There's no doubt about it: EKSA's E910 5.8GHz wireless gaming headset is a good device in the sense that you're going to get quality jams from its cups. There's a solid balance to the audio output so that no elements overpower one another, the wireless functionality lives up to its promises, and the actual design of the headset is bold without being gaudy.
However, a series of minor nitpicks chip away at the E910s. It's not a "death by a thousand cuts" scenario, but it's also not far off. A so-so microphone, questionable compositional resilience, and some annoying quirks hold the E910 back from greatness.
Bottom line: If you want good sound (why else would you want headphones?), the E910 headset does the trick. However, it's going to annoy you in a few choice ways in exchange for strong audio.
For
- Balanced sound
- Stylish headset design
- Retractable microphone
- Works with PC and consoles
Against
- So-so mic quality
- Seems fragile
- Lives and dies by the dongle
EKSA E910 5.8GHz wireless gaming headset: What I like
Let's get it right out of the way: The EKSA E910 headset has good audio. The 5.8GHz wireless experience is solid and balanced. Don't expect boosted bass or overpowered treble; everything is exactly as it should be in a headset pitching itself as a quality all-around audio experience. However, this does hurt it when it comes to bass-heavy music, wherein sometimes certain frequencies can be low enough that the E910s won't fully acknowledge them.
But that's a nitpick for bass enthusiasts; those wanting good balance are in for a treat. Similarly, those who like gaming headsets that don't look flat-out stupid are also in for a good time. The EKSA E910 isn't exactly subtle, but its cups' glow and triangular, Deus Ex-y aesthetic is neat, and the all-black build looks slick. The retractable mic is also a convenient addition and helps minimize the "gamer"-ness of the headset. And for those of you who care about animal life (as we all should), the faux leather on the cups is great.
The range of the wireless functionality extends such that you can have the dongle plugged into a PC in one room and travel a few rooms over and still receive sound, which isn't bad by any measure. And the battery life will last the majority of a standard workday, though not much longer. Still, combine all these perfectly solid results and functionalities, and you end up with a compelling package for both PC and console usage.
Here are the E910's specs, to put some hard figures behind all those compliments up above:
- Driver diameter: 50mm
- Connection method: 5.8GHz Wireless
- Transmission distance: 10m/33 feet (360°)
- Speaker sensitivity: 115dB ± 3dB
- Frequency range: 20Hz-20KHz
- Speaker impedance: 20Ω±15%
- Mic sensitivity: -42±3dB
EKSA E910 5.8GHz wireless gaming headset: What I don't like
This headset does not feel like it can take a notable accident, or be grabbed at the wrong angle (it has two external cords), and remain perfectly intact. Now, for full disclosure, I have not tried slamming the headset into the ground or deliberately yanking it at an angle that'll make a cup snap off, but the feeling of fragility is there. And for the price, that's not a great drawback. The cups' fabric is thin as well, meaning it's unclear how long they'll last before tearing and wear start to become apparent.
The headset can be a little snug, even with its height adjustment capabilities. This can make for an unpleasant experience if you are sensitive to headphones with a bit of grip. And the lack of amplified bass or sound customization options, while not an objective flaw, is worth noting for those who treasure deep rumbles and buzzes. Speaking of sound: Audio controls between your device and the headset don't always sync up right away, sometimes requiring an on/off reset. Don't keep your device volume at 100 while syncing with these cans on your head or you'll risk going deaf (tune first, then wear).
The microphone could also be a dealbreaker for some. It doesn't reach very far from its retractable hole, so if you have a wide jaw, that could be an issue. Some colleagues and friends have told me the E910's mic sounded fuller and richer than my laptop's built-in mic, but more described it as fuzzier and less clear, implying that the fullness and fuzziness being described are the same phenomena with different results depending on the listener's speakers. TL;DR: The E910's mic, overall, isn't great. Serviceable if you need it, but not the universal ideal.
EKSA E910 5.8GHz wireless gaming headset: The competition
Given its price bracket, the EKSA E910 may not hold up against the best PC gaming headsets in the same price range. It has the edge on the HyperX Cloud II Wireless cans simply due to cost and the fact they're both reliant on a dongle (no Bluetooth). But if you don't prize the dongle-bound cordless experience, the wired options on that roundup are worth checking out as cheaper, and potentially more durable, alternatives with better mics.
Still, so long as you're looking for a gaming headset and not something Bluetooth-friendly to go outside with, the E910s are decently versatile, which is more than a lot of the wireless competition can say. They can rock out on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One (no mention of the Xbox Series X, unfortunately), and the Nintendo Switch.
EKSA E910 5.8GHz wireless gaming headset: Should you buy?
You should buy this if ...
- You want a balanced sound experience.
- You adore wireless headphones.
- You want to look cyberpunk-y around your house.
You should not buy this if ...
- You detest dongle-reliant headphones.
- You want wireless cans with the longest possible battery life.
- You're afraid of breaking hardware.
When playing Lost Judgment (PS4 version) with these on, I was able to hear great sound design details lesser speakers or headphones wouldn't have delivered nearly as crisply, if at all. The subtle breeze of the wind, rustle of leaves, and background jabbering of school kids were all distinct and appreciable. It was a sumptuous overall experience, even if virtual 7.1 surround sound remains a bit of an industry-wide ruse that the E910 continues to promulgate.
I enjoy playing games and listening to music with these headphones, and that's ultimately the most important thing. But it remains uncertain as to how long the cans will hold up. That, coupled with the headset's dongle-based wireless limitations and mic quality, means the E910 is worthwhile for a specific niche of sedentary folk who love singleplayer games and jamming out. Those who need to communicate on the regular for video calls or competitive team-based gaming may want to keep looking.
Bottom line: EKSA's E910 headset is certainly a better value than a lot of what's on the market. However, given its wireless functionality's limitations, an average battery life, and other assorted items that hold it back, it's not a universal recommendation.
