INTRODUCTION

    Ever since I started building cockpits in the lab, I've become far more invested in gaming headsets compared to before and well, let's just say that I haven't been able to find many that stand out, especially wireless ones. As a matter of fact, the wireless gaming headset I've been using daily is one that I've had for almost 5 years now and well, I've been looking for something better ever since. Last month Logitech released their G522 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Headset and after a couple of weeks of testing its review is finally here.

    Logitech designs software-enabled hardware solutions that help businesses thrive and unite people when working, creating, gaming, and streaming. As the point of connection between people and the digital world, our mission is to extend human potential in work and play in a good way for people and the planet. Founded in 1981, Logitech International is a Swiss public company listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (LOGN) and the Nasdaq Global Select Market (LOGI). Find Logitech and its other brands, including Logitech G, at www.logitech.com or the company blog.

    The brand new G5220 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Headset by Logitech G is currently available in 2 colors (black and white) and is based around two 40mm synchronized PRO-G audio drivers which deliver a frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz with 97dB sensitivity and 39Ohm impedance. Logitech has also equipped the G522 LIGHTSPEED with a detachable flexible omni-directional microphone featuring their BLUE VO!CE customization technology, up to 48kHz/16bit bandwidth and 20Hz-70kHz frequency response. Other features include tri-mode connectivity (Lightspeed 2.4GHz dongle, Bluetooth v5.3 connectivity and wired USB-C), dynamic LIGHTSYNC RGB lighting (8 zones in total), 1500mAh lithium-ion battery pack (up to 90 hours), suspension type headband and dual-layers of foam for both the earpads and headpad. On paper the Logitech G522 LIGHTSPEED seems to be doing great but what about real life use?

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

The front is mostly taken by a product picture but also has the company logo, product name and some of its main features.

The technical specifications are printed on the left side in 4 languages and just over a product description in many more.

At the base of the box Logitech has placed the bundle contents and system requirements again in 4 languages.

2 product pictures located at the rear are used to showcase the product features.

Once you open the box, you'll see a paper just over the G522 and available connectivity on the other side.

Along with the G522 LIGHTSPEED wireless gaming headset and its detachable microphone inside the box you'll also find the USB 2.4GHz dongle, USB-A to USB-C cable and the important safety compliance and warranty paper.

THE G522 LIGHTSPEED

The G522 LIGHTSPEED weighs 290g and is made of plastic, fabric, aluminum and memory foam.

As you can all see the G522 LIGHTSPEED is a medium sized gaming headset.

Logitech has placed their G logo on both ends of the headband just next to the RGB  LEDS located on the exterior of the earcups.

The detachable omnidirectional microphone gets mounted at the front of the left earcup.

This is rubberized flexible microphone that also comes with a mute LED at the front.

At the rear and bottom end of the left earcup we find the on/off power switch, Bluetooth pairing button, volume control roller, mute button and the USB-C port.

If the stock suspension position is not ideal Logitech has made it possible to adjust it.

I am not 100% certain but it seems that for the left and right markings just over the earcups Logitech has used Braille.

Left and right markings are also printed inside the fabric of the earpads.

The suspension headband is purple in color and surprisingly comfortable.

Typically, the 2.4GHz dongle is the size of a small USB flash drive.

Adding RGB LEDs on the exterior of the earcups may not be something new or unique but it does add to the looks of the G522 LIGHTSPEED (short clip showcasing the various effects is available on both YouTube and TikTok).

G HUB

Once again for complete control you should download the G HUB software (and again  it detects all compatible Logitech devices connected to your system).

The software alerts you for available firmware updates without even having to enter the product tab.

From the very first tab you can either choose one of the available 5 EQ presets, the ones made for games found in your system, create your very own or download one from the public library Logitech has (presets made by other end users).

In the microphone tab there are 6 available EQ presets and the BLUE VO!CE feature.

The sampler tab allows you to playback audio files and record yourself with or without BLUE VOICE effects on.

Last is the LIGHTSYNC tab and from here you can adjust rate, brightness, and saturation, choose one of the 12 available effects, or create your very own (battery life is also shown on the right side of the screen).

Inside the settings tab you can check the current firmware versions and battery life, enable several features (like sidetone, PC state LIGHTSYNC, low battery mode, battery protection mode and microphone LED), adjust the sleep function, set inactivity, and shut down lighting effects and enable/disable audio prompts.

CONCLUSION

     There are always 2 things I care for whenever I test a gaming headset, audio quality (on both ends when it comes to the microphone) and comfort and well the G522 LIGHTSPEED for the most part did great. The 40mm drivers will not blow you away with their bass levels (didn’t really have a problem with this but some people may want more) but they do very well with mids and highs and a somewhat descent job when it comes to positioning audio, at least in first person games (not so much when watching movies for example). Moving the microphone I didn’t have high expectations from it (same as with any detachable one) but it actually worked very well with the person on the other side actually asking me what headset I was using. The suspension design is not something new, we’ve seen it numerous times in the past so it’s not hard to know what to expect from it. On the other hand, the memory foam earpads dressed in fabric is certainly not something we’ve seen a lot over the years (most companies use faux/PU leather) and well I found them quite comfortable even many hours of use (my best friend who also used them for a few hours not so much however so this may come down to personal preference). Signal strength is very good and even 5 meters away with a concrete wall in between the G522 LIGHTSPEED worked well so that’s not something anyone should be worried about. Battery life is very good, yes you may not see the 90 hours advertised by Logitech with the RGB lights turned off, but I did record up to 77 hours and well, that’s a great number regardless (around 29 with the lights on at max brightness). As for the RGB lights themselves they certainly improve looks, but I can’t say that they stand out when compared to many other similar models (zone and effects customization wise however yes, the G HUB does a good job with that).

    Currently the G522 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Headset currently retails for 158.31Euros inside the EU (Amazon.de) a price tag which is balanced for a mid-end Logitech headset (USA availability is not great at this time but MSRP is set at USD159.99). At the end of the day there’s not much I can say about the G522 LIGHTSPEED that’s not been already covered In this review. Yes, it’s far from perfect and I seriously doubt it can compete with the likes of the Astro A50 (should have a review of this soon) but if you’re looking for an all-around wireless gaming headset that doesn’t cost as much as a mid-end graphics card the G522 LIGHTSPEED could be it and since it does deliver as advertised it gets the Golden Award.

PROS

- Good Build Quality
- Detailed Mids & Highs
- USB, 2.4GHz Dongle & Bluetooth v5.3 Connectivity
- Comfort Levels
- Up To 90 Hours Of Battery Life
- Flexible & Detachable Omnidirectional Microphone
- 8 Zone RGB Lighting
- Available In 2 Colors (Black & White)
- G HUB Software

CONS

- Current USA Availability
- Bass Levels (Could Be Better)