Even after a couple of weeks of hard use, I am left with mixed feelings. The Turtle Beach Atlas Air headset offers a compelling array of features, some impressive sound, and are remarkably comfortable, especially with glasses on. Yet, some drawbacks hold this headset back from being considered a must-own.

First thing is first, the open-back design is pretty slick. For those who don’t know, an open-back headset features ear cups with perforations or grills that allow air and sound to pass through freely. It’s all about having a more natural and spacious audio experience. This design enhances the soundstage but allows ambient noise to enter, making it less-than-ideal for noisy environments.

The floating earcups do certainly provide an airy soundstage. The sound does feel more natural and less confined. Granted, I can still hear noise in the background and these cans have no ability to cancel out noise, but it does feel immersive and natural. Overall, I found the sound impressive and packed a punch despite some outside distractions.

At 301 grams, the headset is lightweight and super comfortable, with glasses-friendly memory foam cushions. Even after extended use, they never felt uncomfortable and my glasses fit nicely while hearing the headset. I could even slide my glasses on while wearing the headset, which I cannot do with other cans I own. The headset clamps onto my head with just the right amount of force.

The mesh headband is super comfortable as well. The adjustable floating strap can be tightened, so these cans should fit any sized melon. Not to mention, the headset itself is incredibly flexible. So I have no question it’s durable, especially over the long haul. It is certainly one of the more comfortable headsets I have used in some time.

Equipped with 40mm drivers, the Atlas Air delivers high-fidelity 24-bit audio quality. The ‘Waves 3D Audio’ feature, along with a 10-band EQ and Superhuman Hearing, provides a rich, immersive audio experience, perfect for gaming. The sound quality is excellent, with clear highs, detailed mids, and robust lows that make music and in-game sounds truly come to life.

The flip-to-mute mic with noise reduction and 32kHz high-bandwidth performance results in a mic that delivers clear communication. This is obviously crucial for multiplayer and co-op team-based games. Being an open-back headset I could hear my voice which threw me off at first, but eventually, I got used to it. My biggest complaint with the mic is that I cannot remove it. I thought I could just yank out the mic but unfortunately, it’s not possible. Sure it flips up but I would have preferred to have been able to un-attach it and I just wasn’t prepared to use an excessive amount of force to pull it out.

Connectivity is versatile, with low-latency wireless and Bluetooth options, plus a wired mode for flexibility. The QuickSwitch button allows seamless switching between wireless and Bluetooth modes, which is convenient for folks who multitask across different devices. The headset also boasts an impressive battery life of up to 50 hours, and the quick charge feature means you’re never out of action for long. The headset definitely scores high marks for its battery life.

The Swarm II desktop and mobile app offers an advanced 10-band EQ, allowing you to fine-tune the audio to your liking. This level of customization is a standout feature and nice touch for those who like to tinker with their audio settings. Personally, I was more than happy with the default out-of-the-box EQ settings. I didn’t need to tinker with anything at all, which is a nice plus.

However, the Atlas Air headset has its shortcomings. One major disappointment is I could not get it to connect to Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X consoles. I understand this could be a me problem, but I had no luck getting these cans to work with both my Xbox One consoles. For gamers heavily invested in the Xbox ecosystem, this is a significant drawback that can’t be overlooked. If you are looking for new cans for your Xbox, I would avoid these but for PC and PlayStation users, you’ll have no problems with connectivity as that dongle links up with your headset in a flash. The dongle does not work with Xbox and, for me, neither did plugging in the cord to two separate controllers. Maybe you won’t have this issue, but personally, I’d go with the Stealth 600 if you are looking for a new Xbox headset.

Additionally, for a headset priced around $180, there are a few missing features that I look for in more expensive headsets. Features like active noise cancellation, built-in surround sound without the need for external software, and multi-device connectivity with seamless switching are often found in competitors within this price range. The absence of these features might be a dealbreaker. It is for me when purchasing a new headset.

The Atlas Air headset excels in audio quality, comfort, and customization, making it a solid choice for PC, PS5 and Bluetooth device users. However, its inability to be used with Xbox consoles and the absence of some advanced features seen in similarly priced headsets may deter potential buyers. If you prioritize high-fidelity audio and comfort, and can overlook the Xbox console compatibility issue, the Atlas Air is worth considering. Otherwise, you might want to explore other options that offer a more comprehensive feature set for the price.

***Atlas Air was provided to COGconnected for the purpose of this review***

The post Turtle Beach Atlas Air Headset Wireless Headset Review – Exceptional Comfort appeared first on COGconnected.

We’ve been reviewing Turtle Beach’s Stealth line of headsets for several years. In almost every instance, we walk away impressed. Not only is the price fantastic but the affordable cans always deliver. Sound, comfort and connectivity are always super reliable. For the price, it is hard to find a better-sounding pair of wireless headphones for your Xbox One. So it should come as a surprise for absolutely nobody, that the Stealth 600 Gen 3 is a super solid headset and checks all the right boxes for Xbox fans.

Granted, there are better headsets on the market. Many of them. Turtle Beach isn’t trying to sell you the best headset around. It’s affordably priced for a reason. Think of them as the Honda Accord of headsets. They are rock solid but won’t turn any heads. The Stealth 600 Gen 3 headset won’t replace my Stealth Pro headset; however, not everyone is ready to splurge big coin on a headset. The $99.00 USD MSRP is pretty sweet, and I am not disappointed with the sound, at all.

Out of the box and for the purpose of this review, the headset was used primarily on my Xbox Series X. However, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, and Nintendo Switch users can also take advantage of the Stealth 600 headset’s multiplatform connectivity option. This is accomplished through a simple 2.4GHz wireless USB transmitter, and with Bluetooth 5.2, it offers low-latency, seamless connectivity. The QuickSwitch button makes it easy to switch between wireless and Bluetooth, a handy dandy feature for multi-device users.

One neat feature I like about this transmitter is that when muted, a red light appears on the dongle, but when mic’d up a green light emerges. This is a simple little feature that I absolutely loved while playing multiplayer shooters online. I also noticed a super-strong connection. My couch is a little ways away from my console. The headset didn’t suffer from any connectivity issues at all.

Another key feature I loved was the best-in-class 80-hour battery life with quick charge. In fact, I’m not sure many other wireless headsets can beat this. It’s impressive and it’s one less thing gamers have to worry about during long play sessions. This battery life is a significant upgrade over previous models. I would argue the battery life improvements alone are enough justification for the purchase.

Comfort-wise, the headset is decent. Not the most comfortable feeling headset I’ve worn but certainly not the worst. The memory foam cushions with glasses-friendly technology are an improvement over the Stealth 600 Gen 2, and it is lightweight. Like its predecessor, it is glasses-friendly as well. While I only wear glasses for reading, I threw the headset on with my glasses and I didn’t notice any discomfort at all. The lay-flat, adjustable design is also a nice touch for added comfort and portability.

When it comes to the sound, the Stealth 600 Gen 3 is surprisingly really good. The powerful 50mm Nanoclear drivers deliver vibrant spatial audio, and the updated chambers result in a satisfying audio experience. The bass and overall clarity are outstanding. All the sounds come through crystal clear with no lag or latency issues. The deep bass and clear highs made for an audio experience that fully immerses you. Needless to say, I was impressed with the audio.

I should mention that the headset features standard game and chat volume control. It also includes Turtle Beach’s signature presets and Superhuman Hearing, all accessible via the “mode” button. If you haven’t tried Superhuman Hearing yet, you should. It is truly a game-changer for Call of Duty players and those who love their online shooters. The mic, which features A.I.-based noise reduction and a flip-to-mute design, comes through crystal clear and my friends had no complaints when it came to how my voice sounded.

On the downside, the headset doesn’t come with any case or stand. This is without question a no-frills headset but to be expected given the price point.

Just like the 2022 model, the Stealth 600 Gen 3 delivers fantastic sound quality at an affordable price. The enhancements and extra battery life are worth the extra price of admission. Console and PC gamers can purchase this headset with confidence. Is this the best headset on the market? Absolutely not. But there is no question it is an excellent bang for the buck.

***The Stealth 600 Gen 3 was provided to COGconnected for the purpose of this review***

The post Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 Wireless Headset Review – Bargain Bin Steal appeared first on COGconnected.

If the Turtle Beach Burst II Air mouse looks familiar, it’s because the Burst line used to belong to Roccat. As of a month ago, Roccat is no more; Turtle Beach acquired the company back in 2019 and while it has taken some time, they have since rebranded all of Roccat’s existing product lines. A couple of years ago, I reviewed Roccat’s Burst Pro Air mouse and was impressed. I was still using it until a couple of weeks ago. But now that I have been using the Turtle Beach Burst II Air mouse, I don’t think I can go back.

Right out of the box, the Burst II Air impresses. This thing is crazy light. Weighing in at just 47g, it offers a high-performance, ultra-lightweight, ergonomic design that feels just right in my hand. At first, I wondered if something needed to be attached because it felt too good to be true. I immediately tested the mouse on my gaming laptop, and connectivity was instant. My laptop recognized it right away, showcasing impressive speed. I appreciated that the mouse didn’t need charging straight out of the box. So right away, fantastic first impressions.

Not to mention, it’s a decent-looking mouse. The Burst II Air I reviewed was black, with the Turtle Beach logo right on the palm of the mouse. It doesn’t feature any RGB lighting or any fancy shell. This is a no-frills mouse designed for someone who wants a top-tier gaming mouse.

The mouse is effortless to move around. The hybrid skate design ensures smooth mouse movements on any surface, and it’s incredibly responsive and easy to maneuver. Even the rubber scroll wheel feels great and works exactly as it should. There is an extra pair of skates included in case you want a wider gliding surface and the stickable grips are a nice little add-on. I threw those grips on the sides of my mouse, which gave the mouse a nice feel.

Going back to a wired mouse will be difficult after using the Burst II Air’s lag-free 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth dual connectivity. You can switch between 2.4GHz for gaming and Bluetooth for working on your laptop. In all instances, the connection was strong, and I didn’t experience any random disconnects as I have with other wireless mice.

The mouse boasts up to 120 hours of battery life, which is fantastic. Additionally, the USB-C rapid charging gives players up to five hours of playtime with just a 10-minute charge. You can also play as you charge with the lightweight and flexible PhantomFlex USB-C cable.

The buttons on the mouse produce satisfying clicks, thanks to the pre-tensioned TITAN Switch Optical that provides a tactile feel with optical speed. The switches are durable, with a 100 million click lifecycle but given the overall build of the mouse, I question whether it can withstand a fall or two on a hard laminate floor. The click itself is a bit loud, though not as loud as some of my other mice, which is great.

Wireless gaming mice cannot afford any input lag issues. Everything needs to be precise, and movements need to be fast. The Burst II Air delivered as advertised. With dynamic accuracy provided by its 26k DPI/650 IPS (16.5m/s) optical sensor, and NVIDIA Reflex compatibility, the mouse is incredibly accurate and responsive. I want my mouse to be precise and speedy; I got exactly that.

The price point, seems right. At the time of writing, the Turtle Beach Burst II Air will cost you around $129 CAD ($99 USD). This is consistent with Turtle Beach’s pricing for similar wireless mice. This is a decent and fair price in my view.

The Turtle Beach Burst II Air delivers a comfortable, fast, and reliable wireless experience. It rivals some of the best mice I have used to date. Rest assured, you won’t be disappointed if you decide to take the plunge and pick one up. Everything from its slick-looking, comfortable ergonomic feel to its exceptional precision, the Burst II Air stands as a sound investment for anyone looking to seriously upgrade their mouse game.

***The product was provided to COGconnected for the purpose of this review***

The post Turtle Beach Burst II Air Mouse Review – Ridiculously Light appeared first on COGconnected.

Father’s Day is a special time to celebrate the remarkable men in our lives. For many dads, gaming is not just a hobby but a passion. A way to unwind, explore new worlds and sometimes bond with family. With less than a month to go before Father’s Day, time is running out. I am going to guess that barely any of you have picked something up for your old man. Well, I have the perfect gift idea for you and one that combines the love of gaming with a touch of sentimental value. Say hello to the Aura Frame, the ideal gift for dads looking for something better than a tie for their special day.

