Today, we are writing our Corsair HS65 Surround Headset Review to discuss everything about the lightweight gaming headset from Corsair. Its design allows it to work with various devices that have 3.5mm and USB connectivity.
This product is more affordable compared to the Corsair HS80. However, it does not mean that the headset is a big step down in quality and performance.
The headset has lots of notable features that can excite users. A few of these are the aluminium-reinforced build, plush memory foam, personalised sounds via Sonarworks Sound ID, and more.
In our Corsair HS65 Surround Headset Review, we checked to see if it is worth the money. So, we will share our experience with the headset later in the review and give feedback regarding its performance.
Corsair HS65 Surround Headset Packaging
The headset arrived in our office in time for the review, and everything was nicely-packed and in place. The HS65 was in a yellow-coloured box featuring an image of the unit, the company branding, and its name.
A few details related to the headset are on the box for your reference upon purchase. There is not much to see on the package since Corsair kept its design to a minimum.
Inside, you will find the HS65 Surround Headset, a USB sound adapter, plus a warranty card.
Corsair HS65 Surround Headset Review – Design and Functionality
Let us continue our Corsair HS65 Surround Headset Review and discuss its functions and design.
The design of this headset leans more on the minimalist side but still carries the classic Corsair approach. Luckily, the company listened to the issues addressed by users regarding the HS60 Pro Surround. So instead of the detachable microphone and a separate mute button, Corsair did the necessary optimisations to the HS65.
The company gave this headset a flip-to-mute and non-detachable mic, making its operation more fluid, intuitive, and effortless.
Next to the grille on each earcup, everything else on the headset appears unembellished and straightforward. It is not a big issue since the overall design appeals to our preferences.
Too many gaming peripherals feature gaming aesthetic trimmings. But the HS65 Surround delivers a nice change from that common feature. You can choose between two colours: white and silver or carbon.
It does not matter which colour you choose because these headsets still look perfect and classy.
To keep a reasonable price for this headset without compromising on its performance, Corsair did something to achieve it. The company utilised a high-quality plastic featuring a soft matte finish for the headband and earcups. The company only used aluminium for the bones to reinforce and optimise the HS65.
Do not worry about comfort since the headset has memory foam, leatherette ear pads, and a padded headband. These parts are not only luxurious and plush, but they are also breathable and comfortable.
You can even remove the earcups with a simple turn and twist. That means you can easily replace these whenever necessary, and that feature is a bonus for us.
Adding to the comfort of the HS65 Surround are the earcup swivel and length adjustments. Its band adjustment can hold during intense gaming and has adequate resistance to keep it in place.
Luckily, the HS65 Surround is more lightweight and is 282g. That means gravity is on your side.
The connection and controls of the headset are essential parts of the product. So, we will discuss everything about these in our Corsair HS65 Surround Headset Review.
We love that Corsair continued to keep the buttons and controls on this headset simple and user-friendly. It only means you will not find confusing buttons and dials on the HS65. You will only see the volume dial on its left earcup.
To mute the microphone, you only need to flip it up and then unmute it by flipping it back down. Everything else, you can adjust/toggle using iCue from Corsair.
Lastly, the primary connection of the HS65 is its 3.5mm audio jack. You can turn it into a USB connection using the included 7.1 surround-sound USB adapter.
All you need to do is plug it into your computer/console, and then iCue will detect it instantly.
Key Features of the Corsair HS65 Surround Headset
We are also discussing the key features of this product in our Corsair HS65 Surround Headset Review. It is for you to find out if this headset is ideal for your needs.
Audio Optimised for You
The HS65 Surround offers the best listening experience with the integrated SoundID from Sonarworks. It is a technology that optimises the sound profile of the headset to suit your hearing preferences. You will not need to tinker with complex sliders since it offers intuitive preference tests to achieve the best sounds.
Plush Comfort
The headset offers an adjustable headband with a breathable leatherette-wrapped material. Also, it has ear pads made of microfibre memory foam.
