If you often play video games, you certainly know how important it is to invest in good headphones. There are many different models on the market, which differ not only in price, but also in technical aspects. See what parameters are important and what you should keep in mind when shopping.
The basic issue when choosing headphones is how they are built. Gamers prefer in-ear versions, that is those that fit to the ear, or surround it from the outside and are connected to the top with a special, adjustable headband. Such models are further divided into two types:
Another type are in-ear headphones, which are inserted directly into the ear canal. Characteristic rubber band on their speaker serves as a seal and comfortable fastening at the same time. They are very popular because of their small size, practically zero weight and possibility to be put into a pocket or backpack. In-ear headphones are less popular for gaming because they can hurt your ears after a few hours and also negatively affect your hearing due to their design.
Wireless versions connect to Bluetooth-enabled devices, while wired ones have a standard cable and jack (or other) plug. Here, the choice depends on personal taste. While the lack of a cord is convenient, it does require charging the headphones. When it comes to sound quality, it’s currently similar in both cases.
Gaming headphones should be sensitive enough to catch even the quietest sounds, which are very important in games. EU standards state that the recommended volume is about 86 dB, although in terms of headphones it is better to bet on models starting from 110 dB.
This mysterious indicator determines how much electrical resistance the coils in the speakers have. High impedance ensures that the sound is clear, but it also lowers its volume. For this reason, it is best to go for devices in the 16-32 ohmrange.
Along with sensitivity, a very important aspect in gaming is clearly distinguishing different types of sounds – from low, bass sounds to high, squeaky sounds. So when you buy headphones, pay attention to the frequency response, which should be between 16 and 20,000 Hz.
Nowadays, manufacturers like to equip their devices with additional options. In in-ear headphones, it is important to have a microphone, which will come in handy during team games, active noise cancellation or sound quality enhancement. In terms of comfort, check whether the headphones are adjustable, what material they are made of, and whether the in-ear version has additional rubber bands.
Main photo: samer daboul/unsplash.com
