Logitech G435 Lightspeed Review: Gaming with Style

See full bio

Abdul Hannan

At HI Digital I test and write about different hardware configurations to show other PC users what they can expect from their build. My end goal is to educate the masses to make the right decision when they are looking for new PC parts to buy

See full bio

 In this comprehensive review, we dissect Logitech’s budget-friendly offering, exploring its strengths and potential drawbacks. Targeted at younger, budget-conscious gamers, the G435 aims to strike a balance between price and performance. From its flashy design to its innovative microphone, we scrutinize every aspect to help you decide if this headset is the right fit for your gaming escapades.

Is it worthwhile to purchase, or is it only a gimmick? Let’s find out.

Key Takeaways

• The Logitech G435 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Headset is a budget-friendly gaming headset that may not give the same quality as its higher-end alternatives, but provides a solid option regardless.
• The Logitech G435 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Headset’s main consumers will be younger, more casual gamers who wish to get into gaming with a lighter budget in mind.
• The Logitech G435 Gaming Headset isn’t for those who value high performance, since the sound and build quality are both average at best.

First Impressions

In the realm of budget headsets, compromises often come hand in hand. Logitech, renowned for its quality gaming gear, introduces the G435 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Headset. Think of it as a budget sports car—flashy design and super-fast, low-latency gaming connectivity, all while sipping power efficiently.

However, it falls short of a strong recommendation. Still, it’s a departure from typical gaming headphones. The G435 mirrors other Logitech G series headsets: portable, lightweight, available in vibrant colors, and discreetly hides its microphone.

Designed for younger players on PC and consoles, the G435’s $80 price and cross-platform compatibility appeal to many. Yet, it lacks in sound quality and comfort—essential for gaming headsets. Despite its limitations in customization and a somewhat flimsy build, it offers an average audio experience at its price point.

I’ll dive deep into this headset’s every aspect. Stay tuned to see if the Logitech G435 earns its spot among the top gaming headsets.

Design

The Logitech G435 Lightspeed maintains a straightforward design that could be perceived as almost toy-like, depending on the color palette you opt for. I’ve noticed that Logitech has been pushing the boundaries of aesthetics in their recent wireless gaming headphones.

Designed with sustainability in mind, the G435 sports a sleek style, accented by coiled audio wires connecting the ear cups to the headband. It comes in three distinct color schemes: black and yellow, white and purple, and blue and pink.

The ‘Black & Neon Yellow’ variant might not stand out, but the other choices are visually striking, defying the usual all-black gaming gear trend. My tested unit had a predominantly black design with vivid yellow accents. While lacking RGB lighting, the vibrant colors alone suffice.

The earcups feature rounded corners and sharp edges, offering both style and flexibility for adjustments. Visually, the G435 resembles other plastic-based Logitech headsets like the G335 and G733 Lightspeed, with a few distinct characteristics.

Weight

Logitech G435’s diminutive size immediately grabs your attention. Measuring a mere 6.4 x 6.7 x 2.8 inches and weighing in at just 164g, the G435’s remarkably lightweight build is nothing short of surprising. As someone who typically prefers gaming headsets to hover around the 220g mark, this lightweight design falls comfortably within the ideal range. Given its small stature and budget-friendly price point, it comes as no surprise that the construction lacks any metal components.

Carbon Neutrality

The G435 stands out for its eco-friendly approach, boasting carbon-neutral certification and utilizing 22% recycled materials. It breaks from the norm of bulkier gaming headsets, targeting a younger and more diverse audience with its compact design. However, its build quality, with a thin plastic chassis and snug elastic headband, feels somewhat fragile.

Comfort

Unlike pricier Logitech models with suspension bands, the G435 opts for a lightweight plastic chassis and fabric headband. While it’s ideal for smaller heads, as an adult with a larger head, achieving a comfortable fit was a challenge, even with extended headband use.

The memory foam ear cushions, despite minimal padding, provided comfort during extended wear. However, maintaining a snug fit was a struggle. The headset’s design, while not ideal for larger heads like mine, could suit younger or smaller-headed gamers, offering comfort and a lengthy battery life for prolonged gaming sessions.

