Audio is one of the most important parts of every game. They set the mood and they are the key if you want a good atmosphere. Subnautica is an excellent example of this. If you have ever played the game, then you know how quick the goosebumps can spread around your skin just because of the music and sound engineering. But the sound is also needed if you want to communicate with teammates quickly and effectively, like in CS:GO or League of Legends. Sound and communication becomes more apparent in the competitive side of professional gaming. To listen to your games you will either need headsets or headphones. But they are vastly different, which is why you need to know why each one is great. And of course, we are here to help you with the matter.
Benefits of Gaming Headsets
If you don’t know what headsets are, by any chance, then let us clarify the term real quick. These are headphones that come with a microphone, which is either completely built in or can be attached any time you want. Some people refer to simple headphones this way as well but don’t let them fool you, headsets always have microphones. Although they can have a couple of extra buttons because of this as well, like one for muting yourself.
So, let’s begin with the obvious. If you buy yourself a nice pair of headsets then you will be able to communicate with your teammates. This comes in handy if you play with strangers, as none of you are accustomed to each other’s playstyle. By simply involving a microphone you make communication much easier, perfect for talking with your teammates. But of course, this is not limited to strangers. If you play with your friends then you can also talk with them, discussing long-term strategies.
But of course, this also enables you to record your own voice. Therefore, if you want to start a Youtube channel or a stream on Twitch, a headset should be one of the first things you buy. Although, if this is your intention then you should be prepared to spend around $100 (or even more) because the quality is above everything if you have an audience. There is nothing worse than having a favorite content creator who has awful sound quality or regularly has problems with their equipment. It could easily cost you a big chunk of your followers.
Benefits of Headphones
So, let’s be honest for a second here. Headphones aren’t all that different, except for one thing. They don’t have microphones. But in most cases, they make up for this with quality, as the manufacturers don’t have to deal with two way audio transmission. At first, this might not seem like a huge deal, but in reality, it is very much so.
Let’s talk about the structure of the headphones. If they have a wire then they only have one. Because of this, they don’t need extra cables to conjoin the ends or to separate them. (Because yes, this occurs way too often with headsets.) It’s one wire, one jack. End of story. But if you are willing to spend a little more money then you can also get yourself wireless headphones. These are usually a bit heavier because of the battery, but if they had a microphone then it would be even worse. The two-way communication between headset and computer drains way more energy, which can quickly make you go back to wires.
“What about streaming and audio recording, though?” you might ask. Well… Have you heard of microphones? The Standalone ones, I mean. You can easily get one for pretty cheap if you need to and they usually have way better quality than built-in ones. This is mainly because the manufacturers focus on creating an item that is intended for commercial use. If the mic comes with the headset then you will likely end up with something that is only good for communication with friends and teammates. But nothing else.
And most importantly: convenience. Most headphones are designed so that they can be folded. This way they take up half as much space and will not get crushed as easily, because they can bend more than other types of gear. They are much more convenient if you want to go anywhere and need to take your gaming stuff with you. And if you have a laptop then this is especially true. Traveling around with huge and bulky headsets is a headache.
At the end of the day, both headsets and headphones have their advantages and disadvantages. We can’t decide for you, because you need to pick the option that fits your own taste and needs. Therefore, you should consider everything said above and make your choice that way. If you’re more of a gamer (since you’re reading Esports Mention) more than likely you’d opt for a great headset. If you’re a casual music listener or something similar, headphones are perfectly fine too!
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