🎧 Review: Logitech G432 Wired Gaming Headset - A Budget Contender for Immersive Sound
ELECTRONICS - The Logitech G432 Wired Gaming Headset steps into the highly competitive budget-to-mid-range gaming peripheral market, aiming to deliver a solid audio experience with the promise of 7.1 Surround Sound and DTS Headphone:X 2.0. Building upon the legacy of its predecessors, the G432 offers a blend of versatile connectivity, large drivers, and essential gaming features at an accessible price point. But does this black and blue headset deliver the performance a modern gamer needs?
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| Review: Logitech G432 Wired Gaming Headset - A Budget Contender for Immersive Sound |
Key Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Detail |
| Driver Size | 50 mm |
| Surround Technology | DTS Headphone:X 2.0 (via USB DAC on PC) |
| Platform Compatibility | PC (via USB DAC or 3.5mm splitter), Console (3.5mm), Mobile (3.5mm) |
| Microphone | 6 mm Flip-to-Mute Mic |
| Ear Cups | Leatherette |
| Color | Black/Blue |
Design and Build Quality: Functional but Dated
The aesthetic of the G432 is classic Logitech G-series: a chunky, all-plastic build with striking blue accents against a predominantly black frame. The design is practical, with earcups that swivel flat, a feature that’s useful for resting the headset around your neck or packing it away.
Materials: While the plastic construction keeps the headset lightweight, it does contribute to a somewhat flimsy and dated feel compared to newer competitors. The hinges and adjustment sliders, though functional, can sometimes feel less robust than desired.
Comfort: The G432 utilizes leatherette ear cups over foam padding. For short to medium sessions, the comfort is generally good, offering decent clamping force without causing headaches. However, a common critique is that the leatherette material can cause heat build-up over longer, intense gaming sessions, leading to sweaty ears. Users with wider heads might find the fit a bit snug.
🎶 Audio Performance: Where the G432 Shines (with a Caveat)
The core strength of the G432 lies in its audio delivery, powered by large 50 mm drivers.
Stereo Sound (3.5mm): When connected directly via the standard 3.5mm jack (to consoles or mobile devices), the headset provides a respectable, clear sound profile. The bass is present but often subdued, allowing the mid-range and treble to maintain clarity. This results in an audio experience that doesn't overpower dialogue or crucial in-game sound effects like footsteps and reloading. However, some reviews note that the sound profile can become somewhat muffled or thin when using just the 3.5mm connector.
7.1 Surround Sound (USB DAC): The true potential of the G432 is unlocked when using the included USB DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) on a PC. This activates the DTS Headphone:X 2.0 technology, providing virtual 7.1 surround sound. This feature is crucial for competitive gaming, as it creates an expansive, spatial audio landscape that significantly aids in directional awareness, allowing you to accurately pinpoint enemy locations in titles like Counter-Strike 2 or Apex Legends. Furthermore, the Logitech G Hub software allows for custom EQ settings and surround sound volume adjustments, letting PC users tailor the sound to their preference.
Crucial Takeaway: To get the best sound quality, especially the immersive surround sound, using the USB DAC on a PC is highly recommended. The difference in audio fidelity between 3.5mm and USB is notable.
🎤 Microphone Quality: Functional, but Not Exceptional
The G432 features a large 6 mm flip-to-mute mic, a convenient feature that automatically mutes the microphone simply by flipping the boom up into the vertical position.
Clarity: The microphone is perfectly adequate for in-game communication. Teammates will hear you clearly enough to coordinate strategy.
Performance: While functional, the overall microphone quality is often cited as being average at best. It can exhibit a noticeable de-emphasis in the lower frequencies, meaning users with deeper voices might sound slightly distorted or thin. It serves its purpose for gaming comms but isn't one you'd use for serious streaming or content creation.
Platform Versatility
One of the headset's major selling points is its broad compatibility:
PC: Full functionality with USB DAC (Surround Sound, G Hub software) or 3.5mm splitter.
Console (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch): Works via the standard 3.5mm jack. Note that the DTS Headphone:X 2.0 and G Hub features are not available on consoles.
Mobile: Works with any device featuring a 3.5mm audio port.
Conclusion: A Strong Budget Performer with PC Focus
The Logitech G432 is a compelling option, especially for the PC gamer on a budget. Its 50mm drivers deliver strong, clear audio, and the included USB DAC with DTS Headphone:X 2.0 provides an excellent, competitive advantage through accurate spatial sound—a feature typically found in more expensive headsets.
👍 What We Liked:
Excellent Value: The inclusion of the USB DAC and 7.1 DTS Headphone:X 2.0 at this price is a steal.
Audio Quality (via USB): Clear, expansive sound that excels in competitive gaming.
Flip-to-Mute Mic: A convenient and practical feature for quick muting.
Cross-Platform Support: Ready to use across almost all major gaming systems.
👎 What Could Be Better:
Build Quality: The plastic build feels somewhat cheap and can creak.
Comfort for Long Sessions: Leatherette earcups can become hot and uncomfortable over several hours.
Mic Performance: Functional for gaming, but not high-fidelity.
If your primary gaming system is a PC and you value immersive, accurate audio without breaking the bank, the G432 is highly recommended. However, if you're a console-only player, you might find other 3.5mm-only headsets offer better overall value and comfort since you won't be able to utilize the key DTS Headphone:X 2.0 feature.