Build Quality

The G435’s durability leaves some uncertainty. Despite surviving accidental drops, it feels delicate, especially the ear cups’ vertical movement. The limited adjustability often led to strain on my ears, needing frequent readjustment during use. The narrow plastic bars connecting the cups hint at potential fragility with prolonged use. Though comfortable, the lack of extensive adjustment and portability features, like folding mechanisms or a carrying case, detract from its overall usability.

Control Scheme

The Logitech G435 Lightspeed features controls on the left earpiece, handling functions like mic mute, power, and volume adjustment. However, these controls lack versatility for tasks like call handling or music control. Despite the absence of Logitech’s G Hub app, the buttons perform their intended functions well. However, without a user guide, it’s challenging to navigate the various button combinations.

The controls are multipurpose, managing Bluetooth pairing and volume limiting but lack a dedicated dial for volume adjustment. The headphones lack a wired option, only supporting wireless connections through USB and Bluetooth. The USB-C port at the base is solely for charging, limiting connectivity options and leaving no wired backup for depleted battery situations.

Controls

Here’s a list of all the controls!

Connectivity

The Logitech G435 Lightspeed offers dual connectivity through a USB-A wireless RF dongle and Bluetooth, ensuring zero latency for PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and PC use. Unfortunately, it lacks Logitech G Hub support for sound profile customization and game-specific settings. While its sound quality isn’t exceptional, its broad platform compatibility stands out.

Although some users reported connectivity issues on Reddit, my experience was stable with both the Lightspeed dongle and Bluetooth. Switching between Bluetooth devices may require re-pairing, a Bluetooth norm. Lag wasn’t noticeable with either connection, providing reliable performance for gaming and calls. The claimed 10-meter wireless range proved accurate in home settings.

Despite its Bluetooth capability, noisy outdoor environments might limit its effectiveness. The USB dongle, matching the headset’s design, maintains a compact, non-intrusive profile.

In conclusion, the Logitech G435 is an aesthetically appealing headset equipped with dual wireless capabilities, making it a convenient choice for use with both your computer and phone, although not simultaneously, like Corsair’s Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT.

Performance

In comparison to most gaming headphones, the Logitech G435 Lightspeed’s audio quality is somewhat lacking. The 40mm drivers produce a decently warm sound profile with moderate volume, but the overall performance is only average. The bass gets a slight boost, enhancing effects and footfalls, yet it lacks a bit of depth to truly stand out in this regard.

Nevertheless, it manages to deliver a satisfactory range, providing gunshots and footsteps with enough rumble and presence. However, it’s important to note that individual experiences with bass delivery may vary, influenced by factors such as fit and wear, particularly for users with long hair or those who wear glasses. Furthermore, the G435 exhibits a commendable level of midrange accuracy. Although the overall balance is decent, the mid-range experiences a somewhat accentuated drop due to the overemphasis on high-bass and low-mid frequencies.

This can occasionally cause music and speech to seem somewhat pushed into the background despite their clarity. In terms of treble accuracy, the headphones offer satisfactory performance, with well-balanced low treble providing sufficient detail in speech and music, albeit with an underemphasized mid-treble that can cause sibilants like S and T sounds to appear somewhat flat. It’s worth noting that the treble delivery may vary depending on individual experiences and fit adjustments.

Frequency Response

The Logitech G435 headphones don’t exactly offer a relatively stable frequency response, and external factors like hair or glasses might affect bass performance. Treble delivery can vary, requiring precise fit for consistency. They present reasonable peak-to-trough performance, emphasizing low-bass frequencies for impactful sound effects. However, a dip in the mid-range occasionally mutes certain sounds, and inconsistencies in mid-treble can affect cymbals.

Dialogue and instruments maintain clarity, thanks to Logitech’s reliable imaging and tight bass reproduction. Yet, a notable phase response mismatch between middle and upper registers can distort stereo imaging, affecting high-mid range sounds. The closed-back design provides an adequate but sometimes confined soundstage, creating a sensation of sound coming from within the head rather than the room.

