Tt eSPORTS Isurus Pro In-Ear Gaming Headset Review

Introduction

The third in-ear offering by Tt eSPORTS in this series, the Isurus Pro, boasts a world's first detachable boom microphone attached to the left earpiece.

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Previous Isurus models I tested were generally good on the bass, fit well in the ear, came with decent accessories and were priced well, but lacking a little clarity - which is a fairly big win seeing as this is a 'gaming' brand and does not set out to be of audiophile quality. Can the different-looking Isurus Pro keep up with its predecessors and use its new features to continue improvements? Read on to find out.

Specifications

Featuring a 13.5mm dynamic driver in each earpiece, the Isurus Pro sets out to offer the world's first detachable boom microphone, complete with another microphone on the in-line controller if you're wanting to use this product on the go.

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There's an included ear hook to ensure that the earphones stay firmly in place, alongside the detachable microphone being designed in a sleek woven cord over metal type design. The microphone seems to attach to the headset though a smaller-than 3.5mm connection, while offering a sensitivity of -44 +/- 4dB at 1KHz, a frequency of 100Hz to 5kHz and an2V2.2kOhms - this is rated almost identically to the in-line microphone. The drivers further feature a sensitivity of 92 +/- 3dB, an impedance of 16 +/- 15 Ohms and a frequency response of 20Hz-20KHz.

Pricing & Availability

Priced at $39.99 from Amazon, these earphones are priced well in the middle of most gaming options. Slightly above the previous Isurus edition which generally retailed for $30-$35, it's to be expected due to the microphone addition alongside the increased driver size, added honeycomb exterior design and flat cable.

What's in the box?

One thing that Tt eSPORTS has always done fairly well is included accessories. With many of its products being sometimes widely varied in quality and features, you can generally be safe assuming that your purchase comes packaged with some goodies.

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Included in the packaging is a handy carry-pouch (a must have), different sized rubber ear grommets, a user manual and a single 3.5mm to dual splitter. This splitter is also useful, given it will enable your single 3-ring 3.5mm connection (which transmits both audio and microphone) to split into two single outputs (audio and microphone) meaning you can use it with a normal desktop PC.

The carry pouch has a little mesh compartment within which ensures you can store cables, the microphone and the extra ear grommets within if needed and it's also quite sturdy in design. Tt eSPORTS has decided to steer away from the normal soft bag as you see with headset offerings and go for something a little more tough; likely due to how poorly earphones are generally treated, this will help them keep safe on the move but also ensure it takes up a little extra space. If you're a bit of a music fiend, it's similar to the trade off between soft and hard guitar cases.

Let's dig deeper

How they feel is certainly the biggest question that needs to be answered with earphones. Designed with travel in mind, they've got to be comfortable on long public transport trips, plane flights and maybe even a morning jog.

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As mentioned in the pricing section, I've used both of the previous Tt eSPORTS Isurus earphone models and they were extremely lightweight, comfortable and great to use. However, this model is much bigger, has a ton of 'bells and whistles' and the added feature of a boom microphone and more.

I'm not sure if it's because of the extended sizing or maybe my ear canals have miraculously changed size, but the previously comfortable Isurus line seems to stop here. They're nothing extremely uncomfortable, but after 45 minutes of use listening to one of my trap play-lists on Spotify, I took them off and had some pretty sore ears. This isn't great news for someone looking to wear them for a whole gym session or a 45 minute run either.

They certainly aren't the worst I've worn, but they aren't the best either. The flat cable also looks cool in images, but is a little unwieldy in real life, alongside the microphone looking a little odd when put on. If you don't care too much about how you look with these on (some people do, some don't), ignore this paragraph completely. In comparison, the in-line control unit looks good and the buttons perform well with a solid click which is a positive over many other competing models.

How does it compare?

Comparing this product to my current Bluetooth earphones, iPhone 6 standard models, Samsung Galaxy S4 standard issues and my previous Isurus earphones, there isn't anything new here.

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The previous Isurus model had a great rumble every time a bass drop would hit, enabling an encompassing experience and almost tricking you into thinking there was a mini subwoofer located within your ear. This model lacks that punch and also has the same clarity issues as seen before. Quiet tracks fare reasonably with this product, seeing Twenty One Pilots' 'Ode To Sleep' report back fairly good overall sound, but the lack of overall clarity rings truer then ever here as some of the enjoyment is missed.

When listening to some chilled-out rap like that from Nas, this product comes closer to its element. It's weird that I have reviewed so many audio products that either dial in the treble or bass just right and it seems that the Isurus Pro hasn't managed to dial in either perfectly, but provide an acceptable performance in both.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little disappointed in the performance when compared to previous Isurus models. The added features are great, the boom microphone allows for a positive phone calling experience (in-line microphones often are just completely useless) and the accessories included are always a bonus from Tt eSPORTS.

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The comfort is quite often dependant on the person and your genetics, however, for me, it simply wasn't there as seen with previous Isurus editions. This product is a bit of an 'all-rounder', suited for almost every application with 'OK' performance, but unfortunately doesn't do one single thing extremely well; unless you count a better-than-average detachable microphone.

What's Hot

A different look: So many earphones look exactly the same, this sets itself apart.

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For all sizes: The three different rubber ear grommets ensure everyone can have a go.

Accessories: Tt eSPORTS delivers once again with solid accessories.

What's Not

Comfort in the long run: All three rubber grommets made my ears hurt after 45 minutes, unlike previous Tt eSPORTS Isurus models.

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The styling: Yes, it's different, but it sure isn't for everyone!

The.. everything: As explained, if Tt could slightly improve the sound (to match previous models), the comfort and limit the size, I could certainly justify spending up to $55 on these instead of the current $39.99 price tag.

Final Thoughts

It's certainly a viable in-ear especially if you're looking at something with a useful microphone for sitting around at home or gaming on the run with a laptop at hotels or events alike - but the major fall down comes with... everything. If Tt eSPORTS could improve the comfort, sizing (smaller), sound and the looks just a tiny bit, I could certainly justify paying $55 for these.

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If you're a real sound enthusiast, I suggest you look elsewhere, otherwise for those who want a different looking in-ear option, wish to support modding and eSports and like the detachable microphone idea - get one now. If you're not really a fan of the extras and just wish to pick up a solid model with a good carry pouch and maximum comfort, I suggest you take a look at Tt eSPORTS' previous Isurus editions.