In the world of virtual 7.1 surround sound headphones that are fitted with a multitude of features, stereo headphones are often left behind. However, throughout our testing of the Corsair HS35 Stereo headset, we realised that these are a pair of standard stereo headphones you would actually like to own. Specifications: Audio CUE Software NoSurround Sound NoDetachable Microphone YesRechargeable Battery N/AHeadphone Frequency Response 20Hz - 20 kHzHeadphone Battery Life N/AHeadphone Sensitivity 113dB (+/-3dB)Headphone Wireless Range N/AImpedance 32 Ohms @ 1 kHzHeadphone Type WiredHeadphone Connector 3.5mm analogHeadphone Drivers 50mmCable Length 1.1mModel HS35Color RedAudio StereoLighting NonePlatform PC, PS4, XBOX One, Nintendo Switch, Mobile devicesMicrophone Impedance 2.2k OhmsMicrophone Type Unidirectional noise cancelingMicrophone Frequency Response 100Hz to 10kHzMicrophone Sensitivity -40dB (+/-3dB) Design The Corsair HS35 Stereo has a really simple design to them, but with fine details to give them a premium feel. The headphones are mostly constructed of plastic, but with a sturdy and rigid frame, ensuring great build quality - something that Corsair is known for in their headsets. The foam on the headband as well as the memory foam ear cups are covered in a fabric material that is both breathable and comfortable, preventing overheating after long periods of play. Corsair has managed to make a rather inexpensive headset look and feel as expensive as the models above it, such as the HS50 The cups themselves have an oval “moat” surrounding the Corsair logo, giving the headset a sense of depth and personality, as opposed to a flat surface. The premium Corsair logo set into each cup gives the headset a much more expensive look, especially thanks to the diagonal engravings in the logo itself. Corsair has managed to make a rather inexpensive headset look and feel as expensive as the models above it, such as the HS50. Features This is where the Corsair HS35 Stereo really shines, especially for its price point. The headset features a Discord-certified, detachable microphone, a dedicated on-ear mic/mute button, as well as volume adjustment on the same cup. A simple shift from in-line controls to on-ear makes the HS35 feel much more premium than others in the same category, and makes memorising exactly where your on-the-fly controls are that much easier. Also, the HS35 Stereo prides itself on the multi-platform functionality, compatible with PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, as well as mobile. The HS35 Stereo prides itself on the multi-platform functionality, compatible with PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, as well as mobile The unidirectional detachable microphone offers active noise-cancelling, and can be maneuvered to fit exactly where you need it. Thankfully, there is a small cap you can fit into the socket when the mic is detached, covering the hole left behind. However, leaving the mic in is an option, and won’t leave you looking odd in a social situation. The Corsair HS35 Stereo headset also comes in various colours, for those who want to express their individuality, including Carbon, Red, Green, and Blue - or to show your support for your favourite platform. Performance The Corsair HS35 Stereo is incredibly comfortable, not only down to the memory foam ear cups, but also the material used to cover them, as we spoke about before. The material is breathable, making extended play sessions comfortable, as your ears won’t overheat, and soft enough to ensure they aren’t scratchy. The memory foam used in the ear cups mold to the shape of your head, and makes them comfortable to wear from the minute you put them on. Also, the headset itself is incredibly light, preventing any fatigue from wearing them for long periods of time. The headset itself is incredibly light, preventing any fatigue from wearing them for long periods of time Across the board, the HS35’s had a consistent audio output on each platform that we tested them with - something that is often overlooked in headphones that “work” with other devices. On PC, we were given a Y-shaped cable for audio and microphone, however, even through a standard 3.5mm audio jack, the sound was fantastic. Thanks to the 3.5mm audio connection, switching platforms was as easy as plugging in and out. While you won’t be getting the most immersive and outstanding audio experience, you will still get exactly what you need; good bass, clear treble, and phenomenal tracking. On competitive titles, such as Rainbow Six Siege, footsteps were discernible, and with good player intuition, you could get a fairly accurate idea of where enemy players were coming from. On more solo, or single-player experiences, the HS35 Stereo will by no means ruin your experience, and leave you with a pleasant auditory journey. However, in saying this, if you use the HS35 with Dolby Atmos For Headphones on a Windows PC, the headset becomes alive, giving you something pretty close to true surround sound - something that, when you remember that these are a 2-channel headset, is pretty impressive. If you are using these for PC, we sincerely suggest using Dolby Atmos. If you use the HS35 with Dolby Atmos For Headphones on a Windows PC, the headset becomes