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SteelSeries 4H
The SteelSeries 4H is a gaming headset that has been in the shadow of its bigger brother the 5Hv2. It also suffers from middle child syndrome being more expensive than the budget 3H. Although having been released for a fair while now, it hasn't gained that much attention, perhaps not as much as it should. What many people don't realise is that the 4H uses the exact same drivers, microphone and volume control as the 5Hv2 and thus enjoys the same performance that the 5Hv2 has been applauded for.
With so much in common, what is it then that differentiates the 4H from the 5Hv2? A few things, and depending on the kind of gamer you are could be the decider as to which headset you spend your hard earned cash on. We'll look at these differences and see whether they're worth paying the extra money for.
Click to enlarge: Can you tell the difference?
This headset retails for AUD$89.95 which is currently on special right now at the ESAU ProShop. Detailed specifications for the headset as found on the SteelSeries website:
Headphones
Frequency response: 16 - 28.000 Hz
Impedance: 40 Ohm
SPL@ 1kHz, 1 Vrms: 110 dB
Cable length: 1.8 meters (6 feet)
Microphone
Frequency response: 75 - 16.000 Hz
Pick up pattern: Uni-directional
Sensitivity: -38dB
Impedance: 2k Ohm
Sound Quality
Sharing the same headphone drivers as the 5Hv2 the 4H enjoys excellent gaming performance. It is a closed design and so offers decent isolation from outside noise. The volume control is a little crackly for being the same as on the 5Hv2 however its main strength as well as its weakness is its tuned frequency response for game sounds. What this means is that it has a large sound stage and good directional audio. The sound is also tilted to treble and bass, making it a star performer in games, but as a result its usefulness for music suffers. More details can be found in the original 5Hv2 review.
Aesthetics
First and foremost, the 4H looks a little different to the 5Hv2. If you're a gamer who likes wearing head bling, and thought that the 5Hv2 was a little understated, the 4H isn't for you. If you like a more discrete look then the 4H may be just what you like. It has less silver lettering and detailing but is undoubtedly a SteelSeries product.
Click to enlarge: Looks a bit boring? Perhaps...
Comfort
The main difference between the 5Hv2 and the 4H is the headband design. The 4H loses out on the collapsible 3-piece design and instead uses a much simpler headband. The headband is lighter and smaller than the 5Hv2 headband. As a result the 4H has less padding on top and because the weight of the headphones is distributed over a smaller area it actually feels a little more noticeable on the head. It is however fully adjustable so people with all sized heads can use the 4H comfortably.
Click to enlarge: Smaller, simpler headband design
The excellent, deep ear cups however remain and are comfortable even over long gaming sessions and like the 5Hv2 may get a little warm.
Gamer features/practicality
The main area that the 4H suffers is that it is less gamer-friendly. There are a few reasons for this: The collapsible headband is gone, and thus is less suited to traveling and more likely to becoming damaged. The 4H has a fixed length cable, thus is less flexible in sitting closer/further from the computer. The cable is also thinner and is not weaved in cloth, again making it more susceptible to damage. The last reason may not seem like a big deal at first, but depending on the person can be pretty annoying. The 4H has a dual entry headphone cable. What this means is each of the ear cups has their own cable and then joins in a Y-shape further down the cable. This means that cable tangles are more likely to happen and so more care is required when putting them on or taking them off your head.
Click to enlarge: Different - dual cable entry. Same - retractable microphone
The retractable, far reaching microphone has been inherited in the 4H and this is a good thing, as it was one of the best features of the 5Hv2.
Conclusion
After all is said and done, the 4H is a great headset for gamers on a budget. It maintains the excellent in-game sound quality of the 5Hv2 as well as the comfortable ear cushions, it also keeps the microphone that made the 5Hv2 a pleasure to use.
Dedicated gamers however may find the lack of the collapsible headband, shorter and more fragile cable and its bland design a bit of a downfall.
Overall it fits nicely into SteelSeries' line up and is priced accordingly so. If you play games casually or mainly online at home but still want excellent in-game sound quality, as well as save a few dollars then the SteelSeries 4H is just what you need. If you have a bit more money or are dedicated to your eSport then it is recommended to step up to the 5Hv2.
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