You may be asking, what is so special about a digital frame? This isn’t just any old frame. Aura Frames are high-resolution, smart digital photo frames that allow users to display and share photos effortlessly. These frames are designed with a sleek, modern aesthetic and come equipped with advanced features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, cloud photo storage, and an easy breezy app that makes photo-sharing a snap.

Let’s face it, dad gamers are often tech-savvy and appreciate gadgets that can integrate into their digital lifestyle. These frames sync with smartphones, allowing folks to easily upload photos from their phone camera roll, social media, or cloud storage services. The process is straightforward and user-friendly. I went to a baseball game on Sunday and by Sunday night, I had new photos added to my frame. It’s beautiful and your tech dad will love it.

What is slick about these frames for dad gamers is Aura Frames can be customized to showcase cherished gaming moments. Imagine a slideshow featuring epic victories, memorable in-game achievements, or your goofy sloth operator from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. It’s a unique way to celebrate a dad’s gaming journey and create a personal narrative that resonates with his interests.

Aura Frames come in various styles and finishes, making it easy to find one that matches your style and taste. Their high-resolution screens make every photo look vibrant and detailed. For the dad who takes pride in his gaming setup, an Aura Frame can be a stylish addition that complements his space.

The standout feature is quite easily the ability to share photos instantly. Family members can send photos directly to the frame from anywhere in the world. This means that even when Dad is engrossed in a gaming marathon, he can still receive real-time updates and photos from his loved ones, making him feel connected.

Choosing the perfect Father’s Day gift can be a challenge, but Aura Frames offers a unique blend of technology, personalization, and sentimental value that is sure to delight any dad gamer.

It just so happens they are on sale soon. Aura Frames is running a Father’s Day sale from June 3rd to June 18 on Amazon and auraframes.com:

Carver Mat – $149 (17% off)
Mason – $169 (15% off)
Mason Luxe – $199 (20% off)
Walden – $259 (13% off)

***Aura Frame was provided to COGconnected***

The post Aura Frames: The Perfect Father’s Day Gift for Dad Gamers appeared first on COGconnected.

GUNNAR Optiks and Marvel Studios recently joined forces to unveil a truly out-of-this-world eyewear collection – Guardians of the Galaxy Groot Glasses. I was fortunate to give them a test drive and much like other GUNNAR glasses, they are fantastic.

That’s the thing. I never really have anything bad to say about GUNNAR’s collection of gaming glasses. The Groot collection is no different.

At the heart of these spacey specs lies GUNNAR’s signature blue light-blocking technology, which acts as a shield against the harmful effects of prolonged screen exposure. Say goodbye to dry, red, or irritated eyes, and welcome clarity with every gaming session. Needless to say, after extended wear, my eyes never felt irritated or tired. They work exactly as advertised and this is no surprise.

The glasses are constructed using sustainably sourced walnut wood, ensuring that even Groot himself would nod in approval. The inclusion of flexible metal hinges and laminated carbon fiber internals helps in the durability department and does so without compromising comfort. Just like the Guardians themselves, it’s a perfect blend of strength and flexibility.

There is even a subtle yet unmistakable homage to Groot himself – the iconic “I am Groot” phrase etched into the frame. It’s a nice little touch and nice little reminder of the Guardian’s believed character.

Priced at $129, these glasses are reasonably priced. They come with a slick Guardians-themed case and Groot-themed glasses cleaning cloth. It’s a nice little touch.

So if you have ever been on the fence, why wait? Channel your inner Groot, grab your own pair today, and embark on a journey where style meets functionality.

Become Groot.

***The glasses were provided to COG for the purpose of this article.***

The post GUNNAR’s Guardians of the Galaxy Groot Glasses Are Pretty Rad appeared first on COGconnected.

Let’s face it, third-party gaming peripherals often promise the moon but fall short, leaving players stuck with equipment that just plain sucks. To be fair, it has been getting better in recent years. We’ve reviewed some amazing third-party accessories lately. While I would not consider PowerA’s Enhanced Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch with Lumectra “amazing”, it delivered as advertised. With its impressive array of features, customizable lighting, and ergonomic design, this controller ticks all the boxes and stands as a rock-solid investment.

The biggest seller of the PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller with Lumectra is the multi-zone RGB lighting system. It’s pretty cool in action. With 24 vibrant colors, 4 distinct lighting zones, and 3 dynamic lighting modes, you get an endless supply of color combinations. Whether you prefer calming colors for more chill adventures or a pulsating vibe for intense battles, this controller allows you to tailor the lighting to suit your mood. It’s eye-popping and looks great at night.

“Pro” controllers, especially Nintendo’s first-party Pro controller comes loaded with features and advanced gaming options. While PowerA’s Lumectra controller isn’t considered a “Pro” controller, it does have mapable buttons which is a staple of any Pro controller. It’s all about getting that competitive edge and having two mappable buttons that can be programmed on the fly helps you gain that advantage. It’s easy to set up which I appreciated. Far too many controllers have tedious system configurations. This controller does not.

The battery power is decent but doesn’t quite measure up to the Nintendo Pro controller’s 40-hour life cycle. The PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller’s rechargeable battery delivers up to 20 hours of gameplay on a single charge. That isn’t too shabby but I’ll admit, I wish it lasted longer. You do get a 10-foot USB C cable which reached perfectly from my Switch to my theater chair. Whether your Nintendo Switch is docked or undocked, re-charging is a breeze.

I should mention the controller is compatible with the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch OLED Model, and Nintendo Switch Lite, so you don’t have to worry about this controller not working with different types of Switch consoles.

The controller is incredibly responsive and feels great too. It’s accurate, responsive, and I never noticed any kind of technological glitches or lag. The buttons and triggers are smooth as silk. They feel great as everything worked as it should. Not to mention, the controller feels a little lighter than the Pro controller.

Comfort is paramount during long gaming sessions. The controller’s ergonomic design ensures you stay comfortable over the long haul. The textured grips on the back of the controller feel good and ensure a secure hold. The textured analog sticks provide precise control over your movements. Bottom line, my hands never felt tired or strained in any way and this controller certainly doesn’t feel cheap.

The PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller with Lumectra is a nice cheaper alternative to the Nintendo Switch Pro controller. For about 20 bucks less, PowerA’s wireless controller with its mesmerizing RGB lighting is impressive and didn’t disappoint. While it doesn’t have rumble features like the Pro controller, its advanced gaming buttons, long-lasting battery, and ergonomic design, more than make up for any shortcomings. For the price, you really cannot go wrong.

***Controller provided to COG for the purpose of this review***

The post PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller with Lumectra Review – Affordable Precision appeared first on COGconnected.

There comes a time in a gamer’s life when you have to come to terms with getting old. Don’t get me wrong, playing video games when you’re older is still fun, I love playing online with my COD crew and games just keep getting better. Yet, as you age that effortless joy of playing games can transform into a frustrating endeavor marked by diminishing reflexes, slower response times, and aches from hours spent staring at a screen. Not to mention eye strain is a recurring thing. It certainly was for me. Naturally, I was happy GUNNAR hooked me up with a pair of their Call of Duty UAV Edition gaming glasses. Sure, they don’t improve my reflexes and my kill/death ratio hasn’t improved, but one thing is for certain my eyes have never been happier.

One of the standout features of these gaming glasses is the aluminum-magnesium forged frame. I love the design and they feel expensive. Not to mention they are durable and remarkably lightweight. Lighter than my everyday reading glasses. I was able to wear the GUNNAR Call of Duty glasses for hours while the frames never really hurt my eyes. They are very comfortable and sturdy but also a bit flexible never really putting any pressure on my temples.

The adjustable nose pads which is a nice touch. I have a bigger melon with an average-sized nose, so it was nice to be able to adjust the nose pads to the size of my face. It also allowed for a good fit and they stayed securely in place during every gaming session.

The lenses themselves are pretty slick and are at the heart of these glasses. The G-Shield lens coating reduces glare, the lenses are smudge-resistant for clear vision at all times, and the oleophobic properties repel fingerprints and oils.

Not to mention it has blue light-blocking capability. Which helps protect your eyes from the potentially harmful effects of prolonged screen exposure. When you spend hours in front of a screen you’re exposed to a significant amount of blue light emitted by these devices. That blue light can cause digital eye strain, so it’s great these GUNNAR glasses filter out harmful blue light emissions. Apparently, this not only reduces eye strain but also promotes healthier sleep patterns by minimizing the disruptions caused by blue light exposure. Did I sleep better these past two weeks? No, but maybe this benefits others.

Beyond the lens technology, the Call of Duty UAV Edition glasses also provide 100% UV protection. Not that many play video games in a sunlit room, but this is a nice feature for those who game under bright lights, whoever you are…

It goes without saying these are officially licensed Call of Duty glasses with MWIII etched into both sides of the glasses. The aluminum frame features a mix of green camouflage-style colors. They are stylish looking and you won’t look weird wearing them.

Included with your purchase is a sturdy little glasses case, a microfiber pouch for on-the-go protection, and a cleaning cloth to keep your lenses pristine. Additionally, GUNNAR offers a 12-month warranty, which is perfect for me considering how reckless I am with my reading and sunglasses.

Not everyone needs to run out and buy GUNNAR’s Call of Duty UAV Edition Gaming Glasses but there comes a time when you get older, things just start breaking down. That includes your eyes. While these glasses won’t reverse father time, they will protect your eyes and reduce some of that eye strain you get from marathon gaming sessions. With a blend of rugged Call of Duty design, cutting-edge lens technology, and comfort-focused features, these glasses will elevate your gaming experience while protecting your eyes from the rigors of battle.

***The glasses were provided to COGconnected from GUNNAR ***

The post Leveling Up My Vision With GUNNAR’s Call of Duty UAV Edition Gaming Glasses appeared first on COGconnected.

Every time I check out a new pro or premium controller I cannot help but compare it to the Xbox Elite controller. In my mind, the Elite controller stands as the king of all gamepads. It checks all the boxes with those interchangeable thumbsticks, stunning premium design, feels fantastic, and has all the customization options you’ll need. Yet it’s expensive and let’s face it, not everyone needs that kind of a high-end controller. Turtle Beach recently launched its premium pro controller which checks a lot of those same boxes and it’s a bit cheaper. Turtle Beach’s new Stealth Ultra controller is a slick gamepad with a plethora of cutting-edge features. While it won’t replace my Elite any time soon, I am certainly impressed with almost everything this controller has to offer.

Out of the box, the Stealth Ultra screams premium product. In addition to the eye-popping controller, it comes equipped with a hardshell travel case with a built-in slot for charging, a low-profile charging cradle, USB dongle for wireless connectivity, and extra thumstick caps.

The controller certainly looks and feels expensive. It has an ergonomic shape and is comfortable in my hands. The rubber grips don’t feel as grippy as the Elite’s but they certainly do the job and my hands didn’t get sweaty, which is likely due to the micro-cooling channels. It is well built and appears durable too despite it weighing less than the Elite controller. The thumbsticks do not detach but we do get those two extra sets of domed thumbstick caps which allows you to tailor the controller to your preferences. The caps themselves? Well, they are nothing to write home about.

Fancy Schmancy

The star of the show; however, is the Stealth Ultra’s integrated 1.5” full-color “Connected Command Display”. I have never experienced anything like this on a controller and it is super cool. It acts as a dashboard that provides a centralized hub for customization. You can adjust the button mapping, thumbstick response, dead zones, vibration intensity, game and chat audio, and power settings. You can also tweak the RGB colors on the controller, your social media notifications, and low battery warnings. You can also create and manage your profiles on the Command Display. It is quite easily the best aspect of the controller.

Connectivity; however, wasn’t as much of a breeze as I thought it would be. The start guide makes no mention of having to plug the USB dongle into my Xbox. At least, it wasn’t clear in the guide. So I found myself fiddling around and researching online how to get the controller to pair with my Xbox. I was hoping the controller would pair with the Xbox without a dongle. Sadly, you cannot do that. You need the dongle. Fortunately, the dongle does plug into the charging dock, so you don’t have to tie up two USB ports on your Xbox.

