7.1 surround sound. As we know, this isn’t the best feature, but it’s there for those of you who are looking for that in a headset.
Final thoughts….
These Virtuoso’s have the best set of features, but being new, it’s hard to know their durability level. If the previous headsets are any indication, they should be a great addition to the line-up. They’re just becoming available if you’d like to check them out here:
Please let us know what you guys think about this list in the comments section below. Do you think there is another headset we should have included?