Gaming headsets are designed to make us experience the virtual world in a completely new way. Generally, all modern games today force us to become part of the virtual world and interact with other players.
However, when we think whether or not we can use gaming headsets for listening to music we have to say that there are no obstacles and there isn’t any particular reason why you couldn’t use them for both playing games and listening to music.
But, there are some key differences we want to point out.
Gaming headpones vs. Regular headphones
The sound coming from video games isn’t the same as the sound that comes when you listen to music. Music is much more balanced, because the essence is to enjoy it, and this is not the case in games. Games are loaded with different sounds created to boost the joy of playing games and they are not in any particular harmony. You have explosions, shots, steps, wind, speech, etc. So, it’s different.
Of course, the essence is to enjoy both music and games, but that’s like comparing the sounds of nature and a sound in a discotheque. You can’t say that the one is better than the other and at the same time you can say it depends on your preference.
The key differences between gaming headphones and regular music headphones are:
- Design
- Sound quality
Gaming headphones usually have a very attractive design. They come with a microphone, and depending on the price range, some gaming headphones use a surround system technology which allows you to hear, for example, the steps of the enemy approaching and clearly determine whether they come on the left or right.
Of course, this doesn’t apply to all gaming headphones, as it depends on the build quality, the technology they use and, of course, the price range. For some models, everything works very well and the sounds are strongly emphasized, and for some cheaper variants, we can say that the sound is decent, but not perfect.
In classic cases, when using music headphones you will not be able to feel it in such a way because they are designed to give structural sound, which consists of layers of highs, mids and lows and, of course, a bass.
In gaming headphones, the bass isn’t particularly noticeable because, for example, in case of explosion sounds in the game itself, it could be a very unpleasant experience for your ears.
What is certain is that you can use gaming headphones to listen to music and vice versa. That’s for sure. However, in simple words, the experience is not the same.
Final thoughts
It’s important to remember that you shouldn’t expect ultimate music experience from gaming headphones. They haven’t been made for listening to music specifically. This primarily applies to demanding users. Those who are less demanding will also be pleased with both the gaming experience and they pleasure of listening to their favorite songs.
At the end, it’s best to focus especially on what is important for you. If you are primarily playing games, then it’s important to use headphones specifically designed and intended for this use. At the same time you will be able to listen and enjoy music, but that is not why you bought them in the first place, right?
Perhaps you won’t have that superb experience like when you use headphones specifically designed for listening to music, but it will certainly not be a disaster.