It’s amazing how far headsets have come these days … I remember back in the early days of online FPS (First Person Shooters), we use to have a separate HiFi headphones that’s pretty ordinary for sound, and a separate cheap desktop microphone for speech. It was all good until you realise that the loose cabling was a problem.
During the mist of some intense gaming action, the loose cabling from the headphones, microphones would always seem to get in the way of your most needed “kill”. The other problem was the volume control and the microphone on/off function, which had to be adjusted manually through the audio settings on the computer. This was not ideal, as it would affect your gaming experience. So what’s the solution? Well, imagine a headphone with a built-in microphone, and just one cable combining both volume and mic controls. Voila! the gaming headset was born …
Last week, we talked about professional gaming accessories and put two gaming laser mice to the test … the QPad 5K and the Sharkoon FireGlider. Both mice were pretty good. The QPad 5K was aimed at the more professional gamer offering excellent features with good CPI rate and programmable settings, but at price. The Sharkoon FireGlider however, was more affordable and aimed at the mainstream gamer, but it also offered some good features such as the weight tuning system, good CPI rate as well as programmable buttons. Gaming mice are just one of the accessories required by gamers to complete the whole “professional gaming” experience. So what else is missing … well, to complete that whole “professional gaming” experience, you’ll also need a good quality mouse mat, keyboard and a decent headset.
Today, we’ll be looking at two gaming headsets … one from Steelseries and the other from Sharkoon. The Steelseries 7H Pro Gaming headset is aimed at the professional gamer and is priced at the higher-end of the market, while the Sharkoon RHS RH200 is a more affordable headset aimed at the mainstream gamer who’s on a tight budget. Both headsets have built-in microphones and volume control, but the Steelseries 7H offers higher quality and better sound than the Sharkoon RHS RH200.
Steelseries V5 Pro Gaming Headset
No introduction here … Steelseries is THE brand of choice for most professional gamers. They specialise in professional gaming accessories including mice, keyboards, mouse mats and headsets. For more information on Steelseries and their other products … here’s a little something taken from their website.
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“From day one, SteelSeries has been focused on making professional gaming gear that provide meaningful benefits to gamers of all skill-level, with the most demanding being those gamers whose lively hood depends on the performance of our products. We believe, as most gamers do, in winning, not trying! What originally began as a small two-person operation in Copenhagen back in 2001 has become a global leader in professional gaming products. SteelSeries recognized the need for superior, high-quality professional gaming gear that would give players a competitive edge. Fast-forward to today, and we’ve come a long way since our first glass mousepad. We have global offices in North America, Europe, and Asia, providing an integrated portfolio of products designed specifically for gaming. Fueling our growth is you, the gamer! “ |
In this versus battle, we’ll be taking a look at the Steelseries 7H Pro Gaming headset. As I’ve mentioned earlier, the 7H Pro Gaming headset is aimed at the professional gamer, and therefore will be priced at the higher-end of the market. It comes with detachable braided cables for both audio/mic and feature gold-plated audio jacks/connectors. One of the cables has an integrated volume and mic control unit, while another has a mini-USB connector which you connect to the headset itself. This is a pretty cool feature, as it means you can actually detach the headset away from the braided cables.
Furthermore, the headset can be dismantled in 4 separate pieces, which allows for compact and easy transportation. And finally there is an “invisible” pull-out microphone which is found on the left earcup. This extractable/extendable and allows you to store the microphone away, thus proctecting it from general ware ‘n’ tear. And as an added bonus, you’ll also get 2 spare ear cups/pads.
All-in-all, a very well thought-out headset that’s really designed for the professional gamer. Late, we’ll be checking out the audio quality, as well as its build quality.
Sharkoon RHS Gaming Headset
Sharkoon are based in Germany and comes from a slightly different background. They produce on all sorts of peripherals from keyboard/mouse to USD HDD docking stations. More recently, they’ve entered the gaming market and launched a new brand called RUSH … selling keyboards, mouse and headsets for gamers. For those who’ve never heard of Sharkoon until now … here’s a little something taken from their website.