alive, giving you something pretty close to true surround sound The microphone, as we said, is Discord-certified, giving us high hopes going in. The active noise-cancelling meant less auxiliary noise such as breathing, nose-noises, and general audio bits you don’t exactly want to be transferred, and focuses on communicating your voice clear and crisp. Expecting a studio-grade mic is asking this headphone a bit much, but most listeners on the other side were pretty surprised to hear how clear it was, all things considered. Outside of gaming, content consumption and music through the HS35 was fantastic. If you are like us, who enjoys watching a lot of content on the fly, then you will probably be as pleasantly surprised as we were at how the HS35 dealt with non-gaming media. Music, if streamed or listened to on higher bitrates, was clear, offered deep bass, and sent varying frequency ranges at the HS35, which it was able to handle without a hitch. Content on Netflix mobile was almost no different to on PS4 or PC, although the audio was not as punchy - but this is most probably because of the compression methods used rather than the headphones. Overall, the Corsair HS35 Stereo headphones are wonderfully versatile, offer fantastic audio across all platforms, are inexpensively elegant, and are great budget offerings. The only gripe with the HS35’s is the fact that for almost the exact same price - roughly R800 on average - you can get yourself the HS50’s which offer slightly better audio, comfort, and a steel frame rather than just hard plastic. Overall, the Corsair HS35 Stereo headphones are wonderfully versatile, offer fantastic audio across all platforms, are inexpensively elegant, and are great budget offerings

SteelSeries are renown for their Arctis 7 and Arctis Pro headsets, rated as the best high-end gaming headset by PC Gamer. The Arctis 1 comes as a budget offering, promising you a quintessential SteelSeries experience, but are they worth looking at over the Arctis 3's? SteelSeries sent a set over to us, and we can definitively say that it is a yes/no answer. READ MORE: Review: SteelSeries Apex 7 Specifications: Headphone Frequency Response: 20–20000 HzHeadphone Sensitivity: 100 dbHeadphone Impedance: 32 OhmHeadphone Total Harmonic Distortion: < 3%Headphone Volume Control: On Ear CupFrequency Response: 100Hz–10000HzType: Noise Canceling BidirectionalSensitivity: -38 dbConnection: DetachableMicrophone Mute Toggle: On Ear CupConnector Type: 4-pole 3.5mm + Dual 3.5mm PC extensionCable Length: 3 m / 10 ftCable Material: RubberArctis 1 Headset: Dual 3.5mm Extension Cable Design: The SteelSeries Arctis 1 features SteelSeries' signature headphone design, used across the board, from the budget models we see here, to the ultra-high-end premium models such as the Arctis 7 and Arctis Pro. This similar design element gives the entry-level Arctis 1's a premium look and feel, something you would expect from the SteelSeries brand. The SteelSeries signature headphone design element gives the entry-level Arctis 1's a premium look and feel, something you would expect from the SteelSeries brand The Arctis 1 features a sturdy build quality, with a steel-reinforced adjustable headband, to ensure a snug and comfortable fit. The ear cups are lined with a breathable polyester fabric, and while it doesn't get too hot, it can make extended play sessions rather toasty. However, the ear cups have more than enough cushioning to make the headphones comfortable for a considerable amount of time, also preventing them from digging into your ears, or temples in the case of glasses users. The detachable ClearCast microphone is fairly flexible, allowing you to position it where you want it to go. Thankfully, as we said, the mic is detachable in the case of wearing your Arctis 1's out in public, or even for transport, if you are worried about breaking or bending the connection. Another design element worthy of praise is the on-headset controls, positioned on the left earcup, adjacent to the cable. The controls offer mic-mute and volume adjustment, and is something that I wish every manufacturer would move to - in-line controls on a cable are nice, but they are often placed in different areas on the cable and leave you scrambling for a fast mic-mute. Performance: Ah, the good stuff. The Arctis 1 features 40mm Neodymium drivers, the same drivers used in the Arctis 7, and there is a definite resemblance in the audio. Also featured is the Arctis signature Soundscape, meant to give you distinct variations in differing audio waves, and while this was present, it was as subtle as the audio it was trying to convey. The Arctis 1 features 40mm Neodymium drivers, the same drivers used in the Arctis 7, and there is a definite resemblance in the audio The ClearCast microphone - also featured across the board - features a bidirectional design, and is Discord-certified. In chat, I was clear and concise, but not to the degree that I had anticipated. Thankfully, background noise was, for the most part, eliminated, so my voice was always the focus. The most enjoyable feature of the SteelSeries Arctis 1's was the cross-platform support, from PC, all the way to mobile. While most headphones are able to run on various platforms, the Arctis 1 was