Corsair HS35 Stereo Multi-Format Gaming Headset Review

Peter Donnell / 5 years ago

A Closer Look & Performance

First impressions go a long way, and well, this one is going pretty darn well so far. The headset looks fantastic from the moment you open the box. I’m not a fan of hard-wired headsets, but the cable on this one looks superb and features a durable rubber sleeve that colour matches the padding on the headset. I’m sure the other colours available work in the same way too.

Design

The design of the headset looks like a tighter and more refined version of their HS60 (as well as a few other models). However, the Y-shaped ear cup mount now sits flush into the ear cup. Also, the hard-mesh back is now a matte panel with a glossy trim. Honestly, it looks pretty decent and while there’s no RGB, you do get that silver Corsair logo on the side. On the plus side, there’s no RGB, depending on your stance on the matter.

It’s not the most amazing design ever, but it’s hardly ugly either. It’s just shiny and cool enough to be something you want to own. However, it’s also stylish and toned down enough that you wouldn’t feel like an idiot wearing them as headphones either. Well, that depends on the colour choice, bright green might not bring out your eyes as well as the red or blue versions; the choice is yours.

Control

This isn’t some fancy USB powered and amplified headset, so it doesn’t really have any advanced controls either. However, you do get a nice volume control wheel and a microphone mute. Honestly, even on high-end models with loads of buttons, these are the only two I use anyway. They’re especially handy while gaming on consoles, where adjusting the volume can otherwise be a pain the arse.

It’s Not Easy Being Green

Actually, it is easy being green, but I think that colour looks absolutely fantastic. Again, I stress that you can pick from four colours. The padding is really nice too, using a memory foam interior with a soft and comfortable fabric. It doesn’t “lock in” the sound like a leather pad would, but it’s very forgiving on your ears, and also lets them breathe; less chance of sweaty ears.

It’s quite deep padding too, so it really helps soak up and distribute the clamping force of the headset over your ears. At just 250 grams, the headset is nice and light, but it’s still nice to see Corsair working to make it feel even lighter while you’re wearing it too.

On the headband, you’ll find even more of that lovely memory foam and a soft cloth cover.

Fit and Finish

The headband features a metal band that runs through the interior, giving it added strength. However, it comes with a matte finish plastic exterior. It feels a little hollow at the wider spots, but that’s likely to keep the weight down.

You can flex it a good bit though, and at no point did it feel like I was going to break it. It’s tricky to make a lightweight, comfortable and durable headset, but Corsair has done just fine with the HS35.

Adjustable

Most headsets do not fit my head, simply because I have a big head! Fortunately, there’s enough adjustment in the HD35 for younger games and my large noggin. It locks in place firmly enough, and you can see that it has a metal strip to keep it from wearing out.

There is a little bit of movement in the ear cups too. They turn inwards, but this will still help create an even weight distribution around your ears.

See, a perfect fit on a pre-coffee me. I’m happier than I look, honest!

50mm of Punch

The drivers are pretty standard, but at this price range you’re hardly going to get them crafted out of graphene and titanium. However, with that in mind, they still pack quite a punch. They’re not as bright as some cheaper gaming headsets on the high-end, making them sound a little warmer and less harsh. However, they’ve got a powerful bass response that really thunders through, especially at higher volumes. It does sound a little low on bass at low volumes, but only at volumes that are so low they’re unlikely to be used; plus, that’s a common issue on more affordable models.

Gaming

They’re not the most accurate drivers ever. However, that’s absolutely fine when you’re paying such a small price. For this price, they sound on par with Turtle Beach, Roccat and just about any premium brand that has a model this affordable. They have a good mid-range warmth and detail to them, with plenty of bass. For gaming, they’re a blast and ripping through everything from Project Bassline to Opeth sounded more than great enough to use them as daily headphones when you’re out an about too. I find them well suited to gaming most of all though, and they bring out plenty of detail in the game environment. Plus, because they don’t sound harsh on the high-end, the voice chat is easy on the ears too… Albeit that depends how annoying your friends sound to begin with.

Microphone

The microphone is decent enough, nothing bad, nothing good. It does pick up some background noise, as it doesn’t have ENC. So, if you listen to loud mumble rap while you’re gaming, please don’t buy this headset. For everyone else though, it should be fine. It’s also “discord certified” which I think is marketing speech for “it works.”