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Corsair HS60 Gaming Headset: A Comprehensive Review

Introduction

The Corsair HS60 is a feature-packed gaming headset designed to deliver high-quality audio and comfort without breaking the bank. Aimed at both casual and competitive gamers, this headset offers an impressive set of specifications and design elements that make it stand out in its price range. In this comprehensive review, we‘ll take a closer look at the Corsair HS60 and evaluate its performance, design, and value to help you decide if it‘s the right headset for your gaming needs.

Design and Build Quality

One of the first things you‘ll notice about the Corsair HS60 is its sleek and modern design. The headset features a black color scheme with silver accents, giving it a premium look and feel. The ear cups and headband are made of high-quality plastic, with a metal reinforcement in the headband for added durability. The HS60‘s build quality is impressive, especially considering its affordable price point.

Comfort is a crucial factor in any gaming headset, and the Corsair HS60 does not disappoint. The ear cups are generously padded with memory foam and covered in a breathable microfiber fabric, ensuring that your ears stay cool and comfortable even during extended gaming sessions. The headband also features ample padding and can be easily adjusted to fit a wide range of head sizes. At 11.4 ounces (322 grams), the HS60 is lightweight enough to wear for hours without causing discomfort.

Audio Performance

The Corsair HS60 is equipped with custom-tuned 50mm neodymium drivers that deliver excellent audio quality for gaming, music, and movies. With a frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz, these drivers offer a balanced and immersive sound stage, with clear highs, rich mids, and punchy bass. The headset‘s closed-back design also helps to isolate external noise, allowing you to focus on your game or media.

When compared to other headsets in its price range, such as the SteelSeries Arctis 5, HyperX Cloud II, and Razer Kraken X, the HS60 holds its own in terms of audio quality. While it may not offer the same level of detail and clarity as more expensive headsets, it still provides a satisfying and engaging listening experience. The stereo sound is well-suited for a wide range of gaming genres, from first-person shooters to role-playing games.

The 50mm neodymium drivers used in the Corsair HS60 are a significant factor in its audio performance. Neodymium is a rare-earth element known for its strong magnetic properties, which allows for the creation of powerful yet lightweight drivers. The larger 50mm size of the HS60‘s drivers enables them to move more air, resulting in a fuller and more dynamic sound compared to smaller drivers. This is particularly beneficial for gaming, as it helps to create a more immersive and realistic audio experience.

Microphone Performance

The Corsair HS60 features a unidirectional, noise-canceling microphone that ensures clear voice communication with your teammates. The microphone is designed to reduce background noise and focus on your voice, making it easier for others to hear you even in noisy environments. The mic‘s clarity is impressive, with your voice sounding natural and crisp.

One of the standout features of the HS60‘s microphone is its detachable design. When not in use, you can easily remove the microphone and store it away, giving the headset a cleaner look. There‘s also a convenient mute button on the back of the left ear cup, allowing you to quickly mute your mic without having to fiddle with in-game settings.

The unidirectional noise-canceling technology used in the HS60‘s microphone is crucial for clear voice communication. A unidirectional microphone is designed to pick up sound primarily from one direction (in this case, your mouth), while rejecting noise from other directions. This helps to minimize background noise and focus on your voice, ensuring that your teammates can hear you clearly.

In real-world testing, the Corsair HS60‘s microphone performed admirably, with clear and intelligible voice transmission even in the presence of background noise such as typing or fan noise. This makes it an excellent choice for online multiplayer games where effective communication is essential.

Compatibility and Connectivity

The Corsair HS60 is a versatile headset that is compatible with a wide range of platforms, including PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. It connects via a 3.5mm audio jack, making it easy to plug in and start playing without the need for additional software or drivers. The headset comes with a 1.8-meter braided cable, providing ample length for comfortable use while gaming.

Setting up the HS60 is a breeze, thanks to its plug-and-play design. Simply connect the 3.5mm jack to your device, and you‘re ready to go. The headset also comes with a Y-splitter cable, allowing you to use the mic and audio functions separately on devices with dedicated mic and headphone jacks.

It‘s worth noting that while the Corsair HS60 is compatible with most gaming platforms, some devices may require additional adapters or cables for full functionality. For example, Xbox One controllers with a 3.5mm jack will work with the HS60 out of the box, but older Xbox One controllers may require the Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter for use with the headset.