Performance-wise, Stealth Ultra delivers. Granted, the D-Pad, thumbsticks, and buttons feel slightly different than most controllers which is likely due to its magnetic contactless sensors. It takes some getting used to but there is no question the controls are accurate and responsive. Everything works as it should. The triggers are adjustable too. The adjustable short and long-pull triggers are perfect for shooter fans and the four mappable buttons on the back allow you to further configure your control preferences.

Long Lasting 

Like other controllers on the market, the dual-rumble motors provide some nice feedback, and you can adjust it through the Connected Command Display. The controller’s high-speed charge dock offers convenience and a nice spot to store your controller in between gaming sessions. The battery life is impressive too. The charging dock provides up to 30 hours of wireless usage and fully recharges in just 2 hours.

True to Turtle Beach’s legacy of delivering rock-solid audio experiences, the Stealth Ultra includes some audio features. Using the 3.5mm jack you can adjust audio features, including Superhuman Hearing, EQ audio presets, game and chat volume mix, and mic monitoring. A nice little inclusion. Unfortunately, at time of writing, wireless headsets do not connect to your controller.

There is also a Control Center 2 companion app for adjusting settings on Xbox, Windows PCs, Android, and iOS devices. This merely adds another layer of convenience.

In many ways, the Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra Controller lives up to its hype, delivering an experience that goes beyond expectations. Its innovative color screen Comman Center is a game changer. Not to mention all the customizable options, its premium build quality, and compatibility across multiple platforms make this controller a can’t-miss option for those looking for a new gamepad. While the $199.99 USD price tag may be on the higher side, it is cheaper than the Elite and the Stealth Ultra justifies its cost with a plethora of features that rival any pro controller on the market. If you’re looking to seriously invest in your controller game, the Stealth Ultra is a fantastic option.

***Controller was provided for COG for the purpose of this review***

The post Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra Controller Review – The Future is Here appeared first on COGconnected.

There is no question Call of Duty’s single-player campaigns are always jam-packed with chaotic shootouts, epic set pieces, over-the-top characters, and combat that always feels great. Modern Warfare III is no exception. With the return of iconic characters like Captain Price, Soap, Ghost, and the rest of Task Force 141, it feels good to be back. Not to mention, I was looking forward to hunting down that evil bastard, Vladmir Makarov. After spending just under 5-hours (and that is taking my time) to finish the campaign I am left with some mixed impressions. There is a lot I liked but there was also a lot left to be desired. In this feature, I explore three things that I absolutely love about Modern Warfare III and three aspects that leave me with a lingering sense of disappointment. Strap in, gear up, and prepare to embark on a rollercoaster ride through the highs and lows of Call of Duty’s latest (and shortest) campaign.

The 3 Things I Love

Open Combat Missions

While I would not call the introduction of “Open Combat Missions” a game-changer for the franchise, I do appreciate what Sledgehammer was trying to do. That is, include more open-world-type missions that complement the traditional Call of Duty campaign format. Sure, the missions do play out similarly to the co-op missions in Modern Warfare II, but they didn’t feel out of place in Modern Warfare III. I enjoyed the sense of freedom and the exploration elements as I obsessively attempted to track down every weapon crate. I liked having the option to proceed through the missions as I saw fit. Whether I choose a stealthy approach or go in guns blazing, I can tackle objectives any way I like. Is it perfect? Absolutely not. I see a lot of room for improvement but this was a nice departure from those same old linear levels from past Call of Duty games.

Cut Scenes Look Amazing

Once again, the Modern Warfare franchise delivers when it comes to graphics. The attention to detail in the cut scenes is nothing short of remarkable. Character features are incredibly lifelike. It looks and feels like a true cinematic experience. These sequences seamlessly blend into the gameplay. The attention to detail in rendering explosions, urban landscapes, and character expressions is excellent. It gives Modern Warfare III that Hollywood blockbuster feel. I feel like many will sleep on these cut-scenes. They shouldn’t as visually they are stunning.

Level Rewards

Progressing through the campaign isn’t just about completing missions; it’s also about unlocking rewards. Rewards range from cosmetics like emblems and calling cards to operators, blueprints, and double XP tokens. It adds an extra layer of motivation and a sense of accomplishment to the campaign. It’s a nice little inclusion.

The post Modern Warfare III: Three Things I Love (and Hate) About The Campaign appeared first on COGconnected.

Horror games have come a long way over the years. From simple pixelated graphics to immersive, cinematic experiences that can send shivers down your spine, the genre has evolved. As video game hardware advances featuring cutting-edge technology, horror gaming has gone to a whole new level. The Xbox Series X/S is approaching it’s third birthday and in just a few short years, several horror games have made a serious impact. In this article, we’ll explore some of the scariest video games on the Xbox Series X that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Resident Evil Village

I am starting this list with Resident Evil Village because this game scared the bejeesus out of me. With stunning graphics, a hauntingly atmospheric village, and grotesque enemies, this game will make your palms sweat and the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. As Ethan Winters, you must navigate through a nightmare-inducing village while facing off against terrifying creatures and uncovering a dark mystery. The amazing visuals on the Xbox Series X make every encounter with Lady Dimitrescu and her daughters all the more chilling.

The Medium

Developed by Bloober Team, The Medium offers a unique dual-reality gameplay mechanic where players exist in both the spirit world and the real world simultaneously. It’s a cool concept and one that is terrifying as you play as a medium who has the ability to interact with the dead. In the game you’ll explore a haunted hotel and uncover disturbing secrets. The atmosphere is eerie and the soundtrack gives me chills. “The Medium” is just one of those horror experiences you think about days after putting down the controller.

Outlast: Trials

The Outlast series has always delivered the scares. I’ll admit, I have a tough time playing them. I just hate that hopeless feeling of some gruesome character chasing you down with nowhere to hide. It’s so stress-inducing! While not exclusive to the Xbox Series X, the console’s power enhances the game’s overall experience. Set in a twisted and horrifying asylum, Trials focuses on cooperative gameplay, where you and your friends can venture into hell together. Armed only with your wits and a flashlight, you’ll encounter enemies that’ll make you sh*t your pants. If you have anxiety issues, you might want to re-think this one.

Resident Evil 2

Back in 2019, we gave Resident Evil 2 a score of 90/100, and for good reason. It is a terrific and stunning reimagining of a survival horror classic. With breathtaking visuals, atmospheric lighting, and immersive sound design, the game takes advantage of the Xbox Series X/S hardware capabilities by delivering a truly terrifying experience. As Leon Kennedy or Claire Redfield, you must navigate the zombie-infested Raccoon City while uncovering a complex conspiracy. It features meticulously detailed environments and revamped gameplay mechanics. It is a spine-chilling journey that I highly recommend to Xbox owners looking for a spooky experience this fall.

Scorn

Granted, Scorn didn’t exactly blow reviewers away. Yet there is no question it features some grotesque creatures and has this unsettling environment that sends shivers down your spine. The Xbox Series X/S processing power highlights every gory detail. Scorn is certainly one of the most visually disturbing horror games to date. Sure, it has some flaws but this provocative nightmarish game is hard to put down.

The post Proceed With Caution: Scariest Video Games on Xbox Series X/S appeared first on COGconnected.

Last month I reviewed NACON’s RIG 600 PRO HS wireless headset. Considering its price (around $100 bucks USD) I was impressed. It featured solid sound, a slick app, and was pretty comfortable. Not too shabby at all considering the price point. Needless to say, I was excited to get my hands on NACON’s premium headset, the RIG 900 Max HX. These cans come with a fancy charge dock, works with all your gaming devices, and features Dolby Atmos. All for the MSRP of $ 249.99 USD. Sure, it’s significantly more expensive than the 600’s; however, these 900’s are truly a thing of beauty.

That said, the RIG 900 Max HX doesn’t exactly scream premium headset out of the box. Sure, it is built better featuring a reinforced steel headband and super comfortable ear cups. Yet, it is mostly plastic and it’s all-black design doesn’t exactly stand out. There is no RGB lighting or really anything that stands out. I look for the “wow” factor when it comes to expensive headsets and the 900 falls a bit short in this department. Yet this doesn’t take anything away from the superb sound and some of the stellar features of this headset.

Float Like a Butterfly

I do love how light and comfortable the headset is. It’s one of the lightest headsets I have ever picked up. It is super light and comfortable which is perfect for those long gaming sessions. Much of that comfort is due to the self-adjusting headband strap, which sits just below the metal headband and essentially adapts to your head size for a comfortable fit. You can also adjust the earcups using the preset small, medium, or large ‘snap-fit’ slots. The cushioned earcups, made of breathable materials, only further enhance the comfort.

Connectivity is a breeze too. After charging the headset on the cradle for a couple of hours (more on the battery life later), I wanted to see how the headset would pair with my mobile phone. It paired quickly but for some reason, I wasn’t able to play any music. Yet once I changed the headset to ‘Bluetooth’ mode I connected in seconds and the music was blasting.

The headset’s controls are all conveniently located on the left ear cup. There is a handy quick-start guide which was helpful as I became acclimated with the various buttons. The left ear cup features a standard power and volume mix chat wheel. It also includes the pair button and connection type (Dual-Mode, Bluetooth or Game). The flip-up mic is located on the ear cup as well. It wasn’t long before I had to stop pulling off the headset to locate all the controls. I eventually found myself picking them up quicker than I had with other headsets.

I gotta say I do love the RIG 900 Max HX charging dock. Even since I ditched my Astro A50s, I miss having a dock. I enjoyed having the convenience of being able to store my headset on the charging dock overnight. So it’s great to have one back again and it is easy to use as well. For Xbox, simply connect the base station with the wireless adapter to your console using the included USB cable. Or, you can remove the wireless adapter and plug it directly into your console, PC or laptop.

Stay Connected

One of the standout features of the NACON RIG 900 Max HX is its dual-mode wireless functionality. These cans offer a low-latency 2.4GHz connection via the base charge station or the wireless USB adapter. The bottom line, I never experienced any lag or audio glitches. Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity is also included which is great for checking out your favorite TikToks in between matches.

The headset takes full advantage of Dolby Atmos and the result is outstanding. I also love being able to personalize my Dolby Atmos experience. With the Dolby Atmos app, you can create a unique profile tailored specifically for you. The result is an incredible audio experience that only enhances any game you play on Xbox.

The battery life is equally impressive. You’ll never have to worry about running out of battery mid-game. With an impressive 50-hour battery life on a 2.4GHz connection and up to 60 hours when using Bluetooth, you can game for extended periods without interruption. When you are done playing, simply plunk your headset on the base station and you’ll be fully charged again within a few short hours.

This is a versatile headset as well. The 900s work with PlayStation and PC through its USB-A 2.4GHz wireless adapter. Additionally, its dual-mode functionality allows for Bluetooth connectivity, making it compatible with Nintendo Switch, mobile phones, and even portable gaming devices like the Steam Deck. I absolutely love this and so will folks who own multiple gaming devices.

When it comes to the headset’s sound, the RIG 900 is absolutely fantastic. Equipped with 40mm drivers, this headset packs a serious punch. It is well-balanced and offers clear detailed audio. With the RIG 900 app you can crank the bass but by default, the focus is on accuracy rather than excessive bass or treble. The audio quality is superb. The bass when playing Madden 24 is stellar. Call of Duty on FPS mode is absolutely brilliant as I could hear every little footstep and every bullet whizzing by.

Flip It Good! 

The NACON RIG 900 Max HX comes equipped with an omni-directional microphone paired with noise rejection technology. The result is crystal clear voice pickup. I do like being able to flip-to-mute the mic. Fiddling with the mute button is a royal pain, so it is nice to be able to flip the mic up for mute.

The NACON RIG 900 Max HX lived up to my expectations. While it isn’t a cheap set of cans, its dual-mode wireless versatility, personalized Dolby Atmos experience, fantastic comfort, lightweight, crystal clear audio, and fabulous charging dock makes this a rock-solid purchase. If you’re looking to take your gaming to the next level, the RIG 900 Max HX is right up your alley.

***The headset was provided by NACON for the purpose of this review***

The post NACON RIG 900 Max HX Wireless Headset Review – The Cradle Will Rock appeared first on COGconnected.

When it comes to gaming headsets, it feels like I have seen (and heard) them all. Over the years, I have reviewed everything from ridiculously expensive cans to more budget-friendly and dare I say “cheap” options. Yet, every now and then, I am pleasantly surprised. NACON’s latest offering, the RIG 600 PRO HS, is one of those rare occasions.

