Hi, I want to buy a headphone for gaming, but I've read a fair few times that it's better to have normal headphones and a dedicated mic than to have gaming headsets. I mean, it certainly has been true for nearly everything except mice so far (I really appreciate the extra buttons), but then again, it hasn't been true for mice. Currently I only have an Apple wired earphone, and it's pretty good, but I would also like to have headphones.
For some context, my budget is about $150, and I necessarily want either wired headphones, or wireless ones that can also operate via an AUX cable. I don't really mind mic quality, so long as does have any serviceable mics that can get my voice across. I can go with both stereo or surround. I do play fps games - but I've played for about 5 years with a stereo gaming headset with no problems in directional audio.
One thing I've noticed is that out of the four gaming headsets me and my family have bought, all of them have disintegrated really quickly - like 2 years from purchase. That's one of the reasons I believe gaming headsets fall into the overpriced category compared to normal headphones, for now. Plus alongside being able to game on a normal headphone, I would have something for movies and music too - all in one device.
So, is it better for me to purchase gaming headphones, or use normal ones? What would be some of your recommendations?
I have used the Philips X2HR Fidelios for the last few years, they are openbacks and sound great!
My current setup uses Röde VideoMic GO II, a microphone arm and my Fidelios, the VideoMic is connected via USB, and acts as a soundcard, my Fidelios are connected to the monitor port that acts as the output port from my computer.
When I connect the USB cable to my computer it switches to the VideoMic as the default output.
The Fidelios does have quite heavy clamping force at the start, but after some time using them, they are way more comfortable.
Depending on where you find them they should be in your budget.