Logitech has been around for a while, and they are known for making some of the best hardware. The G432 is an updated version of one of Logitech’s most longstanding performers, the G430. The G432 is all that an upgrade should be, keeping what made the previous version good, and tweaking the flaws. Let us jump straight in and see what made the G430 great and what makes the G432 even better.
Design
The G430 was light and sleek headset sporting bright blue accents. The G432 takes that and updates it, slightly. The steel headband is still present and swiveling earcups are kept. Pleather covered earcups are a great improvement with bright blue accents around the earcups. The G432 is still extremely light, almost to the point of being too light. This, however, is definitely a user preference and some find light headsets to be their favorite. Compared to many other headsets the earcups do feel like they sit slightly loose on my head. This is also something that will change from user to user. I am comparing it to the Astro A40’s and other headsets I have recently reviewed. The G430 was lacking in the audio performance department but fortunately, that is one of the aspects Logitech certainly did improve on.
The flexible boom mic that is fitted to the left earcup, can be folded away completely allowing the G432 to look like simple earphones when no microphone is needed. One of the really nice features of the boom mic on the G432 is that when all the way down the mic works as usual. If you want to quickly mute yourself, all you do is flip it up slightly and it will go into mute mode. Drag it down again and you are back online free to speak. The volume dial is also situated on the back of the left earcup, simple and easy to find.
Logitech has also spoilt the user by supplying every connection type known to man. As standard, the G432 has a 3.5mm connection but supplied, is a splitter that splits audio and mic separately. Along with this splitter is the DAC, a USB device that your 3.5mm jack plugs into. This is a nice touch by Logitech ensuring the headset can be used in any possible way. Not many manufacturers include these adapters in more budget orientated headsets. Good job Logitech!
Although the G432 does suffer from a few minor design flaws that affect comfort, like the loose-fitting earcups, these are all up to user preference. Personally, I think they are reasonably comfortable and don’t get too hot when wearing for long periods of time. A colleague however had no issue with the loose earcups but was more concerned about the heat buildup after wearing for a couple of hours. So overall it is an even split.
Sound Performance
I made the conscious decision to start the sound test using the G432 with the 3.5mm connector. When using the 3.5mm connector the first noticeable feature that is lacking is the use of Logitech Ghub. Ghub is the software that you can use to adjust everything including the kitchen sink on all compatible Logitech devices. Switching over to the DAC made a significant change in the audio quality. The soundscape is tremendously good and closer compared to many other headsets in the same price range.
When you connect via the DAC is when the G432 comes alive and the wonderful GHUB shows its true capabilities. The G432 features a virtual 7.1 surround sound thanks to DTS. Setting this up is simple and has you listening to an audio track and adjusting all the speakers accordingly. Using it in games such as Rainbow 6 Siege and Escape from Tarkov game me such a distinct advantage due to the games focusing a lot on audio. In games such as Mafia Definitive edition, the hustle and bustle of the 1930’s city really come to life when you walk down the street and people are speaking and cars are buzzing past.
This is not the only feature. Equalizers are completely customizable and if you are not happy with your personal settings you can simply download someone else profiles from the GHUB community. Noise reduction on both the microphone and the audio is great. Especially if you have a noisy household and you don’t want to torture your party members with barking dogs or moaning children. The mic quality is really good for its price range but it is definitely more aimed and multiplayer communication rather than any form of streaming or production worthy efforts.
Verdict
The Logitech G432 is a great entry-level headset for someone who needs a complete package for a budget price. The audio drivers are really good and the mic is more than respectable for first-time buyers. The G432 will not be your final headset by any means. It still suffers from a few tiny flaws such as the lack of clamping over the ears but it certainly has more going for it than against. Straight out of the box, the G432 will work with any device, but if you are going to be using it on PC, be sure to use the DAC and the Logitech Ghub. This will really make the G432 sing.
Many might consider the G432 somewhat bulky and not friendly as an everyday headset. But compared to many other brands and higher-end headsets, the Logitech G432 can definitely stand its ground when it comes to audio performance.
Special thanks to our friends at Logitech for the review content