The RIG 600 PRO HS is nicely priced at just $99.99 MSRP. That is excellent value, making it one of the more affordable headsets on the market when you factor in its features. It’s remarkably versatile as well. The model I reviewed can be used on your PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC, or mobile device. Definitely one of the standout features is its ability to connect to a variety of gaming platforms. The inclusion of low-latency 2.4GHz wireless connectivity and Bluetooth means you can use this headset on all your gaming devices. Except you, Xbox.

Setup and connectivity is a breeze too. There is an easy-to-read quick-start guide that makes things simple when it comes to using your headset on your various devices. I appreciate clear instructions when it comes to new hardware, so props to NACON for including a quick start guide that dumbs it all down for me.

I do love how this headset has its own dedicated app. The Bluetooth connectivity of the RIG 600 PRO HS grants access to the 600 PRO Navigator app on both iOS and Android devices. The app allows for advanced customization, which includes being able to select various equalizer presets or fine-tuning the bass, mid, and treble as you like. You can also adjust mic sensitivity and monitoring levels as well. Its interface makes it easy to use and well I like being able to tailor my audio experience how I like.

While the RIG 600 PRO HS does boast some impressive features and it’s performance is excellent (more on that below) there are some design elements I wasn’t fond of. For starters, out of the box, it has a cheap plastic appearance. The headset is plastic, which makes it super light, but it has a less-than-premium feel compared to headsets made with better-quality materials like metal or high-quality composites. Its overall look is fine with the all-black glossy and matte finish, but the headset just doesn’t stand out. There is no RGB lighting or any other visible features that separate this headset from the pack. It is just a visually underwhelming headset.

That all being said, they are light and comfortable. The RIG 600 PRO HS weighs in at a mere 240 grams (8.5 oz), making it one of the lightest headsets I have ever worn. Despite this, my ears did get a bit hot during long gaming sessions. NACON says the fabric is breathable; however, my ears sure did get toasty after an hour or so.

Despite my issues with the design, these cans deliver when it comes to audio performance. Equipped with 40mm drivers enclosed in a tuned acoustic chamber, this headset delivers excellent sound. It is well-balanced and offers clear and detailed audio. It’s not too bass heavy either. Granted, with the app you can crank the bass but by default, the focus is on accuracy rather than excessive bass or treble. I get it, specific sound experience can also depend on individual preferences, but for me, the audio quality was rock solid. Is it the best sounding headset I have ever experienced? No. But for the price, I am happy. I could hear everything in all the games I played as I should. It produced enough bass with clear highs and detailed sounds.

I do like a mic that tucks away inside the headset. The RIG 600 PRO HS chat-optimized microphone discreetly folds into the earcup when not in use, which I love. A detachable mic isn’t always ideal as you may lose or misplace it. Likewise, a mic that cannot tuck away can be flat-out annoying. The integrated flip-to-mute function is a nice little touch, allowing you to take calls or jump into a single-player experience whenever you want.

The 18-hour battery life is impressive. So I have no complaints when it comes to the battery life of the headset. Likewise, I like the “dual-mode wireless” feature in the RIG 600 PRO HS with its ability to connect to devices using two different wireless technologies: a 2.4GHz USB-C adapter and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity. Being able to hear my phone ring through my headset while playing Call of Duty is pretty damn rad.

NACON’s versatile RIG 600 PRO HS features rock-solid audio quality, excellent comfort, and a handy dandy app. All coming in at a price that doesn’t break the bank. Granted, its look and design is less than stellar and it doesn’t have any noise-cancelling features or fancy RGB lighting. That said, if you don’t have a ton to spend on a premium headset, the RIG 600 Pro HS is perfect for all your audio gaming needs.

***The headset was provided to COGconnected for the purpose of this review***

The post RIG 600 PRO HS Wireless Headset Review – Affordably Versatile appeared first on COGconnected.

Last year, for the first time in forever, I took the year off from Madden. Sure, there were some big changes in my life but I was just so tired of the same old Madden yearly release cycle. I hit a wall. I didn’t have it in me to grind out another year on the virtual gridiron. After the year hiatus, it’s nice to be back. The break did me some good as I am enjoying Madden NFL 24 so far. I will say; however, if you have come to this review looking for insights from a hardcore yearly Madden player, you’ve come to the wrong place. My “hardcore” Madden days are long behind me. But if you want the perspective of someone who has been a lifelong fan of the franchise but skipped last year, you’ve come to the right place.

While I am enjoying my return to the Madden-verse, I have to admit, I expected a little more. Most of the modes from the past few years are here and they play out largely the same. Franchise, MUT, and Superstar are all back. It’s clear EA Sports is all about yearly incremental changes. That is fine, I have come to terms with it and recognize EA Sports isn’t ready to alienate their fan base any time soon with sweeping changes. They have a good thing going, sell a metric f*ck ton of copies and its popularity continues to rise. Yet still, it does feel a bit bare-bones.

If It Ain’t Broke…

I will say the Franchise mode does feel complete, Madden Ultimate Team is as addictive as ever and I am shockingly loving Superstar mode. I say shockingly because I just haven’t been a fan of EA Sports’ previous attempts at creating a Madden single-player story experience. As for the gameplay, it’s smooth and refined. Yet there just isn’t much “new” here. No new modes, it visually looks identical to previous Madden games, and I am just not seeing a lot of innovation this time around. In previous years, development teams took bold new chances. Some paid off, some did not. It doesn’t feel like the team took any chances with this installment in the franchise. It just feels safe.

Despite the approach this year, games are entertaining and intense. Passing has hit that sweet spot and the running game certainly appears balanced. There are new passing mechanics as there seems to be every year, but if you prefer classic controls, Madden 24 has you covered. Receivers react as they should (for the most part) and I didn’t see a lot of repeat animations. The offensive line seems to be picking up those nano blitzes better than ever. Exploits seem minimal… so far.

On the other side of the ball, tackling feels good, and collisions don’t always look the same. The lack of repetitive animations is noticeable and this is apparently due to EA Sports FieldSENSE technology. It’s all about creating more realism with tackling animations that respond to the size and strength of players. It’s EA Sports’ attempt at making every collision a unique experience and for the most part, they pulled it off. Every game featured some kind of new tackling animation. Not to mention, intercepting balls remains as challenging as ever and the corners close the gap quickly. Post routes are especially challenging to pull off this year. The defensive line doesn’t get the same kind of penetration as they have in previous games unless you are Aaron Donald, but that is okay. I despise playing games that feature 10 plus QB sacks. It’s authentically Madden and players will feel right at home.

Put Me in Coach

In previous years, I spent nearly all my time in Ultimate Team and Franchise mode. This year has seen a shift. I am really digging Superstar mode. Granted, there isn’t much in the way of innovation. Once again, you step into the shoes of an up-and-coming football player aspiring for greatness in the NFL. The narrative is familiar and predictable. Yet you spend more time on the field playing and developing your player. I play Madden to play football, not watch cheesy cut scenes between an agent and GM. The weekly drills and other extras that allow you to build XP, credibility, and skill points do start to feel like a chore after a while. Yet the gameplay and progressions system is spot on.

Madden’s money-making mode Madden Ultimate Team (MUT) returns and once again, it doesn’t look like a lot of changes were made. Not to mention the menus and UI are laggy. While the games themselves are fine, the MUT menu feels clunky and slow to respond. I am not sure what is going on but EA Sports needs to patch that quickly. It’s a rather large annoyance. Otherwise, MUT remains a grind-a-thon and there are plenty of opportunities to dump a boatload of cash into this mode. As with MUT every year, it grows as the season progresses and what feels like an empty mode right now, will quickly become packed with challenges and events.

Finally, Franchise mode feels complete at launch. That was one of my main gripes 2 or 3 years ago. It was simply unfinished. This isn’t the case this year. There is a lot of depth to the mode and the dev team has done a great job capturing all the intricacies of managing an NFL team over multiple seasons. If you just want to skip everything and play the games, you can do that. For those who enjoy scouting, drafting, and contract negotiations, Franchise has you covered. If you want to join a Franchise league with friends and draft teams, you can absolutely do that too. Overall, I have no real complaints with Franchise and am pretty happy with what we get here.

While the visuals seem very familiar, EA Sports has introduced “EA SPORTS SAPIEN technology” where player models boast enhanced animations, smoother movements, and a more lifelike physique. Maybe if I played last year’s Madden I might be able to tell. Otherwise, it looks like the same game to me. Sure, it feels great and I don’t have any real concerns with the animations, but from the naked eye, it sure doesn’t look like much has changed in the visuals department. This suggests to me the team at EA has perhaps maxed out the hardware capabilities of the Xbox Series X.

Bleeding Ears

The soundtrack is disappointing. I get it, a large portion of the Madden community loves hip-hop. In previous years we would get hip-hop songs, but we would also get alternative rock songs, some country, some pop songs, etc. There was at least some variety. This soundtrack leans towards a limited range of mainstream tracks, an overabundance of rap tunes, and just a lack of variety. Maybe it will grow on me but right now, this soundtrack is flat-out underwhelming.

Madden NFL 24 continues EA Sports’ legacy of making smaller more incremental yearly changes to its beloved franchise. While there doesn’t seem much in the way of “new” this time around and Ultimate Team suffers from some awful UI performance issues, the gameplay is silky smooth and all the fan-favorite modes return with notable improvements. If you’ve been away from the franchise for a few years, you’ll like what you see here, but for those hardcore folks who eat and breathe a steady diet of Madden, is this really that much better than NFL 23?

***An Xbox One code was provided by the publisher***

The post Madden NFL 24 Review – No Frills Football appeared first on COGconnected.

Last year we reviewed Roccat’s wired Vulcan II Mini keyboard. At the time, Erin was impressed with pretty much everything the keyboard had to offer. Its performance was excellent, the keys felt great, offered lots of customizable options and it looked fantastic. Less than a year later, Roccat released a wireless version of its Vulcan II Mini line of keyboards. Like its wired predecessor, the Vulcan II Mini Air is equally fabulous, and in my view better because it is indeed, wireless.

Granted, the wireless version will cost you a bit more. On the surface, its $179.99 USD price tag can seem a bit pricey for a keyboard that is 65% smaller than a normal keyboard. Yet compared to other mini keyboards on the market, the cost is reasonable and cheaper in many instances.

Naturally, it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles you typically see on a full-size keyboard. That is okay, this keyboard is not going to be for everyone. It’s really for gamers on the go, or even space-conscious folks looking for a compact keyboard. It’s easy to haul around and it will fit in nearly any bag. Its wonderfully compact low profile design is ideal for students. It would have been the perfect keyboard to take with me to E3… RIP E3.

Out of the box, the Vulcan II Mini Air features some quick start instructions, a dongle that is stored within the keyboard (a nice little feature I might add), the wireless keyboard itself, and a USB cable that is included for charging the keyboard or using it in wired mode when the wireless functionality is not needed. Standard stuff for most Roccat keyboards nowadays.

The sleek and compact design is the first thing that really stands out. There is no question it’s a good-looking keyboard. That said, when you turn on the keyboard with that RGB lighting, it looks stunning. The Vulcan II Mini Air boasts Roccat’s signature AIMO lighting system, which offers dynamic and customizable lighting. You can light up this bad boy however you want. Again, this is nothing new for Roccat as they have absolutely nailed lighting when it comes to their PC accessories.

It’s a well-built keyboard as well and a little heavier than the wired version. Its weight without the USB cable connected is 618g. The unit Erin reviewed is 542g. I know, it’s barely noticeable but it is noteworthy. Likewise, this keyboard is slightly bigger in length and width but only by a few millimeters. Like the Vulcan II Mechanical keyboard I just reviewed, the keyboard features a plastic chassis but it has an aluminum top plate which gives the keyboard a sharp look and certainly makes it feel like a premium product.

At the heart of the Vulcan II Mini Air are those smooth-feeling switches. These keys feel absolutely wonderful. Just as they did on the Vulcan II Mechanical. The tactile and low-profile switches produce a satisfying click. It isn’t too loud either. I mean, my wife thinks it’s “too clicky” and a bit obnoxious, but compared to other mechanical keyboards with similar keys, it strikes a nice balance in my view. Regardless, the Mini delivers as advertised as the switches are deadly accurate, super responsive, and satisfying to the touch. It is also worth mentioning this keyboard will deliver a durable lifespan of up to 150 million keystrokes, which is nearly double its mechanical big brother.