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“From a worldwide distribution network spanning more than 30 countries, we offer customers a portfolio of unrivalled products for all areas of the PC. Moreover, our selection of products is constantly developing and reaches the broadest possible group of customers. Since its inception in 2002, Sharkoon has shown consistent growth and set itself apart through steadily increasing sales. Our goal is the continued growth and expansion of our expertise, to be demonstrated in the establishment and development of successful and sustainable business relationships with our customers and partners. Some of our biggest strengths are our flexibility and rapid response capabilities and the ability to react to future market and technology” |
Last week, we looked at Sharkoon’s FireGlider gaming mouse, and thought that it was a pretty good product for what you get. I think Sharkoon’s main focus here is affordability and price. Their main business strategy has always been to target the mainstream gamers who’s on a tight budget, and it seems to be working well for them. We’ll be taking a look at their RHS200 gaming headset. It features cushioned ear cups and headband, and a long cable integrated with a mic and volume control unit, as well as two 3.5 mm stereo jacks for audio and microhone. The length of the microphone is fixed and is located on the left ear cup. It can be stored away by aligning it with the headband itself. Build quality is pretty standard with nothing to shout about. But sometimes it’s not all brand names … it’s what you get for the price, that matters.
Both of these headsets look pretty good, and it’ll be interesting to see what the sound quality is really like. As usual, we putting these headsets through the test with a few popular games such as StarCraft II, Left for Dead, Aliens vs Predator and of course Counter Strike. It’s the battle of the headsets … Steelseries 7H vs Sharkoon RHS200. Are you a mainstream/occasional gamer or are you a part of a professional e-sports team? Which headset would you choose?
Ok, let’s not waste any more time and take a closer look at the specifications of these gaming headsets, starting with the Steelseries 7H …
Steelseries 7H Pro Gaming Headset
Taken from Steelseries Website …
Specifications
Headphones
- Frequency response: 18 – 28.000 Hz
- Impedance: 32 Ohm
- SPL@ 1kHz, 1 Vrms: 112 dB
- Cable length: 1,0 + 2,0 = 3,0 m (9,8 ft.)
- Jacks: 3,5 mm
Microphone
- Frequency response: 50 – 16.000 Hz
- Pick up pattern: Uni-directional
- Sensitivity: -38 dB
Highlights
- Optimized soundscape for crystal clear high, low and mid-tones
- Interchangeable ear-cushions for both hear-through cloth and noise dampening leather
- 50 mm driver units provide rich and detailed audio reproduction
- Pull-out, “invisible” microphone
- Travel friendly and can be dismantled into 4 separate pieces
The SteelSeries headset features 50mm drivers with a remarkably wide frequency response that delivers rich and detailed audio reproduction. The headset delivers a clean and clear soundscape from mood setting music to critical 3D positional sounds and alerts.
The headset offers two interchangeable ear-cushions that provide long-lasting comfort: Open-type cloth covered foam ear-cushions with hear-through functionality and closed-type leather ear-cushions with noise dampening foam that increases passive noise isolation. The headset can be dismantled in 4 separate pieces, which allows for compact and easy transportation. The right ear-cup features an “invisible” pull-out unidirectional microphone system, that can be discretely hidden when not in use. The durable braided cord includes built-in volume and microphone controls.
Sharkoon RHS200 Gaming Headset
Taken from Sharkoon’s website …
Specifications
Headphones:
- Speaker: Ø 40 mm
- Sensitivity: 120 +/- 4 dB
- Impedance: 32 Ω
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz
- Power Capability: 100 mW
- Plug Type: 3.5 mm stereo plug
Microphone:
- Microphone directivity: omni directional
- Sensitivity: -54 dB ± 3 dB
- Impedance: 2.2 K Ω
- Frequency Response: 100 Hz to 10,000 Hz
Overview
With the RHS200, we have expanded our Rush series to include a stereo headset in an open design with head band. The RHS200 offers very good sound quality, and with its cushioned ear caps, and likewise cushioned headband, a superbly comfortable fit is maintained even with longer gaming sessions.
The pivoting microphone captivates due to clear transmission quality and can be deactivated by the integrated cable controller. The volume can also be adjusted by this controller. The RHS200 can simply and quickly be connected by two 3.5 mm stereo jacks on a home computer.
