Turtle Beach Earforce Z22 & Z60 Amplified PC Gaming Headset Review

When it comes to PC gaming headsets there are few manufacturers in the industry that need no introduction. Today, Technology X has the privilege to delve deep into this category with none other than Turtle Beach. Turtle Beach has more than 35 years of audio experience, which means they have probably been producing high quality audio headsets longer than most of their users have been able to walk or talk.

The two headsets being reviewed today are the Turtle Beach Earforce Z22 Amplified PC Gaming Headset and the Turtle Beach Earforce Z60 7.1 Channel Surround Sound PC Amplified Gaming Headset.

TURTLE BEACH EARFORCE Z22 AMPLIFIED PC GAMING HEADSET 

There is something about the packaging for Turtle Beach PC Gaming headsets that is overwhelming, something that just generates this internal urge to rip open the packaging and start gaming. The minimalistic design on the front includes a glimpse of the headsets ear cups along with some key features. However, that MLG gaming logo alone proves that this headset is a force to be reckoned with.

We switch to the back of the packaging, where we find out that the Turtle Beach Z22 is an official headset of Major League Gaming. We also see the various features and specifications included with the Z22.

FEATURES

Inside the the box we will find the Z22 headset along with the inline amplifier, a 3.5mm auxiliary cable, the quick start guide and a Turtle Beach Sticker.

Let’s start by taking a look at exterior features of the Z22, starting from the top. The top of the Z22 features a wide headband, with leather covering the top and a large breathable mesh cushion below.

Moving down the PC gaming headset we reach the ear cups. These large over-ear cups also feature the same breathable mesh cushions for your ears. On the outside, there is a swivelling system that allows the ear cups to tilt up and down. This is to allows for the ear cups to easily adapt to the size and shape of your head. The ear cups do rotate slightly side-to-side, but not past more than roughly 10 degrees. The foam inside the headset is actually memory foam, so the ear cups will create a noise barrier. This will isolate the sound you hear to just that of your game.

On the left ear cup there is an adjustable microphone boom that can rotate 90 degrees, which would remove the microphone from sight.

SPECIFICATIONS

If we were to take a look inside those ear cups we would find a 50mm speaker in each one. These speakers produce great audio, whether it be playing a game or just listening to music. The sound you hear is precise, clear and full. When using the microphone, the audio has been reported from a distant user to have similar characteristics of the audio produced: crisp, clear and full!

What intrigued us the most about the Z22 is the Advanced Inline Amplifier that is included. On one end of the amplifier, you connect all your audio inputs (which could be your phone or mp3 player) and then connect the headset into the 3.5mm headphone jack on the other side. Now, you can control the audio from all your inputs, plus change the volume for your microphone and control bass and treble. You can even adjust the volume of your microphone monitor, chat and game with this small, yet powerful amplifier. Probably the best feature of all is the Dynamic Chat Boost. As your game becomes even louder from a roaring engine, gun fire or explosions the chat volume will automatically increase. It’s just one less thing you need to worry about in stressful gaming situations.

The overall comfort and feel of the Turtle Beach Z22 is incredibly shocking. The Z22 is truly designed to be worn for hours on end. Even for just a few hours of listening to music, the headset sits comfortably while not making you feel as though you have device gripping your head. The breathable mesh and foam within the ear cups really makes all the difference as the humidity in the ear cups doesn’t build up as quickly as some leather ear cups and you barely notice you are wearing them.