Corsair HS65 Wireless headset full review

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This article presents a review about the new Corsair HS65 Wireless headphones. These wireless headphones are an upgrade from the previous model, the Corsair HS65 Surround, which offers similar or even better sound features, and also features wireless connectivity via Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz. From the connectivity, it is possible to enjoy all the advanced features of the system, including management through iCUE and SoundID 7.1 technology with Dolby Audio, without compromising a minimalist, versatile, and lightweight design.

Design

Regarding the design, the Corsair HS65 Wireless has an identical appearance to the Corsair HS65 Surround, but with internally modified elements to reduce its weight from 282g to 275g, which is impressive considering it is a wireless headphone with an integrated battery.

The headphone is mainly made of rigid plastic, with a headband bridge internally reinforced with aluminum to improve resistance without adding weight. However, it is important to note that due to the use of lighter materials, care must be taken not to open them too much. The single bridge design for the headband features a wide external arch in the main color and a wide support area on the head with memory foam as padding and a soft cover of synthetic leather (polyurethane).

Regarding the headband structure, at each end is the head adjustment mechanism, with ends constructed in aluminum to improve the system’s robustness. A saw adjustment system is used to allow a firm fixing and an extension of 35mm on each side of the head arc.

Regarding the attachment system of the ear cups of the Corsair HS65 Wireless, it is quite original with a circular section of aluminum that allows a vertical rotation greater than 90 degrees with just the right hardness to maintain firmness. The only anchor on the ear cup also allows for a slight rotation that adjusts the horizontal orientation to fit perfectly to the face.

The ear cups are circumaural and have an elliptical shape of 80 x 105 mm. The outer part is made of rigid plastic and is completely closed to improve sound isolation in the main color, although they are also available in white and black. In the housing, there is a grille-shaped embellisher with the brand logo, but there is no lighting.

Inside the ear cups, we find very comfortable memory foam pads that fit well on the face, covering the ears completely. The measurements of the pads are 17mm thick and 24mm high, covered in synthetic leather on the outside and silky-touch fabric on the inside to improve breathability. The bottom of the ear cups is covered with flexible and soft-touch fabric.

The microphone is located on the ear cup’s left rod and can be folded upwards. Instead of a removable jack system, Corsair has opted for a typical folding system, which allows for a slight orientation but not as much as caterpillar-style rods. The rod measures 135mm in length and has a plastic coating, and the folding system automatically activates and deactivates the microphone.

Controls

The controls of the Corsair HS65 Wireless are integrated into the edge of the ear cups, spread across both units. On the left ear, we find the USB-C charging port, the volume wheel with digital control and an equalizer selector, and a button to mute the microphone. On the right ear, there is a power button, a battery indicator LED, and a multifunction button.

The USB-C port only functions as a power source and not for data transfer, which means we must always be connected via Bluetooth or radiofrequency. The volume wheel has digital control that allows small volume jumps when turned. By pressing the wheel inward, a second control is activated that allows us to select from four equalizer profiles.

The multifunction button is mainly used to pair Bluetooth devices, holding it down until the LED blinks between red and blue. If we are connected to a smartphone or PC, we press this button to answer or hang up calls, play or pause a music track, or press it twice to advance to the next track and three times to go back. With a quick press of the power button, we switch between 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth.

The Corsair HS65 Wireless LED indicator shows the battery charge status with the colors green, orange, and red, indicating the amount of available charge, from most to least.

User experience and technical features

Regarding the technical features of the Corsair HS65 Wireless, they are very similar to the Surround version, equipping custom 50mm neodymium transducers that offer a frequency response of 20 to 20,000 Hz with an impedance of 32 ohms. The sensitivity is 114 dB, slightly higher than the Surround version, which was measured at 111 dB.

In addition to being default stereo headphones, when connected via 2.4 GHz frequency, they function in surround mode simulating a 7.1 profile. However, this profile adds echo to the voice, so it is recommended to use it only in games. The best option is to use Sonarworks SoundID technology with Dolby Audio compatibility. Any type of connection has four default equalizer profiles, including standard, bass boost, theater, and FPS.

The Corsair HS65 Wireless can be connected via Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz frequency. In addition, the 2.4 GHz frequency incorporates a low latency function in the dongle, which provides a coverage of approximately 15 m, depending on the thickness of the walls. The 2.4 GHz frequency is compatible with PC, Mac, and PS5 via the dongle, although nothing is specified about Xbox, it should also work. In addition, it is compatible with any Bluetooth device, such as a smartphone or tablet.

The battery of the Corsair HS65 Wireless lasts approximately 24 hours with a full charge and 6 hours with only 15 minutes of charge, although the battery life will depend on the volume used, the distance to the device, and the connection mode. In our tests, using 30% volume and playing for around 5 hours a day for 4 days, we were able to approach 24 hours of autonomy.

The speaker behavior is excellent, with a suitable frequency balance that gives prominence to both treble and bass, in addition to a good level of detail and reproduction of nuances in the audio. The ear cups do not produce muffled effects and have good passive isolation. The maximum volume is very high, although above 90%, it is not recommended for the ears, and there may be some frequency mixing.

Regarding the microphone, it has an omnidirectional pickup pattern and offers a wide frequency response of 100 to 10,000 Hz, a sensitivity of -41 dB, and input impedance of 2.2 kΩ. It is not mentioned if it has Discord certification and does not have noise cancellation, as the Surround model did.

Control software

To support SoundID technology, we need the latest version of iCUE, which is compatible if we find an indication to configure SoundID in the customization section of the Corsair HS65 Wireless. Through a sound adjustment guide, the system will guide us to create a profile automatically while we select the output we like best with a music clip.

In addition to the additional sections, we can activate the virtual 7.1 system, but it is important to note that it generates echo in voices, which is not very realistic. Finally, the configuration panel allows us to monitor the status of the headset, including auto-off, battery indicator on the taskbar, and microphone boost adjustment.

Final words about the Corsair HS65 Wireless

The Corsair HS65 Wireless is an excellent headset at a reasonable price in terms of specifications and design. Thanks to its wireless connectivity, it offers the great experience of the Surround model and the versatility of having 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth. The battery lasts more than 20 hours at 30% volume, which is quite satisfying.

In addition to a good balance of frequencies by default, the Corsair HS65 Wireless also has several equalizer profiles and SoundID technology for fine tuning. The microphone works very well for use in Discord and calls, and is also compatible with smartphones and other platforms. However, it lacks features such as noise cancellation and a detachable rod.

The design of the Corsair HS65 Wireless is excellent, with a low weight and comfortable fit. The ear pads are a bit cold at first in winter, but are very comfortable on both the ear cups and the headband. The recommended price is $140 USD, which is more expensive than the Corsair HS65 Surround at launch. Overall, it is a good headset for its price, showing reliability and good performance where it is required.