Razer Carcharias vs. Plantronics GameCom 377 - Initial impressions

By Brendon Hrepic-Micunovic, aka "Mastershroom"

I'm making this thread as a little bit of compare/contrast between two competing stereo gaming PC headsets: in the red corner, at $50, we have the Plantronics GameCom 377:



I've owned the 377 for about four months now.

And in the blue corner, at $80, the Razer Carcharias:



I received this one as "random loot" during Razer's recent Cyber Monday promotion, so I've only had it for a day, but by now I feel comfortable enough to write about it.

These two headsets are pretty much each other's biggest direct competition; they are both open-ear circumaural stereo headsets, featuring fold-away noise-canceling microphones, in-line volume/mute controls, and connect via dual 3.5mm audio plugs.

Now, this may not be the most neutral and fair review, only because I have owned the GameCom 377 for several months, and only just recieved the Carcharias yesterday, but I am doing my best to prevent bias; I think Razer and Plantronics are both excellent brands.

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The first comparison (and most important, in terms of headsets) is audio quality, both going in via the mic, and coming out via the cans. I've given both of these headsets plenty of use in each regard, listening to all the sounds in various games including Team Fortress 2, Left 4 Dead 2, Modern Warfare 2, and Oblivion, as well as general use for music, online videos, and movies. I've also tested the mic quality in voice chat with my clan's Ventrilo, as well as in-game voice chat in online games.

The 377 definitely has a bit more bass than the Carcharias. This is the most obvious difference in terms of sound quality, although it's not huge. I definitely think that they both have all the bass they need for gaming sound effects. It's hard to say one is definitely better than the other. It's hard to explain, but I feel like when I use the 377, I can tell the sound is coming via a headset, whereas with the Carcharias, everything sounds bigger. I'm sure this isn't definitively true for everyone, but I give the advantage to the Carcharias in the category of sound quality.

Sound quality winner: Carcharias

As for the mic sound quality, nobody I spoke with via the mic really noticed any obvious difference, so I'll call it a draw. They both carry my voice loud and clear.

Mic quality: Equal

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The next category is fit. Both headsets feature foam-padded earcups and headbands, and each earcup can be adjusted individually. The GameCom 377 definitely has a tighter fit; when you put it on your head and take your hands away, you can feel it holding on to you. Personally, I like this aspect of it, although if other reviews are to be believed, many people disagree, claiming that this makes the headset uncomfortable after a while. I've never noticed, personally. The Carcharias, on the other hand, doesn't grip quite so tightly. It doesn't exactly just sit loosely on my head, but it's not quite so squeezy as the 377. The GameCom definitely wins in the microphone adjustability category; the mic uses a boom design that lets you extend or contract it as you wish within an inch or two, and can be bent to a degree as well. Also, when folded up, the mic stows neatly inside the headband, more or less completely hidden. The Carcharias mic just goes up along the side of the headset when stowed, and isn't really adjustable except in terms of angle; it can rotate a full 270 degrees (3/4 of a full turn), while the 377's mic can't quite do 180. The Carcharias also has the advantage of a braided fiber cable, which does not easily snag on anything, unlike the GameCom, which uses a traditional rubber-insulated cord.

Fit/comfort winner: GameCom 377

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Build quality is an important aspect of any product, and this holds true for headsets. Obviously you don't want something that feels like it may snap if you put it in your backpack. Luckily, that's not something it seems you'll have to worry about with either of these headsets. They're both primarily constructed of plastic, but the Carcharias incorporates some metal in the design as well, notably in the grille over the outside of the earcups, and in the mechanism for adjusting the headband length. I also noticed that in the act of gripping the headset by one earcup, the GameCom 377 felt like it gave a little more, and certainly made more noise than the Carcharias, which didn't really move too much, and did not creak. In terms of the in-line remote controls, I found the Carcharias' design to be superior: the volume control is an easily gripped wheel that moves with ease, but stays where you leave it. The GameCom 377's remote volume wheel feels much looser; it gives a little to the left or right before actually adjusting volume. Also, the in-line remote on the Carcharias features a small spring clip that lets you anchor it to your lapel, sleeve, or whatever garment you wish, a feature absent entirely from the GameCom 377.

Build quality/durability winner: Carcharias

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Now, the one thing that most people care about: value. The Plantronics GameCom 377 is priced at $50, and at that price it delivers exceptional sound quality and comfort. The Razer Carcharias is a bit more expensive, at $80, but at the same time, I really feel like it's an $80 headset. It's a bit more sturdy (not to say that the 377 is weak at all), and I feel like the sound is a bit more immersive without having to resort to using quite as much bass as the 377. When all is said and done, though, I would say that the GameCom 377 offers just a little more bang for your buck (pun!).

Overall budget value winner: GameCom 377

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In the end, I feel that the Razer Carcharias is a somewhat superior headset to the Plantronics GameCom 377. To me, it sounds better and is built better, and it justifies the fact that it is a moderately more expensive headset. The 377 definitely gives the Carcharias a run for its money in every aspect, though, and in my opinion, there are a few things it does better.

Overall superior headset: Carcharias

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Well, that's it for now. I hope someone finds this little review helpful, otherwise I just wasted one hell of a wall of text.

Thanks for reading!

 

So does this mean you're taking the 777 off your keyboard macro?

 

Great job with the reviews, gives me an idea on some good quality headphones so i will try and have a look around for a pair of these, see if i can preview them anywhere.

 

Oh, you.

I'll still be recommending the 377, as it's cheaper and still an excellent competitor to the Carcharias. As for the 777, I just recommend it based on my experience with the 377, since it's the same headset, just with a detachable USB sound card. In terms of competition, I guess Razer's answer to the 777 is the Megalodon. I've never used either headset personally, though, so my advice is limited.

Good luck with that; I've never really seen headsets available for demo anywhere.