While the Corsair HS70 is similar in many regards to its previous incarnation, the Corsair HS50, the headset has made a few small steps forward that distinguish it from its predecessor.
It retains its durability and comfort, easily keeping up with headsets that are much more expensive in that arena. But it falls behind in the sound department, making small strides forward with additions that should have been integrated far earlier.
HS70 Design
Keeping the simple aesthetics of previous versions, the HS70 refrains from an ostentatious or flashy style. It is available in simple colors, either all black or black with white accents. Really, the only thing to add any kind of flair is the Corsair logo on the earpieces.
Speaking of the earpieces, they are equipped with a plush memory foam and their height can be adjusted to dial in comfort. In addition, controls for the headset can be found on both earpieces, with the right earpiece hosting the power button, and the left side having volume controls, a mic mute button, and a plugin for the detachable, unidirectional microphone that has pretty great noise canceling capabilities.
There is also a charge port on the left earpiece to allow you to recharge the battery, which has an impressive, advertised lifespan of 16 hours. I didn’t test it for quite that long in a single sitting, but it lasted through all of my longer gaming sessions over the past few weeks.
Holding the set together is a remarkably sturdy headband that feels as durable as any headset that I’ve used, even those in the higher price ranges. The inner portion of the headband is covered in the same plush foam that covers the earpieces.
The headset also comes with a USB plugin for the HS70’s wireless capabilities. The wireless functionality is one of the more noticeable additions, and that is what gives the HS70 the biggest distinction from previous headsets in the series. Capable of providing a continuous, high-quality signal for up to 12 meters (40 feet), the HS70 doesn’t have the longest range, but it’s not that far behind more expensive sets such as Logitech’s G533 in that department.
Comfort
Overall, the earpieces are roomy and well ventilated, providing a very comfortable fit around the ears. Even with glasses, I was able to wear the headset for roughly 3 to 4 hours before needing a serious break. The headband is equally well padded, providing a snug fit, without putting too much pressure anywhere.
While the earcups do rotate a small amount to accommodate for varieties in ear shape and size, it isn’t much. Unlike some of the more expensive headsets on the market, the earcups do not rotate enough for the HS70 to comfortably sit around the neck. This means that if you’re not using the headset, you’re better off setting it to the side until you need it again — unless you’re comfortable with a more traditional headset fit around the neck.
In my time with the headset, I found that I prefer the lightweight design of the HS70 over some of the heftier headsets that I’ve used in the past. The lighter style allows for longer gaming sessions with fewer breaks, which is great because I never sit down intending to play for just a few minutes.
Performance
For the most part, the sound quality is great for gaming or voice chat, but if you need access to both at the same, time you might hit some minor speedbumps. It is fairly common in higher-end headsets to have different audio channels for games and chat. Such additions give the player the ability to moderate their sounds and designate whichever they feel is most important.
Unfortunately, the Corsair HS70 lacks this ability and while that is not a deal breaker in most cases, it does require you to adjust your sound settings accordingly. That’s especially true if you intend to use this headset for any game that requires teamwork and communication
The default bass levels seem to have been pulled back a little when compared to the HS50, and while the bass is still powerful, it doesn’t feel like it’s drowning the rest of the sound during movies and music. This is mitigated even further by the fact that the HS70 utilizes the Corsair Utility Engine for control over equalizer settings.
As with the previous models, the HS70 is compatible with the PS4 in wireless mode. Naturally, I gave it a shot, testing out God of War and Monster Hunter: World, and while the headset performed well, it didn’t exceed any expectations on the sound front.
Verdict
Overall, the HS70 is a definite step up from its predecessor, the HS50. Its wireless capabilities and the addition of the equalizer settings take a good headset and give it a boost. Unfortunately, the $89.99 price tag is a pretty big leap up from the previous model, pulling it away from being a budget headset and putting in the low end of the high tier.
If you’re looking for a reliable wireless headset with decent battery life in the $90 price range, this isn’t a bad choice. But when compared to other offerings from Hyper X — and considering the Corsair’s own Void Pro is only about $10 more for an arguably better experience — the decision gets a tad bit murkier.
[Note: Corsair provided the HS70 Wireless Headset used in this review.]
Published: May 29, 2018 07:41 pm