ASUS CineVibe Rumble Feedback USB Gaming Headset Review

👤by Alex Hull Comments 📅23-07-10
Build, feel and design

As you can see, the CineVibe is certainly a great looking headset. It will be available in both Black (as seen on the OcUK site) and this attractive white colour seen here, though having seen this version in the 'flesh', I really think the white is the better looking colour. The finish on the outside has a light shine to it, as well as the ASUS logo in grey on both sides. The microphone and headband section are also finished in the same fashion on their outer edges. Each earpiece itself is housed in a black plastic cover with a glossy red disc around the outside edge where it meets the main frame. This highlight of red is something we've seen in a lot of ASUS products in the last few years, and although it may allude to the Republic of Gamers brand, this headset does not fall squarely into that division (which is reserved for fairly specific gaming products). The earpieces also sport 'Japan-Made protein ear cushions', which have a nice soft feel both to touch and squeeze, but are also firm enough to ensure sufficient padding. The drivers themselves are covered by a black mesh cloth and plastic with cut holes beneath (as far as I can feel).



As shown, The earpieces also swivel 90 degrees to enable flat storage of the headset, though with the small size to begin with, the space saving advantages of this are negligible. Some of the marketing seen so far also suggests this function is for protection of the headset, though I'd still be very careful about putting it anywhere where it may be crushed, so again, this feature seems to hold no real benefit as far as my usage would allow. What may have been better would be to include a bag (as seen with the Creative Fatal1ty headset) or even a protective box (as seen with the Goldring NS1000), this way, protection is ensured, especially from tears, scratches and even snaps.



Having said all that, the feel and build of the headset is very robust compared to other headsets. The Creative feels very plasticy and cheap in comparison, the Goldring set also lack the beautiful finish that the CineVibe sports. I have no doubt that it's made well, and with good quality plastics. It certainly justifies its price in this area.

The fold-down microphone is a very nice touch. The feel of it sliding is great, and it stays in place perfectly at any angle. The mic is rigid, unlike the Creative set, but this is not a disadvantage since the microphone can easily pick up your voice clearly, even when it's not right next to your mouth. It's also worth noting that the microphone isn't detatchable, unlike the Creative set. I know some may prefer that feature, but when the mic can slide up and out of the way, it's actually more convenient and a lot more difficult to lose! The creative set requires removal of the microphone for storage, and it's nigh on impossible to put back in when it's on your head. The CineVibe eliminates both these issues with ease and style.



Comfort

Having felt the ear cushions, I expected the CineVibe to be quite comfortable, however I was a little disappointed, though it wasn't the cushions, but the overall shape that was not perfect. I believe a lot of the problem is the fact I have a fairly small head and this doesn't lend itself to headsets of this design, as if the earpieces are not flexible enough the bottoms of them can feel a little pushed down onto the ears. This is not an issue with the other two headsets as the earpieces are more freely rotatable, but with the CineVibe, there is only a flex in each earpiece, not allowing for as much movement and accommodation of head sizes and shapes.



The next thing you notice is the actual size of the earpieces. Compared to the other sets, they're very small. This means that instead of sitting around your ears, they sit on your ears. Coupled with the slightly unsuitable fit, this results in your ears being pushed down on a little. Over long periods of time I've found this can become uncomfortable, especially when, like me, you may be used to the ear-enveloping type of headphones or headset. For short blasts or even a short movie, depending on how the set fits you may never feel this problem. I think perhaps I'm slightly spoiled by the other two headsets being very comfortable examples. Overall, I'd say comfort was OK, but after an extended gaming session you may find (depending on the size of your head) it to be slightly uncomfortable on the ears.


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