Turtle Beach Ear Force X12 vs. The Razer Carcharias – Battle of The Headsets
Gaming headphones
For serious gamers, a good headset is a must. Filtering out noise and distractions, as well as having quick access to gaming controls and enhanced game sounds will ensure that your gaming experience is as rich as possible. A good headset does not have to cost an arm and a leg. With a little research and preparation, it is possible to find a quality headset that will give you the experience that you are looking for without breaking the bank. Here we compare two of the most popular headsets on the market, with the intention of making the job of choosing that much easier.
Our comparison headsets were the Turtle Beach Ear Force X12 Gaming Headset and the Razer Carcharias for Xbox 360®/PC. While both headsets offer a superior gaming experience, they each have unique features that have to be weighed against your personal preferences/needs when choosing to buy. We’ll start with the basics. Both headsets offer 50mm speakers with Neodymium magnets, providing superior sound quality. Both have a padded, adjustable headband, however the Ear Force X12 headset has added a breathable fabric mesh, providing an extra layer of protection from perspiration, especially during a marathon gaming session. The Razer headband tends to be slightly looser than the Ear Force X12, and several reviewers mentioned that it is difficult to keep in place during play.
The microphones in these two headsets are virtually identical, with frequency responses of 50-15,000 kHz (Ear Force X12) and 50-16,000 kHz (Razer). The difference is the sound quality—Razer reviews consistently report a buzzing sound when the volume is turned down, and the company has so far been unable to fix the problem. The boom on the Ear Force X12 microphone is sturdier and more flexible, offering more mike options during play and the Ear Force X12 has an on/off switch, allowing you to hear only what you want to.
Both headsets have USB connectivity for both Xbox and PS3, but with the Ear Force X12 it is included in the purchase price, while the Razer requires an additional purchase. The cord for the Ear Force X12 is an impressive 16 feet long, allowing for greater range of movement compared to 9 feet for the Razer.
Sound quality enhances and defines the gaming experience. Interactive sound allows you to hear minute details, such as the pop of a gun, that influence gaming decisions. You can’t win the game if you can’t hear the shot that was fired behind you. For serious gamers, sound quality should be the number one priority in a headset.
Both headsets have 50mm speakers with Neodymium magnets, providing superior sound quality. Both of our test headsets offer wicked speaker frequency response at 20Hz – 20kHz, >120dB SPL @ 1kHz, giving you the highest highs and lowest lows. The Ear Force X12 headset features a bass boost that allows for that extra “oomph” during play, and reviewers generally favor the Ear Force X12 for all around sound.
Although both headsets present a good case, this reviewer felt that overall, the Ear Force X12 headset was the better buy. This mid-priced headset offers a quality product with the “extras” that take it one step beyond the competition. Features like independent chat and game volume controls, adjustable bass and in-line amplifier add depth to the gaming experience that the Razer simply can’t provide. In addition, the Ear Force X12 features a more rugged construction, ensuring that it can withstand the stress of marathon gaming. Deep-cushioned ear cups provide extra comfort during extended play and ensure that you hear only the sounds that you want to hear. With a cable that is almost seven feet longer than the Razer, the Ear Force X12 headset provides freedom of movement and versatility that the competition really can’t match.
Other reviewers also felt that the Ear Force X12 was the superior headset as well. Key selling points include it’s lightweight, comfortable design, mid-range price, versatility, ability to control the sound experience and ease of use. The Ear Force X12 headset is easier to set up than the Razer, and gamers definitely noticed. While both headsets are building on the success of their predecessors, the X11 and the original Razer Carcharia, the X12 has gone the extra mile and listened to their fans, adding features that gamers themselves have recommended to enhance the gaming experience.
The final comparison between the two headsets is price. After checking several sources, the Ear Force X12 is consistently the less expensive option, although in this case it is very apparent that higher cost does not always equal higher quality. In any case, when you are shopping for your next gaming headset, do your homework. Don’t take my word for it—take your time, read the reviews, head to your nearest retailer and try each set out for yourself. You know what you’re looking for, and even the very best review is not going to answer all of your questions. Whether you choose one of the two headsets reviewed here, or another set all together, make sure that it is the one that provides an awesome gaming experience all around.
Other Turtle Beach Ear Force X12 Comparisons
- Turtle Beach Ear Force X12 vs. The Razer Carcharias – Battle of The Headsets
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