Gaming headsets have come a long way from the times when all it was necessary was to listen to the audio. These days there are various options when it comes to gaming headsets. This is a popular market area with various companies like Mad Catz taking advantage by offering a range of products.
The latest range of Mad Catz headsets is the TRITTON series and we got to review the entry level Trigger Stereo Headset. What makes this new offering so unique from what is available in stores? There’s a lot of different headsets out there, so new products need to stand out to convince gamers to upgrade.
What makes it worth paying attention to the Trigger Stereo Headset is the headset design itself. This isn’t just meant to provide gamers with a practical solution for playing games without bothering anyone else. It is also very comfortable to use.
In fact, the padded earcups means that ears won’t start hurting. This has been a problem with other products which will become uncomfortable with prolonged use. The padded earcups also manage to cancel out background noise, so that the player is fully immersed in the video-game being played.
The only downside to having padded earcups is that it does make the player’s ears rather warm. This isn’t a major issue and it is summer so it only makes sense. It is but a small price to pay for not using a product that will feel uncomfortable after a small amount of time using it.
The compact size of the Trigger Stereo Headset means that it is incredibly light. This makes it even more comfortable during use, when compared with other models already out in stores. The headset is also designed so it is easily adjustable to different head shapes. It is even possible to use it effectively when leaning the head against a wall.
The headset also serves as a communication tool when playing online. This is done via a small microphone that is also adjustable. The only downside, like with other cheaper gaming headsets, is that the microphone is not removable. But the small nature of the microphone means that it isn’t a major issue.
Don’t want to have to worry about having to play video-games from a certain distance, due to using a headset? The Trigger Stereo Headset uses a lengthy cable that makes it possible to play really far away from the TV. There are volume controls for both music and voice output that are easy to reach.
But the important question is how well the headset performs when being used in video-games. It works really well when it comes to shooting video-games. The reason for this is that it is easy to distinguish between sound effects and background music. The enhanced sound output ensures that sounds effects are clearly heard. This is particularly beneficial in old school shooters, such as Akai Katana, where the player can make use of sound effects to know when to employ different strategies.
The headset is also perfect for music video-games that rely heavily on music tracks. It literally makes video-games like Lumines Live come to life. It enhances the various sound effects that are triggered whenever a player performs well. The soundtrack is also a pleasure to listen to, thanks to how it output when using the headset. This even applies to when the volume is turned up louder than usual.
How about survival horror video-games such as Resident Evil? The demo for Resident Evil 6 becomes even better once it is played through, while making use of the headset. Leon’s demo section in particular becomes increasingly frightening. The various creepy sound effects will make for some tense moments. The slightest sound is easily heard and will leave the player feeling like anything could jump out of a dark area.
The Trigger Stereo headset is also perfect for rhythm video-games. There is no substantial lag when it comes to sound feedback, which makes it ideal for keeping with the rhythm. This means that players can also fully enjoy the music in rhythm video-games, such as the superb Child of Eden.
In fact, the soundtrack for Child of Eden sounds even better with this headset. It also brings out the best in voice acting when it comes to narrative heavy video-games like the fantastic Sleeping Dogs.
It’s possible to refer to a few other examples in order to explain why the Trigger Stereo headset is worth looking into. But all that matters is that it manages to make each genre better, thanks to the enhanced sound experience. Not only that but it is also handy for anyone that likes to use the Xbox 360 as a tool for watching media, such as films or TV shows. It is designed to ensure that the player can comfortably make use of it for hours.
It’s certainly impressive to think that there is still room for improvement, but Mad Catz managed to do it. The TRITTON Series Trigger Stereo Headset is a fantastic product – especially considering the price tag – that is worth investing in for a vastly improved gaming experience.
