- Gaming headphones/TWS are made to provide the best possible listening experience.
- Gamers have to consider multiple factors when buying the best headphones.
Gaming headphones / TWS are trendy nowadays, & before buying one, buyers need to understand the key features and what separates them from regular headphones. Avid gamers and audiophiles love their sound quality, comfort, durability, etc. So when a headphone/TWS is classified as a gaming Audio Solutions ?
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The market size of gaming headphones/TWS is estimated to be between $3.25 billion and $4.15 billion in 2024, with a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.3% to 8%. As of now, wired headsets hold a large market share in the field, but wireless options are gaining traction. The increasing popularity of esports and competitive gaming, growing demand for immersive gaming, and other factors are believed to be the driving force behind this growth.
Key Features of Gaming Headphones/TWS
The following are the key features buyers look for when buying a gaming headphone. ALPSS Audio skillfully and intelligently designed its gaming headphones to provide a comprehensive and immersive experience for gamers.
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Audio Quality (ESIM Digital Equalizer)
At ALPSS AUDIO we designed ESIM Digital Equalizer settings, so that all our products should be Crystal Clear with Heavy Thump BASS.
Audio quality is the prime factor for any headphones, and it is becoming even more important in gaming. Audio quality depends on drivers, frequency response, and sound signature(ESIM). The size and quality of drivers in the earcups directly impact the quality, clarity, and power of the sound they produce.
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When buying gaming headphones, look for ones with larger drivers. A size around 40mm is recommended for richer sound. Frequency response determines the spectrum of sound the headset can reproduce. A wider range between 20 Hz and 20KHz ensures that listeners hear everything from deep bass to crisp highs.Another factor is a sound signature(ESIM), gaming headsets often have a “V-shaped” signature. This signature emphasizes bass and treble, providing an immersive listening experience. Some models offer customizable equalizers to adjust these sound signatures. At ALPSS Audio, we deliver the best-in-class audio quality, which differentiates us from the competition.
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Comfort & Durability
Gamers tend to wear them for long periods, so comfort and durability become essential points. The earcups should have plush memory foam or breathable mesh, providing comfort during long sessions. Buyers can consider leatherette for noise isolation but should choose breathability for extended wear.
The headband’s padding is also crucial, and adjustable padding ensures a snug fit without putting much pressure on your head. Buyers should opt for a lightweight design as it can minimize fatigue. Build quality is another crucial factor, and makers opt for sturdy materials like reinforced plastic or metal for the headband and ear cups, capable of withstanding daily use. ALPSS AUDIO gaming headphones are designed to deliver comfort and durability.
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Microphone
Multiplayer online games like PUBG, Free Fire, Call of Duty, etc., require team coordination, which can be achieved only if the gaming headphones/TWS have a quality microphone. Makers focus on clarity, positioning, and noise cancellation when making a quality microphone for a gaming headset.
A good gaming microphone is designed to deliver the wearer’s voice clearly to teammates with minimal distortion or background noise. Another critical factor is the microphone’s positioning; a flexible mic allows the wearer to adjust its position for optimal voice capturing. The ANC noise cancellation feature reduces unwanted background noise like keyboard clicks, etc., ensuring that the voice is in focus. ALPSS AUDIO microphones are intelligently designed to provide the best experience.
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Surround Sound
Gamers enjoy getting immersed, and surround sound can greatly enhance the experience. Most gaming headphones use virtual surround sound, which uses software to simulate a 360-degree soundscape. To provide a true surround sound experience, makers use multiple drivers to create an accurate spatial experience.
Surround sound technology has multiple benefits, such as helping the gamer pinpoint the location of sound in-game and providing them with a competitive advantage. This becomes more prominent in first-person shooter games like Doom, Half-Life 2, Halo: The Master Chief Collection, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, etc. ALPSS AUDIO,s gaming headphones are specifically designed to provide immersive surround sound.