Premium Materials and Intuitive Control
The HS65 Surround has a durable metal construction and soft-touch exterior. Its controls are also easy to reach since it features an on-ear volume roller and flip-to-mute mic.
Surround Sound for Enhanced Immersion
The custom-tuned 50mm neodymium audio drivers deliver impressive audio that allows you to hear everything on the battlefield. Its included USB adapter enables multi-channel Dolby Audio 7.1 surround sound to make your gaming experience more realistic.
Extreme Clarity for Communication
The omnidirectional Discord-certified microphone of the HS65 lets you capture your voice with impressive clarity. It offers crystal-clear communication and outstanding audio quality, which is ideal for gaming.
Virtually Connect to Any Device
With the USB adapter, you can enable Dolby Audio 7.1 surround sound and SoundID. Other features are also accessible via Corsair iCUE software. You can also connect the headset to your PC or mobile device with the 3.5mm jack.
Specifications
Let us continue our Corsair HS65 Surround Headset Review and discuss its specifications. For starters, the HS65 has a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz, while its sensitivity is 114dB (+/-3dB). And then, it has an impedance of 32k Ohms @1kHz.
This headset is a wired-type with 50mm drivers. Its cable measures 1.8m and uses Dolby Audio.
It is compatible with numerous platforms like Mac, PC, and the PlayStation 4/5. It also works with the Xbox One/Series XS, Smart devices, and the Nintendo Switch.
The headset uses an Omni-directional mic with an impedance of 2.2k Ohms. Its frequency response is 100Hz to 10kHz and has a -41dB (+/-3dB) sensitivity.
Lastly, the product is light at just 282g.
Hands-on with the Corsair HS65 Surround Headset
We used the headset for a week to see how good it performed. So, we will share our experience with it in this Corsair HS65 Surround Headset Review. Find out if it is worth purchasing or upgrading.
iCUE from Corsair
The iCUE software lets you customise various things like the standard headphone settings, mic volume, voice prompts, and the equaliser. It is the same software used for most gaming peripherals from Corsair.
Although you can use the HS65 out of the box, you will need to use the software for other features. These include activating Dolby Audio 7.1 and SoundID from Sonarworks.
The first tab in the software is the Equaliser Tab, which provides access to the 10-band EQ and five audio presets. You can also find the stereo/Dolby 7.1 toggle button and create audio profiles.
Next is the tab for setting up and activating SoundID. This feature lets you create an audio profile based on your preferences.
SoundID takes you through a multi-step audio preferences test that lets you choose between A and B from several samples. When you finish this, the technology creates a sound profile based on your choices.
The last tab lets you adjust the settings of the HS65 Surround.
Performance
We did not forget to check the performance of this headset. In our Corsair HS65 Surround Headset Review, we will talk about how good (or not) it performed.
While the HS65 is not something neutral-sounding, all its frequencies are present, and none overlap/overwhelms the other. Its bass is present and delivers some rumble that is perfect when gaming or watching blockbuster films.
The highs are clean-sounding and detailed, while its mids sound full without muddy sounds. You can use the USB adapter to toggle the Dolby 7.1 surround-sound feature via iCue. Do this to enjoy an expansive soundscape without sounding fake/artificial.
Sound imaging here is more impressive with the surround-sound feature. You can hear individual sound elements shifting from one side to the other.
While gaming, all frequencies are represented adequately. Everything from the smaller to the massive elements made the gameplay more immersive and enjoyable.
The Discord-certified microphone performs well and delivers crisp and clear voices. It also isolates background noise well, so it will not capture unnecessary ambient noise.
Corsair HS65 Surround Headset Review Summary
The HS65 Surround is an impressive headset. For its affordable price, you get a premium-looking product with unique features. SoundID was a fascinating technology we enjoyed since its generated sound profile worked well for any song.
So if you are looking for an inexpensive yet high-quality headset, this product is a great option.
To learn more about the HS65 Surround Headset, visit the official product page of Corsair for additional details.