Harmonic Distortion

In terms of weighted harmonic distortion, these headphones perform quite well. A minor peak in the low to mid-treble at moderate volume levels may be present, but it’s often imperceptible with real-world content. The remaining frequencies fall well within acceptable limits, ensuring a clean and undistorted sound. Unfortunately, the G435 lacks an equalizer, limiting the ability to fine-tune volume and tone preferences. It only provides an adjustable volume control within the range of 85 to 100 decibels.

Music

With the Logitech G435, your music gets a clear and precise treatment akin to other budget gaming headsets. Instruments in songs exhibit minimal distortion, offering intricate details across various musical genres. While bass and rhythm guitar don’t steal the spotlight compared to percussion and synth, they maintain a distinct identity throughout music styles. Overall, it provides a positive listening experience that appreciates the nuances of each composition.

However, it’s important to note that songs heavily reliant on deep, booming bass might not deliver the anticipated impact. For instance, in Travis Scott’s “Utopia” album, the G435’s bass response showed room for improvement. Since the G435 lacks dedicated software, you’ll need to utilize your operating system or media player’s audio settings to fine-tune aspects like volume leveling or equalization to match your preferences.

To sum up, the Logitech G435 enhances your music-listening experience, offering clarity and precision across instruments. While it might not excel with ultra-bass-heavy tracks, its performance across different musical genres ensures an enjoyable auditory journey. Explore your system’s audio settings to further personalize your listening experience.

Gaming

In my extensive testing of popular PC games like Fortnite, Minecraft, Dota 2, Valorant, Overwatch 2, and Doom Eternal, the Logitech G435 exhibited a sound quality that, while acceptable, didn’t stand out. Gunfire lacked the expected intensity, potentially disappointing those seeking immersive audio. Dialogue remained clear but missed capturing subtle nuances in actors’ performances.

One challenge was finding the right volume balance as the G435 tends to be quiet, impacting the overall auditory experience. Explosions and gunshots lacked emphasis without dedicated sub-bass, which might suit highly competitive gaming. These sounds remained dominant cues in gaming environments. Surprisingly, the slight boost in upper-bass and midrange frequencies might aid in hearing friends on Discord.

Notably, the G435 lacks virtual surround sound due to incompatibility with Logitech G Hub. However, most gaming platforms offer alternatives, minimizing this limitation.

Compatibility With Tempest 3D, Windows Sonic, Atmos

Logitech highlights compatibility with Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, and the PlayStation 5’s Tempest 3D AudioTech. While Atmos and Tempest 3D indeed enhance the immersive quality of audio, they do depend heavily on surround sound technology, which the G435 lacks. During my Fortnite sessions, I found that I was missing the heightened positional information about opponent movements and gunfire that I typically experience with headsets featuring dedicated gaming-oriented 3D enhancements.

Similarly, while battling hordes of demons in Doom Eternal, the headset struggled to capture the full intensity of their roars. The 3D audio impression was intriguing but didn’t necessarily translate into a more informative gaming experience. On a different note, the G435’s reduced latency made it an ideal choice for mobile gaming on Android and iOS devices. However, it’s important to note that different applications handle latency differently.

Noise Isolation and Leakage

Despite its stylish and comfy fabric-covered earcups, the Logitech G435 Lightspeed’s noise isolation falls short compared to other gaming headsets. When you wear it, the plastic build might seem responsible for its average noise-blocking abilities. It’s uncertain if the lightweight ear cushions or the headset’s plastic design hinder its ability to block outside noise effectively.

This headset lacks active noise cancellation, making it weak in blocking bass-range noise. It struggles more with high-pitched background noise but does a bit better with mid-range sounds. Unfortunately, environmental noise tends to seep through, even at higher volumes, risking disturbance to those around you.

While it’s fine for home gaming, its Bluetooth connectivity combined with poor isolation makes it unsuitable for public spaces. Sound leakage, especially in middle and high frequencies, could disrupt others if listened to loudly in an office.

