Corsair HS70 Wireless Gaming Headset Review

By Meng Vang

Manufacturer: Corsair Components, Inc.
Product Name: HS70 Wireless Gaming Headset
Model Number: CA-9011177-NA
UPC: 843591075428
Price As Tested: $99.99 (Newegg)

Full Disclosure: The product sample used in this article has been provided by Corsair.

Corsair’s HS series headsets are a combination of outstanding comfort, audio, and durability. As previously seen on the HS50 we reviewed in 2017, the Corsair HS70 Wireless Gaming Headset includes all of the essential features from the HS50 with the addition of wireless freedom and virtual 7.1 surround sound. The HS70 is also supported by the Corsair Utility Engine software where the user can adjust different settings to get the most out of this product. This headset comes in two colors: carbon (black), and white. Benchmark Reviews will be taking a look at the HS70 in white to see how it compares to the competition.

Features

Ultimate Comfort: Plush memory foam and adjustable earcups provide exceptional comfort.
Premium Build Quality: Legendary CORSAIR build quality featuring rugged metal structural components
ensure long term durability.
Precision Gaming Audio: Specially tuned 50mm neodymium speaker drivers bring superior sound quality
with wide range and accuracy.
Superior Wireless Performance: Low-latency, 2.4Ghz wireless audio with improved range up to 40ft and up
to 16 hours of battery life.
Crystal Clear Microphone: Optimized unidirectional microphone reduces ambient noise for enhanced voice
quality and is easily detached for use on-the-go.
Immersive Surround Sound: Virtual 7.1 surround delivers immersive multi-channel positional audio on PC
that puts you in the middle of the action.
Sony PlayStation 4 Compatible: Plug-and-play compatibility with Sony PlayStation 4 brings wireless stereo
audio to your living room.
On-Ear Control: Easy access on ear volume and mute controls for adjustments on-the-fly.
Discord Certified: Play with the confidence that your microphone and audio drivers have been tested and
evaluated for crystal clear communication and outstanding sound.
CUE Control: CORSAIR Utility Engine (CUE) software gives you full control over your headset’s features
through an intuitive and simple to use interface.

Specifications

Model: HS70 WIRELESS
Available Colors: Carbon, White
Driver: 50mm Neodymium
Frequency: 2.4Ghz
Wireless Range: Up to 40 feet
Battery Life: Up to 16 hours
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
Impedance: 32 Ohms @ 1kHz
Sensitivity: 111 dB (± 3 dB)
Mic Type: Unidirectional noise cancelling
Mic Impedance: 2.0k Ohms
Mic Frequency Response: 100Hz – 10kHz
Mic Sensitivity: -40 dB (± 3 dB)
Dimensions: 155mm(L) x 100mm(W) x 205mm(H)
Weight: 330g
Warranty: 2 years
MSRP: $89.99

Corsair HS70: Overview

The HS70 Wireless Gaming Headset will be hitting the market at a price of $99.99 (Newegg). Because we have received the white variant of the HS70, the box has the white version of the product illustrated. Around the box are the features and specifications about the product.

Once opened, we can see the product nicely packaged by a thick layer of material. This prevents any physical damage to the product during shipment.

In terms of accessories, we find a quick start guide, a warranty guide, a safety and compliance information booklet, detachable micro-USB cable, the detachable unidirectional microphone, and the wireless receiver.

With the HS70 out of its packaging, it looks identical to the HS50 we reviewed in 2017. The white accents on the drivers, adjustment area, and headband do give this variant a very clean and premium look. There are no large glossy surfaces, which is a good thing for preventing finger prints and dust from showing on the headset.

Now that we have seen a quick overview of the HS70, let’s go into more details on what this product has to offer.

Corsair HS70: Detailed Features

Looking at the front of the headset, we can see the HS70 has a standard body design. The stitching on the top cushion is white to match the black and white theme. Corsair has also implemented a metal internal headband and aluminum yokes for added durability.

The rear of the HS70 looks identical to the front aside from a few additional buttons.

