5h-v2-headset posts

The SteelSeries 5H v2 Headset was designed specifically with competitive shooters like Counter-strike in mind. It amplifies and clarifies sounds like footsteps and gunfire (even the shells hitting the ground) so that gamers always have the upper-hand when marching into battles. Beyond that, its soft extra large ear cushions make it comfortable during long gaming sessions and it has a retractable microphone.

The Good: Retractable, flexible, boom microphone. Comfortable, over ear, soft cushions for long gaming sessions. Excellent clear sound for games. Can be dismantled into three pieces for easy transport.

The Bad: Microphone sensitivity switch doesn't seem to anything. Movies and music end up sounding a little weak.

Bottom Line: Gamers can't ask for much more than the 5H v2 when it comes to competitive shooters. The fantastic sound clarity that amplifies otherwise subtle sounds gives gamers a major advantage over opponents. The soft ear cushions keep the headset comfortable during long gaming sessions, even if you wear glasses. Furthermore, the retractable microphone - a signature feature among a couple SteelSeries headsets - is such a fantastic innovation that it's a wonder why more companies don't include it. Unfortunately, the headset isn't as impressive when it comes to more mundane everyday uses like music and movies. Music ends up sounding a little weak and subdued. Although the technical specifications are very similar on paper, we were more impressed by the Sibera Neck Band Headset's all-around sound quality. Nonetheless, the SteelSeries 5H v2 is clearly one of the best gaming headsets available. You'd have to search far and wide for a better gaming headset than one from SteelSeries.

SteelSeries made a name for itself in Europe as a specialized maker of high-performance pro-gamer gear. The company uses a minimalist, no-nonsense, design philosophy that puts function and performance above all else. That means there are no extraneous lights or functions on their gear that don't directly relate to competitive gaming. In an effort to make its presence better known in the U.S. market, SteelSeries is paying a little more attention to aesthetics in addition to high-performance and quality, as evident with its Siberia Neckband Headset. Its recent acquisition of another specialized gaming peripheral company, Ideazon, marks the company's intention to bring pro-gaming quality gear to home gaming enthusiasts.

We test out SteelSeries' top current top offerings, the 7G Gaming Keyboard, Ikari Laser Mouse, 5H v2 Headset and the Siberia Neckband Headset to see how performance and price balances out between the pro and hardcore gamer.