Corsair's HS60 Haptic is a gaming headset for bass lovers. However, we're not sure if it's really for everyone.

The relationship between PC gaming and haptic feedback has always been an odd one. Yes, we have become accustomed to vibrating controllers. But it is not enough. In an effort to find new ways to immerse ourselves in our favorite games through vibration, the mad scientists of PC gaming have found new ways to cram motors into things, whether we like it or not. Over the years, we've seen vibrating keyboards and mice, haptics vests, and even chairs where the natural progression of evolution has extended to gaming headsets.

The Corsair HS60 Haptic is not the first haptic feedback gaming headset, and the Razer Nari Ultimate is the gold standard for such things. The sensation of using a haptic feedback headset is like having two small subwoofers attached to the sides of your head. The sensation of using a haptic feedback headset is like having two small subwoofers attached to the sides of your head.

Now let's talk about the big elephant rumbling around the room: the HS60 Haptic uses Taction haptic-based technology. The idea is that the headset takes all the bass and low frequencies and converts them into vibrations that can be felt inside the headset.

This is the biggest difference between this technology and other tactile feedback headsets because it focuses purely on bass. This means that every gunshot, explosion, and large truck that passes by in Watch Dogs: Legion can actually be felt, as opposed to being any louder than a conversation. This is where other haptic headsets suffer, and can be incredibly overwhelming for some people.

In terms of immersion in the game, it's pretty cool, but often feels a little overdone when it comes to intense firefights. I often had to dial down the haptics because I couldn't concentrate; I played a few matches of Call of Duty: Black Ops - Cold War with the surround sound and haptics on, and it was surreal. Every shot and cannon shot felt more jarring, and the matches were super tense.

This technique works well, but in the end it's a matter of taste. Some people are hooked, while others refuse to engage with the tactile headset on a cellular level.

Corsair claims a 20% improvement in reaction time, but there is no way to really test that claim. Frankly, the constant vibration to my skull definitely put me on an uneasy alert. Improved reaction time. That is debatable.

If you're a competitive gamer, you need to be as distraction-free as possible, so I really doubt a pro gamer would leave haptics on in a high-stakes match at Valorant.

A common complaint about many gaming headsets is bass. Most gaming headsets have weak bass or exaggerated bass to the point where it sounds muddy. Haptics are a clever way to boost bass, especially when listening to music. Haptics work best on songs with heavy bass like Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion's "WAP" or songs with heavy bass like Megan Thee Stallion's "Megan Thee Stallion." deep dives into Spotify's "I Love My 90s Hip Hop" playlist, for example.

With haptics off, you're basically working with the HS 60 Pro Surround headset (currently on sale for $50, or $70 for the wireless HS50 SE). Don't get me wrong, both are great headsets at perfect prices. So unless you really like haptics, $130 is a significant price increase for a wired HS 60 headset.

As much as I like the headset, the Arctic Camo design is a choice. A simple black and white would have made the HS 60 look more attractive. In fact, I think it looks like a cheap headset not worth $130.

Ugly camo aside, the headset fit my head comfortably thanks to the shape memory ear cups. They are also adjustable, so if you wear glasses, you can relieve pressure on the frames; the HS60/70s are always comfortable and durable gaming headsets.

Another nice feature of the HS60s is the removable uni-directional noise-canceling microphone. In fact, it has a better microphone than most high-end gaming headsets. It's perfect for video calls and, of course, game chat.

Your mileage may absolutely vary regarding haptics, and the Corsair HS60 Haptic will be nothing more than a pleasant novelty for those looking for a new way to immerse themselves in bombastic gaming, unless you have a good deal of experience. A wired gaming headset without Haptic can be purchased for almost half the price.