Logitech G435 Gaming Headset Reviewed: Too Cheap To Be Good

Logitech G435 gaming headset

RRP $ 80.00

“The Logitech G435 is a wireless gaming headset that sacrifices too much to be affordable.”

advantages

• Wireless Lightspeed connection with Bluetooth support

• Easy

• Comfortable for long gaming sessions

• Payable

disadvantage

• Feels cheap

• Disappointing sound quality

• Not a boom mic

When looking for the best gaming headset, it’s easy to fall into the trap of wanting wireless connectivity. Having one less cable really brings order to the workplace and it’s nice to be able to get up without having to take off the headset.

However, the feature significantly increases the price due to the need for a wireless radio, electronics, and battery. However, this is not the case with the Logitech G435 Lightspeed. You won’t find a cheaper wireless gaming headset – at least not from a well-known brand.

Unfortunately, the G435 is cutting too many corners to reach this price point, leaving you with a headset that doesn’t feel like it’s worth $ 80.

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Niels Broekhuijsen / Digital Trends

The first thing that stands out in the design of the G435 is that it is extremely light. It only weighs 165 grams, which is absolutely nothing for headsets, especially wireless ones. For comparison: Razer’s Barracuda X weighs 250 grams, which is considered light, and something high-end like Corsair’s Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT weighs 382 grams, even lighter than the 240-gram Logitech G335.

So yes, the G435 is very light indeed. But the quality of workmanship is a problem with a headset for this lamp. There is no getting around it: The G435 feels thin and cheap. The plastic parts are all thin, there are no beautiful materials and the headband looks full, but is just a plastic frame with a fabric cover.

I feel like if I held the headband in my fist it would just be strong pressure to snap. This is not good. Logitech only markets the light weight as a benefit, but it feels like it was a decision to cut costs and it shows. The heavier Logitech G533 looks and feels higher quality and can be picked up at a discount for less than the newer G435.

However, I cannot deny the advantages of an ultra-light headset. The light weight and soft fabric ear cups of the G435 make it one of the most comfortable headsets I’ve ever worn. It’s also surprisingly comfortable on the neck.

The ear cups don’t pivot to lie flat on your chest, but since there’s no protruding microphone and it’s surprisingly small, your chin won’t collide as much when you turn your head.

characteristics

In terms of features, it’s not surprising that the G435 isn’t very well equipped. But that doesn’t mean it’s shabby. The headset supports various spatial audio codecs including Dolby Atmos, has an optional volume cap of 85 decibels to protect your ears, and the dual beamforming microphones work together to reduce background noise.

And yes, that means the G435 doesn’t have a boom mic, as is common with gaming headsets. Boom microphones provide more precise, clearer audio quality compared to the smartphone-grade quality that beamforming microphones offer. It’s a surprise to see Logitech leave it out here as even the G335 includes one.

The G435 is charged via the USB-C connection and a full battery has a service life of 18 hours. Controls are just as simple: there is an on / off button, volume control and a microphone / mute button.

Niels Broekhuijsen / Digital Trends

The primary connection method for the G435 is via the included 2.4 GHz Lightspeed dongle, but you can also use it with Bluetooth devices in a low-latency mode – this combination does it not only with PCs, but with PlayStation devices and mobile phones can be used.

That’s pretty cute considering the vast majority of gaming headsets don’t support Bluetooth and you often have to jump on something like the SteelSeries Actis 9, which costs a whopping $ 200.

Sound quality

The actual test of the headset, of course, revolves around the sound quality. The G435 still comes with 40mm drivers, which sounds promising, but in practice I wouldn’t expect any acoustic miracles from the G435. There’s a lot of bass and some details at the top, but the headset lacks something in the middle section – I’d call the sound profile hollow.

The sound lacks “fullness” so you have to turn up the volume to get the satisfaction you want. So it’s good that it comes with a volume limiter.

But then again, this is a $ 80 wireless headset. Great sound quality has never been the primary goal, and the acoustics are good enough for casual gaming. However, if you are a competitive gamer you may want to look for something a little more revealing sound so you don’t miss your opponents’ steps as they sneak up on you.

Our opinion

The Logitech G435 Lightspeed has a lot to offer, such as light weight, comfort and Bluetooth support. However, unless you absolutely need a wireless headset for under $ 80, I’d stay away from that and spend the same budget on a wired pair.

With the need to squeeze a wireless radio, control module, and battery into the tight budget, Logitech had to make concessions on build quality and sound quality. They take off too much of the overall experience, and while wireless, the G435 doesn’t feel like $ 80 headphones.

Are there alternatives?

The next alternative is Razer’s recently launched Barracuda X gaming headset, which costs $ 20 more. While it doesn’t support Bluetooth, it does offer better processing and sound quality, plus a proper microphone, and looks better for outdoors. It’s more expensive, but well worth the extra effort.

The Logitech G533 is also a good choice. Although it originally sold for $ 150, you can currently pick it up at Retailers for only $ 74.

If you’re shopping wired on the same budget, the entry-level HyperX Cloud II headset offers much better build quality and sound quality.

How long it will take?

Although the G435 should last two to three years if carefully cared for, its fragile construction is an accident or a rage away from snapping.

Should I buy it?

If you really need a $ 80 headset, don’t buy a wireless headset. Too much of the budget goes into the wireless radio, electronics, and battery, and with that budget, it’s better to buy a wired headset.

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