Roccat Renga
Gaming audio on a budget.
Priced as low as $50, the Roccat Renga is one of the more affordable headsets we tested. It uses a fairly classic, if somewhat basic design, with a 2.5m cable and dual 3.5mm jacks. The headset itself has large 50mm drivers, with thin but wide overthe-ear-style pads. Rather than being fully enclosed, the Renga has gaps between the earpads and the drivers. This makes it an open design, where it is easier to hear external noise, and is typically a little bit cooler in use.
Keeping everything mounted in place is an expanding bridge design, with strong but flexible metal supports. The result is a tough but flexible headset that is very comfortable to wear. The Renga drivers offer a standard 20 – 20,000 Hz frequency response and a 32 Ohm impedance. While open design robs the bass of some of its kick, the mid and high ranges are quite clear. Cable noise is mercifully low, and you’ll still be able to keep tabs on what’s going on around you. Audio from the mic is excellent, despite it being a little stiff to position perfectly, and is a typical swing-down boom-style with an adjustable end.
While this isn’t a headset you’d choose to listen to music, the Renga gives better than expected gaming performance considering the price. The Renga includes an inline volume and mic mute control, and has a dual 3.5mm to single 3.5mm adaptor for use on varied gaming setups.