ROCCAT Kulo 7.1 USB Gaming Headset Review (PC)

A stylish headset that walks the walk and talks the talk

As a gamer I find that having that competitive edge is always a plus when playing games online or even offline. So I was really looking forward to getting my hands on a new gaming headset from ROCCAT, the ROCCAT Kulo.

The first thing that strikes you (other than the clever packaging) is the design. ROCCAT have added their unique fingerprint to the look, mostly black with clean angles, the Kulo looks like the love child of a stealth bomber and a pair of headphones. The head band has metal running through it to make the head set durable and bomb-proof.

ROCCAT’s Kulo has some cool features for the user to enjoy, I particularly loved the microphone. It has a fantastic automatic muting system, simply flick up the microphone and its muted, brilliant!

So the head set looks nice with all its awesome grooves and shapes, it’s also light-weight which is always a good thing! It’s just a shame that the worst part of the head set is the ear cushions. Yes they are well padded and do indeed cushion your ears but the pattern on the actual cushion has a tendency to rub against your ears. It feels like the covers were cut too quickly or cut with something blunt, leaving sharp edges.

When playing games or listening to music the head set sits on your head perfectly, the padding on the head band cushions well. It would be nice if the padding ran a little further though, people with larger than average heads may find the sides digging in.

Along the wire there is a volume control switch which enables you to control sound quickly, without any fiddle. Just a quick flick of the finger is all that is needed, allowing the hardcore gamer to keep track of their game whilst they frantically play!

The Kulo’s 40mm speakers provide mostly excellent sound quality as a stereo headset. It delivers clear audio, however I did find that at times the bass was a little lacking. Also, when playing Call of Duty and Battlefiled it seems to perform poorly with long distance noises, like explosions. It’s not a massive problem and the sound quality is still great but for £50 but I expected just that little extra from ROCCAT. This version also came with a USB in 7.1 surround sound card. Whilst this can be used purely plug and play, it is only when you have installed the supplied software that you can start to get the Virtual 7.1 working. The software was pretty easy to use and with some careful (random) tweaking, I was able to improve some of the initial shortcomings. The surround sound effect is actually quite good, one of the better ones I have heard. Of course you won’t be fooled into thinking this is the real thing, but it certainly adds some much needed depth.

Overall the ROCCAT Kulo is a decent gaming head set and should not be ignored by any means. It sounds great with its 7.1 surround sound card, though falters ever so slightly. It’s comfortable on your head although it’s just a shame that the ear cushions can be uncomfortabe after long periods of play.

I would suggest this head set to anyone who doesn’t want to spend a ridiculous amount of money.
The Scores (Specs follow)

The Specs

MICROPHONE 

GENERAL

SOUND CARD (STEREO & VIRTUAL 7.1)