Connectivity isn’t an issue either and I absolutely love that this keyboard is wireless. The keyboard utilizes a 2.4GHz wireless connection, which is ideal for gaming. I never noticed any lag or slowdowns at all. Likewise, the option to connect via USB Type-C ensures a reliable wired connection when needed. So you’ve got options if you aren’t comfortable competing online with a wireless keyboard.

Its battery life is frankly, next level. One of the main concerns with any wireless peripherals is battery life. However, the Vulcan II Mini Air addresses this concern in a big way. The keyboard boasts an impressive battery life of up to over 240 hours of continuous use with no lighting on. Yet even with lighting on, you should get over 80 hours or so battery life, which is amazing. Needless to say, you won’t be running out of juice all the time with this keyboard.

I love how Roccat isn’t resting on its laurels. Did they really need to release another Vulcan II Mini, right now? Absolutely not as the 2022 Vulcan II Mini is great. That said, folks love wireless accessories. So it’s impressive that less than a year after release, the wireless version is here and it’s wonderful. Featuring a compact design, excellent build quality, and slick-looking lighting options, this little gaming keyboard is fantastic. If you want an exceptional typing and gaming experience, you’ve come to the right place.

***Roccat provided the keyboard to COG for the purpose of this review***

The post ROCCAT Vulcan II Mini Air Review – Pretty Little Keyboard appeared first on COGconnected.

Last year I reviewed the Roccat Vulcan II Max keyboard. I loved it. It checked all the boxes when it comes to a rock-solid gaming keyboard. Not to mention that RGB-illuminated wrist rest was pretty cool. Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been lucky enough to get my hands on the latest Vulcan II keyboard from Roccat, and needless to say, it’s an impressively affordable PC keyboard. The Roccat Vulcan II Mechanical Gaming keyboard feels absolutely wonderful and the best part, it’s not expensive.

Granted, it’s a wired keyboard and I do miss that illuminated wrist rest but there’s no denying these keys feel so damn good. The switches are easily its best-selling feature. They are super smooth, which is due to the new “TITAN II Mechanical Switches” that come factory pre-lubricated. Lubrication makes everything better, right? In this case, it makes for keys that feel satisfying to press and are incredibly fast and responsive.

Out of the box, the Vulcan II Mechanical features some quick start instructions, the wired keyboard of course which includes a braided cable with a standard USB connection, a detachable wrist rest, and that is about it. This full-sized keyboard will cost you around $149.99 USD which is cheaper than the Vulcan II Max I reviewed last year. Overall, I find the price point to be quite good considering the quality and overall durability. The RGB lighting is merely the icing on the cake. It illuminates the keyboard beautifully and looks stunning on my desk.

It’s a meaty keyboard as well. It feels a bit heavier than other plastic keyboards I have used over the years. Sure, the keyboard features a plastic chassis but it has an aluminum top plate which gives the keyboard some weight and durability. Bottom line, the size is perfect and the wrist rest is large enough for my wrists to sit comfortably on the keyboard. I never felt any wrist strain after extended use.

The design of the keyboard is certainly modern and sleek. The RGB lighting is visually striking as well with the way it shines in between the keyboard caps. The RGB backlighting is vibrant and completely customizable via the Roccat Swarm software. The inclusion of multimedia keys and a volume wheel provides convenient control options. I also like the push-to-mute volume knob, and 4MB onboard memory to save four profiles of custom lighting, key reassignment, and more. It’s a well-thought-out design that not only looks good but is highly functional as well.

When playing my favorite shooter, the keys deliver as advertised. They are accurate and super responsive. I almost felt like I had a competitive edge. The keys provide the right about of ‘clicky’ sound. It’s not too loud or quiet. With a short actuation distance, tactile feedback, and audible click, every keystroke just feels great. This keyboard apparently will deliver a durable lifespan of up to 80 million keystrokes, which is impressive.

I should also mention the Swarm Synapse software used to adjust the lighting and set up your profiles is easy to use. It works as advertised and is essential for those who want to customize their lighting and macros.

The Roccat Vulcan II Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is an excellent option for PC gamers looking for a reliable yet affordable gaming keyboard. Its price point is excellent and the Titan II switches are exceptional. They feel absolutely wonderful as every keystroke is butter smooth. Not to mention the RGB lighting is vibrant, customizable, and per-key illuminated, allowing for stunning visual effects. Need a new keyboard and don’t want to spend over a couple of hundred bucks? You’ve come to the right place.

***Keyboard was provided by Roccat for the purpose of this review***

The post Roccat Vulcan II Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Review – Buttery Smooth Clicks appeared first on COGconnected.

There is no question Razer has firmly established itself as one of the premier gaming accessories companies. Whether it’s a soundbar for your PC, a high-end mouse, or one of the many headsets they have produced over the years, you know what you are getting with a Razer product. I’m rarely disappointed. Every single Razer product I have used has lasted for years. I recommend them to friends. Razer’s Kraken V3 Pro is no exception. It’s a well-built fantastic-sounding headset. That said, it’s not all rainbows and unicorns for the Kraken V3 Pro.

Out of the box, the Razer Kraken V3 Pro comes with everything you need to get gaming right away. In addition to the snazzy-looking headphones, you get a detachable microphone, USB dongle, USB-C charging cable, 3.5 mm cable (necessary if you want to use the headset for your Xbox One or smartphone), and a user manual. That is about it. I’ll admit I am disappointed it didn’t come with a carrying case or storage bag of some sort. Many headsets at that price point include one, so sadly you are SOL here.

Sexy Cans

The headset boasts a stylish design as the RGB lighting on the outer ear cups really pops. I do love the overall aesthetics. It looks and feels like a premium headset. Its construction is sturdy and super durable. The combination of matte and glossy finishes gives the headset a slick look.

The ear cups are large but they rest nicely over my ears. The plush memory foam leatherette ear cushions are comfortable but they do get hot. It doesn’t help that the weather has been warm the past few weeks but regardless, I did find my ears heat up after about half an hour of continued use. The headset is adjustable and features the trademark Razer logo etched on the headband. The microphone itself is detachable and flexible, which allows for easy positioning. I will admit, I do prefer a mic that flips up when not in use but that is more of a personal preference thing for me.

Overall, the Razer Kraken V3 Pro is certainly one of the better-looking headsets on the market, but it is pricey. Currently, at the time of writing, it’s $269.99 CND which makes it one of the more expensive headsets on the market. Especially when you consider the features. This headset doesn’t include Bluetooth connectivity and if you want to use it with your Xbox One or smartphone, you have to use the 3.5 mm cable. Frankly, if you are looking for a new headset for your Xbox One, I’d avoid the Kraken V3. Not only is having to plug in the cable to the Xbox controller a bit of a nuisance but ‘party chat’ was brutal. The echoing was so bad, I had to unplug the mic. Apparently, others have experienced this issue in ‘party chat’ on Xbox as well. It’s a huge bummer and something I wasn’t able to resolve at the time of writing.

Xbox mic issues aside, the Kraken V3 Pro delivers exceptional audio quality. Equipped with TriForce Titanium 50mm drivers, this headset packs a punch, delivering fantastic clarity, depth, and precision. Every in-game sound is meticulously captured. I could hear every footstep and bullet whizzing by in my Warzone games and I could hear every ‘Last of Us’ Clicker from afar. The sound was stunning. It’s unfortunate I had issues with the mic on Xbox because I didn’t experience those issues on PS5, at all. The mic was super clear on PS5. Others said my voice was coming through loud and clear with no echoing at all. Bottom line I was impressed with the sound but I am left with some mixed impressions regarding the Hypersense haptics technology.

Royal Rumble

Don’t get me wrong, I love having haptic technology in my controllers. The rumbling makes for a more immersive experience but in my ears, it’s a bit much. That said, the Hypersense haptics is an innovative feature and it’s very cool. The best way to describe this is to think of it as having subwoofers in your ears. Every time the audio intensifies in game, which is frequently, the haptic technology rumbles in your ears. There is certainly an added depth and immersion, but it’s frequent, relentless, and can be a bit distracting. I found myself turning it off more than I was leaving it on. Regardless, I can appreciate what Razer is trying to do and it certainly does make for an intense and immersive experience.

I should mention its wireless connectivity was seamless. In other words, the headset would instantly connect to all my devices after the USB was plugged in. The low-latency 2.4GHz wireless connection made for a stable and lag-free audio experience. That said, the lack of a Bluetooth connection is an absolute bummer and in this day in age, should have been included.

There is no doubt the 44-hour battery life is impressive. Just keep in mind you have to leave the haptic bass feature and RGB lighting off if you want to pull 44 hours. Otherwise with both of those features on you only get 11 hours of battery life, which is not great but not horrible either.

Like other Razer headphones, the Synapse software provides a boatload of customization options. From EQ settings to customizing the RGB lighting, you have complete control over your gaming audio experience. It’s easy to use and a must for those that like to tweak their audio experience to match your gaming needs.

The Kraken V3 Pro is an excellent headset that features superb audio. Yet the lack of noise cancellation features, the lack of Bluetooth, and the absolutely horrible echo problem on Xbox Series X really dampens what should be an incredible audio experience. That said, if you are picking up the headset for your PS5 or PC, you won’t be disappointed. Xbox owners; however, should exercise caution.

**The headset was provided by Razer for the purpose of this review***  

The post Razer Kraken V3 Pro Wireless Headset Review – Haptic Break Dance appeared first on COGconnected.

I don’t think there has ever been a better time to be a PC gamer. Obviously, you’ve got hundreds if not thousands of incredible games to choose from but you also have a metric boatload of PC accessories at your disposal. Even when it comes to gaming mice, you can find a mouse that works perfectly for you. Need a meaty wireless mouse with all the bells and whistles, Razer’s Basilisk V3 Pro has you covered. Need a small wired mouse that has a ton of customization options but doesn’t break the bank? Razer’s Cobra mouse is perfect for you.

It is perfect for me? No, I prefer a beefy wireless mouse but that doesn’t mean the Cobra stinks. That is hardly the case at all. Sure, it’s small and wired but it’s incredibly responsive, super lightweight, and has all those features we’ve come to love about Razer mice.

Out of the box, the Cobra has everything you need to get clicking right away. Simply plug in the Speedflex USB cable and you’re good to go. My laptop recognized the mouse right away, which was fantastic.

The Razer Cobra’s design falls right in line with all other recent Razer mice. In other words, it’s clear aesthetics and ergonomics are at the forefront. With its smooth contours and matte finish, the mouse feels great. Not to mention the subtle RGB lighting effects that illuminate the logo look great. This mouse fits perfectly in my hand. It has a shape that will likely cater to various grip styles. The buttons are placed exactly where you would expect them and offer a ‘clicky’ tactile feedback. Despite the rather loud click, it’s effortless to click the buttons. It has a solid durable look and design. Sure, it doesn’t look nearly as slick as the Basilisk V3 Pro or the Cobra Pro but it’s a fraction of the price.

Equipped with an 8500 DPI optical sensor, the Razer Cobra delivers exceptional tracking accuracy and sensitivity. I have no complaints whatsoever regarding its performance. Like many mice, the Cobra offers on-the-fly DPI adjustments that allow you to switch between different levels of sensitivity. It feels smooth and precise. I never experienced any lag or jitters, which was fantastic. Sure that click is loud but it does feel satisfying.

With Razer’s Synapse software, the Cobra seamlessly integrates with it. With this software, you can customize and remap buttons, adjust DPI settings, and create personalized profiles for different gaming scenarios. Even the RGB lighting can be customized.

The wired Cobra mouse from Razer is a rock-solid mouse set at a budget-friendly price of around $40.00 USD. Granted, Razer has better mice available like the Cobra Pro or the Basilisk V3 Pro but you’ll pay nearly three to five times the price. So it all depends on what is in your budget. If you need a mouse that doesn’t break the bank and delivers exceptional performance, Razer’s Cobra won’t disappoint,

***Razer provided the product to COGconnected for the purpose of review***

The post Razer Cobra Mouse Review – Wired Lightning Rod appeared first on COGconnected.

