The quality of gaming headsets has risen over the past few years. Competition, particularly in the $50 to $100 market, has delivered legitimately strong audio performers bundled with even richer features. Despite this welcome abundance, there are few options for those that would also like to take their cans on the go. After all, light and inconspicuous probably aren’t the first words that come to mind when generalizing the field. Enter Logitech’s G433, a wired headset designed to be great not only for gaming, but one capable of fitting into lifestyles beyond the bedroom.
Ultimately, the Logitech G433 aims to do a bit of everything. Logitech wants you to be comfortable taking it anywhere, usable on most devices, without too much hassle. The question then is does it sacrifice anything to accomplish those goals? Thankfully, its versatility isn’t an empty promise. The G433 is a well-rounded headset with terrific gaming performance thanks to its finely-tuned Pro-G drivers and DTS Headphone:X 7.1 surround sound for those on the PC. And the headset’s build quality and included items aid its adaptability.
Accessories
The box ships with everything you expect from a modern headset. The flexible boom microphone and 3.5mm cables are all detachable, which is great. You get two different cables for connectivity. The first is a braided console/PC cable (it does work with a phone or other device if you’re so inclined) that has inline controls for volume and mute functions. The second is a slightly shorter, non-braided mobile cable with an inline microphone and play/pause button. Surround sound is enabled by way of a USB DAC. If for whatever reason you don’t want to connect the G433 to your PC with the USB DAC, the box also includes a splitter cable for the traditional microphone/headset connections.
Additionally, the Logitech G433 comes with a storage case and second set of ear pads. The case is just a thin cloth bag, so don’t expect it to offer much protection, but it does have enough room to hold several cables and the microphone in addition to the headset.
Design & Comfort
When handling the G433, there are a few things that immediately stand out, and the first is that the headset doesn’t go out of its way to stand out. And for what it wants to be, that’s a good thing. There are no gaudy RGB lights, colors, grooves, or patterns anywhere on the headset. The color scheme is largely uniform, with four options available for purchase (red, black, blue, and blue camo). The plastic headband is on the thinner side. The G433 does have some sleek flourishes of its own, however, and that brings me to the second thing of notice. The backs of the ear cups, in addition to the default ear pads, are covered entirely in a cross-hatched, mesh fabric. It makes the headset look more upscale than your typical gaming headset, as if it belongs with the audiophile headphones on my desk than next to my Kingston, Turtle Beach, or Corsair.
The fabric does attract more dirt than plastic or metal. I’ve already noticed a few specks clinging to the back of the ear cups. The fabric isn’t too thick, though, so it’s easy enough to clean with a piece of tape. If the mesh ear pads need a good cleaning, they are both removable and machine washable.
Elsewhere, the G433 is primarily made of matte plastic that feels durable enough but not necessarily expensive. That said, metal and thicker plastics do add weight. And after using the headset for a week, I don’t think I’d want heavier material just for the sake of a more expensive feel. The Logitech G433 is quite possibly the lightest headset I’ve ever worn, weighing in at only 259 grams, which unsurprisingly makes it one of the most comfortable headsets I’ve reviewed. It barely exerts any pressure. The result is that I can easily forget I’m wearing anything at all while immersing myself in music and games.
Likewise, the mesh ear pads are fairly gentle. They’re not as soft as they could be, but they’re by no means harsh and the weight of the G433 itself goes a long way at keeping fidgeting to a minimum. The second pair of ear pads provide a microfiber/suede feel, a material I typically prefer; but in this case, they’re harder and apply more pressure than the mesh pads. At the very least, the pads are easy to swap out.
Audio Quality
Gaming on the G433 is been a blast, figuratively and literally. Logitech’s 40mm Pro-G drivers deliver notably impactful bass. It’s crisp, powerful, and neither distorts nor overpowers the rest of the audio. The remaining spectrum is just as clean, free of distortion at any volume level. In terms of overall clarity and warmth, Kingston’s HyperX Cloud still takes the crown. But the G433 isn’t far behind, and its low-end thunders above the competition.
The experience playing on PC is even better. Enabled by use of the USB DAC and through Logitech’s Gaming Software, DTS Headphone:X has consistently been the most accurate implementation of virtual surround sound I’ve tested. That remains true on the G433. I could pinpoint the direction of every enemy that tried flanking me in Battlefield 1. The rear channels were easily discernible without me peaking, and I was surprised how well it threw audio above me, too.
Music on the G433 is decent. The aforementioned bass helps every drum beat roar, giving my symphonic metal an extra level of oomph. Depending on the source, however, the other ranges can be a little flat. It’s not muddy, but it’s not as forward sounding as I’d prefer. If you’re listening to music on a computer, the equalizer is customizable so it’s possible to bring some of those elements out.
Conclusion
The Logitech G433 succeeds at being more than just a great gaming headset. It’s wonderfully lightweight, doesn’t embarrass when worn, and adapts well to playing Call of Duty at home or listening to music to taking calls on the go. It’s on the more expensive side of the field at an MSRP of $100, but its excellent gaming qualities and added versatility give it the edge to stand above the crowd.
