Logitech G735 Gaming Headset

Reviews
Logitech G735 Gaming Headset

Logitech's G735 gaming headset is just outside what I would call the "Goldilocks zone" of peripherals: the G735 is just outside what I would call the "Goldilocks zone" of peripherals, although not the absolute best you can get for $230, It's enough to make it a fairly attractive purchase. In fact, the G735 appears to be one of the more impressive additions to the "ethereal" Aurora collection (opens in new tab).

Aurora is a peripheral series designed for those with small heads and a preference for white peripherals. Gamers are moving away from all-black accessories, and Logitech is listening. Logitech has made each item in the collection fairly modular, allowing the earpads and removable microphone to be swapped out for "Green Flash" and "Pink Dawn" pastel colors.

However, since headset earpads are often the first to deteriorate, being able to swap them out is generally expected and hardly a mega-feature.

Also, as mentioned in our Logitech G715 Gaming Keyboard review (opens in new tab), we are a little frustrated that such a pretty and understated decoration is not free at this price, but it is actually not a problem without customizing the Logitech G735 headset.

That's because it's more about comfort than being a fashion accessory. What I found is that the base "White Mist" coloring (literally, it's just white) is quite appropriate for an entity like a cloud. With a lightweight frame, ear pads that rival actual clouds, and a padded headband that prevents pressure from being concentrated on any one point, this product is very comfortable. I worked several full shifts with the G735 on my head and forgot I was wearing it.

Of course, being stylish helps, but the biggest draw for me is its portability. It is also where the removable microphone shines. The ability to remove the microphone is, quite frankly, a boon in any situation where the microphone is not in use. I'm not saying the mic is bad; it's just a little thick and people mistake it for a pen when it's on a desk. It also doesn't lose its shape one bit. It would have been nice if the microphone could flip up out of the way, but that would have compromised its portability.

Recordings uploaded to Soundcloud with the G735 are actually relatively clear, if a bit on the quiet side, thanks to Logitech's Blue Voice controls in the G hub, which include a compressor to keep the volume constant, noise reduction to eliminate background noise interference, and a soundgate control to control the volume of the sound. There are plenty of options for enhancement, including noise reduction and soundgating to remove background noise interference. The de-esser and de-popper options are also a godsend, although they can be a bit scratchy when the gain is turned up.

One thing to keep in mind, especially if you plan to take it to work or school, is the range and strength of the wireless connection. Unless you stay within 10 meters of the device and avoid wireless connection interference, some dropout is inevitable. It would also be nice to have the option to connect via Bluetooth, a Lightspeed 2.4 wireless USB dongle, or both at the same time if, for example, you cannot download your favorite music app on your work computer.

With the funky (actually pastel-colored) RGB lighting turned on, battery life is about 15.5 hours. If no head lighting is turned on, the battery is supposed to extend to about 300 hours, but the battery is currently at 50% and shows 21 hours remaining. There is an option to save battery power by using the 3.5mm audio jack instead, but sadly it is not included with the headset.

Overall sound quality is excellent, and while there are cheaper wireless headsets with better frequency range (e.g. the $200 HyperX Cloud Alpha (open in new tab)), they handle sound very well at both ends. There is only slight distortion in the lower frequencies.

Given the portability of the G735, the main problem I found was poor sound isolation. Even with the sound turned up, I can still hear people chatting on the bus. If you want to go outside but have the option to ignore people, this needs to be considered.

Thus, while Logitech refuses to pander to your anti-social tendencies, the company has nailed comfort, style, sound quality, and portability with the G735. If it had active noise canceling, better sound quality at $230, and even funky colored spare earpads, there would be nothing to say, but the full price is still attractive. It's nice to have something specifically designed for people with smaller heads, and it's easy to overlook the wireless range issue in my small apartment.

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