Microphone

The Logitech G435 Lightspeed is a gaming headset that pretty much gives you what you see, except for the mic, which is practically invisible. What sets this headset apart from others in the gaming world is its innovative microphone design. Instead of the traditional boom mic, Logitech has opted for a concealed microphone in the right earcup. It’s a cosmetic marvel, but there’s a trade-off in terms of recording quality.

The headset employs two built-in beamforming microphones to replicate the experience of using a boom mic. However, in contrast to other Logitech models sporting boom microphones, the G435’s concealed microphone falls a bit short in performance. Nevertheless, it managed clear voice transmission and effectively handled lower frequencies. Logitech’s claim of reducing background noise with its twin beamforming microphones holds true, yet it doesn’t entirely eliminate ambient sounds.

Despite making my voice audible amidst ambient noise, background sounds like in-game audio, conversations, and keyboard clicks were still noticeable during recordings and gaming sessions, even with wireless Bluetooth connections. At higher volumes, the microphone occasionally picked up the caller’s voice, leading to echoes for the caller, resolved only by lowering the volume significantly.

The microphone’s distance from the mouth influences its ability to capture background noise, doing so moderately with voices. Hence, while the G435’s microphone serves its purpose, it might not excel in high-noise environments. Additionally, the notification sound accompanying muting or unmuting the microphone is a thoughtful touch.

Battery Life – 18 Hours of Playtime

During my time with the Logitech G435, I found that the battery life exceeded the company’s advertised 18 hours on a single charge. In fact, this gaming headset impressively lasted for nearly 24 hours under continuous usage. While it may not match the battery life of the top gaming headsets on the market, it still stands as a respectable performance. A notable feature is the G435’s USB-C charging capability, although it doesn’t support fast charging.

The headset also incorporates a built-in auto-off timer to conserve power. However, it lacks an auxiliary input, meaning you can’t use it for passive music listening once the battery is depleted. On the bright side, you can continue using the headset while it’s charging. It’s worth mentioning that the actual battery life may vary depending on your usage patterns. Nonetheless, the Logitech G435’s battery endurance is certainly a strong point worth considering.

Should You Buy It? 

After that complete analysis, what’s my final verdict?

Buy It If

✅ You’re a budget-conscious gamer: If you’re looking for a reasonably priced gaming headset that offers wireless connectivity, decent audio quality, and compatibility across various platforms without breaking the bank, the G435 could be a suitable choice.

✅ Portability and style matter to you: If you prioritize a lightweight, compact headset with a trendy design that stands out among traditional gaming gear, the G435 might be a good fit.

Don’t Buy It If

❌ You prioritize audio quality: If you’re an audiophile or someone who prioritizes exceptional sound quality for gaming, music, or immersive experiences, the G435 might not meet your expectations. 

❌You seek superior build and customization: For users who value robust build quality, extensive customization options, and dedicated software support for fine-tuning sound profiles, the G435’s somewhat flimsy build and lack of Logitech G Hub support for sound customization might not be satisfactory.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Logitech G435 Lightspeed provides solid performance in the highs and lows, thanks to its drivers, and generally meets the intended audio expectations. While it doesn’t offer exceptional sound quality, it delivers an adequate listening experience, bearing in mind its $80 price point for a wireless headset. Professional-grade sound should not be expected from a headset in this price range, and the G435 provides a satisfactory audio experience.

For those concerned about environmental impact, the G435 is a commendable choice, as Logitech is making strides toward sustainability in the headphone industry. In general, young gamers who spend extended periods gaming will appreciate the comfort it offers during long play sessions. While it may be well-received by tweens or teenagers, they may outgrow it as they get older. Overall, the G435 succeeds as an affordable, accessible peripheral for younger computer users.

Recent Updates

Abdul Hannan

[How-To Guides Expert]

Laiba, our tech guru at HI Digital, simplifies and crafts How-To Guides with a Google IT Support Certificate. Beyond tech, she captures the city’s aesthetics through her lens. Join her journey where tech meets creativity!

Get In Touch: Laiba@hidgt.com