The Raptor Gaming H3 7.1 headset is probably the fugliest gaming headset reviewed here yet, but it still sounds good, boasts a nice feature set , and comes with some cool extras. In short, it’s a triumph of function over form.
Features & Specifications
The Raptor Gaming H3 7.1 USB headset features full 7.1-surround sound through its included USB sound device. (If you already have a 7.1 capable sound card you don’t need the included USB dongle.) For the number jockeys, here’s a short rundown of the tech specs:
Raptor Gaming H3 7.1 USB headset technical specifications (courtesy Raptor Gaming):
Earphones:
- drivers: speaker dimension: Φ39, 8 x 8, 8mm
- frequency: 50Hz - 20 KHz
- sensitivity: 121dB ± 3dB
- max. power output: rated 20mW/max 50mW
Microphone:
- noise-canceling
- signal to noise ratio: S:(f=1KHZ,S.P.L=1Pa)N:(A-Weighted curve ) Min 60dB
- frequency: 100Hz – 8000Hz
- sensitivity: -40dB ± 2dB
Beyond the technical characteristics (which are fairly in line with many or most PC gaming headsets) the Raptor Gaming H3 sports a number of nice extras.
The first is the included headstand, which not only makes a great place to keep the headset but also happens to be a (unpowered) 3-port USB 2.0 hub with a built-in SD card reader. Raptor Gaming also claims the H3 features ‘cable routing’ to route your mouse cable up and out of the way. Granted, the H3’s stand can be used in that way. Technically, so could a desk lamp and a twist-tie—but someone probably had to meet their quota for bullet points.
The Raptor H3 also includes separate volume controller knobs mounted on each ear cup, in addition to the standard inline controller’s microphone and volume adjustment. A simple drawstring, cloth travel bag is included as well.
Ergonomics & Design
The Raptor Gaming H3 headset doesn’t make a great first impression. It came out of the box covered in fine dust from the brushed plastic mold in which it sat. It was like digging out Grandma’s gaming headset out of a trunk in the attic. (A simple static-free cloth wipe-down helped take care of that.)
The leather ear cups and headband also look almost ‘retro’ in their aesthetics—as if they were hand-stitched onto the headset by the aforementioned Grandma. This isn’t bad—just a departure from the more typical, high-tech and streamlined look embraced by gaming peripheral makers.
The H3 won’t also win any awards for comfort, but neither is it wholly uncomfortable. It’s a bit tight on the head and none too friendly for those that wear specs (it crunched up my glasses frames a little more than some headsets). There is also no swivel in the earcups. The microphone is fat and lends a bit of ‘old school’ feel to the whole package. The mic is also stiff and doesn’t bend much beyond moving up and down on its swivel mount.
While the H3 may not be ‘pretty’ it has a great personality. The separate ear-cup mounted volume knobs may add to its fugliness, but functionally speaking they are a welcomed feature and easy to use. Too many gaming headsets have tiny, streamlined, ear cup mounted controls that may look prettier but are ultimately difficult to identify and use without fumbling around the ear cup.
On the plus side, the Raptor H3 is fairly light and the leather-lined ear cups remain reasonably comfy for extended wear. The ear cups also help suppress external noise, and the microphone—big and clunky as it is—does its job well enough. The headband could be a little more comfortable—a thicker cushion might help.
Performance
The H3 may not be ‘pretty’, but ultimately the H3 has it where it counts. The Raptor H3’s 7.1 directional audio performed very well in Left 4 Dead 2 (a favorite test bed because it makes good use of directional audio).
Music and movies also sounded good—and even if you don’t like how something sounds, the Raptor H3’s software (which is basically the same as that included with Cyber Snipa Sonar 5.1) offers plenty of customization options, including a full 11-channel equalizer, numerous equalizer presets, and a variety of special acoustic effects.
Overall
The Raptor Gaming H3 i7.1 USB headset won’t win any beauty awards, but ultimately the H3 has it where it counts: adequate comfort, above average sound, and a rich feature set with some cool extras. IT’s definitely worth a look if you’re in the market. (And if you like fugly retro gear, it might be a match made in heaven.)
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