Final thoughts and conclusion

With such choice available on the market, what is a gamer to do? Since their introduction, gaming headsets have developed and evolved into the quality products that are available today. They’re not available cheap though, so what factors should sway gamers from one model to another?

Of the headsets tested in this round-up only one stands out, and not for the right reason. The Razer Barracuda HP-1 albeit being the most expensive of the group would have to be the least recommended headset. Despite good intentions, multi-driver headphone technology simply does not provide the quality required. And due to the lack of the accompanying AC-1 sound card, it is difficult to recommend the HP-1 on any of its merits, or lack thereof.

The Everglide S-500 although an excellent sounding headphone, fails in the areas of being a headset. It lacks the flexibility and functionality that most gamers seek. Without an in-line volume control and a microphone that’s thrown in as an afterthought, it is hard to say where the S-500 belongs. If sound quality is what you seek, it may be more worthwhile investing your money in a hi-fi headphone from one of the more established brands.

The remaining headsets though each have their own highlights. The Icemat Siberia costs the least and is a good all-round headphone that can be used for gaming, music or general day to day PC tasks. If you seek a dedicated gaming headset and gaming is all you do, then it’s hard to go past the Steelseries Steelsound 5H V2. The second iteration of this headset has seen welcome improvements to in-game sound quality, microphone reach and comfort. The excellent build quality, collapsible design and good in-game performance make up for its poor performance in music.

At the end of the day going with either the flexible and affordable Siberia or the slightly more expensive but excellent gaming-only 5H V2 should serve most gamers well, the future is looking good for headsets, and we can only hope to see more fine products entering the arena.