If you're a PlayStation 3 user and want to enjoy the full benefits of being able to communicate while playing online with friends and complete strangers (mostly the latter, it seems) than by now you've probably realized there are plenty of choices when it comes to Bluetooth headsets - an almost endless supply of Bluetooth-enabled options all vying for your buying dollar. But not all headsets are created equally, and now Tritton (the headset division of Mad Catz) has decided to throw their hat into the wireless ring with their SwitchBlade Wireless Headset for PS3, which promises quality communication, comfort, and style where such things seldom co-exist.

Tritton believes they have a lot to prove with this headset and it definitely has the looks to make an impression. Some might describe the SwitchBlade as futuristic or a far-reaching but sleek throwback-inspired design; no matter what you call it though the edgy styling is an attractive piece of hardware depending on personal tastes. The body is long and the upper-half is a foldaway microphone boom that tucks away for both portability and function: it also turns the unit on/off when tucked/untucked. There's also a Bluetooth pairing/multifunction button (slapped with the Tritton logo) near the base and a physical on/off switch on the left side, volume buttons also flank the sides along the mono earbud and a flexible plastic ear hook underneath.

Finally, a micro-USB connector sits on bottom and is designed to easily connect to the included pedestal base (which is also micro-USB).

A lot of forethought went into the SwitchBlade with clever functions going hand-in-hand with great design. Unlike other headsets the flip-out boom is a godsend if you’re not into manually turning off the headset - and thus saving battery life. This feature alone already puts it near the top of the pack in terms of usefulness for lazy types like myself.

Another great feature is that it's one of the few Bluetooth communicators that can be paired (and operated) with two different devices at once thanks to call holding feature that allows you to either accept, decline, or place incoming calls or PSN chat session channels on hold with the ‘Tritton’ branded button. Because of this you don’t have to put up with the distraction of trying to fiddle with your cell phone during a living matchmaking game as I’ve often done before. Alternating between important calls and trash talking has never been so simple.

Using the SwitchBlade for prolonged sessions wasn’t terribly uncomfortable as the single swivel ear hook fits on either ear and never felt heavy, if anything you’ll certainly appreciate its durable nature. This wouldn’t be a modern headset without some sort of noise reduction features and the SwitchBlade falls in line with most competitors. The sound quality overall is fine for most online chat sessions or phone calls but everything else sounds rather flat; voices tend to be clear but still lack the bass that I’m accustomed to, and there's no way the Tritton is going to replace your stereo headset anytime soon. But deep acoustics were never the point of this headset anyway, and what it lack in perfect audio is more than made up for in battery life at roughly 7-8 hours on a single charge, outclassing a number of other Bluetooth-powered devices.

Those PlayStation 3 users still hunting for a quality Bluetooth headset that looks great, sounds good, and likes to play well with other Bluetooth-enabled devices way want to give Tritton's SwitchBlade Wireless Headset for PlayStation 3 a proper look. Not only does it feature a stylish body and smart flip-out microphone boom that saves space (and double-functions as a on/off switch for us forgettable types), but it lets you alternate between taking incoming calls and getting right back into the profanity-laced fun of online PSN multiplayer and chatting. Of course, some may not appreciate its overt styling (its hardly discrete), and the sound quality, while perfect for chatting, won't impress audiophiles anytime soon. Still, you might be hard-pressed to find a better gaming headset (for the price) for the PS3 than this.