The LS100X Wi-fi Gaming Headset from LucidSound is an efficient worth, however a tough match.

A superb headset is an integral a part of gaming, and very important for taking part in on-line multiplayer video games the place good communication along with your workforce is paramount. Virtually each gamer remembers not having the ability to afford a devoted gaming headset, and easily plugging previous Apple earbuds with a mic into our controller as a result of we have been unable to spend lots of of {dollars} on a flowery pair of headphones.

Fashionable gaming headsets have come a good distance, and whereas the bigger gamers proceed to dominate a lot of the market, it appears there are extra entrants enjoying their hand at a gaming headset yearly, and PowerA is not any exception. Extra recognized for its gaming controllers, PowerA acquired LucidSound in 2020, an audio firm that targeted virtually completely on inexpensive gaming headsets.

The LS100X represents a flagship wi-fi headset for the corporate, and one I used to be curious to check in opposition to the larger names within the house.

LucidSound LS100X Wi-fi Gaming Headset

This feature-packed headset is light-weight and comfy, making it nice for marathon gaming classes. Different options embody fast entry controls, Bluetooth connectivity and customized 50mm drivers.

Professionals

• Handy mouse mute button on headset
• Good audio high quality for this value level

Cons

• Headband is poorly cushioned and uncomfortable after lengthy durations
• Poor sound insulation in headest cups

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Worth, availability, and specs

An inexpensive set

The LS100X wi-fi gaming headset retails for $100 and is available on Amazon. Nonetheless, the headset can at the moment be discovered refurbished for a steep low cost at GameStop on-line and new on sale at MicroCenter in retailer. These headphones do not got down to be probably the most highly effective ever made, although the 50mm drivers, a dimension generally present in gaming headsets, carry out admirably.

Weighing in at 0.6lbs, they don’t seem to be too heavy for a wi-fi headset, however have sufficient heft to really feel strong. LucidSound advertises 130 hours of use by way of Bluetooth and 72 hours in “Sport Mode” utilizing the wi-fi USB adapter. The headset can cycle by way of three distinct EQ profiles and helps each Xbox and PC gaming.

What I favored in regards to the LS100X

High quality sound and intuitive use for this value vary

The LS100X headset is $100 at full value and might typically be bought for roughly $60 on sale, so the headset’s efficiency actually must be considered in that context. Essentially the most spectacular factor in regards to the LS100X is the sound high quality. When biking by way of the totally different EQ modes, together with Bass Enhance, FPS, and Signature Sound, I used to be in a position to completely take pleasure in all of the totally different media that I sometimes put by way of my PC headphones. I performed numerous Future 2 and Counter-Strike 2 in FPS mode, and the sport audio was clear and exact, with directional sound performing precisely as required.

Muting my microphone when wanted for on-line multiplayer video games was a breeze as you merely press the precise aspect of the headset to show the microphone on and off. Handily, the microphone includes a clearly seen LED that can cycle between crimson and inexperienced to point whether or not you might be on mute or not.

When testing Signature Sound, I used to be met with a reasonably balanced profile for what is basically an entry-level wi-fi gaming headset, and was impressed by how good the trailer for the brand new Deadpool film sounded. Bass Enhance left me much less impressed, however that is extra a private desire than a commentary on the headset. It appears each pair of headphones today comes with its personal model of bass boosting, and it is virtually all the time pointless and blows out the remainder of the sound stage. Turning the quantity up and down on the headset was so simple as rotating the wheel on the left cup, which was straightforward sufficient to do whereas in-game, although nonetheless not fairly as fast as turning a knob. The left aspect can be clicked in to mute audio completely or held to verify battery stage.

Whereas these headphones help Bluetooth, the wi-fi USB adapter was tremendous straightforward to make use of, and is generally plug and play. Merely flip the swap on the USB stick to point whether or not you might be enjoying on a PC or an Xbox, and it handles the remaining. General, the headset is simply actually intuitive to make use of, and any gamer will let you know that the simpler it’s to perform vital duties on their peripherals, the less distractions there are for vital in-game moments. The audio high quality was spectacular at this value level, and I used to be completely happy with the headset in brief stints.

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What I did not like in regards to the LS100X

The construct high quality and luxury are subpar

Whereas I usually would not harp on one thing that’s sometimes fairly subjective, I actually must say these headphones are simply not very comfy. They simply do not feel good when sporting them. The simply compressed and skinny cushioning on the cups does little to defend you from the laborious plastic beneath, and the scarf has equally weak cushioning, leaving you with the feeling that the scarf is digging into the highest of your head after solely 15-20 minutes of steady use. I may ignore this for some time, however after in regards to the half-hour mark, I began taking them off in favor of my day by day headset.

The sound insulation within the cups is extremely poor. I’m, in truth, sporting them as I kind this, and the clacking of my keys is nearly worse to hearken to whereas sporting them than when sporting nothing in any respect. The sound of a poorly muffled world is unsettling, and it simply appears like I am underwater as an alternative of sporting an excellent pair of headphones. Once you do click on the aspect buttons to mute your mic or some other perform, the ‘click on’ is so loud in your ear, once more a results of poor sound insulation.

Each auditory element of my atmosphere, from my air filter to the sound of Bridgerton enjoying on the tv in the lounge, is leaking by way of the headset, muddying no matter I am making an attempt to hearken to. Whereas that is maybe a results of the worth level, I nonetheless really feel that a greater construct high quality may have been achieved right here.

Verdict: Must you purchase the LS100X Headset?

I wish to be truthful that I am unable to presumably examine these $100 wi-fi gaming headphones to a $100 wired set, or a $200 pair; these are merely not enjoying in that ballpark. With that in thoughts, the LS100X are a worthwhile improve from plugging your previous Apple EarPods into your controller or PC and serve to dip your toe into the world of devoted gaming headsets. Should you’re available in the market for a wi-fi headset and making an attempt to be budget-conscious, then search for these to go on sale and choose up a pair. Sometime you’ll outgrow them and transfer on to the next high quality product, however by then they’d have served you effectively and could be handed right down to a youthful gamer in your life.

LucidSound LS100X Wi-fi Gaming Headset