On the side, there is the company logo in the center of the metal grills. Because the HS70 is not an RGB gaming headset, we do not see any RGB LED strips anywhere on the headset.

The top of the HS70 has a soft textured surface with the company name.

In the next section, let’s go over a few more details on what the HS70 has to offer.

Corsair HS70: More Detailed Features

On the left driver, it includes a volume scroll wheel, mic on/off button, power/charging LED indicator light, and a micro-USB port for charging. The opposing driver includes a power button to power on or off the headset.

At the front of the left driver is where the unidirectional microphone connects to. It connects via a 3.5 mm jack.

The HS70 provides one inch of adjustment to the headband. On the metal part above the yoke, we can see there are some labels for fine tuning the headband position.

For comfort and moisture resistance, Corsair uses form fitting memory foam on both drivers and the headband for long term durability. This reduces the amount of fatigue after hours of gaming.

Now that we have seen the HS70 wireless gaming headset, let’s take a look at the Corsair Utility Engine software to play around with the sound settings.

Corsair Utility Engine Software

Like Razer Synapse, Gamdias, and Roccat gaming software, the Corsair Utility Engine (CUE) software can manage multiple CUE supported devices in one application. With the wireless receiver plugged into the computer and the HS70 powered on, the CUE software immediately picks up the device and installs the appropriate drivers.

In the EQ Preset section, there are several presets to choose from. We can also customize our own preset to get the best possible sound experience. The software does let us choose between stereo and virtual 7.1 surround sound mode as well.

Once in the settings menu, we can monitor battery level, adjust auto shutoff times, check for updates, and more. Because this is a Corsair product, the CUE software must run in the background to utilize the sound equalizer presets and virtual 7.1 surround sound.

In the next section, we will test the HS70 to assess its battery life, sound, and microphone quality.

Testing and Results

Testing Methodology

During my testing period with the HS70, I watched several movies, listened to music, and played a few games like StarCraft Remastered, Planetside 2, and Quake Live. I also took it to work and listened to music to test the comfort of this headset for several long hours. Because the wireless receiver plugs into a USB port, I was unable to use this headset with my Creative Sound Blaster Recon3D sound card. I did take advantage of the CUE software in order to adjust the equalizer settings and surround sound modes. The microphone was tested during games to see how other players would pick up my voice.

Test System

Motherboard: ASRock X99 Extreme4
System Memory: 4x8GB 2666MHz DDR4
Processor: Intel Core i7 5820K @ 4.5GHz
Audio: Creative Sound Blaster Recon3D
Video: MSI GeForce 780 Ti
Disk Drive 1: Crucial MX100 256GB SSD
D isk Drive 2: WD Blue 3TB HDD
Enclosure: NZXT H700i
PSU : EVGA 850P2 850W Modular
Monitor: HP 23bw 23″ IPS display
Operating System: Windows 10 Professional 64-Bit

Results

Without an equalizer, the HS70 provided a good listening experience, but it did lack some bass. However, the speakers were good enough to pick up even the slightest conversations in a video. In terms of gaming, that deep bass for explosions just was not there, but fortunately I was still able to hear everything around my character. With the virtual 7.1 surround sound mode on, games sounded livelier and had a lot more depth compared to just stereo mode. Although the HS70 was not a native 7.1 surround sound headset, it did provide an experience close to that of the VOID Pro Wireless RGB headset with native 7.1 surround sound.

Using the CUE software to adjust equalizer settings, this did improve sound quality overall. The CUE software worked well for adjusting the different sound frequencies, which gave me a much better listening experience. Explosions were deeper without compromising higher tone sounds, and I was still able to pick out most of what was going on around me in game.

The Discord Certified microphone provided excellent noise cancellation and clarity, which made communication easier towards my team in game. However, it was quieter than I expected and had that nasally sound to it. This was acceptable for gaming, but I would not count on this for any serious productivity purpose. Unlike the Corsair Void Pro RGB, the microphone on the HS70 did not have an LED indicator to indicate whether the microphone was muted or not. It did have a button to power on/off the microphone, which was a nice touch.