designed with multiple devices in mind, meaning you won't lose features across your devices. On console, the sound was pretty good, and the mic was clear, in both general chat and for more strategic strat calling in competitive titles. The Arctis Soundscape was also present across console devices, which was reassuring, and everything from gaming to media entertainment was a pretty satisfying experience. On PC, you could tweak audio settings to suit your needs, as well as enjoy clearer communication through Discord - thanks to the certification - as well as adjust your game/mic volume through the party app. The Arctis 1 is currently not supported in the SteelSeries Engine 3 desktop app, which meant we had to adjust settings in Windows, through Discord, or in-game. Phone calls and voice notes were far better than a standard pair of earphones often given with your cellphone. Gaming was pretty enjoyable on mobile as well, and while you aren't going to really notice any drastic changes, the Arctis 1's are far superior to any mobile headphones that come standard. The most enjoyable feature of the SteelSeries Arctis 1's was the cross-platform support, from PC, all the way to mobile Other than the microphone, my only issue with the Arctis 1 - and this might be a matter of personal preference - is that the local pricing (averaging around R1000) is a little too close to the SteelSeries Arctis 3's. For example, the average local retailer stocks the Arctis 1's for R999, whereas the Arctis 3's are R1399. Now, does this mean you have to skip the 1 for 3? No, no at all, but an extra R400 - on average - for a retractable mic as opposed to detachable, a more comfortable headband, enhanced breathability in the earcups, as well as native support for Windows 10/Xbox One Spatial Audio, which is the native surround sound built into Windows and Xbox One, seems like a better investment. A slightly smaller investment could give you a better return, and while the Arctis 1's are no joke, the Arctis 3's will give a better audio experience - and for a peripheral that is a major part of how you experience games, it is something to look at. However, R400 extra might be stretching the budget too far, and you needn't worry about "settling" for second best with the Arctis 1's. Overall, the SteelSeries Arctis 1 is a brilliant budget headset, offering many of the same features as the higher-end models - though, not to the same degree. The audio was great, they are comfortable, and the ability to switch platforms adds a tonne of versatility to the headset. However, you could invest a little extra into the level above, but you will never be settling for a sub-par experience with Arctis 1.

Gaming mice are - obviously - one of the most important tools for any gaming set-up, with the main focus currently regarding a mouse’s weight. The industry is shifting towards making lighter and lighter mice, and we got the chance to test out what Razer has to offer, with the Razer Viper. Specifications: Razer 5G Advanced Optical Sensor with true 16,000 DPIUp to 450 inches per second (IPS) / 50 G acceleration1000 Hz UltrapollingRazer™ Optical Mouse Switches with 70 million clicks life cycleRazer™ Speedflex cableGaming-grade tactile scroll wheel69g lightweight ambidextrous designRazer Chroma™ lighting with 16.8 million customizable color optionsEight independently programmable Hyperesponse buttonsOnboard DPI Storage (Up to 5 DPI stages)Razer Synapse 3 enabledApproximate size: 126.73 mm / 4.99 in (Length) X 66.2 mm / 2.61 in (Width) X 37.81 mm / 1.49 in (Height)Approximate weight (excluding cable): 69 g / 0.15 lbsCable length: 2.1 m / 6.89 ft Design The Razer Viper is an ambidextrous gaming mouse, designed with performance and functionality at the forefront, with aesthetics second. Thanks to the ambidextrous mindset, the mouse is symmetrical with two additional thumb buttons on each side. The shell is low-profile to cater for both palm and claw grip styles - although it does support palm better, but we will get into the performance later on - mimicking the head shape of a viper. The Razer Viper is an ambidextrous gaming mouse, designed with performance and functionality at the forefront, with aesthetics second The mouse is finished with a smooth plastic finish, with rubberised grips on the left and right side of the mouse, with a similar finish over the mouse wheel for enhanced grip. The wired mouse is connected with a lengthy Razer™ Speedflex Cable, boasting “unhindered control with minimal drag”. There is a subtle Razer logo on the rear of the mouse, that when not flashing, would go completely unnoticed to most. The underside of the Razer Viper is far busier than most gaming mice on the market today, with no adjustable weights - as is the intention of the mouse - but that is where the 5G Optical sensor lies, as well as a 5-profile DPI switch. The mouse can be customised, from the lighting to button mapping, in the Razer Synapse software suite, which offers an incredible amount of customisation to tweak your mouse exactly how you want it. Performance This is where the Razer Viper aims to make up for the subtle and minimal aesthetics it offers, and boy, does it ever. The most important aspect of any mouse is the sensor it uses; the Razer Viper uses its own