Speedlink Maxter Headset & Tarios Gaming Mouse Review

Maxter 7.1 Headset

The Maxter 7.1 headset comes pre-wired with a 3-meter black and red braided cable. I make the 7.1 distinction, as there is a slightly cheaper stereo model also available.

On the cable, you’ll find this rather fantastic inline controller. It’s pretty simple but very comfortable to hold and use. You’ll find a button for microphone mute and LED controller here. However, the obvious one is the large dial for easy volume control.

Plus, there’s an on-off button for the vibration function of the headset too; again, nice and simple.

Style

I was expecting this headset to look and feel a bit cheap because it is pretty affordable. Oh, fool on me though, as the whole thing is exceptionally well made and robust. It actually reminds me of the older Steelseries Siberia series; high praise indeed.

There’s some branding on it. However, I like that they focused on the product name more, the logo is pretty cool.

They are simi-passive drivers, so those expecting dope ambient noise cancellation may want to look elsewhere. That works both ways too, the sound will “leak” from these drivers. However, the open sound does help the drivers move freely and provide a very clean and powerful sound.

Microphone

It is hard-wired, so at least you won’t lose it when not in use. However, the boom is very flexible, so flicking it off to the side or up out of the way is easily done. Plus, there’s a mute button on the controller when you do want some privacy.

Of course, pull it straight out, and it’ll be in a more optimal speaking position so your teammates can hear you. Technically, it’s pretty standard though, no ANC or anything. However, it’s got a nice clear pickup, making it more than serviceable for gaming, Skype, etc.

Comfort

Well, it’s honestly pretty great. The headset has a dual outer support band to keep it on your ears. Plus it has good flex, so you can bend it, shake it, bop it, etc, and it just bounces back. I dropped mine, and that didn’t bother it either; albeit I didn’t do so on purpose.

There a leather-like material for the inner headband. It’s pretty hard-wearing but flexible. It distributes the weight well, and overall, I think it’s fantastically comfortable to wear.

Plus due to the way it’s mounted, it’s auto-adjusting, so should fit just about anyone with zero tinkering.

50mm Cannons

The drivers in this thing are monsters. Sure, many headsets have 50mm drivers, but these things are stupendously powerful. At maximum volume, they’re packing a hell of a volume punch. Of course, you can turn them down. Plus, having that powerful top-end is handy for quieter audio sources that need the boost.

The padding around the ear cups is very comfortable too. It sits around the outside of your ears. This helps distribute the weight nicely, but it’s not very tight anyway, so there is some breathing room on offer.

Gaming and Beyond

The RGB is nice enough, not needed, but it does add some flair. What matters to me is the sound quality though. They’re loud, and much to my surprise very clean sounding and quite balanced. The bass isn’t heavy, but it’s there. You can turn on the vibration driver, which does add a “boomy” quality to it, but only at higher volumes does this seem particularly effective. Overall though, it sounds great!