Wireless headsets are rarely on a gamer's radar. Creative thinks its new World of Warcraft Wireless Headset can change how gamers view cordless audio.
Wireless headsets have been around for years, but rarely do they appeal to the hardcore PC gaming crowd. If you take a look at almost any PC gamer's rig, including my own, you’ll find a headset, for sure, but it is most-likely a wired version from a company like Razer, SteelSeries, Astro or any of the dozens of manufacturers who occupy the marketplace.
This includes Creative Labs, which has long crafted headsets just for the gamer crowd. The Fatal1ty line has made a name for itself over the last year or two (the MK. II earned praise from me just a few months ago), and since Creative and its Sound Blaster brand are nearly synonymous with sound cards, the company is in a position to market gaming headsets to the same crowd that is buying it’s PC hardware.
So, what do wireless headsets and Creative Labs have in common? A brand new headset designed for the PC gaming crowd--specifically the 12 million-plus World of Warcraft players around the world. The World of Warcraft Wireless Headset is looking to change the way gamers think about wireless headsets. Tom's Guide tested a review unit fresh off the production line.
As of now, the few gaming-oriented wireless headsets are mediocre at best, and are often overlooked because the need simply isn’t there. If you are a big enough PC gamer that you’re looking into gaming-specific periphery, then you probably have a mid-tower case sitting on or below your desk, and you have plenty of room for a wired mouse, keyboard and headset. That said, let’s see what kind of argument the WoW headset makes for wireless.
http://www.jinx.com/Content/Product/789p_99c_1b.jpg
Creative didn't make the symbol, it is from World of Warcraft.
-Devin
This is a classic case of a company simply trying so hard to be relevant only to end up completely missing the mark. And it's really too bad because this headset seems reasonably full-featured otherwise. I will wait for Razer or Logitech to release a similarly spec'ed headset with a more sophisticated design.
Devin, I know the Logitech wireless headset uses 2.4GHz tech (and I believe the Plantronics one does too). So this tech is definitely not new, albeit neither are "gaming" headsets. I've actually been using the Logitech wireless headset for over a year and I absolutely love it.
2.4 GHz is new to the gaming segment, for sure. Also, and perhaps I should have specified this in the article...you can turn the LED lighting off if you so desire.
-Devin
I have been using Creative HS1200 Gaming Headset for almost 2 years and basically, this new one have the exact same specs as HS1200. But even though im using the HS1200 i still want a MMO-Themed headset =D
probly charge ya 100 bucks extra for that pedal thing and 50 bucks for the extra avatar LED styles each bah rip off for the pricing, when we all know it cvan be made to work just as it is now for less then $40.00 R&D
Only thing left really free anymore is
"free dirt" adds on craigslist - you pick it up - lol
the trouble with 2.4ghz is that it is already massively overused. I already have 2.4ghz headphones and when they're on, both my wifi connection and my mediacenter remote stop working. I also often get sound dropouts in my headphones, apparently when my microwave is on and when my neighbor is using his wifi.
Honestly I think it varies form product to product. I have a lot of the same products that you just listed (or something similar), and I didn't have any drop issues with audio.
i think it would be sweet if they had a video card too with that same style of armor.
(this is coming from a person who hates wow)
sweet review
Thanks, Seth!
For the record, I am not a fan of WoW, either. I am a huge PC gamer, but the FPS and RTS genres are where I spend most of my time. LED lighting aside, this is a great headset for any sort of PC gaming.
Ah, I see now.
While you may be right that Creative didn't create the symbol...they did however agree to put it on their product, you know?
Btw good review.
And even I think $120-160 for headphones is retarded.