Kaliber Gaming KONVERT review: Decent over-ear universal gaming headphones

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TA-ratings-88Gaming headphones run the gamut in price, design, and compatibility. Some only work with specific systems, while others cost an arm and a leg. Our Kaliber Gaming KONVERT review takes a look at a gaming headset from IOGEAR that works with practically any device without breaking the bank.

Specifications

The Kaliber Gaming KONVERT Universal Gaming Headphones have the following features and specifications:

  • Universal stereo headset for use with Xbox One S/Xbox One (works with Xbox One™ controllers with a 3.5mm jack; other controllers require Xbox One™ Stereo Headset Adapter), PS4, PC/Mac, and mobile devices
  • Includes PS4 controller adapter for instant volume control and mute functions
  • Includes PC adapter with built-in volume control and mute functions
  • Detachable boom microphone for crystal clear gaming chat
  • Internal microphone lets you take phone calls when the boom mic is removed
  • Ergonomic ear cup design for maximum comfort
  • Soft-cushioned memory foam headband conforms to head for better fit
  • Pivoting flat-folding hinges allow easier storage
  • 3.5mm 4-pole stereo connector for universal compatibility
  • Headphone Specs
    • Headset Type Circumaural
    • Frequency Response 20Hz-20KHz
    • Driver Size 40mm
    • Volume Control Built into external adapters- includes PC adapter and PS4 adapter
    • Nominal Impedance 32 ohm
    • Nominal SPL 120 dB +/- 3dB at 1mW, 1KHz
    • Dimensions 22.9cm (H) x 8.4cm (D)
    • Connection Type 3.5mm 4-pole connector
    • Cable Length 3.5ft (105cm)
    • Weight 9.1oz (257g)
    • System Requirements 3.5mm 4-pole connector (CTIA standard)
  • Microphone Specs
    • Microphone Type Built-in: Omni-directional; Removable: Omni-directional
    • Retractable/Removable 2: Built-in mic and removable mic
    • Sensitivity Built-in: -38dB+/-2dB; Removable: -38dB+/-2dB
    • Microphone Element Built-in: ? 6 x 2.7mm; Removable: ? 6 x 2.7mm
    • Boom Length 5.7″ (14.5cm)
    • Connection Type 3.5mm
  • 1-year limited warranty

What’s in the box

  • KONVERT Universal Gaming Headphones (GHG600)
  • PS4 Controller Adapter
  • PC Adapter
  • Carry Bag
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Warranty Card
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There’s quite a bit included with these headphones.

Design

The Kaliber Gaming KONVERT Universal Gaming Headphones definitely offer a unique look. These over-ear headphones are also sold as part of the IOGEAR Kaliber Gaming Imperial White Edition Gamer Pack (with the FOKUS Pro Laser Gaming Mouse and HVER Aluminum Gaming Keyboard) and definitely look the Star Wars Imperial Army part. Note, these are not a licensed product, but given the “Imperial White” name in the Gamer Pack, there’s no mistaking the influence.

The black faux leather headband has a nicely white stitched edge. The Kaliber Gaming logo is printed on the top right in silver, while the underside features four nicely cushioned memory foam pads. The headband attaches to the cups by way of an expandable black plastic piece on either side, and the letters L and R are imprinted just at the top of this on the inside so you know which way the headphones should be worn.

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The stitching on the headband is a nice premium looking touch.

The earcups themselves are of the over-ear variety and fit nicely. The outside shell is a glossy white plastic with a black triangular highlight around the middle of each side. Just above this on the left side is the Kaliber Gaming logo, and on both sides is a white piece inset in the black highlight with the Kaliber Gaming icon imprinted in silver. The ear cups themselves have an upside down triangular shape with nice curves that taper down towards the bottom.

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The earcups have a slightly triangular look with some nice angles.

The inside of the earcups have faux leather ear pads that are easily removable. The ear pads utilize a memory foam cushion as well and overall the headphones are very comfortable to wear, even for extended periods. The earcups also twist a full 90° and fold up towards the headband for easier storage and carrying with the included bag.

