Why You Can Trust CNET Logitech Precision PC Gaming Headset review: Logitech Precision PC Gaming Headset
Logitech Precision PC Gaming Headset
Logitech has established itself as a leading multimedia-speaker manufacturer by delivering great-sounding 5.1-channel gaming systems such as the ultrapowerful Z-5500. In addition to multimedia speakers, the company offers a broad range of computer peripherals and accessories, including a full lineup of two-way headsets. One such model, the Precision PC Gaming Headset ($29), isn't a standout product like some of Logitech's speakers, but its low price helps excuse its shortcomings.
The Logitech Precision PC Gaming Headset's design isn't its strong suit. Although the other, more expensive gaming headsets we've tested incorporate padded, adjustable headbands, the Precision PC Gaming Headset instead has a nonadjustable neckband, such as low-cost portable headphones commonly employ. The headset's small, foam-covered drivers rest on top of your ears, encircled by larger leatherette ear pads that cup your ears and press against the side of your head, holding the unit in place. The Precision PC Gaming Headset tended to clamp against our ears and head with more pressure than we would have liked. The microphone is attached to the outside of the right earpiece. You can swivel it out of the way when it's not in use, but it's otherwise nonadjustable.
The Logitech Precision PC Gaming Headset's eight-foot cord terminates in a 1/8-inch headphone plug and a 1/8-inch microphone plug suitable for connection to a computer sound card. The cord should prove long enough to connect to a floor-standing computer's rear-panel jacks if necessary. In order to connect the headset to the 1/4-inch front-panel jacks of our Creative Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS Pro, we had to use two inexpensive plug adapters that weren't included. The cord houses a basic in-line controller module with a volume control for the headphones and an on/off switch for the mic.
The Logitech Precision PC Gaming Headset produces decent sound quality. When we jumped into a deathmatch round of Half-Life 2, we noticed the clear sound. Although the Precision PC Gaming Headset couldn't deliver grenade and RPG explosions with much bass impact, its treble and midrange performance were well balanced, providing detailed sound without causing ear fatigue. In the scene "The Riker Maneuver" of the Star Trek: Insurrection DVD, the headset didn't deliver as enveloping a soundstage as we've heard with better headphones; the sound just wasn't big enough to really grip us. Music sounded about as good as you'd expect it to with a comparably priced set of portable headphones.
Although the Logitech Precision PC Gaming Headset's microphone performed passably, we had to crank up our Sound Blaster's mic input to capture good signal level. As a result, the microphone created noticeable hiss. Informal recording tests confirmed that the Precision PC Gaming Headset's mic didn't capture our voice with the same detail or depth as the mics on more expensive headsets, such as the Turtle Beach Ear Force HPA ($99) or the Sennheiser PC160 ($99).
Bottom line, you get what you pay for with the Logitech Precision PC Gaming Headset: no-frills design and middling performance.
The Logitech Precision PC Gaming Headset's design isn't its strong suit. Although the other, more expensive gaming headsets we've tested incorporate padded, adjustable headbands, the Precision PC Gaming Headset instead has a nonadjustable neckband, such as low-cost portable headphones commonly employ. The headset's small, foam-covered drivers rest on top of your ears, encircled by larger leatherette ear pads that cup your ears and press against the side of your head, holding the unit in place. The Precision PC Gaming Headset tended to clamp against our ears and head with more pressure than we would have liked. The microphone is attached to the outside of the right earpiece. You can swivel it out of the way when it's not in use, but it's otherwise nonadjustable.
The Logitech Precision PC Gaming Headset's eight-foot cord terminates in a 1/8-inch headphone plug and a 1/8-inch microphone plug suitable for connection to a computer sound card. The cord should prove long enough to connect to a floor-standing computer's rear-panel jacks if necessary. In order to connect the headset to the 1/4-inch front-panel jacks of our Creative Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS Pro, we had to use two inexpensive plug adapters that weren't included. The cord houses a basic in-line controller module with a volume control for the headphones and an on/off switch for the mic.
The Logitech Precision PC Gaming Headset produces decent sound quality. When we jumped into a deathmatch round of Half-Life 2, we noticed the clear sound. Although the Precision PC Gaming Headset couldn't deliver grenade and RPG explosions with much bass impact, its treble and midrange performance were well balanced, providing detailed sound without causing ear fatigue. In the scene "The Riker Maneuver" of the Star Trek: Insurrection DVD, the headset didn't deliver as enveloping a soundstage as we've heard with better headphones; the sound just wasn't big enough to really grip us. Music sounded about as good as you'd expect it to with a comparably priced set of portable headphones.
Although the Logitech Precision PC Gaming Headset's microphone performed passably, we had to crank up our Sound Blaster's mic input to capture good signal level. As a result, the microphone created noticeable hiss. Informal recording tests confirmed that the Precision PC Gaming Headset's mic didn't capture our voice with the same detail or depth as the mics on more expensive headsets, such as the Turtle Beach Ear Force HPA ($99) or the Sennheiser PC160 ($99).
Bottom line, you get what you pay for with the Logitech Precision PC Gaming Headset: no-frills design and middling performance.