Software and Customization

While the Corsair HS60 doesn‘t come with dedicated software, it is compatible with Corsair‘s iCUE software. This optional software allows you to customize the headset‘s equalizer settings, create custom sound profiles, and adjust the microphone‘s sidetone level. iCUE is a powerful tool that offers a wide range of customization options, making it easy to tailor the HS60‘s audio to your preferences.

To use iCUE with the Corsair HS60:

  1. Download and install the iCUE software from the Corsair website.
  2. Connect the HS60 to your PC using the 3.5mm jack.
  3. Launch the iCUE software and navigate to the "Headset" tab.
  4. From here, you can access the equalizer settings, create custom sound profiles, and adjust the microphone‘s sidetone level.

While iCUE offers a wealth of customization options, it‘s important to note that the HS60‘s default audio profile is well-balanced and suitable for most users. The software is an optional extra that can enhance your experience but isn‘t essential for enjoying the headset‘s performance.

Value for Money

The Corsair HS60 offers excellent value for its price, delivering a combination of good build quality, comfort, and audio performance. When compared to other headsets in its price range, the HS60 stands out for its well-rounded feature set and reliable performance.

For casual gamers looking for a decent headset that won‘t break the bank, the HS60 is an excellent choice. It provides a satisfying gaming audio experience and a clear microphone, making it well-suited for single-player games and online multiplayer. Competitive gamers may find the headset‘s stereo sound and noise isolation adequate for their needs, although those seeking the absolute best in positional audio may want to consider higher-end options with virtual surround sound.

Audiophiles and users who primarily listen to music may find the HS60‘s sound quality to be good but not exceptional. While it offers a balanced and enjoyable listening experience, it may not deliver the same level of detail and soundstage as more expensive, music-focused headphones.

To better understand the value proposition of the Corsair HS60, let‘s compare it to some of its closest competitors:

Headset Price Driver Size Microphone Connectivity
Corsair HS60 $69.99 50mm Unidirectional, noise-canceling 3.5mm
SteelSeries Arctis 5 $99.99 40mm Bidirectional, noise-canceling USB, 3.5mm
HyperX Cloud II $99.99 53mm Bidirectional, noise-canceling USB, 3.5mm
Razer Kraken X $49.99 40mm Unidirectional, noise-canceling 3.5mm

As evident from the table, the Corsair HS60 offers a larger driver size and similar microphone performance compared to the Razer Kraken X, while being priced closer to the more expensive SteelSeries Arctis 5 and HyperX Cloud II. This positions the HS60 as a strong value proposition, offering features and performance that punch above its price point.

Conclusion

The Corsair HS60 is a well-rounded gaming headset that offers excellent value for its price. With its combination of comfort, durability, and good audio performance, it‘s a solid choice for both casual and competitive gamers. The headset‘s design and build quality are impressive, with high-quality materials and a lightweight, comfortable fit.

While the HS60 may not offer the same level of audio fidelity as more expensive headsets, it still delivers a satisfying and immersive gaming experience. The noise-canceling microphone ensures clear voice communication, and the headset‘s compatibility with a wide range of platforms makes it a versatile choice for gamers with multiple devices.

Overall, the Corsair HS60 earns a strong 4 out of 5 stars for its combination of features, performance, and value. If you‘re in the market for an affordable gaming headset that delivers comfort, reliability, and good sound quality, the HS60 is definitely worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Is the Corsair HS60 compatible with PS5?
    Yes, the Corsair HS60 is compatible with the PS5 when connected via the 3.5mm jack on the DualSense controller.

  2. Does the Corsair HS60 have RGB lighting?
    No, the Corsair HS60 does not feature RGB lighting. It has a more understated design focused on performance and comfort.

  3. Can I use the Corsair HS60 for music production?
    While the HS60 offers good audio quality for its price, it is primarily designed for gaming. For music production, you may want to consider studio-grade headphones with a flatter frequency response and more accurate sound reproduction.

  4. How long is the warranty on the Corsair HS60?
    The Corsair HS60 comes with a two-year warranty, which covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use.

  5. Can I replace the ear cushions on the Corsair HS60?
    Yes, the ear cushions on the Corsair HS60 are replaceable. You can purchase replacement ear cushions from the Corsair website or authorized retailers.