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Connectivity & Latency
Gaming headphones come in wired and wireless forms. Wired headsets offer a more reliable connection with zero latency, better known as sound delay. In comparison, wireless headphones provide freedom of movement, but they might introduce some latency of microseconds, which can spoil the overall experience.
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Connection type plays a vital role in connectivity and reducing latency. Experts assert that a USB or audio jack provides the best audio quality and features like surround sound. At the same time, wireless Bluetooth or proprietary protocols provide varying levels of fidelity and latency. ALPSS AUDIO is designed to provide the best connectivity with the least latency.
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Noise Cancellation
Noise cancellation is an essential factor for any gaming headphones. Nowadays, gamers have the option to choose between active and passive noise cancellation, both of which provide unique features and experiences. In the case of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), makers strategically use microphones and speakers in unison to generate sound waves that cancel the background noise.
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This feature can be beneficial in minimizing background noise, blocking distractions, and creating an immersive experience. Still, it takes a toll on battery life. Passive noise cancellation is achieved by designing the ear cups to create a physical seal that blocks external noise. However, it can be painful to wear them for long periods of time. ALPSS Audio’s noise-canceling feature is the best in class.
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Battery Life: An Issue for Wireless Headsets
Gamers usually use their headphones for extended periods. If they use wireless headphones, battery life can be a huge concern. Buyers must look for headsets with considerably long battery life, which should last a typical gaming session. Opt for headsets with a minimum of 8-12 hours of battery life.
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Additional features like active noise cancellation, high volume, and constant microphone usage can significantly drain battery life. It should be noted that Bluetooth connections drain batteries quicker than direct wireless connections with a USB dongle. Some brands offer quick charging times to adjust for battery life. At ALPSS AUDIO, we thrive on providing the best battery life in all our devices.
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Compatibility
With advancements in technology, compatibility is not a major issue in gaming headsets, but it is still a concern. Most modern gaming headsets use a 3.5mm jack, which makes them compatible with PCs, Laptops, gaming consoles, etc. Some high-end brands provide a USB connection along with features like surround sound and software customization, but they might require specific software installation for full functionality on a PC.
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Wireless compatibility can vary between headsets. Some use Bluetooth, which offers universal compatibility but may have higher latency. Some brands offer proprietary wireless connectivity with their own USB dongles. There’s also a concern regarding console-specific features, which may require additional configuration or a separate adapter for some consoles. ALPSS AUDIO is skillfully designed to provide best-in-class compatibility.
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Price
Price is a significant consideration in gaming headphones, and the market is saturated with a wide range of budget-friendly options to premium feature-packed models. Budget-friendly models focus on core functionality and prioritize essential audio quality and microphone for communication. Material and build quality could also be compromised.
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Mid-range options offer a good balance between price and quality. Buyers would find a decent audio quality, a comfortable design and a detachable microphone. Makers offer durable construction compared to budget options. High-end gaming headsets deliver top-notch audio quality, with almost all advanced features like ANC, etc., and provide the best build quality. Every ALPSS AUDIO product is priced optimally to suit every segment.
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Design
Gaming headphones are specifically designed to deliver immersive audio and clear communication, but sometimes, they need to improve in design. As they have to provide the best sound quality, they get bulkier. They also come with larger ear cups and thicker headbands, which can lead to fatigue during extended gaming sessions.
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Sometimes, gaming headphones clamp too tightly on the head, which can cause discomfort. The leather used in some models can lead to sweating around the ears. At ALPSS AUDIO, we tried solving this problem by providing best-in-class comfort with our design.
Many manufacturers include bulky and aggressive designs, which might appeal to only some. Black tends to be a dominant color, and there are limited options for those who prefer stylish looks. Designers at ALPSS AUDIO tried solving this problem by providing vibrant colors and aesthetics.
In conclusion, buyers interested in buying a gaming headphone need to consider the features mentioned above while choosing. Gamers need to understand what they need, their budgetary constraints, and what the market is offering. Eventually, they can decide to buy the best gaming headphones. They can also consider ALPSS AUDIO offerings, as we are dedicated to providing the best listening experience.