CONCLUSION
Virtual sound plays an important part of the gaming experience, and the Logitech G430 delivers a true 7.1 channel surround sound. It’s also a cheaper solution for 7.1 surround sound by removing some gears and weapons and keeping what makes their premium headsets great. The G430 is priced at $79.99 (₱3631.15) on the Logitech website but like their other products, most store sell them for less. Locally, G430 is available in the Philippines and its price is ranging from ₱3000 up to ₱3400 ($66 to $74).
Weight is not an issue as it’s a light headset which greatly provides comfort. The G430’s metal headband adjusts superbly and will fit any head size. Personally, when a headband is just made of plastic, it gives of that cheap feeling but the G430 surely gives that premium feeling. The foam padding on the inner surface of the headband is a plus, it keeps your head comfortable as well as making sure the fit is right.
As a surround sound headset, it needs tweaks in the Logitech Gaming Software to get the most out of it. I had to adjust some channel to my own preference to get the life like hearing sound effects because the G430’s surround sound effects are created not by physical speakers but through software emulation. This is why you need to plug the headset into its USB digital audio adapter. Using the G430 without the adapter, the headset ended up being a stereo one and then Logitech Gaming Software did not recognized the headset without the adapter.
In closing, Logitech’s intention of going for a more sporty feel with their headset made the G430 take a nose-dive but the sound quality is still there. Fortunately, the price is quite competitive if not one of THE most lowest priced virtual surround headset on the market right now. This aggressive pricing puts the Logitech in the class of its own with only high-performance stereo cans to compete with.
PROS
- 7.1 Dolby Surround Sound.
- Braided Cable — 3.18m long.
- Inline Switch — Volume and mute control.
- Headband Metallic Piece.
- Washable earcups.
- Software.
- USB digital adapter.
- Lightweight.
- Folding — Noise-cancelling mice.
- 3 years warranty.
- Price — Too cheap for the quality.
- Ergonomics.
CONS
- None programmable keys.
- Not OS X/Linux Compatible.
- Requires the USB adapter to enable the 7.1 feature — Without it, G430 ends up as a plain stereo headset.
All in all, you get what you pay for: a gaudy looking pair of cans which actually have great audio properties coupled with solid 3D audio at a very attractive price point. Equipped with some features that you can get from high-end headsets and backed with 3- year warranty. The G430 gets the B2G Silver Award and Value Award.