proprietary 5G Optical sensor, ensuring 99.4% tracking accuracy against physical movements, and up to 16,000 DPI. The Razer Viper has been engineered to be an extension of your hand, rather than a simple tool to be used, and aims to transition your skills to the screen in a 1-1 fashion. The second takeaway from the Razer Viper is the physical weight, just 69g in total - designed to give you every advantage you could have in-game. Thankfully, the low weight does not impact build quality, as the Viper was incredibly sturdy and rigid. In a mouse this light, I would’ve expected there to be some bending and warping, but the shell is rigid and firm. Another innovation Razer has added to the Viper, is their signature Speedflex cable. The cable has been designed to provide the highest amount of flexibility, while maintaining the light aesthetic. Razer promises that the mouse will give you “unhindered control with minimal drag”, as well as smoother swipes with this new cable. I must say - I don’t use a mouse bungee, so to have cables hanging over a desk can be annoying. The Speedflex cable was super light, so I never even noticed that it was hanging off. So, does it perform as they say? Well, the tracking accuracy was astonishingly good, and with each return swipe, my cursor always landed back where it started - unless I overshot but that is human error. Thankfully, the mouse does not sacrifice tracking accuracy for speed, which is something I was concerned with, but the cursor moved both with speed and unbridled accuracy. The 5G Optical sensor is a fantastic addition, and surprisingly did not have any of the three big problems, which are sensor resolution, speed, or drift. The optical functionality of the mouse also extends to the switches used to register mouse clicks. Using the Razer Optical Mouse Switch is what helps keep the mouse so lightweight, and works by activating an infrared beam that actuates at the speed of light, with a response time of just 0.2 seconds. The tracking accuracy was astonishingly good, and with each return swipe, my cursor always landed back where it started Controversially, I am not a huge fan of lightweight mechanics. I have a rather large hand, and I always prefer a bit of weight to a mouse, purely because I tend to overshoot when attempting snapshots or the coveted “180 no-scopes”. However, in saying this, the 69g Razer Viper made “flick” shots much easier to attain, especially when combined with the 5G optical sensor as we spoke about above. Will it make you an esports pro? Nope, but no amount of technology will. Though, can you be a better player because of it? Absolutely. The ability to sweep a battlefield as well was much better, so covering flanks was much easier than with a weighty mouse. Another unintentional feature, however, comes from the dual thumb buttons on each side. While this was made with ambidextrous users in mind, it was actually quite useful outside of that. Again, the Viper was not specifically made for titles such as RPGs, but I found it easier to map secondary buttons to my ring finger rather than thumb, and so I was able to let my thumb focus on moving and guiding the mouse, while I used the now-ring-finger-bound keys to swap weapons or activate abilities in-game. The idea was more of a goof than a proper test, but it actually worked, so something to keep in mind. The only issue I have with the Razer Viper is that the DPI switch is underneath the mouse rather than on top The only issue I have with the Razer Viper is that the DPI switch is underneath the mouse rather than on top. Now, I get that it was moved there keep with the ambidextrous theme - although under the mouse wheel would still have suited it - it is a serious inconvenience, and a rather backward design element. The inability to switch DPI as I move is also something you need to remember if you are in the middle of a firefight. It just seems counterintuitive to offer 5 DPI profiles to switch on the fly - but then make you lift the mouse and your other hand to switch it. I mean, you can practice and learn to switch it with a single hand but still, you need to lift the mouse, which prevents movement tracking. Also, and this is purely subjective, I prefer the feel of Omron switches for mice, purely because I didn’t feel the same accentuation force in the Viper, and while this may be a benefit for some, it might not be to your taste. Overall, though, the Razer Viper is a phenomenal mouse, especially for those looking to improve their games at titles such as Overwatch, CS:GO, or even Dota 2 - basically any esports titles, or FPS. The optical sensor gives almost 100% true tracking, the lightweight element was surprisingly enjoyable and excellent for e-sports, and minimalist design was kind of refreshing. However, the DPI switch placement let it down, making this one of the better lightweight mice experience out there. Overall, though, the Razer Viper is a phenomenal mouse, especially for those looking to improve their games at titles such as Overwatch, CS:GO, or even Dota 2 - basically any esports titles, or FPS

