Last week, I looked at a series of headsets. In the comments, a few of you asked for me to review the Logitech G930. However, that’s an older headset, and we try to keep up with the times. So, instead, I’m reviewing the G430. How does it stack up compared to similar headsets in its price range?
Look and Feel
When I first looked at the G430, I thought it was an ugly headset. I’m not a fan of blue on headsets – I’m a firm believer that the only colors allowed for headsets are black, red and white. That said, the actual design of the headset isn’t bad looking if you can get past the colour.
Despite the color, the ear cups are rather clever. Made out of performance-sport cloth, they don’t get as hot on the ears, minimizing sweat and discomfort. Additionally, the cloth can be removed and washed, making me question all those other headsets I’ve used – how dirty was that black material? The foam inside is rather firm, and with the snug fit against the head, it can get a bit uncomfortable for some people after a while.
The cups can rotate up to 90 degrees, making them lie flat on your desk or rest comfortably around your neck when not in use. However, this also means that there are a lot of moving parts. Perhaps it is just the shape of my skull, but I found the right ear cup to occasionally make that plastic groaning noise when I moved my head.
With a long enough braided cable to provide plenty of space to move around your work/play space, the G430 also has inline controls for on the fly volume adjustment or mic toggling. The mic can be moved vertically or horizontally – this means that you can shove it all the way up so it’s out of the way, or bend it in nice and close to your mouth. While it is fully adjustable, I did find that the mic tended to stick out quite a ways – I was still audible in chat, but I couldn’t get it quite as close to my mouth as I sometimes prefer.
Pump up the Volume
Of course, the main thing we worry about a headset is the sound it can produce. The sound quality on the Logitech is excellent, producing clear and crisp sounds even when blasted at ear drum hurting volumes. With the seemingly standard frequency response of 20 Hz-20 KHz, the G430 produces the full range of sounds you would expect. When testing the dynamic range, it easily reached 42 DBFS (decibels below full scale).
The Logitech G430 features 7.1 surround sound thanks to its Dolby software. Again, it’s important to point out to the ultimate audiophiles that no, this is not the same as actual surround sound. However, for gaming and other purposes, it is certainly functional. As part of the software, gamers can adjust volume levels and even individual channels on the Dolby surround. However, this software is only available for PC so Mac users won’t get full use of the headset’s capabilities.
Specifications
- Driver: 40 mm
- Frequency response: 20 Hz-20 KHz
- Impedance: 32 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 90 dB SPL/mW
- Weight: 255 grams
- RRP: R 1149.00
Verdict
I enjoyed using the Logitech G430. It delivered fantastic sound into my ears. However, it isn’t the most comfortable headset, and the occasional plastic creaking when I moved my head made me doubt the shape of my skull. If you’re looking for an affordable gaming headset that delivers fantastic sound quality, this is certainly an excellent option.
Last Updated: May 30, 2014
Kromas
May 30, 2014 at 15:38
Dammit I need a new headset but I want one that lasts and is quite comfortable with at least 5.1 surround sound and at least 3m of braided or sleeved cabling. Mic not really a must but could help out a lot.
Any suggestions and no I do not accept any Razer products as they last about 4 months.
Bob the Zealot
May 30, 2014 at 15:43
I use the Corsair Vengence 1500 usb headset. It’s 7.1 and I find it’s very comfortable. I’m not sure if there is a newer model out but have a look and see if you like it.
Her Highness the Hipster
May 30, 2014 at 15:44
Orion PRO apparently has surround sound. basically the Orion but with a surround sound card. could be an option.
loftie
May 30, 2014 at 16:13
my razer blackshark is still like new, 8months old. Robust METAL design. 🙂
http://www.razerzone.com/gaming-audio/razer-blackshark
Kromas
May 31, 2014 at 14:24
I only buy Razer keyboards. I have gone through their mice and headsets and they don;t last for me.
