Cooler Master MH650 Review 1

Cooler Master MH650 Review

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Sound Quality


All three new Cooler Master headsets use a pair of 50-millimeter dynamic speaker drivers. Their specified frequency response spans from 20 to 20,000 Hz in USB (MH650) or wireless mode (MH670) and from 15 to 25,000 Hz in analogue mode (MH630, as well as when the MH670 is connected with a cable). Even though it appears they're based on the same speaker drivers, their sound performance isn't identical. This is the conclusion I came to after directly comparing them for several hours, interchanging their ear cushions (the MH630 and MH650 come with mesh fabric ear cushions, while those supplied with the MH670 are made out of pleather) and connecting them to the same sound source if possible (the MH670 can be used in wired mode, which allowed me to connect it to the same sound card as the MH630).

The sound performance of the Cooler Master MH650 is very good. The overall audio signature is noticeably brighter than with the wireless MH670. At higher volumes, certain sounds (or instruments) can sound a bit piercing and fatiguing, although this isn't an issue that has a significant impact on the listening experience. For the most part, the MH650 will satisfy you with its big, punchy bass, decently present (but definitely somewhat recessed) mid-range, and slightly boosted highs. If listening volume is what you're worried about, don't be—this is one of the louder USB headsets I have recently tested. There's no way you'll ever want to push it as far as it can go. If you do, you'll be happy to know that its speaker drivers will still perform without significant distortion.


The Cooler Master MH650 does a great job of revealing crucial in-game sound cues, such as enemy gunfire, footsteps, and everything in-between. In multiplayer shooters (PUBG, Apex Legends, and Battlefield V) I was able to easily figure out where I'm getting shot from, both in terms of direction and distance, and respond appropriately. If multiplayer games are at the top of your list, you should know that the MH650 handles that aspect better than the more expensive wireless MH670. While the high range on the MH650 is boosted, the MH670 aims for a smoother, warmer timbre, so you're not getting as many details in fast-paced multiplayer games. On the other hand, the MH670 is comparatively more pleasant in single player games, especially those that feature a rich soundtrack or are dialogue heavy.

As already mentioned, the mesh fabric ear cushions leak more sound than pleather ones, but don't get as warm. If you have someone regularly sitting close to you while gaming, this could pose a problem as they will be able to hear what you're listening to, especially when you turn up the volume.

All in all, the Cooler Master MH650 delivers a likable audio performance regardless of what it's being used for. This is one of many aspects where it provides excellent value for money.

7.1 Virtual Surround Sound

The Cooler Master MH650 supports 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound. Most of my testing of the surround sound performance was done in Battlefield V, a game well-known for its superb audio production, and Apex Legends. I also tried it in a couple of single player game, such as Metro Exodus and What Remains of Edith Finch. The surround sound is toggled on/off by pressing its respective button on the headset or in the software driver.

Every gaming headset manufacturer has their own idea of how virtual surround should sound. Cooler Master decided to go with a very subtle implementation to where it's sometimes hard to hear if the 7.1 surround sound is turned on or not. I see this as a good thing because it doesn't ruin the overall sound performance. It adds a bit of width to the sound without sacrificing any clarity and depth or introducing unwanted reverb. The bass loses a tad of its punchiness, but that's about it—nothing else bad comes from using the 7.1 surround sound on the MH650. I never thought I'd be writing this, but I actually found it useful in multiplayer shooters, where it helped me position my targets more easily. Thanks to its inoffensive nature, definitely do try it out—you might end up using it permanently.
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Nov 27th, 2024 09:29 EST change timezone

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