Roccat Khan AIMO Gaming Headset Review

A Closer Look and Performance

The Khan Aimo is a simple beast, and you’ll only find one item in the box. The headset comes hard-wired with a durable and good length USB cable, and even a hard-wired microphone. There are no other things to tinker with, just plug it in and play. However, if you want to unlock its full potential, you’ll need Roccat Swarm software, which installs the audio drivers and firmware required for Windows to see it as a high-resolution audio device and unlock its powerful EQ settings, and surround processing.

The design of the headset is fantastic. If anything, it’s incredibly understated and professional looking, which is something I like. I don’t want a big garish gaming headset, I want something I can wear without shame in the office, and the Khan certainly delivers on that front.

Lightweight Design

The headset is surprisingly lightweight, at least for a headset that has a lot of extra audio hardware onboard, as well as metal construction for the inner headband and ear cup mounts. Having a light and a very durable feeling headset is always a big win. The microphone is hard-wired, which kinda sucks, as I rarely use one and I like to keep it separate. However, this one is light, it folds up out of the way, and it doesn’t unbalance the headset. Of course, I constantly lose my microphone (as the eTeknix team are well aware), so maybe fixed microphones aren’t so bad.

The build quality really is some of the best we’ve seen here. Everything feels like it was engineered by NASA with how well it fits and folds. The rotating drivers help provide and comfortable fit around your ears, but also improve comfort while wearing the headset around your neck. The metal Y bracket mounting the ear cups has just the right amount of pivot. Furthermore, the exposed cable between the headband and driver is incredibly thick and durable looking. Again, it’s amazing this headset is so light, as it looks pretty robust and heavy.

Tactile Bliss

There’s something so satisfying about the headband extenders too. They have this light tactile and audible click when adjusted. If you’ve ever played around with an exposed Omron switch, it’s a very similar sound and feel. Again, the devil is in the details, and it just feels like a well-engineered bit of kit.

This headset makes some very big promises about its performance. With that in mind, I’m holding it to every word, as you can’t claim to have high-res audio, a “true voice” microphone, and more and not deliver a premium sound to rival the likes of brands like Sennheiser. Well, bully me for having any doubt, because the Khan Aimo not only met but exceeded my expectations.

Real Voice

Starting with the microphone, Roccat says it is their new “real-voice mic” and it certainly delivers. Sure, it’s not quite as dynamic sounding as a larger desktop solution. However, for a boom microphone, it’s up there with the best. It’s got a great sound to it, and crystal clear quality that’s good enough for team chat and live streaming.

The boom is bendable, albeit not by a considerable amount. However, it places its self at a comfortable speaking distance where it doesn’t pick up your Darth Vader huffing sounds while chatting to your buddies.

Comfort

This headset is by long and far one of the most comfortable headsets I’ve ever worn. That’s a bold claim from me, as I’ve used hundreds of models over the years. Make no mistake, it’s luxurious padding on the headband, and on the drivers, both do fantastic work.

The drivers are sealed up pretty tight too, locking the sound in, and keeping ambient noise out. While they do not have ANC, they provide some of the best passive noise cancellations you can find.

Movies, Music and Gaming

The praise just keeps on coming today. Fire up the headset with your favourite music, movies or games, and prepare to be blown away. The dynamic range of the drivers is phenomenal, and with the 24-bit audio delivering huge amounts of detail, you’ll be lost in time and space thanks to how great things sound. The surround processing is very good, it doesn’t work with Dolby Atmos Headphone, as these are USB. However, they have their own 7.1 processing that still does a tremendous job. I listened to a few movies and demo files that deliver high-resolution object-based audio, and the Khan came out shining.

Bone-Shaking Bass and Angelic Treble

What really blew me away was the sheer power of the drivers and how well they can be tweaked. The built-in EQ profiles are superb, and you can quickly make your own too. The bass can be turned up to levels that would make most cinemas blush. The detail in the mid and treble ranges is great, and I really do think they’re some of the best drivers I’ve tested in years. They’re a mighty match for my Astro A40’s, and that’s saying something.