Another day, another Razer headset, with the revised Kraken in today's line-up. Just like the last set that I reviewed; this is a new iteration on previous models, aiming squarely at the Razer audio neophyte rather than someone who likes Razer audio products looking to upgrade. Specifications: Custom-tuned 50 mm DriversCooling Gel-Infused CushionsRetractable Unidirectional MicrophoneBauxite Aluminum FrameThicker Headband PaddingCross-Platform CompatibilityFrequency response: 12 Hz – 28 kHzImpedance: 32 Ω @ 1 kHzSensitivity (@1 kHz): 109 dBInput power: 30 mW (Max)Drivers: 50 mm, with Neodymium magnetsInner ear cup diameter: 54 mm x 65 mmConnection type: Analog 3.5 mmCable length: 1.3 m / 4.27 ft.Approx. weight: 322 g / 0.71 lbsOval ear cushions: Designed for full-ear coverage with cooling gel, perfect for long-wearing comfortFrequency response (Mic): 100 Hz – 10 kHzSignal-to-noise ratio(Mic): > 60 dBSensitivity (@1 kHz) (Mic): -45 ± 3 dBPick-up pattern: Unidirectional ECM boomAnalog volume control wheelMicrophone quick mute toggleAudio Usage: Devices with 3.5 mm audio jackAudio + microphone usage: Devices with 3.5 mm audio + mic combined jackAudio/mic splitter adapter cable usage: Devices with separate 3.5 mm audio and microphone jacks Out the box, in fact in the box and the box itself, Razer has hardly changed any of its winning formula. The Kraken looks exactly like the ManO' War and the Kraken Tournament Edition that I reviewed previously, in almost all respects. The earcups are that same faux open-back design. The significant differences arise in the headband and the attached braided audio cable. The headband, thankfully, is a fully adjustable headband - none of that one size fits all auto-adjusting nonsense that’s popular now. Now I can adjust the fit and seating position of the earcups to suit me to the “T”. The added benefit of this type of headband is that the cables are mostly embedded in the band reducing the risk of accidental damage. There is a small amount sitting between the headband and the earcups that could be damaged, but the risk is much lower. While the audio cable is not detachable, since this isn’t a wireless headset, it is covered in a high-quality polyester braid, ensuring that the cable will last you for years without any kinks and damage. Like most of these headsets, the cable contains inline controls for volume and mic mute. Once again, the volume is controlled by a freewheeling wheel with little resistance so that it easily can move up or down just by brushing against your shirt during play. The cable is a good length, maybe slightly too long, meaning that you won’t be constrained with it plugged into your controller or PC, but I did find that it would get caught between me and my armchair due to the extra length. A simple twist tie solved that problem, though. The faux open-back design is not going to give you the benefits of real open-back headsets, so they are purely aesthetic. Like the Nari and the Tournament Edition, the earcups have the cooling gel inside them that are initially nice in keeping your ears cool, but once they lose effectiveness, there is no way to “re-energise” them, other than letting them sit for some time. Unlike the Tournament Edition, though, these earcups are covered in a type of pleather instead of a suede material and while it does not feel as premium as the suede of the Tournament Edition, they are nicer than most other headsets. The glasses notch of the Tournament Edition does make a return, according to the picture on the box, but I couldn’t find them. Having said that, the memory foam and the earcup material, as well as the clamping force of the headset, does not require the notch. I played Gears 5 for hours and never once felt as if the headset was forcing my glasses arms into my temples. In terms of audio enhancements - at least on PC via Razer’s Synapse software - you get the benefit of THX Spatial Audio just like on the Nari. Like that set, the software enables you to identify direction more distinctly and easily, and is certainly more immersive. Unfortunately, there isn’t a console version of the Synapse software or even a standalone THX Spatial Audio app, so you will not benefit from this on the couch. For console, I suggest spending the $5 on the Dolby Atmos app - it makes a world of difference. The in-line mic is, as expected, good but not spectacular. For normal gaming and communicating with friends in Party Chat, the sound comes in loud and clear. The mic is ok enough for an amateur streamer, but if you are taking your streaming and recording seriously you will need to upgrade to a proper external, wired mic sooner rather than later. Curiously, and thankfully, the Kraken does not support Razer’s Chroma lighting system, since there is no RGB, but you can still stand out, as the headset comes in bright neon (Razer) green, Quartz Pink, Classic Black, or Mercury White. You will not get lost in a crowd wearing these. Just like the Tournament Edition, this Kraken is not the headset for anyone looking to upgrade their audio from their current Razer headset. This is the headset for anyone looking to upgrade from the cheap-as-heck included PS4 earbuds or official Xbox One headset. On your phone, if it has a headphone jack, this is better than any earbuds that you will ever get with the phone. Overall, the Kraken is a good headset, but I really do miss the Razer who astonished us with their innovations and their wacky ideas.