techsupport Immersing yourself fully in a game is impossible without high-quality sound. In horror games, sound helps you catch the slightest rustles — even a faint creak of a door hiding a jump scare. In shooter games, it allows you to pinpoint the enemy’s location before they even appear on screen. But do you really need gaming headphones when there are regular ones available, especially for some simple slots at 22casino or The Sims 4?
Let’s explore how PC gaming headsets differ from standard models and what to look for when choosing one.
Key Differences Between Gaming and Regular Headphones
Standard models are primarily designed for listening to music, while gaming headsets are specifically made to meet the needs of gamers. Here are a few major differences:
- Sound tuning. Gaming headsets focus on mid-tones and bass for a more dynamic in-game experience. For example, gunfire doesn’t drown out critical sounds like enemy footsteps. The goal isn’t perfect sound quality, but preserving as much in-game information as possible. Most models also offer spatial audio: if an enemy is 10 meters away, you’ll clearly hear both distance and direction, as if you were physically in the game.
- High-quality microphone. Online gaming, multiplayer, co-op, or streaming all require communication. That’s why most gaming headsets come with microphones. These mics usually have better noise cancellation and audio quality than regular ones.
- Gamer aesthetics. Gaming headphones stand out with their bold designs and many feature dynamic RGB lighting. This not only enhances the gaming atmosphere but also helps players stand out, especially if they stream, record videos, or attend LAN parties.
Design: Choose a Lightweight Model with Adjustable Fit
Gamers often spend hours at their PCs, so comfort is essential. Gaming headphones should be lightweight to avoid overheating and discomfort from constant pressure. The ideal weight is around 300 grams.
The headband should be adjustable — either self-adjusting or extendable. Unlike fixed models, these can be tailored to fit any head size. Dual headbands are best since they automatically adapt.
Earpads should be large enough to fully cover your ears and offer solid noise isolation. Material matters too:
- Leather and leather substitutes:
- Excellent sound isolation
- Can heat up quickly
- Best if made from breathable eco-leather to reduce sweating
- Fabric and mesh materials:
- Allow good airflow and keep your head cool
- Weaker sound isolation
- Tend to get dirty and wear out faster
- Combined materials:
- Often feature leather on the outside and fabric on the inside
- Rare, but offer a decent compromise between comfort and sound quality
If you wear glasses, opt for velour earpads or models with cutouts for temple arms. Otherwise, the headphones may press uncomfortably and reduce noise isolation.
Connection Type: Stick With Cables or Use Radio Transmission
Wired gaming headphones remain popular because their signal delay is minimal. You’ll hear the enemy the instant they appear, giving you time to react. Plus, there’s no need to charge them.
For gaming laptops, a cable length of 1.2-1.5 m is ideal; for desktop PCs, 1.8-2 m is better — long enough not to get in the way.
Wireless headphones are, of course, more convenient — you can grab a snack mid-match without dragging your PC. But the type of wireless connection matters: 2.4 GHz via USB dongle or standard Bluetooth.
- Bluetooth is found in budget models, but they tend to have high latency. That gives your opponents a serious advantage in multiplayer games, where every millisecond counts.
- 4 GHz wireless through a secured channel is much better — latency is minimal, nearly on par with wired. However, these models cost more.
If you’re on a tight budget, go for wired. If not, get a headset with 2.4 GHz radio.
Portable headsets do have downsides: because of the built-in battery, they weigh about 30+ grams more and require charging every 12 hours or so.
Sound Quality: Check Format, Impedance, and Drivers
The best gaming headphones support 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound — simulating the effect of multiple full-sized speakers and a subwoofer for maximum immersion.
There are two main ways this is implemented:
- Built-in multichannel drivers:
- Each ear cup contains multiple physical speakers
- Offer highly accurate positional audio
- Heavier and more expensive
- Virtual surround sound:
- Use software algorithms to simulate directional audio
- Lighter and more affordable
- Still provide immersive sound for most gamers
Multichannel drivers offer more realistic sound, but virtual surround still significantly enhances gameplay. Many gamers won’t notice a major difference, so you don’t necessarily have to pay extra.
Other key specs to consider:
- Sensitivity — affects volume. 100 dB with a max input power of 100 mW is optimal.
- Drivers — the sound transducer. Should be at least 40 mm in diameter with a frequency range of 20-20,000 Hz to capture every subtle noise.
- Impedance — affects clarity. Generally, higher means less distortion, but it depends on power output. Avoid models over 65 Ohms unless you have an amplifier, or sound may be too quiet and muddy.
Microphone: Listen to Test Recordings and Check Sensitivity
If you’re choosing a gaming headset with a microphone, here are a few important and easy-to-understand specs to consider:
- Mute function. Not all gaming headsets offer this, so sometimes you have to unplug the whole thing. It’s best when there’s a dedicated button or software switch — without it, you may forget to mute yourself and say something unintended.
- Flexibility and directionality. The mic should be adjustable so you can position it optimally. The closer it is to your mouth, the clearer your voice (but also more hissing). Directionality matters too: an omnidirectional mic picks up everything around you; a unidirectional one focuses only on your voice.
- Recommended range is from −45 to −35 dB — this avoids picking up background noise. Also look for models with noise cancellation to block out keyboard clicks and other distractions while keeping your speech clear.
These specs are usually listed on the manufacturer’s website, but for best results, check out real-life audio tests on YouTube.
