I hope all of you are doing well and staying safe & healthy during all the crazy we’re finding ourselves in right now. I know some of you are returning to your jobs as cities reopen. But if you’re still self-isolating, this write-up might be for you.
See, during all this quarantine, much like the rest of the world… I fell into the ANIMAL CROSSING trap! Haha. I mean, I hadn’t played my consoles in forever. That’s why I never upgraded to the current generation of consoles. And looks like I missed the boat too, cause both Microsoft & Sony have announced their next gen consoles.
And it really sucks too! Cause with the release of FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE, and as I write this, the recent release of THE LAST OF US PART 2… the struggle to get a Playstation 4 has been REAL! But being a freelancer, and my income, like so many others, taking a big hit during this pandemic, obviously trying to be responsible and fight that temptation. But man, THE STRUGGLE IS REAL!!!
But before the pandemic hit, I got a Nintendo Switch Lite. A lot of my friends had a Switch and I wanted to join them in games and stuff like that. But didn’t get ANIMAL CROSSING. When I got my Switch, the game hadn’t blown up yet, and really didn’t interest me.
Then came COVID-19.
And during one of MANY Zoom Happy Hours (yeah, you know you’ve had a few of those), a lady friend brought up the game, and telling everyone they should get it and visit her island. And I just busted out, “Gurl, I’m self-employed and broke. You want me to jump on Animal Crossing? Buy me that shit on digital and send me the code!”
And sure enough, she called my bluff, and got me the game. I know, my friends are more awesome than yours. Haha.
Safe to say, I fell into the ANIMAL CROSSING rabbit hole for quite some time!
But what does this have to do with my thesis statement, otherwise known as the headline? Well, I knew there was multiplayer on the Switch, but never thought about in-game voice chat. You know, that thing you wish MMORPGs would have. Well, if my friend wanted me build up an island on ANIMAL CROSSING and visit each other, would be nice if there was voice chat, right? I mean, as I look back, sure we could call each other on the phone, but that didn’t come to mind. Even if it did, this next bit would be the same, because looks like to voice chat on Switch games, you have to sign up for an online service through Nintendo, and the chat happens through an app you download on your mobile device.
I know, that sounds a little clunky for gaming chat. I mean, if I can’t plug-in my ear bugs into my Switch, but have to do it on my phone… I didn’t want a cable potentially pulling shit around, or my phone falling off my belly as I’m gaming on the couch.
So, I decided to look into a Bluetooth headset with a mic. I know, I know, this day and age, Bluetooth aside, how do I not already have a wireless headset? Well… I’M OLD! LEAVE ME ALONE!
Though let me tell you, having gone wireless… HOLY SHIT, WHAT TOOK ME SO LONG?!! NO CABLES IS A REVELATION!!! I MEAN, THE FREEDOM!!! Let me tell you, it’s amazing! Haha.
But this brings us to the COWIN E7.
Now I know I really haven’t reviewed electronics before, but as I went shopping on Amazon, as one tends to do even before the pandemic, looking at headsets… I came across the E7. It was recommended by the site, had a cheap price point, and a decent average rating… let me tell you, for the reason I went looking for a new headset, this thing SUCKS ASS!
I mean, the audio is fine. Though, after the fact, read a number of audiophile consumers talk about how the bass sucks. Personally, can’t speak to that. The E7 meets my needs for a headset. I mean, it ain’t no BOSE product, I don’t need to feel like I’m in a theatre.
Though this headset did come in some fancy ass packaging. So who knows if they’re trying to compete at that level.
But, yea, the audio is fine. That part that sucks is the reason I got this, the mic. I didn’t want a headset with a protruding mic, I wanted something inlaid with the speakers. And sure enough, this fit that. The mic was placed in a pinhole on the right speaker… and, as I’m sure you can guess, sucks ass.
Nine times out of ten, be it a phone call, voice-chatting on the Switch, or a video conference, people would tell me they couldn’t understand me. So that definitely sucked.
So, the mic is definitely a miss.
But what else? Personally speaking, I always forget the difference between “on-ear” and “around-ear” headphones. I mean, it’s self-explanatory, but I personally forget sometimes. And for myself, who has always suffered with a large head for my time, “on-ear” is definitely not the choice. Depending on the design of an “on-ear” headset, it can definitely pinch the ears for one with a large head.
And that is definitely the case here.
So, in a nutshell, if you’re looking for a headset with mic, I’d definitely look elsewhere. Like I said, the mic here has been hit & miss. But if you’re just a casual consumer looking for a wireless headset, I personally think this one is a fine headset with a reasonable price point. I mean, recently discovering the freedom of wireless, IT’S A REVELATION! Haha.
But don’t forget, if you’re like me, and have a big head. This headset is on-ear and can be uncomfortable at times.
If you’re interested in the COWIN E7, you can get it on Amazon here.
Happy listening!