Finding a mid-range gaming headphone with decent features is quite a tiring task, but to save time today I am going to test out Corsair HS35 Stereo headphones. We will test out the model to find whether HS35 is good enough to feed a gamers need of good voice chat, sound quality, and comfort of usage.
I count Corsair HS35 as an affordable mid-range gaming headset, why mid-range because there is no wireless support here and the price tag is not hyped. A 3.5mm wired audio device, Corsair HS35 is decent enough to justify itself under the category of Important Gaming Accessory. Remember I am not pushing it in the ultra-range where surround sound, a dedicated audio control software, RGB lightning, high bass, etc are all preferred. Instead, HS35 is something a well-balanced headphone between good sound and good voice chat. Not promising high features, Corsair HS35 is a time-saver, it can be ideal for any novice to pro-gamer who does not want to invest a lot on premium models or want to avoid unfamiliar cheaper brands.
Design:
Corsair HS35 is a no-nonsense model, with rubber cushion only on the adjustable headband, HS35 looks very durable. I found the wire a little short if your PC is far from your sitting region while connecting it directly on the controller was never an issue. Considering the PC platform as our major test platform were tried out Wolfestine Youngblood, Control and Gears 5 I was satisfied with HS35 audio. I want to put stress on one thing HS35 is not unnecessarily loud, it delivers optimized audio, with deeper bass, but it is wrong to compare it with a premium model where Bass is primarily amazing. Which makes them an ideal model for home entertainment, as well as gaming. Corsair HS35 on the other side is a serious gaming headphone, with a dedicated volume control it is a device-free model and easy to manage. You can mute the mic with a key from the right Ear-pad.
HS35 has a plastic body and comes in four different colors, Green, Carbon, Red, and Blue. Mic is detachable and in the box, you will get a Y-Splitter that will be used on a PC if you want to use a Mic. By default the headphone works well with audio, not additional optimization is needed, Corsair HS35 focus on minimal design and maximum output.
Gaming Audio Performance:
One common thing I had noticed in regular headphones is the audio is unreasonably loud. The max volume on Corsair HS35 through the dedicate volume control key is not that loud, where the ear-pad design plays a major role. The earpads complete blocks sounds from the surrounding, no matter if someone is watching TV next to you, if you are wearing HS35 you will not get disturbed. Although I felt sweating after an hour, it is necessary to take breaks. Because once you start playing games wearing HS35 will be slowly get consumed into the gameplay. Even in horror games, Corsair HS35 is not that loud to scare the “thing” out of you.
To an extent it is good for ears, with decent loudness and middling bass, Corsair HS35 is pleasing. Detachable Mic can be used for voice chatting, which is of regular quality. Voice chatting on games like Fortnite, or battle games like COD, etc was OK, I do not look much into the Mic part, for me, the audio output matters the most.
I played Control for hours on my PS4 and PC I tried out Gears 5. From my test, I found Corsair HS35 is helping to get you more engaged in the game, with a simple volume control you can manage the audio instantly, but also the earpads block everything around you. Playing games in a crowded Living room or if your roommate runs loud music, Corsair HS35 will not let them tear down your gaming.
Verdict:
Corsair HS35 is good and it is affordable. Price at $39.99 which roughly translates to Rs.2900 excluding taxes in India I will be more than happy to buy if it is available only at that price. One of the Amazon.in listing ask for Rs.4400 for Corsair HS35, the price fluctuation is upsetting. It is best to put HS35 under a range of Rs.5,000 if this is your budget for a gaming headphone. Remember do not expect surround sound or high base, it is designed purely to enhance gaming experience via best audio quality. Video games audio mostly consist of dialogues, vehicle sounds, weapon sounds, music, cinematic, etc.
Gaming is clear and immersive on Corsair HS35.
