Introduction
For gamers looking to put together the best gaming setup possible, a gaming headset is a vital component to boost audio and communications quality. However, due to headsets not being a necessary purchase in order to play games, they are often overlooked by consumers when browsing for gaming peripherals.
Whilst gaming mice and keyboards usually take the spotlight in this category, it’s time to put the focus onto audio and speech. But which gaming headsets should you consider? What features should you look for?
In this article, we’ll be taking a look at one of Corsair’s latest wireless gaming headsets, the HS65 Wireless, to see if it has all the ingredients needed to provide gamers with strong audio quality and clear communications for gaming and other forms of media. By breaking down the design, features, and performance specs, we can figure out what the essential elements of a gaming headset are, and whether the HS65 Wireless includes them.
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Are Gaming Headsets Necessary?
If we had to provide a simplistic answer without considering the intricate factors of gaming hardware, then no, a gaming headset isn’t necessary to start playing games. There are many gaming components and peripherals that are required for games to run. For example, games won’t be able to run without a GPU or CPU, and it’s impossible to control a game without a mouse and keyboard – or controller.
But just because a headset isn’t crucial for a game to function, that doesn’t mean they should be tossed to the side. Having a way to listen to a game’s stellar music, dialogue, and environmental sound effects without any distractions helps to increase immersion and is probably quite convenient for anyone around you too!
For gamers who like to play online multiplayer games in particular, the microphones and chat functions included on a gaming headset makes them a must-have. Whether you’re talking with friends, strangers, or flying solo, the enhanced audio and clear voice channels allow you to listen to enemy movements and communicate with teammates to take them down.
Corsair HS65 Wireless Design & Aesthetics
Time to take a closer look at Corsair’s HS65 Wireless, a wireless headset that I have been keen to try out since they arrived in the office. As someone that has been using the slightly cheaper HS55 Wireless as a daily driver, it will be interesting to see how many changes there are the functionality and design. One of my major gripes with the HS55 Wireless was that the build-quality felt cheap and failed to reflect the strong audio quality provided. But does the HS65 Wireless solve this problem?
Thankfully, yes! The overall design of the HS65 Wireless feels a lot more premium than it’s HS55 counterpart, leading to a sturdier design that is more reminiscent of the premium price tag. Whilst the HS65 still possesses some of the weak points such as the padding attached to the headband, this headset does a good job at evolving the design to reduce the impact of these design choices.
The best example of this evolution comes from the exterior of the headset. Instead of the hollow plastic frame on the HS55, the HS65 uses a soft-touch plastic which makes picking up this headset feel more comfortable and less flimsy. On top of this, the pattern surrounding the Corsair logo on the earcup is switched up to create a more eye-catching design.
As for the rest of the design, the memory foam padding on the earcups and headband feels a lot firmer, meaning this design leaves plenty of room between the padding and metal frame for a more cushioned feel. Also, the slightly heavier design makes the HS65 Wireless feel evenly distributed, which helps to cover up the metal frame. These small improvements go a long way to making the HS65 Wireless feel more premium, leading to a much more comfortable gaming experience.
Corsair HS65 Wireless Specs & Performance
Moving onto the technical information now, and the features included on this headset are bound to music to the ears of a lot of gamers. Equipped with 50mm neodymium audio drivers, this headset has enough power to offer crisp audio that catches every detail when gaming. Additionally, the inclusion of Dolby 7.1 surround sound means users can pinpoint exactly where a particular sound is coming from in relation to their on-screen location, which is very convenient when targeting foes in combat.
| Key Specs | Corsair HS65 Wireless |
|---|---|
| Speaker Driver Size | 50mm |
| Weight | 275g |
| Connectivity | 2.4GHz Wireless & Bluetooth |
| Charging | USB-C |
| Max Battery Life | 24 Hours |
| RGB | No |
| Microphone Pattern | Omni-directional |
| Wireless Range | 50ft / 15m |
As for connectivity, the HS65 Wireless can last for up to 24 hours on a single charge, providing plenty of juice to cover those all-night gaming sessions. If you do run out of charge, then the USB-C connection provides fast charging, which can provide 6 hours of play after just 15 minutes, allowing you to get back to the action as soon as possible. Finally, the 50ft wireless range should be more than enough to walk freely around a room, or even your home, without disconnecting.
Corsair HS65 Wireless Headset Features
Whilst the design and performance are always important on a gaming headset, the features included are often the elements which allow them to stand out from the crowd. So what unique features does the HS65 Wireless possess? Here are the design choices that stood out whilst using this headset.
Wireless Connectivity
Like on many wireless gaming headsets targeted towards PC gaming, the HS65 Wireless includes Bluetooth for easy and versatile connectivity on the go, along with a 2.4GHz USB dongle for a faster and more reliable connection. Having two ways to connect makes it easy to switch between multiple devices, meaning you never have to go without a headset. After all, you never know when you’ll need to jump on a game to help a friend.
