Besides the abundance of cheap, clip-on alternatives that are adequate for late-night smack talk and little else, it can be difficult to find a quality headset for gamers on a budget. But entities like Mad Catz’s own TRITTON brand have been shaking up the competition for entry level console chat devices, providing high-quality options for those seeking more expensive thrills usually reserved for brands like Turtle Beach. This trend continues with the Tritton Kunai Headset, designed specifically for Sony’s PlayStation 3 and PS Vita consoles, a great option for the demanding gamer on a budget – with only a few notable concessions.
The body features an outer glossy shell (available in subdued white, bold red, or in sharp black colors) with a contrasting black finish that matches the large padded headband and comfy earmuffs that, as advertised, keep any unwanted noise outside from the game where it belongs. The term “bigger is better” is what the Kunai represents with its silver TRITTON logos adorned on the top and the sides and detachable color-tipped microphone boom that easily twist-clicks on and off. Aesthetically, they’re large yet relatively understated if you ignore the long 14ft inline volume/chat controller with a breakaway cable that features USB/analog RCA stereo connections. Regardless of the additional mess of cords, it probably is one of the sleeker styled headsets you’ll come across.
As an inexpensive gaming headset, the TRITTON is quite a compelling piece of gaming equipment. But for those expecting a simple plug and play experience, the Kunai might not be for everyone. If you’ve embraced the convenience of wireless or dislike modifying your HDTV, AV receiver, or home theater setup, then prepare yourself for the annoyance of adjusting this headset for the PlayStation 3 or PS Vita systems. In order to get proper sound, you’ll have to reconfigure your Audio Output settings on the XMB menu along with breaking out some relic composite AV cables just to feed the sound from the PS3 to the TV, and finally to the headphones themselves. The Kunai might be a burden if you invested in the latest standard of digital audio output such as HDMI via ARC (Audio Return Channel) or just loathe wires running across your living room. However, for the majority of users this ‘Frankenstein approach’, it may actually be a step-up from their basic TV speakers.
If you value deep bass with matching treble, then you’ll appreciate the clarity and overall balance, despite the linear delivery issues that basic 2 channel speakers often have, such as harmonic distortion, were almost nonexistent; a fault not easily defeated with most entry-level sound gear. Sadly, much of that audio magic disappears when using the Kunai as a standard headset when the in line/USB/RCA wire isn’t attached – meaning just the standard 3.5mm jack. While this makes it compatible with – despite its branding – any other 3.5mm jack-sporting device (i.e. console, computer), you’ll get none of the benefits like enhanced sound or even access to the microphone.
For online gaming and voice chat, the microphone attachment was also surprisingly well suited for picking up my voice even when there was plenty of outside interference. I’m not one for laying down the verbal baggage, but having such a voice-friendly microphone at the ready made laying into the endless stream of online idiocy pretty tempting. Needless to say, the noise cancelling technology was optimal in nearly all of it’s uses, gaming or otherwise.
Those gamers on tighter budgets who’ve looked jealously on high-priced headsets should turn their gaze towards Mad Catz and their TRITTON Kunai Headset for the PlayStation 3 and PS Vita. It’s difficult to tell whether the folks at Mad Catz were trying redefine the entry-level gaming audio or simply bring out the cheapest headset by any means (the RCA/USB cable is evidence of this). Whatever your opinion, the Kunai does everything you’d expect while providing a solid, yet comfortable design, outstanding sound quality, and a clean line of communication between you and your online friends and enemies alike. It’s not be the perfect gaming headset, but it’s definitely good enough for its asking price.
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Mad Catz
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TRI881040001
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$59.99
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