The Logitech G435 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Headset is not the typical gaming-ugly product, instead offering a considerate design that is tasteful, delivering comfort and more for just $79.99. The combo of gaming-grade Lightspeed 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth is said to offer users the freedom to wirelessly connect to a PC, PlayStation, or mobile device. Lightspeed Wireless connects to a PC or Playstation via a USB-A 2.4 GHz adapter, providing a low-latency performance tuned for the needs of gamers, while Bluetooth support enables users to connect to their mobile device and play games or listen to music.
This sends a message about the need for the Bluetooth SIG to step-up their game and update the audio specifications - quickly! Bluetooth technology needs to be updated to meet the needs of lower latency applications - as well as offering standard higher-quality uncompressed audio profiles - once and for all, in order to stop companies like Logitech (and many others already) from selling proprietary radio solutions. These can apparently solve an immediate problem but are a terrible option for consumers which could do very well without old-fashioned USB dongles and don't need more noise in the available RF spectrum.
The new Logitech G435 also sends an important message in terms of design strategy and product development approach, setting a new standard (wouldn't call it "gold" as Logitech does) for affordable wireless headsets. From the soft fabric materials used in the headband and earpads, to the generous earcups holding 40mm dynamic drivers, all the way to dual beamforming microphones that eliminate the need for a boom mic, there is nothing average or standard in this design. The advanced beamforming mics also reduce background noise while amplifying the user's voice for improved communication in gaming or meetings.
Logitech also says that the G435 is the most sustainable gaming wireless headset they have produced to date. "It’s certified CarbonNeutral, which means that we finance high-quality certified carbon offsets to reduce the carbon impact of the product to zero. The plastic parts include a minimum of 22 percent post-consumer recycled content, and the paper packaging comes from FSC-certified forests."
“Consumers, particularly young gamers, care deeply about the planet and the effects of climate change, as well as the price, functionality and feature set of their products,” says Ujesh Desai, general manager of Logitech G. “We’ve engineered the G435 with intention - to build our lightest, most affordable, sustainable gaming headset for these users, while not compromising on style, versatility and advanced features, like beam-forming mics and multiplatform support.”
Weighing in at only 165 grams, G435 headphones are ultra lightweight, being 50% lighter compared to the Logitech G533 headset. They are also comfortable enough to wear all day and the flexible headband fits a wide range of people, even if it's design has been optimized for small to medium head sizes (because the product targets a younger demographic, not because gamers have small heads...). It also features an optional volume limiter, which no one will ever use, but it reassures unsuspecting parents.
The new G435 wireless headset comes in three color variations, Black & Neon Yellow, Blue & Raspberry, and Off-White & Lilac and yet avoids the use of any paints, thereby eliminating associated energy consumption during manufacturing, while also enhancing the end of life recyclability potential. G435 users are also provided with the option to replace the headset’s earpads to promote product longevity. And there are other design touches like left and right braille indicators to make it easy for those with visual impairments to know which side is which.
During the development of the Logitech G435, the environmental impact of all design decisions was considered, with the result that the product is estimated to have a 40% lower carbon impact in comparison to one of Logitech's best-selling headsets, the G533.
“Climate change is one of the biggest challenges of our generation. Yet reduction of the net carbon output levels caused by human action isn’t happening fast enough – we need to do more now to help shape a climate positive future. For us at Logitech, a truly sustainable design considers environmental and social impacts from the moment raw materials are sourced right through to the product’s end-of-life,” says Logitech's CEO Bracken Darrell.
Logitech’s Design for Sustainability (DfS) framework guided the development of the G435, alongside sustainable design principles that start with an optimized architecture and better materials. Sustainably designed products use materials that take less energy to manufacture, come from renewable sources and are easier to recycle. The plastic parts use certified (post-consumer) recycled plastics wherever possible – 35% and 85% recycled content ABS resins are used on compatible components. These recycled plastics are sourced from information technology equipment, giving a second life to end of life electronics and contributing to a more circular economy.
The G435’s packaging was also designed to minimize weight by reducing overall size of the box and by printing the user manual directly on the box to further save paper. The paper packaging of the G435 comes from FSC-certified forests and Logitech invests in carbon offsetting projects, including certified projects to conserve forestry and support climate-impacted communities.
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