Review: Logitech G935 headset has big sound in same form factor
Logitech headsets have a history of being full of bells and whistles. The company packs its products with a plethora of features, but one of the elements that has always been missing was sound quality.
The Artemis Spectrum, released in 2015, has wireless connectivity, G-keys and Lightsync technology built in, but a weakness lied in its 40mm driver. It offered good but not great sound. With the Logitech G935, the company upgrades its flagship headset with Pro-G 50mm drivers and that makes a world of difference.
The drivers produce bigger bass with less distortion. That means explosions come through crystal clear even if players max out the low end on the audio equalizer. The wider benefit is that the drivers also improve the overall sound in the midrange. The audio sounds richer and rounder instead of flat and airy.
It’s the difference between assault rifle fire cracking sharply in one’s ear rather than sounding like cheap firecrackers popping in the distance. With the improved drivers, it’s easier to make out noises when playing games such as “Tom Clancy’s The Division 2.” Players can pick out voices from enemies in another room even if gunfire is roaring in the background. The sound of footsteps come through even amid the chaos of firefights.
One of the notable changes in the G935 compared to the Artemis Spectrum is that the latest headset supports DTS: Headphone X 2.0. Previous versions also supported Dolby Headphones, but that technology has given way to Dolby Atmos for Headphones, which is a software upgrade that is supposed to create surround sound in any set of cans. It’s sold separately as add-on on Windows and Xbox One. Although Dolby Atmos has name recognition, DTS: Headphone X 2.0 is arguably a better alternative, offering distinct positional sound. The only drawback is that players need to find games that support it.
Thankfully, more developers are backing the technology. DTS-supported headphone can be essential in battle royale games such as “Fortnite.” The ability to accurately pinpoint an enemy’s position using the surround sound is invaluable.
The rest of the G935 is similar to its predecessors including the form factor. Everything from the silhouette to the G-keys remain the same. Thankfully, the internals are improved and more organized. Players can pull out the covers on ear cups and find the USB receiver needed for wireless connectivity on the left side and the battery on the right. The G935 boasts 12 hours of battery life, which is similar to the previous version.
One of the biggest changes that has come to Logitech’s line of gaming peripherals is the switch from the Logitech Gaming Software to G Hub. The company’s newest hardware only supports the latter, and it can take some time to figure the ins and outs of the program. It’s easier to use, but longtime Logitech fans may grumble over the change.
The only other issue with the G935 is that it can feel heavy after prolonged use. I had a similar issue with the Logitech G432, which is essentially the wired version of the headset minus the RGB lighting. The weight of the G935 at 13.4 ounces can wear on players, and despite the leatherette cushioning, it can feel like a vice after several hours.
Design has always been an issue with Logitech. The company makes cans that have every feature players could need, but at the same time, users pay a price for it in comfort and style. That doesn’t mean the Logitech G935 are bad headsets. They are reliable and produce great audio, but players have to understand they can’t wear the things beyond a few hours.