Computer headphones are not an essential accessory, but even such a thing must be chosen wisely, so as not to throw money away, and considerable. Let's try to identify some simple rules for choosing "ears" and analyze some of the nuances that will help to get, if not perfect, then a quality device for sure.
In general, computer gaming headphones is not a completely correct name, and according to the specification it will be correct to call them a computer headset, because almost all more or less worthwhile models have a microphone for communication. For gamers, and especially streamers, headphones are needed not only for watching movies and listening to music, but for communicating in video and audio format.
Today on the market you can see a lot of options and parameters of certain headphones. In order to somehow orient ourselves, we will divide them into types and types. All types of headsets are distinguished by their design, there are only four of them.
Inserts
In another way, such computer headphones are called "tablets." One of the main features and advantages of such a headset is simplicity: it practically does not take up space on your head. The earbuds are easily attached to the ears, do not spoil your hair at all, and they can be worn under a hat.
This type is very common in sets of mp3 players, mobile phones and other small-sized gadgets. But if we talk about the shortcomings, they are, and the most important is the lack of at least some kind of sound insulation. Therefore, in addition to music, you will surely hear extraneous sounds, such as a nearby TV or talking passers-by.
As computer headphones, this type is completely unsuitable: we don’t sit in hats at home and we don’t wear beautiful hairstyles, and extraneous noise will also be a significant obstacle, since they are more than enough in the apartment.
Plug-in type
They are also called “gags” due to design features. These models are more or less suitable for our computer needs, and, like the previous instances, they are invisible, comfortable to wear, but have several advantages over the earbuds.
This type sits better in the ears, which means it won’t fly off as fast as “pills”. They have noticeably better sound insulation indicators, which are able to compete with the sounds of the subway, but with all the pluses, a fly in the ointment. The sound quality at the output is very mediocre due to the small size of the diameter of the membrane. Therefore, if you need good computer headphones with high-quality sound, then it is better to dwell on the following two types.
Over-ear headphones
In the Latin version, these models may sound like Supraaural. Their main advantage is a large membrane, due to which the sound at the output is much better than that of the two previous representatives.
Even despite the considerable size (in comparison with the “plugs”), the existing design is simple and looks quite compact. The fact that the on-ear headphones have a lot of variable mounts for every taste, ears and needs makes it stand out from the total mass, making them a universal option.
Monitor type
The Latin trade name is Circumaural. This type is considered an ideal option of all of the above, because it has the largest membrane size and complex design, allowing you to feel the sound in all colors.
Computer headphones of such a plan completely cover your ears with ear cushions, and you can immerse yourself in your favorite business, whether it be games, videos or music. Technical and design characteristics make this headset ideal for computer pastime, but there is one very specific drawback - the price. Sometimes, professional monitor- type headphones from a popular brand come to the cost of a good system unit.
One-way headset
Very often, computer headphones with a microphone are taken just for work, such as technical support workers, Skype dispatchers, etc. Surely not everyone knows that there is a headset with a headphone on one side and only a pressure plate on the other, this allows to hear both the interlocutor and those around him.
Such headphones are also in demand among some gamers who need to hear computer sounds along with what is happening around them without being distracted from the game.
Connection types
Headphones for computer games may differ from each other by the type of connection. The choice of one type or another depends on the environment and the scope of use of the headset. In total, two types of connection can be identified - wireless and wired. Both names speak for themselves, but let's try to parse each type in more detail.
Wireless headphones
Computer "ears" of such a plan will be needed in those cases when you need freedom of movement around the house or within the office. The essence of communication is quite simple: there is a base station that connects to a computer, and then through a special transmitter the signal goes to the headset.
The main advantages of this type are the lack of wires and freedom of movement, but there are significant disadvantages. The main disadvantage of this type of headset is the sound quality: it is noticeably lower than wired models due to signal conversion. In addition, such headphones need power, which means that you can not do without good batteries, which automatically adds a weekly (and with frequent use daily) cost item.
Another important minus of the wireless headset is the weight. The device itself, along with the batteries, weighs much more than wired analogs, so before buying it is worth weighing the pros and cons of such a headset.
Wired models
This is the most popular headset, where the sound quality remains at a high level. This also includes a relatively small weight, reliability due to the simplicity of design and price, if compared with a wireless headset similar in characteristics.
For most home, gaming and office tasks, wired models are enough, and you need to buy a wireless option only if you really need freedom, and you are ready to put up with the constant replacement of batteries, coupled with excess weight on your head.
Connection
In total, there are two main connection interfaces that you need to choose - a mini-jack (3.5 mm) and a standard USB connector.
The mini-jack is most familiar to most desktop users. This is a small 3.5 mm plug, which is suitable not only for a computer, but also for other devices such as a player, TV or home theater. This species is the most universal and widely demanded among gamers.
Using a headset via the USB port implies an already built-in sound card in the headphones, so they can be safely connected to laptops or any other device that does not have an audio output.