Matthew Holliday
June 2, 2014 at 10:23
funny, im the opposite, razer keyboards have never worked well with me, terrible firmware. but a big fan of their headsets.
especially when the lycosa, their flagship keyboard model, had a 50% return rate due to faulty drivers.
their mice are solid though
loftie
June 2, 2014 at 10:32
my blackshark came with a splitter that converted the single audio jack into the smaller jacks for PC’s (green and pink one)
Matthew Holliday
June 2, 2014 at 10:35
dammit, my krakens didnt come with that, difficult to find them over here, none of the regular IT stores have it and the one place i found that does have them is a little bit out of the way of my usual drive.
Matthew Holliday
June 2, 2014 at 10:28
i like the blackshark, but ive never trusted that mic arm.
also has the same single audio/mic cable, which doesnt work on my motherboard.
i have the elektras, which has the same cable, still need to go buy that cable, but the mic on it is a useless inline one anyway.
Gavin Mannion
May 30, 2014 at 16:42
if you can afford it
http://www.lazygamer.net/review/steelseries-siberia-elite-review/
Kromas
May 31, 2014 at 14:26
This is exactly what I would want I only wonder one thing. The cups look a bit small.
Matthew Holliday
June 2, 2014 at 10:25
theyr not really small at all, this headset is on the top of my wish list.
in terms of aesthetics (I do like pretty toys) & performance, i reckon theyr top class.
if they werent R2500, Id get them in a heartbeat.
Gustav Minnie
May 30, 2014 at 21:44
Save your snoepie geldjie and invest in one of these.
I want.
http://www.takealot.com/gaming/sennheiser-pc-363d-gaming-headset-pc,30038123
I have.
http://www.takealot.com/gaming/sennheiser-pc-360-premium-headset-with-open-accoustics,10809595
Mine is only stereo but have kicked all of my previous “7.1” headsets in the face.
Comfortable (even with glasses) and good quality (mine is 2 years old and still look like new).
Maxiviper117
May 31, 2014 at 02:58
Cooler Master Storm Sirus , True 5.1 surround headset, I highly recommend, has 4 Individual speakers on each ear, so it’s a true 5.1, but the software allows virtual 7.1 as well. Very tweakable, and has really nice big adjuster desktop knob that connects between the headset and the PC, that you can change the volume of front, rear, master and bass really quickly on the fly.
http://www.takealot.com/gaming/cm-storm-sirus-5-1-surround-sound-headset,9861896
Kromas
May 31, 2014 at 14:28
This seems interesting. Will have a look at it.
Matthew Holliday
June 2, 2014 at 10:21
Razer headphones need the detachable cable jack points in the headphones.
had 2 pairs of Orcas which didnt have the detachable cable and they lasted 6 months max.
replaced with Razer Elektras, which do have the cable thing and theyv lasted me over a year now and pretty much feel brand new.
Hammersteyn
May 30, 2014 at 15:51
Wish I could go home 🙁
Wraith
May 30, 2014 at 16:25
I’m running a set of HD-650s with a Zalman zm-mic1 🙂
Willem Swanepoel
May 31, 2014 at 11:48
I bought the Logitech G230 (does not come with the USB sound piece), already have a soundcard 😉
I used the Logitech G35 for a long time until I broke it … fail from my side ;(
What I do not understand is why did they remove the volume control that was located on the left ear piece down to the cable.
Duffman! Formerly_known as_the
June 1, 2014 at 15:14
All I can say is Corsair Vengeance 1500. It really is worth every flippen penny and the most comfortable headset ever. Beats my flatmates Razer Charahacashfashfasfhasfsfgn in sound and comfort.
Matthew Holliday
June 2, 2014 at 10:17
yeh, but anything from the corsair vengeance line is pretty much gold.
i have the corsair vengeance mechanical keyboard and am pretty impressed.
running the Razer elektras personally, but they were a poor replacement for the Orcas, kicking myself for not waiting for the krakens.