As if the number of options and functions didn’t make the search for the right gaming headset difficult already, add aesthetics and ergonomics into the mix then it’s easy to have overwhelming feelings of ambivalence. Breaking things down then looking at why you need one and what matters to you will help (reading this guide might help also).
The Right Connections
Important considerations such as knowing clearly what you need and identifying what you value most can sometimes be overlooked.
Compatibility with the gaming platforms you play on is a need you can’t ignore, so the first thing is to figure out what you want the headset to connect to - PC, XBOX, PlayStation, Nintendo. Consider what else the headset might be used for, since there’s more to life than just gaming… maybe. While some phones and portable devices forgo the 3.5mm nowadays, you may still want the option. Obviously, one of the reasons you’d want the trusty old 3.5mm (Delta II) is for XBOX support, but perhaps there are other usage scenarios which you won’t think about until you need it, such as better audio during long flights for example (the ones airlines provide never sound great nor fit well on me).
The latest wireless audio collection from ROG – Delta II, Pelta, and Cetra True Wireless SpeedNova covers all major connectivity types: RF 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, USB, 3.5mm.
In case you’re not sure, here’s a clearer picture of what is supported on each of these popular gaming platforms.
Gaming Vs Non-Gaming
What makes a gaming headset a gaming headset? Just slap on some flashy RGB lighting and be done with it? No, gamers need the necessary tools which are comfortable for long periods of time, maintain laser-sharp focus, dependable so you can be at your best, and deliver an experience so real as if you’re literally in the game with teammates right beside to you.
Lightweight and comfort are essential for long gaming sessions, if you spend more time playing games than watching movies or listening to tunes then you better get a headset that does what it was designed for.
In heated battles, durable and breathable materials make a world of difference. Nothing about headsets can distract you as severely as fogged-up glasses could, but the heat and sweat could drive a person mad. Just ask anyone who plays racing sims and VR games, ‘heated battles’ become quite literal with circumaural headsets. The breathable mesh fabric ear cushions help to keep you cool and composed, combine that with the lightweight and 3-level adjustable elastic headband on the ROG Pelta and you’ll be playing with the king of comfort.
The additional PU leather cushions (included with the Delta II) improve sound isolation, albeit slightly less breathable than the fabric ones. The PU leather used underwent and passed the Jungle Test to ensure they don’t crack or peel off easily. The simulated test checks if the material can survive 5-years of exposure to 95% humidity, (unnecessarily) high temperatures of up to 70°C, plus other biological factors. The Delta II gives you both options.
The design process takes into consideration key components such as wireless freedom (for more comfort compared wired) with lowest possible latency for competitive battles, long battery life, and reliable connections in a world where the number of other wireless devices is increasing rapidly, which often results in added interference. SpeedNova Technology (available via RF 2.4GHz only) was developed to maximize wireless performance specifically in these areas.
For most wireless audio headphones on the market, especially true wireless earphones, Bluetooth is the only wireless option available. One of the reasons why all three of these ROG headsets are considered ‘truly gaming’ is that they come with RF 2.4GHz wireless connection with SpeedNova Technology. When you want to be at your best in competitive gaming, no Bluetooth connection comes close in terms of low latency.
Technologies such as DualFlow (Delta II) and Multipoint (Cetra TWS SpeedNova) help you manage multiple audio sources. These keep you focused on the game while offering flexibility in the way you handle distractions. Multipoint prioritizes calls so you can play, switch to the phone if anyone rings, then return the gaming audio once the call is over. DualFlow gives you the freedom to hear two audio sources at the same time (via RF 2.4GHz and BT) – hear what’s going on in the game while taking a phone call simultaneously. Either way, no more scrambling to take off the headset for a call, then having to get back into the game just in time to watch yourself get killed.
The sound of victory (and death) is most authentic when heard in high-resolution 24-bit, 96 kHz audio supported by the LC3+ codec (available via RF 2.4GHz) featured in the Delta II and Cetra TWS SpeedNova.
Both the circumaural headsets (Delta II and Pelta) feature large 50 mm titanium-plated drivers. The detail in high frequencies, rich sense of layering, and reduced distortion can be attributed to the stiffness of the coating. You can opt to experience precise and high-fidelity sound when playing movies or music, or choose from a number of different profiles to enhances specific frequencies in order to discern footsteps, gunfire, and more to gain the upper hand in games.
For clear communication with teammates, the Delta II and Pelta feature a new 10 mm super-wideband microphone with a light indicator to signal mute/unmute. As the name suggests, it covers a wider frequency range to capture nuances never heard before. Both headsets achieved 4.2 or above for the average MOS-LQO score, surpassing the Teams standard of 3.9. The score encompasses evaluations of noise reduction, voice activity detection, voice enhancements, and discontinuous transmission.
The way in which the physical controls are designed on gaming headphones should be different to normal headphones. First of all, game-centric and lighting functions such mean more controls required, therefore great care needs to be taken so that they are intuitive and easy to remember. Tactile physical controls are generally more ideal than touch-sensors, when doing your best to focus on the game, the last thing you want are controls which are easy to trigger inadvertently or require high-level dexterity to execute. The Delta II keeps all the controls related to RF 2.4Ghz on the left earcup, and BT on the right, making it intuitive and easy to remember. The separation between the controls are ample, clicks on the scroll wheels are distinctive, and the buttons tactile to ensure every adjustment can be made without mistakes - just like how you expect your keyboard and mouse to be.
Compact and Minimalistic
While the aesthetics for the Delta II and Pelta were designed so you can wear them around casually without getting self-conscious, the Cetra True Wireless SpeedNova is undoubtedly the best choice if you need something compact enough to carry with you anywhere, and inconspicuous enough to wear any time. The clam shell and earbuds are streamlined with sleek touch sensors as the controls. Simply pull them out of the hard case and you’re synced with up to two devices simultaneously via Hybrid Multipoint. No physical buttons, switches, or scroll wheels, you’re always connected and ready to go.
The Cetra TWS SpeedNova was made to adapt to your surroundings wherever you go, even if you get caught in the rain – the earbuds are splash-proof (IPX4). ANC (active noise-cancelling) in wireless headphones is becoming commonplace because external conditions are unpredictable. ROG went a step further by introducing Adaptive ANC, which detects how sound travels inside your ear canals in real-time, then makes necessary adjustments so everyone can enjoy the rich audio enhanced by Dirac Opteo the same way – no matter your ear-shape.
In noisy environments, it’s more difficult to hear and to be heard, especially if you don’t have a boom mic. The Cetra TWS SpeedNova comes with AI Noise-Canceling Beamforming microphones and additional Bone-Conduction Sensors, these work in tandem to help you speak naturally and clearly in calls.
Simply Put
In summary, the ROG Delta II, Pelta, and Cetra True Wireless SpeedNova each offer unique strengths tailored to different needs. The Delta II offers the most premium sound with superior sound isolation and excels with its versatile connectivity options, making it ideal for immersive gaming sessions. The Pelta stands out for its lightweight design and breathable materials, ensuring maximum comfort during extended use. Meanwhile, the Cetra True Wireless SpeedNova is perfect for those seeking compact, on-the-go convenience with seamless connectivity. Choose the one that best fits your lifestyle and gaming preferences.
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