What's so different about a gaming headset? Here's what you need to know.
Choosing the best equipment for your audio needs can be a tricky endeavor. Do you really need expensive audio gear for gaming, or can you get away with a regular headset? The answer is simple. While you can, of course, use a "typical" headset for just about any need you might have in the media space, you may actually be better off with something more heavy-duty, like SteelSeries' very own Arctis line.
It all comes down to personal preference what kind of headset you'll use in the end, but for the most part you should know what the differences are between the two types of headsets, and who might benefit from which kind. Take a look at what we've lined out below to see what makes a gaming headset different from the various types you might be seeing out in the wild when shopping for new gear.
What is a traditional headset?
Source: Amazon
Headsets are basically pieces of tech that include headphones and a mic. They're great solutions for anyone who doesn't really care about the audio quality of their games or other media. These people aren't very concerned with the technical details or quality when they play games or watch TV or movies, but they want to have a convenient way to listen to what's going on or to chat to others.
Most "regular" headsets have ear cups, additions like retractable mics, and inline controls so you can mute the mic, change the volume, and tweak audio settings. Others let you alter these things (on PC, especially) with special software. It's not rocket science -- just a (generally) cheap and reliable way for you to have audio and share comms with others while playing or consuming media.
If you aren't as concerned with sound or build quality, any run-of-the-mill headset will do. Just don't expect too much out of it, especially since there are plenty of lesser-known names out there getting into the headset game each day.
What is a gaming headset and how is it different?
Source: SteelSeries
Gaming headsets are tailor-made for users who plan to enjoy their favorite games or media with a hands-free method of communication. As is usually the case with manufacturers like SteelSeries, these headsets usually come packed with a series of features tweaked for a specific type of consumer.
In addition to a sleek, gaming lifestyle-oriented exterior, which you'll recognize across the SteelSeries product line, you get a variety of different features. For one thing, these headsets are "tuned" for gaming in all its different forms, but can still be used for audiophiles to enjoy their favorite record or for folks to spend time chatting to their friends all day.
They also excel with various types of connectivity: choose a wired or wireless headset that gets the job done, and you can benefit from it across a variety of use cases. Whether you want to use Bluetooth to connect to your phone or a wire to make sure it's compatible with your favorite console, you've got plenty of options.
Gaming headsets, like the SteelSeries Arctis Pro line, even let you customize a wide variety of different aspects of your equipment. Don't like the lights on your headset? You can change up the RGB lighting. You can even alter the way the headset sounds with a mixer, while enjoying its comfortable, soft earcups and solid construction.
In the end, you'll find that there's a lot more that goes into a gaming headset that makes it a much more unique and desirable prospect. At SteelSeries, we pride ourselves on offering some of the best models you can find in the wild, from the Arctis Pro to the Arctis 7 and everything in between.
So if you're in the market for something new, be sure to check out what we've got on offer and discover the difference behind what a true gaming headset can offer you. Don't settle for a plain, multifunction budget special -- go for broke if you're going to game.
Read more
- Remote Work? You Need A Headset, Not Headphones
- The Miseducation of Gaming Headset Mics
- How to Build a SteelSeries Setup on a $100 Budget
Want to find the best gaming headset for you? Check out the official SteelSeries Discord server and chat with other folks who are already enjoying what we've got on offer!
