Right so, after reading this let’s start with microphones. Like suggested you can make use of a usb mic or an xlr + audio interface mic. These two would be essentially your typical streamer boom mic setups you see for gaming. For this method it’s worth looking more into a Dynamic mic then the regular condensors as Dynamic picks up less backround noise. XLR will give you the best mic quality of the two of these and usbs have a strange habit of breaking down.
Theres also the alternative of an attachable boom mic turning the headphone into a headset like mentioned above there is options like the V-moda, which is only usable by specific headphones, Beyerdynamic, Sennheiser, and Antlion Modmic. Personally, In this case I would say either V-Moda or Modmic is your best option whereas the v moda is cheaper but only if your headphone can support it meanwhile the mod mic can run you anywhere between $40-$120
Lastly, is just the regular headset option. No matter what in any shape or form the “gaming” headset genre doesn’t do very good in terms of sound quality and fidelity. There are a few very special exceptions which I will list outside of the Kave you mentioned but even they pale in some areas and are outclassed by a good setup for headphones.
Alright so, let’s start right off the bat here and say that without an amp/dac your options become fairly limited in this area and only a select few will be good especially in your price bracket. Let’s start with essentially the top 3 headsets I know.
Steel series Arctis Wireless / Arctis Pro+GameDac / Arctis 7: Solid especially the version with the gamedac and can push out not only surround sound but hi-res audio with the gamedac variation. Comes with an equalizer to customize sound and preset settings that are good for competitive and casual. Mic on these are of good quality not crystal clear but good enough. Usually $280 maximum but can be found otherwise on sale or used for a lot cheaper.
Hyperx Orbit / Audeze Mobius: These two headphones are essentially the same in almost every way outside of $100 difference and one being wired the other being wireless. Unlike steel series where you can customize the sound manually this just has built in presets that you can change from the ear cup i.e. footsteps, rpg, music, etc and the sound style being stereo, surround sound, hi- res. Mic is of a generally good quality and overall build quality is that of an audeze concerning the hyperx orbit. 3D software is a unique feature of these allowing for for a simulated 3d environmental sound, fun to play around with but I didn’t find myself using it too much. Microphone can be detached and the headphone has an extra 3.5mm port that allows access to V-Moda which is the better microphone in this case. Good sound for “gaming” genre and is one of the only planar gaming headsets on the market. Usually $300 but can be found used for much cheaper despite being mint condition.
Beyerdynamic MMX300: I don’t normally recommend this but this one is solid for the genre. Studio grade sound and comes with a studio grade mic. Good, just a bit expensive for what it is. Not much to comment on this one. Never bought it myself but still a strong contender.
Honorable mentions: Corsair Virtuoso/Corsair HS50, Sennheiser Game One/pc37x, and Sennheiser gsp 500/670
Headphones or Gaming Headphones
Tyger 300 r very strong contender here for those without an amp/dac. Needs a seperate mic. Good sound and reminiscent of the DT 990s which are a godsend for gaming competitively however, not as good as the dt 990s in their high ohm variation.
DT 880s/990s + MA400 amplifier + Modmic: Very strong basic setup. Amplifier is dirt cheap in this case around $40 whereas the headhones will run anywhere between $70-$190 and the modmic can run from $40-$120. Run the 250 ohm variation of these headphones in this setup. Probably one of the strongest contenders in this list. Both of these sound fairly thin with 990s sounding the most thin. In terms of competitive the 990s would be regarded as the best however, 880s is more well rounded for multiple applications. Both are good and in this case I would recommend first finding a way to audition these before fully commiting to their purchase.
Phillips Fidelio x2hr: I will place this only cause of its fun bass and overall general sound being good in gaming. Compatible with the V-moda these are a very cheap option just in general. Not particularly recommended from me but still a decent enough option.
58x Jubilee: not the widest sound stage but everything about these is really good inside of gaming. The beyerdynamics I listed above here would be stronger contenders but this is the All-Rounder so to speak and typically will sound a little better than a dt 880, the dt series tends to sound a little thing whereas 58x has more body and has a flat signture to it. Typically around $150 or so for this headphone and paired with a modmic.
Hifiman HE4xx: Planar magnetics and at this price point ones that are hard to beat. Use a modmic. Issue with hifiman is their quality control is pretty bad be wary of these. Really great headphones even for gaming are really solid here. Just keep an eye on issues with the headphone. These can be a little more power hungry and may need a consideration of a weak amp later on.
