Logitech is today announcing a new G Pro X2 Lightspeed gaming headset that features Graphene audio drivers. You’ve probably heard of graphene, the wondrous form of carbon that has been promised to change the world of technology over the past 20 years. While we haven’t yet seen graphene used to build a space elevator or make the internet run faster, Logitech is using it to make headphone drivers that are lightweight.
“With our use of graphene, we can create a driver that is incredibly stiff and almost impossibly light at the same time,” says Chris Pate, lead product manager for the Logitech G Pro series of products. “It delivers high-fidelity sound with extremely low distortion, giving professionals the performance they need to play to their maximum potential.”
Logitech is using a 50mm graphene diaphragm for the audio driver inside the G Pro X2. It’s designed to make the sound more immersive, along with a 25 gram weight reduction compared to the original Pro X. I’ve been testing the G Pro X2 headset over the past few days, and while sound reproduction in games is great, I haven’t noticed a huge difference over my everyday SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro.
Having said that, the surround sound support and DTS sound fantastic in first-person shooter games where you need to hear footsteps clearly, and I definitely noticed that I could hear more easily which direction A grenade is thrown or the sound of a weapon.
Logitech feels this graphene implementation should result in more accurate decision making for pro gamers and give them a competitive edge. As I’m 39 and still try to compete in first-person shooters, I feel like I lost my competitive edge about 20 years ago, so anything that can help is ear to ear. There is music (or gunshots).
Beyond the graphene, what I really like here is that Logitech has added Bluetooth support and even 3.5mm aux wired connectivity. Bluetooth is great if you want to use this gaming headset connected to your phone while on the go or if you pack the headset away and forget the dongle that enables the lightspeed wireless connection.
Logitech has more than doubled the battery life of the original Pro X gaming headset. It now lasts up to 50 hours on a single charge over USB-C. That’s up from 20 hours on the original X Pro, and I still haven’t had to charge the Pro X2 after a few days of hands-on testing.
There are also some subtle and welcome changes to the Pro X2’s design. Rotating hinges have been added for comfort or the ability to easily hang these around your neck. I’ve been using the Pro X2 for over eight hours per day, and they’ve been extremely comfortable for this duration. There are swappable ear pads in leatherette or velour, depending on what you prefer. Both are included in the box with a simple carrying case and detachable microphone.
The microphone hasn’t changed at all from the original Pro X, which is disappointing. I’m not a fan of headset microphones by any means, so I’ve mostly been using the Pro X2 paired with an XLR microphone instead.
Logitech’s move to DTS surround sound audio on the Pro X2 over Microsoft’s Windows Sonic Surround is certainly welcome. You can set the multichannel surround mode to be optimized for gaming, entertainment, or sports, and each virtual surround sound element can also be controlled individually, along with the overall bass level.
Logitech’s G Hub is basic for audio control, however. The equalizer is super basic, and despite having the option to create new EQ presets, it lacks the customization found in SteelSeries Sonar features.
Logitech will start selling the G Pro X2 gaming headset on May 30, priced at $249 in the US and €269 across Europe. It’s $20 more than the original G Pro X, but it’s probably worth the extra coin for better battery life, with a lighter frame, swiveling ear cups, and less chance to confuse your friends or family by telling your headset is on. Has the ability to influence. Powered by graphene.
