SteelSeries 5Hv2 Gaming Headset Review

SteelSeries 5Hv2 Gaming Headset

Headsets are quickly becoming mandatory accessories for online games. Why? Verbal communication is a much more efficient and convenient way to communicate while playing games. By freeing up your hands to focus on the game’s objectives, you may now simultaneously taunt your opponents, strategize for an upcoming battle or simply enjoy another’s company.

Professional Gaming Gear manufacturer, SteelSeries, allowed us to review their top-of-the line headset, the 5Hv2. This particular product sets itself apart from the rest of headsets because it is specifically designed for gaming. Claiming to isolate and enhance key gaming frequencies found in many of the popular competitive eSport titles, SteelSeries describes sounds like footsteps, gunfire, spells and combat abilities as becoming especially clear, so as to be able to give a competitive edge in online play.

The 5Hv2 Gaming Headset is comprised of 3 primary components: the headband, and right and left ear pieces. The entire unit can easily be disassembled for easy and convenient storage. Each piece connects to the other via a sturdy, copper-plated locking mechanism. The headband is a plastic arch with a well-padded, leather-like underside to rest against your head. This makes the set especially comfortable and the ability to be worn over long periods of time. Each ear piece is large enough to fit over the ear, resting on your head with its soft, felt-like cloth that can only be described as a “pillow for your ears”. The left ear piece has a retractable boom microphone and is the side of the unit connected to the PC via the 3-foot, 3.5mm cord and included 6’ extension. Located on the cord is an in-line volume control with adjustable microphone input levels – hi, low and off. The boom mic can extend up to 6-inches from its base and has the ability to be formed into any shape or curve for maximum comfort and optimal placement for clear and concise communication.

When in use, the game’s sound is clear and vivid, picking up a wide range in frequencies and replicating them comfortably within your desired volume level. I made sure to pay attention to those key gaming frequencies and noticed a slight enhancement to the World of Warcraft’s treble. These distinctions were most obvious when using skills and abilities with certain sound effects. How much does this affect your performance? Well, I certainly knew when a Soul Well was active nearby or if fellow guildies were chomping down a Fish Feast. Also, my Deadly Boss Mods sound effects couldn’t have been clearer.

The microphone, once adjusted, stays in position and is easily controlled via the in-line volume and microphone connector. It played nice with Ventrilo, TeamSpeak and World of Warcraft’s in-game voice option. I even received a couple compliments from guildies who noted the new clarity and volume of my voice over my previous headset. Whether the compliments were due to volume adjustments or the actual capability of the headset itself was not determined. But a compliment is a compliment, right?

In addition to gaming, a PC headset will likely be used for other purposes, so I gave those uses some attention as well. Skype phone calls were exceptionally comfortable and clear using the 5Hv2. I may look like a dork when video is enabled, but at least I can hear what is being said and my head feels like it’s on a pillow. You may also consider the 5Hv2 a pair of headphones because you can easily retract the mic and disassemble the unit for travel. While there is no noise-cancelling feature on this particular unit, because the ear pieces surround your ear, they are still able to deaden most ambient noises. I can imagine using these in flight on an airplane and being very satisfied with their ability to drown out the noise of the engines and focus your mind on the music, game or in-flight movie.

When all’s said and done, the SteelSeries 5Hv2 Gaming Headset lives up to its claims. It’s comfortable, sturdy, provides excellent sound quality and packs a few extra features like full disassembly, in-line volume and mic controls and enhanced sounds for games. At a $99 price tag, you’d be hard pressed to find a more comfortable and durable headset designed specifically for gaming. SteelSeries Professional Gaming Gear… indeed.

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