Roccat Kave XTD 5.1 Analog Conclusion

IMPORTANT: Although the rating and final score mentioned in this conclusion are made to be as objective as possible, please be advised that every author perceives these factors differently at various points in time. While we each do our best to ensure that all aspects of the product are considered, there are often times unforeseen market conditions and manufacturer changes which occur after publication that could render our rating obsolete. Please do not base any purchase solely on our conclusion as it represents our product rating specifically for the product tested, which may differ from future versions of the same product. Benchmark Reviews begins our conclusion with a short summary for each of the areas that we rate.

The Roccat Kave XTD 5.1 Analog Gaming Headset performed quite well in pretty much every regard. As you can see from the ratings, the Kave 5.1 Analog was near the top of the charts in all but the comfort rating. That was actually pretty surprising to me, as I had rated the Kave 5.1 Analog as one of the most comfortable among the headsets tested. Of course, the earcups fit perfectly around my ears and didn’t sit on them, as was the case with some other raters. The surround sound was awesome and didn’t detract from the overall sound quality in anyway. I am a huge fan of the high level of noise isolation achieved by the Kave 5.1 Analog Gaming Headset.

I am also a big fan of the look of the Roccat Kave XTD 5.1 Analog Gaming Headset. The blues and blacks mix well. The mic doesn’t take over the look of the headset, as can often be the case. The mic also has a little LED light indicator for when it is muted. That should help you figure out why no one is responding to your inquiries. I like the rounded earcup look as well. The one part of the appearance that I don’t like is the matte black finish on the earcups. It attracts fingerprints and smudges.

The Roccat Kave XTD 5.1 Analog Gaming Headset is very durable, for the most part. The headset itself seems strong and sturdy, even while being quite lightweight. The weight definitely aids in comfort. Even after wearing it for a while, I was barely aware that it was on my head. The cable is very sturdy and very thick. This is great in that it definitely does not get tangled, twisted, or bent easily. It is also more heavy duty than some of the things on my desk, like my mouse. If I turn my head with the cord in the way, it will push over my half empty water bottle. The only part of the Roccat Kave XTD 5.1 Analog Gaming Headset that doesn’t seem very sturdy is the mount for the inline remote. It’s just a flimsy piece of plastic to which the remote can clip. Unfortunately, it isn’t very practical, since the cord is so heavy duty. Not once has it stayed put in my desk. Clipping the remote to my shirt is much better.

I only have a few functional requirements for a gaming headset, and the Roccat Kave XTD 5.1 Analog meets most of them. It provides excellent surround quality with its two speaker drivers and vibration driver in each earcup. The earcup and headband material is light, airy, and completely functional. The mic pics up sound very well and is equipped with four drivers to cancel out unwanted noise. The cable is tangle-free. I only wish that the cable was also a breakaway cable. In almost every regard, however, the Kave 5.1 Analog functions ideally as a gaming headset.

The Roccat Kave XTD 5.1 Analog Gaming Headset lists online for $113.99 (Amazon | B&H | NewEgg). That makes a bit more expensive than a lot of the gaming headsets available out there, but right in line with many headsets that share the same feature sets. The Kave 5.1 Analog actually has three separate drivers in each earcup. This isn’t simulated surround sound. The front, surround, and vibration drivers are also individually controllable via the inline remote. The sound quality, comfort, durability, and design all help justify the price. That being said, there are many high quality gaming headsets available for less. All in all, I think the Kave XTD 5.1 Analog is a little pricey, but worth if if you are willing to part with the cash.

Pros:

+ Very comfortable to wear for long periods

+ Excellent noise isolation

+ LED on mic to indicate mute

+ Separate surround drivers in earcups

+ Great sound quality

+ Tangle Free Cable

Cons:

– A little pricey

– Matte finish attracts smudges

– Remote stand is flimsy

Ratings:

• Performance: 9.50
• Appearance: 9.00
• Construction: 9.00
• Functionality: 8.50
• Value: 8.00

Final Score: 8.8 out of 10.

Quality Recognition: Benchmark Reviews Silver Tachometer Award.

COMMENT QUESTION: What do you look for in a gaming headset?