Corsair Raptor HS30 and HS40 Gaming Headsets Reviewed

Corsair and Raptor Gaming Drop the Corsair Raptor Headsets

It was late-summer in 2012 when Corsair announced it had acquired Raptor Gaming, a German based maker of gaming peripherals. Corsair gained both a European based headquarter to distribute its wide range of computer hardware and Raptor Gamings entire portfolio of keyboards, mice, headsets, and accessories, which formed a new series of gaming products alongside Corsairs Vengeance gaming products. Corsair has respected the Raptor name and not only continues to maintain many of the acquired products, but has integrated the name into new products. New Corsair Raptor products represent gaming products aimed at a more mainstream audience alongside the premium Corsair Vengeance peripherals.

We look at the first ever Corsair Raptor headsets to be released, a pair called the HS30 and HS40 which join the rest of the 2013 Vengeance headsets for a refreshed lineup of Corsair gaming headsets. The HS30 and HS40 enter the market priced as mainstream offerings and can be found respectively for $49.99 and $59.99 with free shipping on Amazon. In a way not unlike the relationship between the Vengeance 1400 and Vengeance 1500, the Raptor HS30 and Raptor HS40 are virtually identical headsets differing by the interface they use to connect to computers. The HS30 uses dual 3.5 mm analog plugs whereas the HS40 connects using USB. These headsets both come with 2-year warranties like other Corsair audio products. The rest of the product specifications for the new Corsair Raptor headsets are the same. Despite the HS40 being labeled as a surround sound headset, the headphone component is stereo.

Corsair Raptor HS30 Gaming Headset Features:

• 40mm Neodymium drivers
• Designed for comfort: Padded earcups and headband
• Noise cancelling microphone

Corsair Raptor HS30 Gaming Headset Specifications:

• Headphones
  • Frequency Response: 20 – 20,000 Hz
  • Impedance: 32 Ohms @ 1 kHz
  • Drivers: 40mm Neodymium
  • Connector: Dual 3.5mm Jacks
• Microphone
  • Type: Unidirectional noise-cancelling condenser with adjustable, rotating boom
  • Impedance: 2.2k Ohm
  • Frequency Response: 100 – 10,000 Hz
  • Sensitivity: -42 ( 2dB)
• Total Cable Length: 9 ft / 2.7 m
• 2-year warranty
• System Requirements:
  • Any computer with 3.5mm (1/8) connectors for audio output and microphone input

Corsair Raptor HS40 Gaming Headset Features:

• C-media Xear Surround Headphone
• 40mm Neodymium drivers
• Designed for comfort: Padded earcups and headband
• Noise cancelling microphone

Corsair Raptor HS40 Gaming Headset Specifications:

• Headphones
  • Frequency Response: 20 – 20,000 Hz
  • Impedance: 32 Ohms @ 1 kHz
  • Drivers: 40mm Neodymium
  • Connector: USB
• Microphone
  • Type: Unidirectional noise-cancelling condenser with adjustable, rotating boom
  • Impedance: 2.2k Ohm
  • Frequency Response: 100 – 10,000 Hz
  • Sensitivity: -42 ( 2dB)
  • Total Cable Length: 9 ft / 2.7 m
• 2-year warranty
• System Requirements:
  • PC with USB port
  • Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Vista, or Windows XP
  • Internet connection (for software download)