It’s not every day I get to review a Bluetooth speaker. In fact, this might be my first, but you have to start somewhere, right? Granted I have reviewed a ton of tech for COG over the years. I’d like to think I know good audio when I hear it. So when JBL sent me this slick-looking Pulse 5 Bluetooth speaker, I was not only excited to take on a new challenge but I was curious how good this liquid light show of a speaker would sound.

Out of the box, this speaker is a stunner. It has a sleek modern cylindrical design highlighted by its 360-degree LED display that wraps around the entire speaker. It transforms the speaker into a living canvas splashing with vibrant colors. It’s a sight to behold and certainly one of the coolest portable speakers I’ve ever laid my eyes on. The colors seem to dance and intertwine with each beat. It’s truly the star of the show because let’s face it, a lot of Bluetooth speakers sound great but how many of them offer up this kind of visually immersive experience? Not many.

It isn’t just a good-looking speaker. The Pulse 5 delivers in the audio department. Overall, I found the sound quality to be top-notch, and did everything I hoped it would. Granted, I was initially underwhelmed. I found I had to crank up the base on the JBL Audio app’s EQ settings, as the default settings didn’t boom enough for me. Yet once I adjusted that bass, I was cooking with cheese. This speaker breathes life into some of your favorite tunes. The audio does come through crystal clear and sounds perfectly balanced.

Electric Hideaway

The 360-degree tube design also ensures everyone in your space will be able to enjoy the audio. Music filled the room, spreading evenly throughout the living space. Whether you are having a get-together with several friends or just chilling with your partner, the Pulse 5 has you covered by delivering rock-solid audio to everyone in the room.

What is really cool about this speaker is its ability to connect with other JBL speakers. So if you wanted to really kick up your audio game, go ahead and connect the Pulse 5 to another JBL speaker and really blow the pants off of everyone.

It’s also pretty versatile too. It is advertised as water resistant, so you should feel safe bringing it to the beach or by the pool. Granted, I never dropped this into water or brought it with me in the shower, so I’ll just have to take JBLs word for it that this thing is indeed waterproof. It is clear; however, that the Pulse 5 is well-built and durable, so if it does fall out of the back of your golf cart, it should be able to withstand the impact.

Easy Peasy

Connecting to the Pulse 5 is a breeze and the controls are super simple. Even the JBL Audio app is user-friendly and easy to navigate. With buttons located on the side of the speaker, you can power it on or off, pair and tinker with the lights. You can also connect with other JBL speakers with a touch of a button. Noticeably absent is a volume button. You can control the volume with either your phone or the app, which is a little annoying. A volume and mute buttons would have been ideal.

The battery life is decent. You get around 12 hours per charge which isn’t too shabby. Certainly not the best for a Bluetooth speaker but not the worst. For the cost (around $300 cnd), I did expect better battery power.

There is no question that the JBL Pulse 5 is a unique powerhouse of a portable speaker. It takes your Bluetooth audio experience to a new level and will surely dazzle your friends with its fancy light show. For the price, you can find better-sounding portable speakers. Yet when you factor in its durability, harmonious light show, its ease of use, and terrific sound, the Pulse 5 is worth a good hard look for anyone in the market for a new portable speaker.

***The Pulse 5 was provided to COG for the purpose of this review***

The post JBL Pulse 5 Bluetooth Speaker Review – Psychedelic Light Show appeared first on COGconnected.

Earlier this year I reviewed the PlayStation 5 DualSense Edge controller. I loved it. I still do and I just can’t see myself replacing it anytime soon. It is a premium controller in every way, with all the customizable options I could ever want. Sure, the Edge isn’t perfect but it checked off nearly all the boxes and remains my go-to controller. Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve put the Razer Wolverine V2 Pro Controller through its paces. While I am impressed with what Razer has done with their latest wireless controller for the PS5, the Wolverine V2 Pro isn’t quite the DualSense Edge killer I hoped it would be.

Don’t get me wrong, the Wolverine V2 Pro is rock solid. When I pulled it out of the box, I was impressed with the size. It’s a big meaty controller. It certainly has a presence. It has a sleek ergonomic design and feels good in my hands. Its advanced customization options allow you to personalize your controller with ease. The buttons are equipped with Razer’s “Mecha-Tactile” buttons, so each press does feel satisfying. The Chroma RGB lighting is merely the icing on the cake. So what’s not to like about this controller? Not much, but for me, it’s the little things.

Size Matters

Admittedly, I am lazy. Especially when it comes to gaming. I like to plunk my butt on the couch and not move, for hours. So while I appreciate how the dongle ensures a lag-free experience with its 2.4GHz wireless connection, I hate that this controller doesn’t turn on my PS5. This isn’t exactly a deal-breaker. Yet when I drop this much money on a controller, I’d like it to power on my PS5. I get it, this isn’t on Razer. This is Sony’s stubbornness when it comes to third-party controllers. It’s disappointing that here we are in 2023 and Sony still doesn’t allow third-party controllers to power on their consoles. It’s ridiculous actually.

I will say; however, connecting your controller to your PS5 is a breeze. Simply plug in the dongle, turn on your controller and you are good to go. The wireless connection is truly fantastic. I experienced no slowdowns or lag of any kind. I never felt like I was at some kind of disadvantage using a 3rd party controller. There is no question it delivers a stable and reliable connection.

The controller is also a sight to behold. This big sucker features an all-white finish matching perfectly my PS5. The textured grips feel wonderful and not once did the controller slip out of my hands. Even when my hands became a little sweaty, I never felt I was losing any grip. The buttons and triggers are ergonomically positioned, so I never felt any strain when smashing the buttons. It all feels natural. And of course, the Chroma RGB lighting looks amazing, making this a visually appealing controller.

What separates Razer’s Wolverine V2 Pro from the competition is its meticulously designed buttons. Those “Mecha-Tactile” buttons do feel superb. The responsiveness is quick and satisfying with every press. Speed and accuracy are the name of the game when playing games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and the V2 Pro shines in that department. While I mostly used the controller with the default layout, you can remap the buttons. Not to mention, I love the “hair-trigger” mode which allows you to activate buttons with minimal force. This just reduces response time and should give you an edge.

A Lot of Balls in The Air

Granted, it’s a lot to manage. This controller features six more buttons than the Edge: four back triggers and two top bumper buttons. For me, it’s unnecessary, but competitive gamers or those who take their FPS games seriously, you’ll love this. It’s all about having options and you can’t say the Wolverine V2 Pro doesn’t give you a plethora of options.

Yet it all comes at a cost and a rather hefty one. For Canadians, this sucker will cost you $299.99. Granted, it has tons of features and customization options. It’s great looking and feels wonderful. The battery life is also super impressive as you get up to 28 hours per charge. This absolutely crushes the Edge controller’s battery life. Yet for $300 bucks it doesn’t include a case and the controller doesn’t vibrate at all, which is odd. The PS5 is all about that glorious haptic feedback. Unfortunately, you won’t get it here.

This isn’t just a PlayStation controller either. The Wolverine V2 Pro is also compatible with PC. It can be used wirelessly via a USB-A dongle with the 2.4GHz wireless connection, or wired with the included USB-C cable. So there is some versatility here, which I can appreciate.

Razer’s Wolverine V2 Pro is a well-built controller that feels extremely comfortable, is super responsive, durable and the battery life is outstanding. For more competitive gamers looking for a gamepad that can be customized in a manner that is perfect for you, look no further. The Wolverine V2 Pro is a solid long-term investment for you. That being said, it’s expensive and doesn’t do all the things Sony’s first-party controllers can do. It’s hard to recommend this controller to more casual gamers as they likely won’t take advantage of everything the controller offers. Regardless, it’s still a monster of a controller that likely won’t disappoint.

***Controller was provided by Razer for the purpose of this review***

The post Razer Wolverine V2 Pro Controller Review – So… This Is What It Feels Like appeared first on COGconnected.

A few years ago my man Rhett reviewed Razer Blackshark V2 wireless headset and needless to say he was impressed calling them a “dream come true”. Everything from the comfort of the headset to the audio, Rhett didn’t have too many bad things to say about them, at all. Fast forward to the present and just like Rhett, I am pretty happy with what I have been experiencing with the Blackshark V2 Pro wireless headset. Sure, these cans aren’t the best in the business and you can certainly find higher-quality options. Yet for the price, the Blackshark V2 Pros is a superb sounding option for gamers looking for new cans.

Not to mention, they remain glasses friendly which is something Rhett really appreciated a few years back.

Granted, $199.99 USD (at the time of writing) isn’t exactly cheap. In fact, it’s significantly more than the Blackshark V2 but with all the features packed into these cans, it’s an excellent bang for the buck. The Blackshark V2 Pro includes a higher quality mic, 50mm drivers, “HyperSpeed Wireless” connection, audio profiles that have been tuned (and endorsed) by pros, noise-isolating memory foam earcups, and a whopping 70 hours of battery life.

Out of the box, the V2 Pros are a breeze to set up. Rip open the box and you have everything you need to get gaming right away. I mostly used the headset with my PS5, so it was merely a matter of plugging in the USB wireless dongle on the front of the console, powering on the headset, and just like that, audio began funneling through the earcups. I absolutely loved how easy it was to set them up. Likewise, pairing them with my mobile phone was simple too. Hold down the pairing button and my phone’s Bluetooth connectivity located the headset quickly.

I also like the overall look of the headset. My V2 Pros have a sporty white look with dark ear cushions and a dark comfort pad under the headband. Razer’s trademark logo is showcased on each earcup while “RAZER” is subtly etched into the top of the headband. The buttons are nicely tucked away and located on the rear of each earcup while a protruding volume knob is located on the left earcup. They look great. I would not feel embarrassed at all wearing them out in public. They have a clean modern design that should appeal to many.

Speaking of those buttons, there is a bit of a learning curve. I found in the early going I was referring to the instructions manual far more often than I would have liked. Not to mention, it was hard to tell the buttons apart as they blend into the white coating. Eventually; however, my muscle memory kicked in, so being able to differentiate between the power, EQ and mic mute button eventually became second nature. That said, I do love that big volume knob. As someone who has had to fiddle with volume sliders on headsets for the past 20 years, I appreciate having that knob that is easy to locate and adjust on the fly.

Built for Comfort

The headset itself is super light. They don’t feel big and clunky at all. It’s clear these cans are made for long gaming sessions and maintaining a lightweight design certainly appeared to be a priority for Razer. These are without question some of the most comfortable and lightweight headphones I have ever worn. The ear cushions feel great and I didn’t find my ears getting hot or sore at all, even after 3-4 hours of continuous play.

It goes without saying, the headset sounds fantastic. Those “Triforce Titanium” 50mm drivers deliver powerful sound. Just like its predecessor, the V2 Pros use THX Spatial Audio so you get a rich audio experience that isolates audio direction. Whether it be listening to a Clicker close in on you in The Last of Us or absorbing all those chaotic explosions and bullets whizzing by in the Shipment map from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, the V2 Pros do a superb job of bringing you closer to the action.

The EQ button on the right ear cup is a nice touch too. While you can customize your EQ setting using the Razer Synapse app, I was more than happy just using the default “music”, “movie” and “game” settings. You just jump from each setting by simply clicking the button on the right can. I appreciated that.

The mic appears to be significantly improved since the Blackshark V2 was released a few years ago. The mic is super clear. My buddies could hear me loud and clear with no crackling or any other glitches. I never experienced any lag or connectivity issues of any kind. The mic is detachable but I do wish it merely retracted into the headset or flipped up. I found myself disconnecting the mic when playing single-player games and it’s only a matter of time before I lose that mic.

Next Level Battery Power

As for the battery life, wow. I mean, wow! 70-hours of battery life is unreal. Granted, I didn’t have a timer with me over the past couple of weeks, so I do not know if that is truly accurate. I’ve been using them non-stop and I have yet to charge them. I keep waiting for them to die, but they don’t. It’s impressive. I don’t recall another headset I have reviewed lately that even comes close to V2 Pro’s battery life.

