Product on Review: HS80 RGB Wireless
Manufacturer: CORSAIR
MSRP:
- US: $149.99 excl Tax
- UK: £139.99 inc. V.A.T.
- EU: €149.99 inc. Tax
- AUS: $219.00 inc. Tax

Introduction

CORSAIR are continuing to make their presence felt in the arena of PC gaming peripherals following a broad refresh of their keyboard and mouse lineup in 2020/21. They’ve refined their look and introduced new technologies, all while under the gun of very tricky global market conditions. Today sees the introduction of yet another new member to their catalogue, this time adding a enthusiast wireless headset to an already potent portfolio available worldwide.

The CORSAIR HS80 RGB WIRELESS headset joins their HS-series as both a new leader and the start of a fresh new look. It supplants the HS70 - itself available in wireless form - but steers well clear of the flagship VIRTUOSO series in both price and style.

Gone are the circular cups of the HS and VIRTUOSO series in favour of a quadrangle shape evocative of the VOID series. The microphone is now integrated rather than detachable, and a strap offers adjustable comfort below a solid headband arch. Machined aluminium components should offer the rigidity necessary for a gaming headset, and will no doubt be appreciated by the gamer with more discerning tastes. It’s a radical redesign and re-envisioning of the style and functionality of the HS-Series - if these changes follow through to the next generation.



Of course this new HS80 is a wireless design, and CORSAIR are utilising their own SLIPSTREAM WIRELESS technology to provide low-latency transmit/receive between headset and PC (or console). SLIPSTREAM is a 2.4GHz wireless implementation that should both minimise power draw and offer sufficient bandwidth for bidirectional audio, always a touchy subject for wireless headsets.

Adding some extra spice is support for Dolby Atmos 3D Spatial Audio. The proprietary technology creates a virtual 3D soundstage for better, more representative surround-sound and a more immersive overall experience. This is augmented by Corsair’s custom 50mm neodymium drivers that allegedly unlocks a frequency response from 20Hz to 40kHz - 20kHz higher than typical gaming headsets.

At an MSRP of US$149.99 / £139.99 the most familiar competitor will be the Logitech G G935, but the likes of SteelSeries, ASUS and Razer all have similar products at both £100 and £150 inc. V.A.T. price points. CORSAIR’s own VOID ELITE RGB may be their most pressing concern however; not as a competitor, but rather a bar in quality and performance they need to clear to justify this HS80’s place in their range.

About the HS80 RGB WIRELESS Headset