Thermaltake eSports Shock One PC Headset Review

So there we have it, the Shock One headset from Thermaltake, there are some features that I’m not happy with, some that I really enjoyed and some middle of the road features too, plus a stop watch, which as far as features go is nothing to do with the headset.

But I’m going to get the last thing out of the way that I didn’t like about the Shock One, this is again a purely personal thing too… it hurt my head, a lot! which is such a shame as at first it felt super cosy on my ears, but after more than 20 minutes of use it feels like my head has been in a vice, this isn’t the headsets fault either, at least not completely or directly, I just blame my oversized head, I’ve had enough jokes to come to terms with my big noggin, so I’m ok with admitting that, but I know I’m not alone, if you have a bigger than normal brain shell then I couldn’t recommend this headset for you, in fact there are very few headsets out there that fit snug on my head.  I tested it out on “normal” people, all (two) of whom said it was snug and didn’t complain one bit after extended use, just me then!

I know I said a few things about build quality, the choice of plastics used in its construction and so on, but I will just reinforce my words that its really nothing out of the ordinary at this price range, I haven’t broken the set yet and I’m fairly heavy handed at the best of times, so while it does feel a little cheap to touch, I don’t think its going to fall apart any time soon, so I won’t mark it down for that.

The style is chunky, it does have a bold look about it and I do enjoy the lights on the side, they add a nice touch of flair, if you’re a pro gamer and attend any tournaments, people will definately know which brand you support when you have the lights switched on, Thermaltake is a very popular brand, so a plus point for looking cool when wearing them.

The most important function of this headset though has to be audio, that is where your money goes on this head set, with a bass and treble response that punches like an expensive surround sound system and sub-woofer, and while I didn’t much care for some of the extra features like the DTS sensation, they are completely optional settings, so I don’t doubt that with the custom software you will be able to find the right tone and sound that is perfect for you or what you’re doing.

But over all I am going to give the Shock One our gamers choice award, I had to really think about it, but in the end I realised that all the problems I had with it were really just personal issues, this is a fantastic headset for its price range (£60.00), I just wish it was more comfortable for me to wear it.  If you want to hear every foot step and bullet in Battlefield, or enjoy the detailed sound of dragons tearing up some distant land in Skyrim, then you will be very pleased with Shock One headset.