After utilizing the Corsair HS65 Encompass for a few weeks, I can confidently say that different gaming headsets merely lack fashion. Don’t get me fallacious, there are some nice wanting gaming PC cans available on the market, however firms are likely to go for edgy shapes and flashy RGB lighting. Fortunately, firms are beginning to realise that you just don’t have to infuse each product with a gamer gear aesthetic, and the Corsair HS65 Encompass is proof that fashionable subtlety can trump conventional design.
Coming in at $79.99, the Corsair HS65 Encompass gaming headset doesn’t sit on a lofty premium perch. But, the whole bundle holds up in opposition to costly rivals, providing exceptional efficiency for the worth. Merely put, the HS65 Professional is a sub-$100 answer that avoids compromise, particularly on the subject of its mic high quality and audio constancy.
That’s to not say the HS65 Encompass is ideal, as Corsair has made a number of questionable design selections. Nonetheless, it’s a gaming headset heavy hitter that’s lighter on the pocket, and meaning quite a bit when you think about the general prices connected to PC gaming right this moment.
The Corsair HS65 Encompass picks up the place the HS60 left off, serving as a wired 7.1 {surround} sound successor. Similar to its predecessor, the headset wield’s a pair of 50mm drivers, an omnidirectional mic, and three.5mm connectivity. The brand new cans on the block might pack uncanny specs, however visible variations and technical refinement assist them stand out inside Corsair’s busy audio lineup.
Aesthetically, the HS65 Encompass nearly resembles a pair of on-the-go headphones, with cups that pivot flat. Corsair’s alternative of supplies additionally falls inside this class too, with a mix of plastic and aluminium offering a center floor between rigidity and suppleness. The white mannequin particularly amplifies the headset’s delicate sense of vogue, which successfully lets it cosplay as one thing you’d put on outdoors.
Corsair’s HS65 is proof that fashionable subtlety can trump conventional design
Sadly there’s one factor stopping this headset from really doubling up as an on-the-go accent – its mic isn’t removable. This isn’t a priority by way of performance, as we’ll discuss concerning the system’s excellent microphone efficiency in a bit. Nevertheless, the very fact it’s non-removable actually cramps its fashion, to not point out it’ll be painfully apparent you’re carrying a PC peripheral in case you enterprise outdoors.
Constructed-in mic apart, the HS65 continues to be one of many sharpest gaming headsets I’ve had the pleasure of carrying. Whereas Razer managed to win me over with its RGB lighting on the V3 Hypersense, Corsair has created a product that’s simply inherently fairly to have a look at. Once more, that doesn’t imply all the pieces else is ugly, however in case you’re searching for one thing with understated class, that is the headset for you.
Bodily headphone pizzazz is one factor, however the HS65 balances its fetching attractiveness with pleasing efficiency. Certain, audiophile ranges of high quality often include a premium price ticket connected, however that doesn’t cease Corsair’s mid-tier contender from taking up costly options. In actual fact, the HS65 offers the EPOS H6Pro a run for its cash – a substantial feat contemplating the latter is available in at $179.99.
| Corsair HS65 Encompass | Razer Kraken | EPOS H6Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frequency response | 20Hz – 20 kHz | 12Hz – 28kHz | 10Hz – 30kHz |
| Connectivity | 3.5mm | USB | 3.5mm wired | 3.5mm wired |
| Mic response | 100Hz – 10kHz | 20Hz – 20kHz | 10Hz – 10kHz |
| Weight | 282g | 322g | 322g |
| Worth | $79 / £79 | $79 / £79 | $179 / £149 |
The HS65 doesn’t produce significantly thumpy bass, however its mids are clear and its highs sparkle. The headset’s FPS recreation talents shine vibrant, as its 7.1 {surround} sound supplied me with all the pieces I have to detect enemy Spartan footsteps in Halo Infinite. Additionally popped the gaming cans on and dived into my Spotify playlist, and I reckon doing so helped me not hate the newly launched My Chemical Romance single. Look, I do know Corsair didn’t take into account longstanding emo bands whereas designing the HS65, however I’m standing by my testing choices.
To make the most of the HS65’s surround-sound compatibility, you’ll want to make use of an included 3.5mm USB adapter. Together with a breakaway USB answer within the field is a big plus, because it maintains versatility with different units whereas making certain it will probably profit from digital efficiency boons. Utilizing the dongle additionally means you’ll have the ability to use the headset with Corsair’s iCUE SoundID, a software I didn’t get together with.
The idea behind SoundID is straightforward – it’s a wise equaliser that personalises its settings primarily based on suggestions. After selecting between numerous sound samples, the software unveiled its EQ suggestions. The outcome? Properly, let’s simply say I didn’t actually gel with the settings it assumed I’d like. Your mileage might range with this doubtlessly revolutionary solution to tailor audio, however I’m not satisfied it is aware of my ears higher than I do.
The HS65’s mic surpasses all expectations, and it boasts efficiency that places premium headset options to disgrace
Now that we’ve established the HS65 is a superb sounding headset, let’s double again and discuss its mic. It’s value mentioning that I anticipated Corsair’s mic to supply respectable outcomes, however it truly surpassed my expectations tenfold. As you’d maybe count on, it’s not going to switch the very best gaming microphone, however I reckon a Twitch streamer might use it with out receiving any complaints. In different phrases, the HS65’s audio seize is worlds away from sounding like an outdated payphone name and is a testomony to the skills of compact audio seize units.
If I completely needed to decide on the HS65’s mic, I’d should harp on about its flip to mute mechanism. First off, the microphone’s rubber stem rightfully leans in in direction of your mouth, however except you bend it earlier than pushing it up, it’s going to brush in opposition to the highest of your head. The big hole on the headset’s mic hinge additionally offers me trigger for concern, because it means grime, mud, and dirt might construct up inside, which is each doubtlessly gross and will have an effect on its longevity.
I’m admittedly a fusspot on the subject of audio controls, however the HS65’s scroll wheel isn’t the worst I’ve used. Most of my criticisms lie with its lack of definition, with easy controls and a slender quantity vary including frustration to the expertise. It’s not unusable by any means, even when it’s not correct sufficient to maintain you from reaching in your Home windows 11 slider.
It’s secure to say that the HS65 Encompass is a improbable headset that punches above its value weight. It’s flanked by the corporate’s funds and premium choices, however it nonetheless manages to strike a triple menace stability between fashion, substance, and expense. I nonetheless assume Corsair missed a trick by not implementing a removable mic, particularly because it nearly doubles up a classy pair of causal cans. That mentioned, the headset’s small niggles are straightforward to disregard amid its spectacular capabilities and commendable sense of favor.