Features
- Stereo headset with cable integrated volume control
- Open design
- Easy connection via 3.5 mm stereo plug (microphone and headphones)
- Pivoting microphone with mute function
- Suitable for: gaming, multimedia and language applications (e.g. VoIP, TeamSpeak)
- Cable Length: ~ 2 m ± 0.15 m
Verdict and Conclusion
I never thought that headsets can be so interesting to review. I’m more used to the ordinary earphones/earbuds or headphones for HiFi audio systems and iPods. I guess the days are gone where users used to have a separate headphone for audio, and a cheap desktop microphone for speech. Combining the two functions into one headset is the way forward for today’s more demanding users, especially gamers. However, professional gamers will require something a little more than just high quality audio amd features. They’ll need something that can provide good 3D positional sounds and alerts, which will allow them to plan their next move during intensive gameing. For this, they need a headset that can offer a wide range of frequency responses … typically between 18 Hz – 20,000 Hz.
After testing these two gaming headsets, and wearing them for several hours or more, I come to the realisation that the sounds produced through these headsets during gameplay, were really incredible. I was fully immersed in the game. Every little sound produced during gameplay from falling debris to ricochet bullets were crystal clear … you could even hear the footsteps of your ememy in the distance. It makes the whole gaming experience more fulfilling and enjoyable. This headset review has totally changed my views about gaming accessories. I can now understand how important a headset can be during intense gaming, professional or othewise.
Steelseries 7H Pro Gaming Headset
There’s no question, the Steelseries 7H Pro is the better of the two headsets in this review. But you have to remember, each headset is aimed and targeted at different markets. The Steelseries 7H is aimed at the more professional gamer and the higher-end market. And for this reason, there is usually a price premium to pay … but what do do you get for your money?
Well for starters, the build quality is excellent. The headset can be dismantled in 4 separate pieces, which allows for compact and easy transportation. Each of the components is made from god quality materials, and feels solid and well-made. You also get detachable braided cables, gold-plated audio jacks/connectors, as well as a 2 spare ear cups.
Sound quality didn’t disappoint either. During gameplay, the 50mm driver found on the Steelseries 7H, produced a well-balanced sound with good bass and crystal clear effects. The unidirectional microphone with its noise supression technology, allowed me to recorded good quality voice/speech with minimal background interference. Overall, the Steelseries 7H Pro gaming headset is an excellent peice of hardware, which is essential for any professional gamer. In my opinion, it’s the KING of headsets … but there’s a price. Costing around USD $150.00 (GBP 100.00 or Eur 120.00), it is the most expensive gaming headset we’ve reviewed to date. At this price it’s out of reach for a lot of mainstream user or occasional gamer. However having said that, there will be some die-hard fans and extreme hardcore professional gamer that will go for the Steelseries 7H, no matter what the cost.
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SCORE
9/10
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| Steelseries 7H |
Sharkoon RHS200 Gaming Headset
Although the two headsets are aimed at totally different martkets, I wanted to show you guys that there are huge differences between the two in terms of price, quality and features. There’s really no question … the Steelseries 7H wins hands down between the two headsets. But having said that, the Sharkoon RHS200 does offer something that the Steelseries 7H don’t, and that is … affordability. Yes, the build quality of the Sharkoon RHS200 may not be all that great, but you have to remember it is x5 times cheaper than the Steelseries 7H … yes x5 times!!
It’s construction is slightly “plasticky” (yes it is a word, I checked on dictionary.com), and the ear cups do feel a little cheap. There’s no braided cables nor are there any gold-plated audio jacks/connectors. You do however, get a volume and mic control unit attached to the cable.
Even though it is, for the better word … dirt cheap, it isn’t all that bad to be honest. In terms of audio quailty, it’s slightly tinny but the bass was OK. During gameplay, the sound effects were clear and audible. Voice and speech recording was OK with little noise interference. All-in-all, the Sharkoon RHS200 is an OK gaming headset. Notice I said “OK” several times … It’s really OK, but it’s not something you wouldn’t spend hours on the internet researching the specs. It’s the kind of headset you’ll be happy to give to away as a gift. You wouldn’t really take this to a LAN party nor would you use it in any professional gaming competition.
The price of the Sharkoon RHS200 is its salvation. It’s unbelieveable attractive … costing around USD $29.00 !! (that’s no more than GBP 19.00), it’s one of the most affordable gaming headsets you can get on the market. Professional gamers should stay away … but for everyone else who’s on a tight budget, then it’s worth a look.
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SCORE |
| USD $30.00 GBP £19.99 |
Sharkoon RHS200 |
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