Sony isn't so known for its PC gaming accessories, but it's trying to change that by leveling up and broadening its Inzone line with five new accessories. These include the upgraded flagship Inzone H9 II wireless headset ($350), Inzone E9 in-ear monitors ($150), Inzone KBD-H75 keyboard ($300), the Inzone Mouse-A gaming mouse ($150) and two mousepads, which were all developed in collaboration with the prominent esports team Fnatic, and are optimized for first-person shooters.
They're available now for preorder and ship on Sept. 5.
A few CNET editors got to play around with the new accessories at a preview event in New York, and I've been testing the Inzone H9 II headset for a few days at home. It has the same drivers as Sony's flagship $450 WH-1000XM6 headphones and comes with a low-latency 2.4 GHz USB-C dongle that allows you to use the headset wirelessly with Sony's PlayStation 5 and the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 (it also has Bluetooth connectivity).
The H9 II is equipped with active noise canceling and a new detachable boom microphone (the original H9's boom mic was not detachable).
Enlarge Image Sony's broadened its line of Inzone PC gaming accessories with its first keyboard, gaming mouse, in-ear monitors and two mouse pads to go along with its new flagship H9 II wireless headset and entry-level H3 wired headset. Sony
Weighing 260 grams and featuring a redesigned headband "structure" that reduces pressure on the top of your head, the first thing you notice about the headset is how light and comfortable it is. Part of me wishes the WH-1000XM6 were designed like this, but the headset doesn't fold up like the XM6 does (it just folds flat). I did like the soft carrying pouch that's included -- it has a side pocket for the boom microphone, dongle and corded cable.
I also liked the layout of the control buttons, which include a scroll wheel for volume control and a mic mute button at the top of the left ear cup that's easy to locate by feel.
Sony's touting the Super Wide Band microphone's performance, saying it can deliver clearer, more natural sound and also filter out background noise with "AI-optimized precision" so teammates can hear your voice better.
Also, the Inzone Hub for PC gaming allows you to adjust your audio profile and EQ settings with virtual 7.1-channel surround sound and 360 spatial sound. Battery life is rated at up to 30 hours on a single charge.
The mute button is on top of the left ear cup. Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET
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