Asus today enters the gaming headset market with the CineVibe Rumble Feedback USB headset. Always innovating, Asus has added a rumble effect to this gaming headset. This is a more private version of the Buttkicker home theater device or the rumble effects found on many console game controllers. The USB headset is driver-less of course and works on either PC or Apple computers. The rumble vibrations are tuned to low frequency sounds and not with game related events so this technically isn’t a force feedback system, but its potential for sound enhancement is exciting.
Vortez didn’t find the effect that exhilarating. He notes the addition of the low frequency transformation into vibration altered the somewhat average sound of the headset. While the novelty of the sensation would certainly distract from less than stellar sound, most serious gamers will opt for the higher quality circumaural experience found with larger ear cups like the Logitech G35 or those focusing on surround audio like the Razer Megalodon. Anyone who spends a significant amount of time gaming will know that headphones that press on the ear can’t be tolerated for long sessions. We’ll hope Asus tries again with this concept but with a larger version with some configurable drivers and game support.