It isn’t all rainbows and unicorns with the Razer Blackshark V2 Pro. You cannot take advantage of any of Razer’s glorious RGB features, which have become a staple with their keyboards and soundbars. Likewise, there are no noise-canceling features with this headset which is a bit of a bummer, especially for frequent travelers like me. Not to mention, there is no storage case or bag for the headset, which is also a letdown.

While the Razer Blackshark V2 Pro isn’t exactly “a dream come true”, I am impressed with what you get out of the box. Featuring immersive clear sound, superior comfort, a sporty design, unreal battery life, and simple connectivity, the V2 Pro shines in nearly every department. It’s not a cheap headset and for the price, you could argue it’s missing some key features. That being said, if you are in the market for a new headset for your PC and/or PS5, the V2 Pro should not disappoint.

***A headset was provided by Razer for the purpose of this review***

The post Razer Blackshark V2 Pro Review – Apex Predator appeared first on COGconnected.

I’ve had a love-hate relationship with earbuds over the years. As someone who mostly wears them when working out, going for a hike, or just mowing the lawn, they never seem to stand the test of time. Mainly because I sweat like a pig. Even the best “sports” headsets eventually die because the moisture just eats away at them. It’s frustrating, but I’ve accepted that like a good pair of runners, every year or two they’ll need to be replaced. JBL Quantum TWS Air earbuds are pretty fantastic but will they withstand a steady pounding of perspiration? Likely not, even though they are “water resistant” but make no doubt about it, the TWS Air delivers an unparalleled audio experience.

Granted, there is a bit of a learning curve with these suckers. I found myself referring to the quick start guide a fair amount over the past couple of weeks while I become acquainted with the many controls and features. Learning how to answer calls, turn on ambient awareness and adjust the EQ takes some learning, but once you have everything down pat, the TSW Air stands as one of the best wireless sets of earbuds I’ve ever experienced.

Getting started is; however, pretty simple. Pairing the headset with my mobile phone took a matter of seconds. Likewise, pairing the headset to my Nintendo Switch using the USB-C wireless adapter is just as easy. It also works with your PS5 and PC. I’ve had lots of issues connecting earbuds over the years but it definitely wasn’t an issue with the TSW Air. I also loved how the USB-C adapter neatly tucks away inside the fancy charging case.

Just Tap It In

With the exception of managing the EQ settings, everything is controlled by tapping on your earbuds. Okay well, you can’t adjust the volume on the earbuds themselves either, but things like turning on the ambient sound, answering phone calls, and taking advantage of the talk-thru features are accomplished by tapping on the left earbud. Taping on the right earbud will control things like the pause button, skip or replay. On paper, sounds simple but in practice, it’s a bit cumbersome. There are occasions it just doesn’t do or respond like I want it to. Not a big deal, just takes a lot of trial and error. And patience.

Despite some minor fiddling, the earbuds do truly sound fantastic. Equipped with JBL QuantumSURROUND, the JBL Quantum TWS Air is a spectacular-sounding set of earbuds. They sound even better after you download the JBL audio app, which lets you adjust the bass because I always need more bass!

With the app, you can adjust the audio just the way you like. Songs from my Spotify app sounded outstanding. Likewise, YouTube videos, TikToks, and listening to the Sirius XM app all sounded superb. The clarity is indeed impressive. The clear highs and rich lows made for a complete audio experience.

Low Latency Loveliness 

Likewise, the low latency 2.4 GHz wireless connection makes these the ideal earbuds for gaming. Especially when on the go. I never noticed any kind of audio lag or delay in any games I played. Again, I have no concerns with how well they performed while gaming. For the affordable price of $99.95 USD (JBL website at the time of writing), the TWS Air is an awesome bang for the buck

I should also mention that the low latency dongle allows for dual source connection to both your phone and PC. With a total of four microphones installed (two in each bud) you can be certain communication will never fail no matter if you are gaming or chatting with your mate.

The JBL Quantum TWS Air earbuds battery life isn’t too shabby either. With up to 8 hours of battery life on a single charge, these earbuds can power you through even your longest commute, hike, or gaming session. Plus, with the included charging case, you can enjoy an additional 16 hours of battery life. Yes, there are many other earbuds on the market that offer more battery life, but good luck finding any at $99 bucks and that offer everything the TWS Air does.

The JBL Quantum TWS Air earbuds deliver as advertised. For the price, it’s hard to find a better-sounding set of earbuds. While the controls and fit take some getting used to, the overall audio experience is second to none. The JBL app is merely the icing on the cake. If you are in the market for great-sounding earbuds that won’t break the bank, the JBL Quantum TWS Air earbuds are a safe and reliable purchase that surely won’t disappoint.

***JBL Quantum TWS Air earbuds provided by manufacturer***

The post JBL Quantum TWS Air Earbuds Review – Who Needs AirPods appeared first on COGconnected.

JBL is quickly becoming a force when it comes to gaming headsets. We have reviewed a couple of JBL cans in the last few years and in each instance, we were impressed. Not only did they sound great, which is expected from the brand, but they were exceptionally comfortable and looked slick. The JBL Quantum 910 is no exception and continues JBL’s recent impressive run of delivering high-quality gaming headphones that surpass expectations.

Much like other headsets in the Quantum line, getting set up is remarkably easy. Crack open the box and you have everything you need to get gaming right away. In addition to the headphones, which come with a cloth bag for storage, you get a braided USB charging cable, a 3.5 mm audio cable for a wired connection, USB wireless dongle, USB converter, windshield foam for the microphone, and a quick start guide. The packaging itself looks really good too. It’s an eye-catching display which is nice for folks like me who like to keep the box.

While they are considered wireless, I should mention you have to use a wired connection if you are planning to use them with your Xbox One. This is a bit of a bummer, as I cannot stand wired headsets. So if you are thinking of purchasing these for your Xbox One, I would suggest you look elsewhere. That said, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch owners are cleared for take-off if you want to like to take advantage of its wireless capabilities. For the purpose of this review, I primarily used them wirelessly on my PlayStation 5.

Snazzy Cans

There is no doubt, the JBL Quantum 910 is a stunning-looking headset. It has a sleek and futuristic design. The modern look with its edgy appearance stands out compared to other headsets on the market. There is nothing boring about these cans. The ear cups are on the large side but nicely cushioned, which provides some extra comfort during some of those long gaming sessions. It appears quite durable as well as it’s a heavier headset and clearly well-built. The headset also features customizable RGB lighting, which is outstanding and will be a big seller for many. Its overall design screams high quality and the RGB lighting is the chef’s kiss.

Much like the Quantum 810s the controls are a lot to manage. I found myself repeatedly having to refer to the manual as I wasn’t sure (and quickly forgot) which button does what. In addition to the mic that is located on the left ear cup, you have the ANC button, the chat balance audio dial, volume control, the mic mute button, and also located on the left ear is the 3.5 mm jack, the USB port, and the charging light. The right side isn’t as bad with the power and Bluetooth slider and spacial sound head tracking control buttons. It was a bit of a learning curve for me, but I will admit, it gets easier with each use.

This is a feature-heavy headset as well so audiophiles should be pleased. In addition to the 50mm drivers that pack a punch, the Quantum 910s feature “QuantumSURROUND” technology that acts to enhance the audio creating a 3D-like soundscape. It’s all about bringing games to life and the 3D technology certainly pushes game audio in the right direction. The headset also features active noise cancellation technology which is becoming the standard for higher-end gaming headsets.

Due to the ear cups not providing a super tight seal, you can hear some outside noise but I’ll gladly take comfort over tight noise-cancelling ear cups any day of the week. It strikes the right balance so I don’t have any significant concerns about the noise-cancelling feature at all. The headset is also highly customizable, with the JBL QuantumEngine software which allows you to adjust EQ settings, microphone levels, and of course the glorious RGB lighting. It also includes dual wireless, 2.4GHz, and Bluetooth 5.2, so connectivity issues and lag are never an issue. Needless to say, the 910s are versatile, can be used with many gaming platforms, and are loaded with slick features.

It’s In The Game

The 910s also feature JBL “QuantumSPHERE 360” with integrated head-tracking and DTS Headphone:X 2.0. This is an innovative feature that takes audio to the next level and is only available in the 910s. How it works is the QuantumSPHERE 360 utilizes a set of sensors on the headset that track head movements and adjusts the audio output accordingly which creates a 360-degree soundscape. Again, it’s all about more immersion. QuantumSPHERE 360 is an impressive feature.

For the price point of $299.99 USD (on Amazon at the time of writing), you get a lot of bang for your buck. Granted this certainly makes it one of the more expensive headsets on the market but when you consider the sound, which is exceptional, comfort, and look, it’s a pretty good long-term investment.

I will say the JBL Quantum 910’s battery life is impressive. Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve only had to charge them once. According to JBL, you get 39 hours on a single charge life. While I didn’t have a stopwatch that certainly seems accurate. This is outstanding for folks like myself who hate having to worry about running out of juice while gaming. If you do start to run out of battery life simply pause your game, plug in the USB charging cable, and continue playing while charging. Now the charging cable is a little on the shorter side given my current gaming set up but regardless, the JBL Quantum 910’s battery life is a standout feature.

Boom, Boom, Boom

I really don’t need to say much about the sound as you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better-sounding headset for your PS5 or PC for the price. These bad boys sound fantastic. The bass booms and you can hear every little in-game sound. The clarity is impressive. The deep bass and clear highs made for an audio experience that is visceral and brings games to life.

I’m not surprised I enjoyed my time with the JBL Quantum 910. JBL is on the right track with its line of gaming headphones and JBL Quantum 910 raises the bar when it comes to headsets designed for gamers. Featuring impressive 3D head tracking technology, exceptional sound, sharp-looking design, and superb comfort JBLs latest gaming headphones are a hit.

***The headset was provided to COGconnected for the purpose of this review***

The post JBL Quantum 910 Wireless Headset Review – A Quantum Leap appeared first on COGconnected.

My Astro A50’s have been my go-to headset for the better part of the past decade. But lately, they have been acting up. I get random noise popping when playing on my Xbox Series X, sometimes they mysteriously don’t turn on and the battery life gets increasingly worse by the day. The writing is on the wall, it’s time to take the old A50s behind the woodshed. Turtle Beach Stealth Pro headset could not have come at a better time and after a few weeks of testing, I couldn’t be any happier.

Turtle Beach’s line of Stealth headsets have an excellent reputation. For instance, we reviewed the 700 Gen 2 MAX headset last year and walked away impressed. It received one of the highest scores we’ve ever given a set of headphones. So it comes as no surprise the Stealth Pro is equally rock-solid and continues the company’s impressive run of delivering gaming headphones that consistently surpass expectations.

I will say, it’s not all rainbows and unicorns for the Stealth Pro. On the surface, the battery life doesn’t even come close to the battery life of the Stealth 700 Gen 2 Max. Likewise, the price is a lot to stomach. At $329.99 usd, this makes the Stealth Pro one of the more expensive gaming headsets on the market.

Yet those are pretty much the only two drawbacks with one of them not really being an issue, at all. The Stealth Pro has a neat little feature that I absolutely love as it includes two swappable 12-hour battery packs that essentially provide continuous power. Sure, having to physically get my ass up to swap out the battery is a bit of a nuisance but Turtle Beach has made the process so easy and simple, it literally takes 30 seconds to make the swap. While one battery remains in your headset, the other one is charging on the transmitter that is plugged into the Xbox. It’s a good little system. Not to mention, I do love how quickly it recharges as a quick 15-minute charge delivers three hours of battery life. That is impressive.

Out of the box, the headset looks just as many Turtle Beach headsets do. There is nothing all that fancy or unique about them. There is no RGB lighting, tacky colour scheme, or anything over the top. The model I reviewed is black and grey with leatherette memory foam ear cushions. They feature Turtle Beach’s trademark logo on the earcups, a flip-to-mute mic, and all the controls are on the right ear cup. It’s a simple design and doesn’t stand out from the pack, but this certainly won’t be a grievance with its core target audience. It wasn’t with me.

Comfort-wise; like many TB cans, the headset does fit a bit snugly on my head. Yet you get a tight seal, which makes the noise–cancellation quite effective. I mean I could barely hear anything with the headphones on. My wife can confirm this. Sure, I do a fine job tuning her out at the best of times but this headset truly silenced her. It was amazing! You can adjust the feature as well. Go can go for nearly full noise transparency all the way to 25dB noise reduction at 100Hz.

