NZXT Switchmix and Relay Ecosystem Review
Up Close – Switchmix and Relay Headset
As a lot of companies seek to refresh their packaging, or change it for the sake of change, it’s good to see NZXT sticking with their very familiar and recognisable white and purple colour scheme. Clear product imagery, sturdy cardboard, plenty of protective foam, it’s how packaging should be done.
Starting with the Switchmix itself, the headphone stand is extremely sturdy with a metal construction and weighty base that ensures you won’t be constantly picking it up. The secret is to be found at the top, where a sensor detects if the headset is in place or on your ears. It’s this that gives the Switchmix the first part of its name.
The mix part comes from the the supplied box. It’s very plastic, to keep the weight down, and despite removing it fresh out of the box it’s clear it easily picks up flecks of dust and things, but that’s a minor issue only highlighted by how close this photo is taken. The circular dial adjusts the volume of your selected audio source, whilst the slider on the right mixes game and chat to your own taste. Move it to the bottom to mute your mouthier teammates, whilst the dial can also be pressed to mute everything quickly.
The headset plugs into the front to give you as much freedom as it is possible to get with a wired headset. By using a 3.5mm jack you aren’t limited to NZXTs own headset either.
Around the back side there is a USB type-C connector that attaches it all to your system – Type-A at the PC end of the cable – with the stand and switch functionality connected to the middle and your speakers – 3.5mm jack again for maximum flexibility – on the right. The practical jokes amongst you could swap the speakers and headset to unexpectedly deafen your friends.
The circles on the base of the stand perfectly matches the four feet on the base of the mixer, giving you yet more freedom in placement, in case you’d prefer it to be mounted in an alternate orientation.
The Relay headset we’re using today comes with all the cables you require to connect it to the Switchmix, but NZXT also understand some people will just buy the headset alone and thus have included a 3.5mm jack to USB adaptor. The microphone is also removeable if you prefer to run their Capsule microphone, or one of your own choice too. Freedom seems to be the watchword.
Here it is all in place. Very classy indeed.