In terms of comfort, the HS70 felt very similar to the HS50, which was one of the most comfortable gaming headset I used. Although it is a bit heavier at 330 g compared to the 313 g on the HS50, the HS70 did not cause any sort of pain in my neck or ears even after long listening sessions. Because of the memory foam on the two drivers and the headband, I could play for a few hours without feeling fatigue compared to headsets that used standard cotton cushions. The leather-like exterior of the memory foam cushions did prevent bodily fluids from entering the headset, which could greatly improve longevity overtime.

The battery on the HS70 lasted a good long while. Taking it to work and listening to it for five hours straight only required a charge once every few days. This was a great experience as there were no RGB LEDs to drain the battery and it only took a little more than an hour to fully charge the headset.

Something I found out that could be improved was the volume scroll wheel. When turning my head back and forth, the volume scroll wheel would sometimes rub against my shoulder, causing the volume level to switch. After a few weeks of using the HS70, it became second nature to me to readjust the volume level every time I turned my head around.

Let’s go into my final thoughts and end this review with my conclusion in the next section.

Gaming Headset Final Thoughts

The HS70 is a nicely built gaming headset that provides good sound quality with comfortable ear cups and a driver software for better sound control. The metal and ABS plastic construction seems to be very durable, but only time can tell how long they will last. So far, I feel confident to say this headset should last a good few years down the road. It is also compatible with the Playstation 4 (7.1 surround sound only available on PC) and has a respectable 16 hours of battery life for long gaming sessions. Those who are not into RGB components may want to consider the HS70 over something like the more expensive VOID Pro RGB wireless gaming headset.

Conclusion

In terms of audio performance, sounds do seem rather flat without an equalizer setup. Even without one, the bass does not overpower the treble making it easier to hear most of what is going around you in a game. With the CUE software running with an equalizer, it does make the sound quality better after fine tuning the settings. Battery life is great, and it only take a little more than an hour to fully charge the unit. The microphone is clear for other players to understand, but it does not sound as natural as other gaming headsets.

The simple look of the HS70 is nothing too out of the ordinary as it does not have any aggressive styling and RGB illuminating features to jack up the price. I personally do not mind the lack of RGB lighting since that feature serves no purpose to gaming especially when it is on your head where you cannot see them. Most of the exterior is composed of a matte finish with just a thin glossy ring around both drivers. This reduces the surface from attracting dust and fingerprints.

As for construction, the internal metal structure provides excellent durability to the headset. The yokes holding the drivers together are made of metal, which is a great thing to see since the drivers will be moving around often. With form fitting memory foam on both drivers and headband, this provides better durability to the headset as these parts will usually wear out first.

The HS70 is compatible with PC and the Playstation 4. With the CUE software, we can monitor battery level, adjust auto shutoff times, check for updates, and more. But like other Corsair products, the CUE software must run in the background to have these sound settings work. The unidirectional microphone is detachable, making it ideal for travel especially for its lighter weight. The HS70 does well in gaming with its virtual 7.1 surround sound, but I would have liked more bass while listening to music and watching videos without an equalizer.

As of June 2018, the Corsair HS70 Wireless Gaming Headset is priced online for $99.99 (Newegg). This puts it right below the VOID Pro RGB wireless gaming headset, which includes a few more features for a bit more money. But if you are a person who is looking for a comfortable wireless gaming headset without any RGB illumination, the Corsair HS70 may be the best headset to go with.

Pros:

Excellent build quality
+ CUE software support
+ Respectable battery life
+ Compatible with Playstation 4
+ Comfortable for hours of gaming

Cons:

– Microphone does not sound very natural
– Volume scroll wheel tends to rub against the shoulder

Ratings:

Performance: 8.50
Appearance: 8.75
Construction: 9.25
Functionality: 8.75
Value: 8.50

Final Score: 8.75 out of 10.