Review: Logitech G35 7.1 surround sound gaming headset

Highlights:

• USB connection
• 7.1 surround sound powered by Dolby technology
• Enclosing-ead design - blocks ambient noise
• 40mm laser-tuned speaker drivers with neodymium magnets
• Unidirectional, noise-canceling microphone reduces background noise.
• Three swappable headband pads and plush ear pads
• Precision headband adjustment- with numbered metal inside (spring steel-core headband)
• Three customizable keys. Uses include music, voice morphing, etc.
• On-ear controls: volume, microphone mute, and surround sound adjustments.
• Flip-down microphone with auto-mute: Microphone mutes automatically when rotated up
• Microphone mute light: Glows red when mic is muted.
• 10-foot cord

What you can do with the software:

• Adjust levels: volume, bass, treble, microphone,
• Create profiles
• Customize G keys- shortcuts to launch software or commands (play/pause, etc). These can also be set to do commands with the G35 (like decrease treble), or trigger voice morphing.
• Set voice morphing (powered by Screaming Bee)- set voice pitch and then choices include android, troll, giant, alien, mutant, and squirrel.
• View the G35 manual.

Verdict:

Retailing for $130, the G35 is not cheap. That said, it’s a full-featured and extremely capable product that is, or is very close to, the best option available for PC gamers today. Aside from being a bit heavy the G35 feels great and it has no pinch-points so extended use is not a problem (probably the biggest complaint with most headsets) and it is packed with thoughtful features. The software is not particularly incredible, but it is simple and easy to use, and it allows the hardware to shine. The microphone cancels almost all ambient noise (listen to it in use in our podcast) and the fact that it shuts off when you flip it up is just plain smart. Shifting the controls to the side of the headset (instead of inline) was a good move and while you have to learn where they are positioned, that will just take an hour or two of use. The sound quality is very solid, and it’s well suited for games like COD4 and Fallout 3. General music listening was satisfying as well. A shortcoming that is worth noting is that user has no controls over individual channels, so if you really want to tweak the volume/settings you might find this aspect lacking. Also watch out: not every game works with the surround sound.

Overall, it’s a fantastic headset that is possibly the best-in-breed, but it’s a bit pricey at the moment.