Introduction

The Logitech G430 gaming headset is one in a long line of Logitech audioware. Logitech have been a household name for many years now and it’s about time that their gaming headsets were given the attention they deserve. This version of the headset boasts full Dolby 7.1 surround sound, which is a great feature if you’re a hardcore gamer, but does the headset live up to its promises?

Packaging and Extras

The packaging for the G430 is very clean-cut as we’ve come to expect from Logitech. The picture on the box shows half the headset as we see it, and half of the headset x-rayed so we can see all the sciencey stuff going on inside. This x-ray vision packaging has become a staple for Logitech advertisement and really helps put over their new slogan ‘science wins’. Unlike the keyboard packaging Logitech tease the user by letting them see half of the headset in the box by having half of the packing be transparent plastic so you can really see what you’re buying which is a nice touch.

On the back of the packaging is a picture of the headset with markers describing each feature of the headset. The key for the markers are written in at least 17 different languages meaning Logitech have really thought about everybody when packaging this product. The packaging does a great job of showing off the product while grabbing the consumer’s interest and helps it to stand out on the shelf next to its rival headsets. The only extra to really speak of is a 3.55 mm jack to USB adaptor, this little addition is small but offers a lot but we’ll talk about that later.

The Logitech G430

When unpacking the headset the first thing that immediately catches your eye is the amazingly long cable the headset is equipped with. It is by far the longest cable I’ve personally seen on a gaming headset and is a massive plus in Logitech’s favour. It’s refreshing to see a headset equipped with a very long lead without the need of extension leads or adaptors.

For the default inputs the lead ends with a 3.5mm microphone and headphone jack. These are a standard within gaming headsets and is only rivalled by the use of USB headphones. Logitech seem to have known this as they supply you with a 3.5mm jack to USB adaptor which is about 2 inches long but changes the headset from a standard audio headset into a USB gaming headset and allows the use of the 7.1 and the Logitech gaming software. This was a brilliant move by Logitech as it shows that they know gamers love choice (and we do). Many of you may be thinking ‘well obviously USB is better’ or visa-versa but the fact that the choice is here for us is much better and it creates a talking point around the headset.

When putting the headset on the first thing you notice is how light and spacious it is. Considering how bulky the headset looks before putting it on, the weight of it is a nice surprise. The ear cups are huge but comfortable and sit really well. They fully engulf your ears so even the most lobe-blessed person could use them. The padding is made of ‘performance-sport cloth’ and although I’m not sure if that’s a real thing, it is certainly comfortable.

The build quality of the headset is very high. Logitech have balanced the use of lighter materials while keeping the headset a strong piece of hardware, which is impressive as lighter plastic generally comes hand in hand with being weaker.

Not only is the headset a greatly built piece of kit, it also looks fantastic. The black plastic with blue ear cups and headband is really pleasing to the eye. The blue isn’t too hard and the black isn’t too dull, they balance beautifully. The design is also a mix between rigid and fluid with curved corners but straight edges gives it a great fusion between harsh and soft. In a nutshell it looks pretty damn cool.

The sound quality is really great whether you’re using the USB adaptor or going straight into the PC’s audio port. The only issue with the sound is the 7.1 system. When using the Dolby the sound seemed to have a phasing effect. While having the Dolby turned off and just using the stereo mode the sound quality is great and the volume of the headset is spot on. The on-cable volume control has a perfect gradual sound increase, no jumping occurs. Admittedly the 7.1 problem may be an issue with my PC so a good sound card may be just what the G430 needs to be perfect.

Software

The software for the G430 is simple but effective. There are no gimmicks to it, it does exactly what you’d expect an audio software suite to do. There is an equalizer so you can adjust the sound to just how you like it. The only thing that the software for the G430 has that other software suites may not have is the Dolby 7.1 ‘on’ switch. Whilst the software is good, it isn’t overly necessary. If you want to use the 7.1 and have the means to use it then you probably want to download it. If you just want to use it as a high quality headset with a good microphone then you don’t need it, which is a plus to the headset in all fairness.

Conclusion

All in all the headset is very, very good. With a sturdy build, great sound quality and good aesthetic it is appealing to a wide range of gamers. The 7.1 not being perfect isn’t great but it can be managed and isn’t needed to enjoy the headset. I would recommend this headset to anyone, gamers or otherwise as it can be used to enjoy music or videos just as much as it can be used to enjoy games.