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 powerful to learn by any “better of” listing with out seeing its merchandise. The corporate is again once more with one other new product for overview, 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 seems to be, on paper at the least, one thing geared extra in the 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 worth, however how does it carry out? Is it a headset that may compete for a high spot throughout the large 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 fashionable system given the widespread assist lately for Bluetooth.
On the headset itself you’ll discover a couple of choices. The left facet options the quantity dial, a mute button, and the microphone. The appropriate 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, it is a headset that’s admittedly made for these with small-to-medium sized ears. These with bigger ears are prone to discover it to be a decent match that may be uncomfortable.
Corsair HS55 Wi-fi Core specs |
|
|---|---|
| Audio driver | Customized 50mm Neodymium |
| Frequency response | 20Hz – 20kHz |
| Impedance | 32 Ohms @ 1kHz |
| Sensitivity | 114dB (+/-3dB) |
| Mic kind | Omni-directional |
| Mic frequency response | 100Hz – 10kHz |
| Mic sensitivity | -41dB (± 2dB) |
| Dimensions | 184mm(L) x 87mm(W) x 193mm(H) |
| Guarantee | Two years |
One main constructive is simply how mild the headset is. Weighing in at simply 266g, it’s fairly straightforward to place the headset on and considerably overlook you’re even carrying it. You don’t get that weighed-down feeling that different headsets give off after hours of use. It’s snug sufficient as a complete that you may put it on, lounge again, and calm down.
The mic itself includes a flip-to-mute performance that’s good for fast muting if you don’t want to speak. What I discover odd is that the headset additionally features a mute button above the quantity dial. It does the identical actual factor because the flip-to-mute. It might be higher suited as a quantity mute button versus a mic mute.
One other missing function 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 mechanically. So, until you have got a third-party audio equalizer, you received’t be capable of set customized sounds with the headset. What it does supply, nonetheless, are 4 presets that may be chosen by pushing the quantity dial.
As talked about, the HS55 Wi-fi Core options Bluetooth 5.2, permitting it to be related to your laptop through the receiver and your cellphone on the similar time. That is good for not lacking calls if you end up in the midst of a recreation session and wouldn’t be capable of 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 largest query is how does it carry out? For my part, 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, motion pictures, and video games have a pleasant heat sound to convey all the pieces to life. Even with out the power to have encompass sound, I nonetheless discovered the sound in video games like Escape From Tarkov and Insurgency: Sandstorm to be simply nearly as good as once I’m utilizing my traditional audio system. It additionally does a pleasant job of protecting noise from the encompassing surroundings 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 couple 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 house with no points. Bluetooth, however, minimize 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 that could be.
Shifting on to the mic, I used to be fairly dissatisfied. The sound is obvious sufficient, but it surely simply feels a bit too condensed for my liking. In reality, 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 average 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 foul lifespan on a single cost. Moreover, it fees quick sufficient that you simply’ll be up and working once more for hours once more in as little as half-hour.
(Picture credit score: Corsair).
Corsair HS55 Wi-fi Core gaming headset overview verdict
Like I stated earlier, the Corsair HS55 Wi-fi Core yields blended outcomes and emotions. This might not be a headset you’d use for livestreaming or podcasting, but it surely’s definitely not a foul one for the cash. The options it has present helpful multi-device performance, which is nice when touring or wanting only one headset at house.
Whether or not gaming, watching a film, or listening to music, the audio high quality is stable regardless of the shortage of customized EQ choices. The mic could possibly be higher, and the redundancy of the mute perform doesn’t make a lot sense to me.
If you’re searching for one thing extra inexpensive that you may simply purchase, open, and use straight away with none points, the Corsair HS55 Wi-fi Core is likely to be what you’re searching for. In order for you extra options out of your headset, although, look elsewhere.
