Roccat Kave 5.1 Suround Sound Gaming Headset Review

Whisper in my ear.

I'd heard rumblings about German PC accessory manufacturer Roccat before, but I had never had any experience with their product before. Most game companies like to use Turtle Beach or Astro audio devices to demo their games at trade shows and events. Of course, those were all console games.

Roccat's PC-exclusive Kave 5.1 Surround Sound Headset is so beastly, I don't think this generation's consoles could properly contain every beat, screech, and explosion they're capable of.

I really couldn't be more impressed with a pair of computer-only headphones. The ear cups are extremely padded, making long sessions feel like clouds on your ears. The three pads on the headband help keep the weight of the headset evenly distributed too.

A detachable microphone and an easily accessible desktop control unit round out the functionality of the package, so that you don't look like a complete douche in your own home with the microphone. I quickly grew far too comfortable with the desktop control unit. With it featuring dedicated levels for the headset's subwoofer, front, rear, and center channels, I can't imagine using my audio cards driver to control sound ever again.

The Roccat Kave control unit also has a mic mute button and a game/movie switcher so that you don't have to completely redo your settings just because you've slipped into a less active form of entertainment.

All that said, this thing is super technical. You won't be able to just plug in and play around. Each of the 3.5mm plugs need to be properly installed so that you get everything you can out of the Kave's high-end hardware. That brings me to what is really my only gripe with Roccat's headset, which surprisingly, isn't the reasonable $119.99 price tag.

Unfortunately for anyone not married to their monstrous rig, the Kave 5.1 may not get as much use as it deserves. Because the headset is only compatible with desktop PCs, you won't be able to take it with you and enjoy the comfort and sound on the go or on any other gaming platform.

The fact that I actually want to take these massive ear cups with me is a testament to the sound quality and comfort Roccat has built into the Kave audio system. Screw those old speakers. If you're serious about sound and gaming on your PC, Roccat's got your back.