As an avid gamer, I always keep an eye out for peripherals that promise to enhance my gaming experience. When Corsair announced the HS80 RGB Wireless Enchanted Quest edition, I was immediately intrigued. Corsair is renowned for its high-quality gaming accessories, and the idea of an enchanted-themed headset piqued my curiosity. After using this headset for a couple of weeks, I can confidently share my thoughts.
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Specification
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Trademark | Corsair |
| Model | HS80 RGB Wireless |
| Connect | Wireless |
| Surround sound | Have |
| Battery life | 20 hours/full charge |
| Wireless range | 18m (60ft) |
| Audio technology | Dolby Atmos |
| Led | RGB |
| Micro | Instant, omnidirectional mic |
| Driver | 50mm |
| Control software | CORSAIR iCUE |
Design and Build Quality
The first thing that catches your eye with the Corsair HS80 RGB Wireless Enchanted Quest is its design. The headset boasts a unique and captivating aesthetic inspired by fantasy and magic. The enchanted quest theme is tastefully incorporated, with intricate designs and subtle RGB lighting that give it a mystical aura without being overly flashy.
The build quality is, as expected from Corsair, top-notch. The headset feels sturdy yet comfortable, with a durable metal frame and plush memory foam ear cushions. The adjustable headband ensures a snug fit, making long gaming sessions more comfortable.
Wireless Performance
Corsair employs its wireless technology known as “Slipstream Wireless.” This technology utilizes a 2.4 GHz USB Type-A dongle for connection, akin to Logitech’s Lightspeed products or Razer’s HyperSpeed offerings. Much like its counterparts, Corsair asserts that Slipstream delivers “hyper-fast, ultra-low latency” speeds. Moreover, Slipstream incorporates a feature called “Intelligent Frequency Shift” to ensure optimal signal channel selection. The company guarantees a range of up to 60 feet.
Battery Life
The battery performance of the Corsair HS80 is commendable, offering approximately 13 hours of continuous use. While this falls short of the advertised 20 hours, it’s worth noting that real-life usage may vary. Charging the headphones can be time-consuming. However, they feature an auto-off timer to conserve battery when not in use. Additionally, they support usage while charging, ensuring uninterrupted gaming sessions even if the battery runs out mid-game.
Sound Quality
When it comes to sound quality, the HS80 delivers exceptional performance. Custom-tuned 50mm neodymium drivers produce rich and detailed sound across a wide range of frequencies. Whether you’re listening to subtle in-game sounds or booming explosions, the audio remains crisp and immersive. The bass is punchy without being overpowering, while the mids and highs are well-balanced, making the headset suitable for both gaming and listening to music.
Dolby Atmos
The Corsair HS80 RGB Wireless headset includes an official Dolby Atmos license, which means you save the usual $15 fee. Although you can use Dolby Atmos with any headphones, the free trial lasts only 30 days before requiring a payment decision. Additionally, this feature is exclusive to Windows; thus, using Dolby Atmos on other platforms is not possible.
Dolby Atmos emerges as arguably the most advanced and superior surround sound technology currently available. Its primary departure from traditional 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound systems, whether physical or virtual, lies in its utilization of object-based audio. This entails equipping each sound object with metadata, proactively instructing the system precisely where to position that specific sound within the audio field. Another pivotal distinction is Dolby Atmos’ capacity to disperse sound not solely around the listener but also above them. While this is typically accomplished in speaker setups by integrating in-ceiling or specialized upward-firing “Atmos” speakers, the constraints of headphones prevent the inclusion of additional speaker drivers. Nonetheless, with certain prerequisites met, users can still immerse themselves in a portion of the Dolby Atmos experience.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unique and stylish design with customizable RGB lighting
- High-quality sound with Dolby Atmos support
- Comfortable for long-term use
- Reliable wireless performance with Slipstream technology
- Clear and effective microphone
Cons:
- The pastel color scheme may not appeal to everyone
- Battery life, while good, is average compared to some competitors
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Corsair HS80 RGB Wireless Enchanted Quest edition is a premium gaming headset that offers a perfect blend of aesthetics, performance, and comfort. Its superior design and build quality, combined with excellent wireless performance and long battery life, make it a reliable choice for gamers. Additionally, the exceptional sound quality and Dolby Atmos support provide an immersive audio experience that can significantly enhance your gaming sessions. Despite its higher price point, the features and quality it offers justify the investment, making it a top contender in the wireless gaming headset market.