SoundID Audio
During my time with this headset, the most exciting feature was by far the SoundID customisation. After opening up iCUE and connecting your headset, users can use SoundID to create a custom sound profile within minutes to match their preferences. It may take a few attempts to get the calibration spot on, but this software is excellent, and is very easy to understand.
Flip-to-Mute Microphone
One of the most disappointing features on this headset is the flip-to-mute microphone. Corsair use this microphone design on a lot of their headsets, so it’s not surprising to see it here. However, we would prefer that Corsair steered away from this and included a detachable microphone instead, as this would make the headset lighter and easier to travel with when the microphone is not in use.
On-Ear Volume & Mute Controls
As a wireless headset, on-ear controls are required in order to make changes without having to rely on external software. On this particular headset, the controls are what you’d expect from a wireless gaming headset, and are quite easy to reach. Along with a power button and volume rocker, this headset includes an input which allows users to toggle between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connectivity, as well as a mute button for the mic.
Corsair iCUE Customisation
Anyone familiar with Corsair products will know that many of their products are compatible with the iCUE software, and the HS65 Wireless is no exception. When connecting this device to iCUE, users are presented with a plethora of customisation options, including personalised audio with SoundID and custom EQ profiles, along with control over voice prompts and battery settings.
Alternatives
If you like the sound of what the HS65 Wireless has to offer, but are not fully convinced it’s the perfect fit for your gaming setup, you might want to consider some of the alternative options on the market. But before you go browsing on your own, take a look at some of our recommendations that offer a similar experience to the HS65 Wireless, but with a few unique twists.
Corsair HS55 Wireless
We’ve made numerous comparisons to this headset within this breakdown, and for good reason. Acting as a slightly cheaper version of the HS65 Wireless, Corsair’s HS55 Wireless shares a lot of similarities with its counterpart, including identical performance. Whilst some key exclusions make this headset less comfortable than its HS65 variant, the cheaper price point might make this a strong choice for those on a tighter budget.
To find out more, check out our detailed review of the Corsair HS55 Wireless.
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Corsair HS80 Wireless
Sticking with Corsair once again, but this time with the premium headset within this series, the HS80 Wireless. Whilst the 50mm audio drivers and omni-directional microphone will offer a similar quality to the HS65, this headset comes with an upgraded design that is extremely comfortable. With a floating headband and breathable earcups, this headset eliminates a lot of the design problems on its cheaper alternatives, whilst boasting a metallic appearance that adds a premium touch. Also, this headset includes a hint of RGB lighting, which can be customised in iCUE.
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Logitech G733 Wireless
If the offerings from Corsair are not quite grabbing your attention, then Logitech’s G733 Wireless is one of the best wireless gaming headsets on the market. Along with a comfortable design with accents of RGB lighting, the G733 wireless includes a detachable microphone which includes BLUEVO!CE filters for crystal clear communications. Whilst these features do come at a cost, it is available for a similar price to the HS65 Wireless, making it a great value purchase.
Interested in this headset? Learn more in our in-depth Logitech G733 Wireless review.
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Conclusion
Corsair HS65 Wireless Gaming Headset Review
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Features
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Design
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Sound Quality
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Value for Money
Summary
Overall, the Corsair HS65 Wireless is a strong headset which provides a comfortable combination of design and audio quality. When splashing out on a wireless gaming headset, you expect to receive a product which feels as good as it sounds, and the HS65 Wireless manages to achieve this – but only just. Boasting significant design improvements compared to the HS55 Wireless, the memory foam padding and soft-touch exterior on this headset results in more comfortable listening, making it incredibly easy to play games for hours on end. Whilst there are some design flaws that can be adjusted, they don’t have a significant impact when using the headset, as they are covered up well by other aspects of the design.
In terms of sound quality, this headset is up there with the very best gaming headsets available. More specifically, the customisation options on the HS65 Wireless are quire remarkable, with SoundID being the highlight feature. This software lets you tailor the audio to fit your personal needs and preferences, meaning you never have to miss another detail in games again. And thanks to the 24 hours battery life and versatile connectivity options, gamers can enjoy this experience all-day without having to worry about charging their device mid-game.
For gamers willing to invest in a wireless gaming headset, then the Corsair HS65 Wireless should be added to your shortlist. With streamlined yet extensive customisation, stellar audio quality, strong wireless connectivity, and a comfortable design, this headset has all the elements needed for an immersive gaming experience.
Pros
✅ Great audio quality for gaming
✅ SoundID & customisation is excellent
✅ Comfortable design
Cons
❌ Expensive for a headset
❌ Flip-to-mute microphone
❌No wired connectivity
