To start talking about the differences between gaming headphones and normal headphones, we must first clarify that both are headphones. That is, they have the same function of transducing an electrical signal into an acoustic signal. Although some models are defined by brands as gaming headphones, it does not mean that normal headphones cannot be used to play. Obviously the performance will not be the same.
First of all, it should be mentioned that the range of audible frequencies is from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, so the gaming headset should have the ability to faithfully reproduce most of this spectrum. Gaming headphones particularly have a larger driver size than normal headphones, allowing greater sensitivity in low frequencies, especially important for gaming due to special effects.
In addition, when a headset is designed specifically to be a gamer, we want it to have comfort, to be able to generate a spatial effect, to have versatile connectivity and to have a good microphone and lights.
The main characteristic that distinguishes gaming headphones is the ability to generate a spatial effect. Typically, normal headphones have stereo sound, which basically allows you to differentiate left and right sounds. Gaming headphones, in addition to stereo sound, usually offer surround sound through a 7.1 effect. This is achieved through signal processing and produces the sensation of having several built-in speakers, so as to be able to differentiate various directions from which the sound comes. This is vital to achieve an immersive and realistic experience during the game.
Gaming headphones are designed to be able to connect to the greatest number of devices: consoles, PCs, smartphones, notebooks, etc.
On the other hand, comfort is one of the pillars of gaming headphones, since they are designed to be used for long periods of time. This is why a circumaural geometry is used, which completely covers the ear, distributing the pressure of the gamer headset evenly. In addition, they have the advantage of masking ambient noise to a greater extent, achieving a greater feeling of being inside the game. This, added to the flexibility of the headband and light weight, allows the gaming headphones to be used during long gaming sessions, without generating fatigue in the user.
Another feature to take into account is the microphone, which allows the user of the gaming headset to interact with other players. That is why in gaming headphones the microphone is usually of higher quality than what other headphones on the market offer.
One of the most important characteristics to take into account about gaming headset microphones is the polar pattern. It is related to the sensitivity of the microphone of the gamer headset depending on the direction from which the sound comes. A microphone with an omnidirectional polar pattern means that it picks up sound equally in all directions. While a microphone with a cardioid or unidirectional polar pattern will have much greater sensitivity in only one direction. This allows the voice of the user of the gamer headset to be captured well, avoiding ambient noise.
Finally, a characteristic aspect of gaming headphones is the fact that they usually have lights. Although it is aesthetic, it is a significant point when choosing the best option. The best quality gaming headphones not only have light, but are of different colors (RGB) and have the ability to control the effects.
At Thonet & Vander we continue to focus on cutting-edge products and have developed the new VX line of gaming headphones, so that your gaming experience reaches the highest level.