Super Stealth

Just like other Stealth headsets, it is glasses friendly but my ears did get warm over extended gaming sessions. Not a huge deal breaker by any means but just something I noticed after an hour or two of gaming.

Connectivity is a breeze. Simply plug in the included wireless USB transmitter into the Xbox (yes the one that also charges the spare battery) and turn on the headset. That is it. Connectivity was instant as it recognized my headset soon after everything was powered on. I should also mention the connection was strong. I did not experience any lag, mysterious power issues or any sound popping.

So how do they sound? Just like other Stealth headsets, they sound wonderful. The Pro features 50mm Nanoclear neodymium drivers that deliver crystal clear sounds. Clear highs and rich lows are the name of the game while the bass can pack a punch. The audio comes through crystal clear with no lag or latency issues. Bass and Turtle Beach’s trademark Superhuman Hearing Mode can all; be adjusted via the Turtle Beach Audio Hub app. While I found myself using the headsets factory default settings, I did enjoy playing around with the app. Remarkably, the app is easy to set up and instantly changes the settings on your headset whenever you want. Again, connectivity in all aspects was stupid simple and a breeze.

The attached mic also comes through crystal clear. My Call of Duty bros had no complaints when it came to how my voice sounded coming through the mic. Muting the mic is accomplished by simply flipping the mic up. The transmitter turns red when on mute so you never have to question if you are muted.

I should also mention the headset comes with a little travel bag, which is a great way to store your headset. I do appreciate this was included as it isn’t with many other Turtle Beach headsets.

Hello, Is It Me You’re Looking For?

As I mentioned above, you can connect directly to your iOS or Android device with Bluetooth 5.1 technology and take your Pro on the go. One thing I really like about this is the dual connectivity feature where you can simultaneously listen to your own music, and Discord, or make calls while gaming. My wife really liked this feature as it was the only way she could interrupt me while gaming. But seriously, this is a slick feature I didn’t realize was a feature until I started scrolling TikTok in between COD matches.  

Turtle Beach is touting the Stealth Pro to be the king of gaming headsets and in many ways they are. Once again, they have delivered a headset that checks all the boxes. While marketed towards Xbox users, the headset works across all platforms. Its exceptional sound, amazing versatility, and slick battery-swapping feature make this headset feel like a truly premium product. Sure, it’s pricey but it’s quite easily one of the best long-term investments you’ll make this year.

***The headset was provided to COGconnected for the purpose of this review***

The post Turtle Beach Stealth Pro Review – It’s Good To Be King appeared first on COGconnected.

If you wanted a decent headset 10 years ago, you’d have to spend some serious coin. Sure, you could grab yourself a cheapy, but chances are the thing will fall apart in 6 months. Nowadays, you have options. Lots of options. Everyone from Turtle Beach to LucidSound has affordable headsets that actually sound decent. Not to mention they are comfortable too. The market is competitive and JBL is in the mix with their line of budget-friendly headphones. The JBL Quantum 360X is yet another addition to the JBL family of cost-friendly headsets. Given the current state of the economy, these bad boys could not come at a better time.

At around $129.99 USD (MSRP at the time of writing), the 360X is certainly affordable. Considering it’s got 40mm drivers and sporty looking design, that is a pretty good bang for the buck. They are comfortable and aren’t an eyesore. Sure, there are many better headsets available, but for the price, the 360X is an excellent bang for the buck.

Don’t let the name fool you, these aren’t headphones for those old Xbox 360 consoles. While the headset is clearly advertised for Xbox One owners (and reviewed mostly on my Xbox Series X); they also work with PC, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. It also worked brilliantly with my mobile phone via Bluetooth connectivity. It’s a versatile headset, which is a nice bonus and great for those that game on more than one platform.

The black and green design with black leatherette ear cushions has a stylish design. The JBL logos are etched on each ear cup and all the controls are located on the ear cups, with most of the controls on the left cup. The cans are a little on the small side, which is okay as they aren’t bulky at all. My preferred and more expensive A50s are significantly larger, so it’s a nice change to go from mammoth cans to more bit-sized headphones.

The 360X has a clean, fresh look. Sporting those classic Xbox black and green colors, you won’t be embarrassed wearing them in public. That said, I hated the detachable mic. I prefer a mic that flips up or is retractable. Instead, this mic needs to be plugged in and if you want to mute the mic, you need to press the mute button on the left ear cup. Not a deal breaker but I just hated yanking it off every time I wanted the mic out of the way. It’s just a bit intrusive is all.

Granted, I liked how there is a storage bag is included in the box. This allows you to not only store your 360X, but also that mic, and the charging cable. I hate leaving my headphones laying around, so having a storage bag is a nice little add-on. Yet make no mistake about it, this is a no-frills package. In fact, inside the box, all you get is the headset, some instructions, a dongle, the bag and a USB charging cable. That is it. There aren’t a lot of bells and whistles inside the box. That is okay. I expected this for the price.

Sound-wise, the 360X sounds great. The bass packs a punch, the audio is crisp and the overall clarity is impressive. The headphones aren’t noise canceling, but the way they wrap around your ears it’s hard to hear outside noise. If you told me they were noise canceling, I’d believe you. The sound is crystal clear with no lag, crackling, or popping. The sharp bass and clear highs made for an audio experience that feels immersive. As I mentioned the headphones come equipped with 40mm drivers that make for an enjoyable and impactful audio experience.

Connectivity is a breeze. Simply plug in the dongle, turn on the headset and within seconds the headset paired with my Xbox. It also paired with my phone in an instant. It was impressive. There is a quick reference guide but I only used it to look up the various controls. There is no doubt these headphones are idiot-proof.

Comfort-wise, the 360X is okay. I say okay as I found my ears got really hot, really quick. After a couple of hours, I needed to take them off to give my ears a bit of a breather. They fit snugly, so they won’t slip off your head. In fact, you could probably work out in them and not have to worry about them falling off your head. Just realize these suckers get super toasty.

The 22+ hour battery life is good, but not great. When you consider other JBL products feature a longer battery life, the 360X seems a little disappointing. That said, it is on par with other similar headsets on the market. At the end of the day, I’ll only need to charge them up once a week, if that, so that isn’t too shabby at all.

I will say it’s nice the headset features the ability to play and charge at the same time. Sure, this should be given in 2023, but thankfully it’s not something you’ll ever need to stress about. The JBL Quantum 360X also features “DualSOURCE” which allows two devices to be connected at the same time. Again just a nice little feature I’m happy is included.

When you factor in the price, JBL Quantum 360X delivers as advertised. The sound packs a serious punch and its ability to work with nearly all your gaming devices, including your phone or ipad, is impressive. Sure you can find loads of better headsets on the market, but if you are looking for a headset that provides decent battery life, sounds great, fits nicely on your melon and won’t break your budget, the 360X is a rock solid investment.

***JBL Quantum 360 X was provided by JBL***

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Last year I was fortunate enough to check out Razer’s Leviathan V2 soundbar. At the time, I was blown away. That sucker packed a serious punch. The sound was fantastic and its subwoofer rattled all the trinkets on my desk. It was and remains an impressive soundbar, perfectly ideal for gamers looking to boost their PC sound game. Over the past couple of weeks, I am once again lucky enough to check out Razer’s Leviathan V2 Pro soundbar, and just like its predecessor, the Pro version is outstanding. If you’re looking to ditch that old headset or your shitty computer speakers, the Leviathan V2 Pro is an incredibly good option.

I have to admit, initially, I was a little puzzled why Razer would release another soundbar less than a year after the Leviathan V2 launch. I mean, it’s a great soundbar, why do we need another so soon? Well, the Pro version isn’t just any old soundbar. It’s the world’s first beamforming soundbar with advanced AI head-tracking and it’s pretty f**cking cool.

I know, it sounds fancy and at first, I thought it was just another way of marketing the soundbar. But it isn’t. This thing is legit.

So how does a beamforming soundbar with head-tracking AI work? It’s kinda wild as Razer’s head-tracking AI technology with its integrated IR camera beams audio directly to your ears. The soundbar’s camera essentially detects where your ears are located, regardless of lighting, creating a sweet spot where you get precise surround sound. It’s almost like wearing a headset. The result is fantastic as the sound is awesome.

Setting it all up is crazy easy. Within a matter of minutes, I had the subwoofer and soundbar hooked up and running. Granted, unlike its predecessor both the subwoofer and the soundbar need to be plugged into power outlets. This is surprising as you don’t have to do this with the base model. But I guess it’s not all that shocking when you consider how great both the sub and soundbar sound. Naturally, great-sounding speakers require more juice. Do I wish they were wireless? Sure, but that isn’t an option at this time.

The soundbar and subwoofer are slightly bigger this time around, so it takes up a little more space on my desk. Yet that didn’t bother me. The extra real estate is a small sacrifice for a super-sounding soundbar.

The Razer Leviathan V2 Pro costs around $399.99 USD. That is certainly pricey and significantly more than the $249.99 USD last year’s version costs. If you already own a Leviathan, you really don’t need to rush out and pick up the Pro quite yet. You can ride it out for another year or two. But if you want the best gaming soundbar on the planet, then you’ll need to buck up if you want the Pro. It’s worth it.

There are several settings at your disposal. There is a setting for music, gaming, and movies. You can also customize EQ settings on Razer Synapse. This is all standard stuff but the game changer rests within the 3D audio settings. I mainly set the soundbar on ‘THX Spatial Audio Virtual Headset’ mode, as I found this was the best sounding mode. I didn’t mind the ‘THX Spatial Audio Virtual Speakers’ mode but it just didn’t have the punchy bass that the ‘Virtual Headset’ mode offered. I loved how I didn’t have to adjust these settings within an app either. Sure, in order to take advantage of all the soundbar features you’ll want to download the Razer Synapse app but it’s nice you can adjust everything using the buttons on the actual soundbar. I will say; however, I do wish the different settings were labeled on the bar, somehow. Having to look up the manual for the different settings was a bit of a nuisance.

Regardless, the audio is crisp. It’s got clear treble with rich lows, and the bass booms, especially in Game mode paired with Virtual Headset mode. Even while listening to music, I found myself leaving it on Game and THX Spacial Audio Virtual Headset mode. That seemed to be the sweet spot for me.

I don’t mind wearing a headset while gaming but having the option to set it aside and play with the soundbar on is great. Playing Call of Duty, for instance, sounds amazing. Gunshots pack a serious punch and you can hear every little footstep. It’s quite remarkable as it feels like the sound is wrapping right around your head. The drivers, tweeters, radiators, and subwoofer all deliver crystal-clear sounds. It’s impressive. Granted, I do wish I could adjust the bass on the subwoofer itself but unfortunately, that is not an option. Regardless, you still have plenty of options when it comes to various listening modes.

The soundbar has exceeded all my expectations but, I am not going to lie, it absolutely sucks it doesn’t have an HDMI connection. I would love to plug this bad boy into my TV. I prefer watching movies in the comfort of my living room, not on my PC. So the lack of an HDMI connection is a bummer. The lack of an optical input is a letdown too, but it does have a 3.5mm input for connecting your favorite headphones which is a nice little addition. The Pro version also has low latency Bluetooth connection, which is great for listening to your favorite podcast or Spotify. For the past couple of weeks, I’ve been listening to music non-stop on the soundbar and I’m loving it.

The customizable RGB lighting on the soundbar looks great as well. It’s not over the top or distracting at all. The lights are located just below the soundbar, so it’s subtle and looks slick. All the lights are controlled with not only Synapse but the Chroma RGB app via Bluetooth connectivity. If you love customizing your RGB lighting, Razer always has you covered.

The Razer Leviathan V2 Pro soundbar is without question a badass soundbar. Once again, Razer has outdone itself by delivering a soundbar that PC gamers will fall in love with. Sure, it’s expensive and I wish it had HDMI connectivity, but the beamforming technology is impressive resulting in an audio experience that is second to none. If you are looking to ditch your headset or you’re craving an unmatched immersive audio experience then look no further. The Leviathan V2 Pro is simply fabulous.

***The product was provided to COGconnected for the purpose of this article***

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