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Designed solely for the purpose of giving PC gamers high quality audio with the capabilities of voice communication without the needs for a separate microphone, gaming headsets come in a variety of forms and features. This makes gaming headsets ideal for online-multiplayer gaming where team-based gameplay and communication holds the most importance. Fitted with an in-line remote, gamers can access various functions for headset control. These usually consist of volume control, mute functionality, and audio-channel switching. Allowing capabilities for on-the-go usage, some models also feature the choice for both USB input and a 3.5mm jack input.
This proves to be ideal for those in need of a headset for their smartphones or tablets, in cases where music playback or communication is also of importance. Headsets which tend to feature this capability usually feature a lower rating of impedance, meaning they’re not appropriate for amplifiers and audiophile-grade equipment. An impedance rating is a measurement of power required to drive the headphones.
Headsets and headphones featuring a rating of 50ohms or lower are ideal for being used with portable equipment and desktops gaming PCs. Those with an impedance rating of 70ohms or higher are best suited to amplifiers and high-end equipment. Speaker driver size – physical size of the speaker diaphragm, tends to increase with impedance rating, with 40mm or 50mm driver sizes being ideal for gaming headsets.
Along with the equipment choice and usage scenarios, headsets will vary model by model in regards to number of audio channels the manufacturer has decided to implement. With 2.0 stereo being the standard, those with 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound will allow for additional audio channels which in turn will provide a more immersive gaming experience. Being a standard measurement for the levels of audio frequency the headset is able to output, this rating functions on a scale of 20Hz - 20,000Hz with bass sitting on the lower end and treble at the other.
For those seeking headphones for audio creation or to be used with amplifiers, they will be pleased to know that high-end headphones provide deeper levels of bass and treble, with some models rated at 10Hz - 30,000Hz. The last thing to take note of when shopping for headsets or headphones is the sensitivity rating or the SPL(Sound Pressure Level). This refers to the amount of power that’s required in order to reach a given volume. This pressure rating is measured against a level of 120 dB, the level in which pain may begin to occur dependending on each individual's preferences.
For instance, earphones by their very nature have smaller drivers and a lower impedance rating than headphones, earphones rated for a SPL of 125 would require less power to reach a given volume than headphones with a SPL rating of 96. This means the earphones have a higher sensitivity rating.
Frequency Response: A measurement of bass, mids and treble on a standard scale of 20Hz - 20KHz (20Hz - 20,000Hz)
Impedance: A measurement of power required to drive the headphones. Portable equipment are rated at 50 Ohms or lower, while at-home equipment can range from 70 Ohms - 300 Ohms, therefore requiring an Amp.
Driver Size: Physical size of the speaker diaphragm. 40mm to 50mm are ideal for gaming headphones.
Sensitivity SPL (Sound Pressure Level): The least amount of power required to reach a given volume, rated against 120 dB. The higher the rating the more sensitive the equipment.