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The faux leather covered memory foam ear pads are comfortable.

The microphone is a separate piece which attaches to the underside of the left earcup with a 3.5mm jack. The main arm is a soft, flexible, black plastic with a white and black microphone end on it. The microphone is attached 90° away from the earcup, then twisted towards the front to lock it into place.

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The microphone boom is removable and attaches via a 3.5mm jack.

The main 3.5mm cable with a 4-pole stereo connector is long enough for most situations and can connect directly to an Xbox One controller with 3.5mm audio jack (or through the Xbox audio adapter for those that don’t), mobile devices, and computers. The headphones also come with a PC splitter cord which also has a built-in volume control unit with mute functions. Finally, the headphones also come with a PS4 controller adapter so you can use these with a PlayStation 4 as well. When using the PS4 controller adapter, you can control the sound, volume, and mute the microphone right from the adapter. Unfortunately, we don’t have a PS4 to test this out with but the volume control and mute toggle are indeed on the adapter.

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Control volume and mic mute from the included PS4 adapter.

Given the price point, the Kaliber Gaming KONVERT Universal Gaming Headphones don’t scream premium, but they don’t look overly cheap either.

Sound Quality

The big question with cheaper headphones is, of course, the one of sound. While 40mm drivers aren’t the biggest, they are actually pretty decent in these headphones for both gaming, watching videos, and listening to music. For the most part, they are pretty clear and crisp, especially during gaming. While listening to music they are pretty balanced between highs, mids, and lows, although there were a couple of times that they did sound a bit… flat while listening to music. It wasn’t enough to detract from the listening experience, but it is definitely something I noticed on occasion.

The volume control and microphone mute switch worked well on the PC cable with the built-in volume control unit, as well.

Overall, though, I was pretty impressed with the sound the KONVERT headphones put out, especially while playing games like Heroes of the Storm on the PC, Forza Horizon 3 on the PC and Xbox One, and Sniper Elite 4 on the Xbox One. Music listening on the PC and a mobile device was roughly the same without the equalizer enabled on Google Play Music on my smartphone.

Microphone Quality

As far as voice quality goes, the microphone is decent as well. For the most part I had no complaints from other parties being able to hear me, however, on occasion someone would mention I was a bit quiet and I’d have to adjust the microphone boom to bring it back closer to my mouth. Because it’s constructed of a softer, flexible plastic, in my experience anyways the microphone tended to ever so slowly drift away from my mouth and I’d have to move it closer from time to time. When it was close to my mouth, though, I was told that I was pretty clear and crisp and easy to understand.

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The soft plastic microphone boom arm had a tendency to very slowly drift away from my mouth.

The KONVERT Universal Gaming Headphones also have a built-in microphone for those times you don’t want to use the boom microphone. While it’s a nice inclusion, it definitely doesn’t work as well as the main microphone but works in a pinch.

Price/Value

Priced at $59.95USD, you’re definitely not going to break the bank with these gaming headphones. They are also currently selling on Amazon.com for $46.64, which is definitely a good deal for these headphones considering their decent sound and versatility.

As previously mentioned, the KONVERT Universal Gaming Headphones are also available as part of the IOGEAR Kaliber Gaming Imperial White Edition Gamer Pack which also includes the FOKUS Pro Laser Gaming Mouse and HVER Aluminum Gaming Keyboard. If you are thinking of purchasing all three items, you can save yourself $10 by purchasing the Gamer Pack from IOGEAR or around $45 off by purchasing it from Amazon.

Wrap-up

The Kaliber Gaming KONVERT Universal Gaming Headset is a headset to consider given its unique design, decent sound, comfort, and great price while being compatible with the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC, Mac, and mobile devices.

*We were sent a sample of the Kaliber Gaming Imperial White Edition Gamer Pack for the purposes of this review.
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