Remember, last December, Sony marketed its famous wireless headphones dedicated to its PlayStation ecosystem: the famous PlayStation Pulse Explore. A product that I was able to test for several weeks to give you my verdict and tell you that it was a small disappointment, in addition to displaying a completely lunar price of €220. Do not hesitate to check the video if you want to have all the details of these headphones. But today, a change of gear for the Japanese manufacturer which has just released its new gaming headset, the PlayStation Pulse Elite which is in reality the evolution of its Pulse 3D released at the same time as the PS5 a little over a year ago. 3 years. The Pulse 3D had great qualities, but also some pretty big weaknesses, but it had at least one great advantage, it was cheap at the time (€99 I remind you). So what is this PlayStation Pulse Elite headset worth? After a week of daily and permanent use, I am able to give you my verdict.
There are several elements that push us to buy one audio (or gaming) headset rather than another. Its performance of course, its comfort as well, but there is also its design. And that of the PlayStation Pulse Elite has decided to impose its style, the one initiated by Sony since the arrival of the PS5 and its ecosystem. An artistic direction that is unfortunately not to everyone’s taste. So obviously, when we talk about aesthetics, we appeal to our own sensibilities and it’s a part that is more subjectivity than anything else, but we still have to admit that the design of the PlayStation Pulse Elite will not please not to everyone. This was the case with the Pulse Explore wireless headphones, but also the entire range from the PS5 ecosystem. It’s an artistic bias, an approach with a rather special futuristic aesthetic. We love it or we hate it, but at least it leaves no one indifferent. In all cases, Sony remains faithful to its principles and to this DA which is both refined and very marked.
PRINCESS LEIA’S BUNS
It should be noted, however, that the aesthetics of the Pulse Elite helmet are an evolution of the Pulse 3D, since we find approximately the same curves, the same materials and the same shapes overall. The big difference is in fact in the extension of the headband and its rods which are found on either side of the earpieces. These two stems have two functions, the first is to release all the buttons that were placed around the right earcup in the first model of the Pulse 3D headset. The second function is also to benefit from a retractable gooseneck microphone, on which we also find the PlayStation symbols, but also the Mute button if you want to mute the sound. Otherwise, it is on the lower edge of this stem that we will find the Power On/Off button of the headset, which is also used to make the association with the dongle that you must plug into your PS5, the volume of course, the USB-C port for charging, and a 3.5 mm jack port. For charging, note that there is another socket, located just below the first headband and which is there to attach to the charging support which is included with the headset. All you have to do is plug in the cable and attach the bracket to the wall and that’s it.
In terms of comfort, the Pulse Elite is pleasant to wear despite being a little heavier than other competing headsets, and even compared to the Pulse 3D. To do this, Sony has opted for a soft touch material that is really pleasant to the touch. We find it in particular on the 2nd arch, this kind of headband, the same one which will rest on the top of the skull and which is flexible enough to adapt to any head shape. We are clearly on the same configuration as the Pulse 3D 3 years ago. What changes in comfort are the earpieces, rounder in shape than the first model and which have been made with a very soft and very fine imitation leather fabric which pleasantly wraps our ears. The only problem is that the fabric is so thin and fragile that there is a good chance that it will age badly, especially if you have fun carrying the headset everywhere. Without a protective cover, you risk damaging it quickly, and even bad weather or temperature changes risk damaging the pads. I already experienced this on one of my old Turtle Beach headsets that I really liked. Beyond these details, the Pulse Elite is comfortable to wear, no worries. The only big problem is its design, which is so assertive that it may not match everyone’s facial features, especially since its curves give the impression of having the same hairstyle as Princess Leia. in Star Wars…
PERFORMANCE AND CHEAP
Concerning the technical and therefore audio performance, it is difficult not to be satisfied with the headset. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I don’t like headphones that overdo the bass, like Dr Dre’s Beats and this Pulse Elite has found a good balance. Obviously, for a gaming headset where every sound, every sound is important, everything must be clear so that we can distinguish every detail. And it was the case ! I tested Helldivers 2 and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth with it and I watched lots of films with it, and the quality is clearly there. With Helldivers 2, which is a game where everything explodes very loudly and you also have to make yourself heard by your teammates, the result was really satisfactory. Especially since the sound of the microphone is also really qualitative. On FF VII Rebirth, which is a game that relies a lot on calm, calm moments sometimes where it is the music that takes the lead, we really perceive all the tones. But I must admit that it was watching a film, 4K Blu-ray quality obviously, that I was really surprised by the quality. I watched Anatomy of a Fall, a film without music or soundtrack, but which focuses on small sounds, it was really precise and clear, and then I also watched The Batman to test a more musically powerful film, and there too, it is validated. So I don’t know if it’s the planar magnetic speaker technology that brings this clarity to the sound, but given that the headphones were designed with the Audeze company that Sony bought, we know that the guys are far away from being novices, they are even fucking experts on the subject. Well on the other hand, the Pulse Elite does not have active noise reduction, but a software system managed by artificial intelligence. What I remember above all is a well-balanced, detailed and precise sound, with the right amount of deep and well-defined bass. And the worst part is that this Pulse Elite headset is sold for €150. OK, it’s €50 more expensive than the first Pulse 3D model, but the options are more numerous and the result more convincing. And this is where I tell myself that Sony has clearly overpriced its Pulse Explore headphones at €220.
LACK OF HAPTIC FEEDBACK IN THE EARS
Concerning autonomy, Sony suggests a full charge which lasts 30 hours. I’ll be honest with you, I haven’t tested it because as soon as I finish a session, my reflex is to plug the headphones into the mains, because there is nothing worse than finding yourself without battery in the middle of a game, especially when it comes to Helldivers 2. So yes, if the very futuristic design of the Pulse Elite does not put you off, that you want a very good headset compatible with your PlayStation Portal, because yes, I I forgot to mention that it works with PlayStation Link technology, so less latent so-called in games, go for it, it’s a very good product. Is it the best gaming headset, clearly not and I prefer the Razer Kaira Pro Hyperspeed with the haptic feedback in the ears. But hey, it’s not the same price either. You know everything !
RATING: 7/10
