Corsair HS80 RGB USB Gaming Headset
Feature
Lightweight gaming headset
Design and comfort
The Corsair HS80 RGB Wired Gaming headset has a few strange design choices. It is a device that is in the mid-range price when it comes to gaming headsets, but has the look of a lower end set. A plastic headband encases an elasticized band with a thin leather padding. The plastic headband does feel as though it could snap if pushed together too much, but will stretch nicely to fit most sized heads. But despite the flimsy look, it is quite a sturdy device.
The plastic headband leads to machine aluminium swivel earcups. These swivel nicely so that they can be packed way flat for travel. The earcups themselves are a pointed rectangular shape and have a plastic housing for the RGB effects. The earcups have a felt padding with memory foam inside. This gives the HS80 a comfortable feel. With the elasticized floating headrest, this keeps the headset feeling light for an extended period of gaming, which is not difficult to imagine with the unit weighing in at just 371 grams.
The RGB is limited to the Corsair logo on each of the earcups. This can be customized via the downloadable iCue software, and with the full gamut of colours to choose from, as well as several modes, there is something that gamers will enjoy. The left earcup contain controls for volume and for muting the microphone.
Speaking of which, the HS80 has a fixed swinging microphone. It is reasonably inconspicuous – especially when compared to some of the EPOS headsets we have reviewed in the past. The microphone feels somewhat flimsy, but this enables it to be positioned in a suitable distance from the mouth to provide optimal clarity. Swinging the microphone in an upward position automatically mutes your voice, giving gamers the opportunity to quickly speak to someone locally whilst in game, so that their squad mates do not overhear the personal conversation.
Connectivity and performance
Although the headset has swivel earcups which is great for portability, this is somewhat negated by the fact that it can only be connected via the 1.8m USB Type A cable. This limits the headset to just PC gaming.
But with that said, the HS80 performs well in most scenarios. Indeed, the base volume was quite loud compared to other headsets I have reviewed, even those that are more expensive models. However, this doesn’t flow through to all aspects of the headset. The standard bass feels a little underpowered, but there are several Preset EQ settings within the iCue software and one of these is a Bass Boost setting. With this I was able to get a much meatier sound when listening to tunes such as Diesel Power by The Prodigy. Other preset settings enrich the sound for chat or watching videos. The 7.1 surround sound works remarkably well, allowing gamers to pinpoint the location of gunshots or someone creeping up from behind you.
For a headset that is in the mid-range price-wise, I wasn’t expecting as much from the microphone as some higher end headsets, but I was pleasantly surprised. Voice chat came through clearly and the ability to quickly mute the microphone by swinging it up is a bonus. There is a mute button on the rear of the left earcup, but swinging up the mic is far easier.
The earcups close around the ear nicely, but the headset is not noise cancelling – I normally use a Mechanical keyboard with Cherry Brown switches – which are on the quieter end of the switch spectrum, and I could still hear the click of the keys as I was typing.
Verdict
The Corsair HS80 RGB headset is a comfortable device that performs well on a PC. The swivel earcups make it a great set for portability, being able to flatten them down to less than 5cm for packing. The onboard controls work well, as does the mute function when swinging the microphone up. The felt earcups whilst comfortable attract dust and make them harder to clean than a leather (or leather look) earcups, but with a light frame and superb audio performance - particularly for a mid-range headset - the Corsair HS80 USB Wired gaming headset could be a great starter unit. However, if you’re looking for an allrounder that you can use on the go with a mobile device or to also play on a console, then you’d be wise to look elsewhere.
The Corsair HS80 RGB USB Gaming Headset is available on 12th July (or can be pre-ordered now from JB Hi-Fi).
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