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 robust to learn by means of any “better of” record with out seeing its merchandise. The corporate is again once more with one other new product for overview, this time concentrating 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 appears to be like to be, on paper at the least, one thing geared extra in direction of those that need one thing easy that’s good on the go. That includes 50mm drivers and a 20Hz – 20kHz response the goal of the headset is to supply high quality sound at an reasonably priced worth, however how does it carry out? Is it a headset that may compete for a prime spot inside the large mid-range market?
A bit gentle 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 gadget given the widespread help as of late for Bluetooth.
On the headset itself you’ll discover a number of choices. The left aspect options the quantity dial, a mute button, and the microphone. The best aspect has the facility and Bluetooth buttons. There’s no RGB on the headset, simply the Corsair emblem on the aspect of every ear cup.
Talking of the ears, this can be 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 good 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 gentle the headset is. Weighing in at simply 266g, it’s fairly simple to place the headset on and considerably neglect you’re even carrying it. You don’t get that weighed-down feeling that different headsets give off after hours of use. It’s comfy sufficient as a complete which you could put it on, lounge again, and chill out.
The mic itself includes a flip-to-mute performance that’s good for fast muting once 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 precise factor because the flip-to-mute. It will 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 could have a third-party audio equalizer, you received’t be capable to set customized sounds with the headset. What it does supply, nevertheless, 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 find yourself in the course of a sport session and wouldn’t be capable to 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 greatest query is how does it carry out? In my view, 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 every little thing to life. Even with out the flexibility to have encompass sound, I nonetheless discovered the sound in video games like Escape From Tarkov and Insurgency: Sandstorm to be simply pretty much as good as once I’m utilizing my typical audio system. It additionally does a pleasant job of retaining noise from the encircling atmosphere 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 pair 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, reduce 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 cause which may be.
Transferring on to the mic, I used to be fairly dissatisfied. The sound is evident sufficient, but it surely simply feels a bit too condensed for my liking. The truth is, it made my higher-pitched voice sound deeper than what different mics do when recording. It additionally isn’t the very best at filtering out ambient noise, that means you’ll choose 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. Apart from, it fees quick sufficient that you simply’ll be up and operating 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 is probably not 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 strong regardless of the shortage of customized EQ choices. The mic might be higher, and the redundancy of the mute operate doesn’t make a lot sense to me.
If you’re on the lookout for one thing extra reasonably priced which you could simply purchase, open, and use immediately with none points, the Corsair HS55 Wi-fi Core is likely to be what you’re on the lookout for. If you need extra options out of your headset, although, look elsewhere.
