Corsair HS55 Wi-fi Core gaming headset assessment

For some time now, Corsair has remained at, or close to, the highest of the PC peripheral meals chain. Whether or not or not it’s keyboards, headsets, mice, or in any other case, it’s robust to learn by way of any “better of” checklist with out seeing its merchandise. The corporate is again once more with one other new product for assessment, this time focusing on the mid-range gaming headset market with the Corsair HS55 Wi-fi Core.

As a $99 USD headset with scaled again options, the Corsair HS55 Wi-fi Core appears to be, on paper at the very least, one thing geared extra in direction of those that need one thing easy that’s good on the go. That includes 50mm drivers and a  20Hz – 20kHz response the purpose of the headset is to supply high quality sound at an inexpensive value, however how does it carry out? Is it a headset that may compete for a prime spot inside the huge mid-range market?

A bit mild on options

What you get within the field is fairly simple. Clearly, you get the HS55 Wi-fi Core headset itself, the two.4GHz receiver, and a 1.8m USB-C to USB-A charging cable. Connecting the headset requires both the aforementioned receiver or a connection through Bluetooth 5.2. This permits it to be paired with just about any trendy system given the widespread help as of late for Bluetooth.

On the headset itself you’ll discover just a few choices. The left facet options the amount dial, a mute button, and the microphone. The fitting facet has the ability and Bluetooth buttons. There’s no RGB on the headset, simply the Corsair emblem on the facet of every ear cup.

Talking of the ears, this can be a headset that’s admittedly made for these with small-to-medium sized ears. These with bigger ears are more likely to discover it to be a good match that may be uncomfortable.

One main optimistic is simply how mild the headset is. Weighing in at simply 266g, it’s fairly straightforward to place the headset on and considerably neglect you’re even sporting it. You don’t get that weighed-down feeling that different headsets give off after hours of use. It’s snug sufficient as an entire which you can put it on, lounge again, and chill out.

The mic itself includes a flip-to-mute performance that’s good for fast muting whenever you don’t want to speak. What I discover odd is that the headset additionally features a mute button above the amount dial. It does the identical precise factor because the flip-to-mute. It could be higher suited as a quantity mute button versus a mic mute.

One other missing characteristic with the HS55 Wi-fi Core is iCUE integration. The one actual integration is connection to the two.4GHz receiver, which it already connects to robotically. So, until you’ve a third-party audio equalizer, you gained’t be capable to set customized sounds with the headset. What it does supply, nonetheless, are 4 presets that may be chosen by pushing the amount dial.

As talked about, the HS55 Wi-fi Core options Bluetooth 5.2, permitting it to be linked to your laptop through the receiver and your cellphone on the identical time. That is good for not lacking calls when you’re in the course of a recreation session and wouldn’t be capable to hear your cellphone in any other case.

(Picture credit score: Corsair).

How does the Corsair HS55 Wi-fi Core carry out?

All of the options on the headset are good, however the greatest query is how does it carry out? In my view, it’s a mixture of strengths and shortcomings.

The audio itself sounds nice for a mid-range headset. Clearly, you shouldn’t count on to get the identical audio high quality {that a} $400-$500 USD headset would offer you. However that doesn’t imply the HS55 Wi-fi Core is a slouch. Music, films, and video games have a pleasant heat sound to deliver the whole lot to life. Even with out the flexibility to have encompass sound, I nonetheless discovered the sound in video games like Escape From Tarkov and Insurgency: Sandstorm to be simply pretty much as good as after I’m utilizing my common audio system. It additionally does a pleasant job of preserving noise from the encircling atmosphere out of your ears due to how cosy the ear cups sit.

Whereas listening to music, I made a decision that was the time to check the vary over each Bluetooth and a pair of.4GHz. On the field, vary is marketed as 50ft over 2.4GHz, and 30ft over Bluetooth. The vary utilizing the receiver was correct, as I used to be in a position to stroll round my residence with no points. Bluetooth, however, reduce out with interference very often. It’s finest to make use of the receiver if you wish to be additional away out of your laptop for no matter purpose which may be.

Transferring on to the mic, I used to be fairly upset. The sound is obvious sufficient, but it surely simply feels a bit too condensed for my liking. In truth, it made my higher-pitched voice sound deeper than what different mics do when recording. It additionally isn’t the most effective at filtering out ambient noise, which means you’ll decide up each click on of the mouse, faucet of the keyboard, and no matter different reasonable background noise you are inclined to have.

Lastly, we should point out the battery life. Corsair advertises a  24-hour battery life for the HS55 Wi-fi Core, however I discovered it to be extra within the 18-20 hour vary. That stated, that’s not a nasty lifespan on a single cost. Apart from, it prices quick sufficient that you simply’ll be up and operating once more for hours once more in as little as half-hour.

(Picture credit score: Corsair).

Corsair HS55 Wi-fi Core gaming headset assessment verdict

Like I stated earlier, the Corsair HS55 Wi-fi Core yields combined outcomes and emotions. This is probably not a headset you’d use for livestreaming or podcasting, but it surely’s definitely not a nasty one for the cash. The options it has present helpful multi-device performance, which is nice when touring or wanting only one headset at residence.

Whether or not gaming, watching a film, or listening to music, the audio high quality is stable regardless of the dearth of customized EQ choices. The mic could possibly be higher, and the redundancy of the mute operate doesn’t make a lot sense to me.

If you’re on the lookout for one thing extra inexpensive which you can simply purchase, open, and use immediately with none points, the Corsair HS55 Wi-fi Core may be what you’re on the lookout for. In order for you extra options out of your headset, although, look elsewhere.