The Nothing Headphone (1): A Flashy Bit of Kit That’s Got Me Wondering... Is It OP for Gamers?

AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·

The Nothing Headphone (1): A Flashy Bit of Kit That’s Got Me Wondering... Is It OP for Gamers?

These Nothing Headphone (1) are a visually striking, bass-forward pair of cans that bring a unique flair and surprisingly strong immersion to mobile gaming, despite a few minor quirks and non-class-leading ANC, making them a curious contender for gamers who value atmosphere and punchy audio.

Right, so apparently a new pair of headphones just dropped that look like they accidentally blew a hole through reality and emerged from a dimension where design teams actually had some fun. That, my mates, is the Nothing Headphone (1) – and after giving them a good digital tinker, I’ve got some thoughts on whether they’re just a pretty face or if they’ve got the audio chops to earn a spot in your gaming arsenal.

Now, I’ve seen my fair share of ‘revolutionary’ gear, and frankly, most of it is just marketing fluff wrapped in a slightly shinier package. But the Headphone (1)? These things are something else. They sit in that mid-range sweet spot, price-wise, aiming to disrupt a market usually dominated by the big dogs like Sony and Bose. But what *actually* happens when a brand known for its transparent, industrial-chic aesthetic takes on wireless noise-cancelling headphones?

**A Vibe That Demands Attention (And Maybe a Double-Take)**

First things first: the look. Fair dinkum, it’s divisive, but I’m absolutely smitten. The blend of modern minimalism with those unique transparent elements and exposed components? It’s like something straight out of an indie cyberpunk game. It’s got that ‘future tech found in a forgotten bunker’ vibe, and I’m here for it. I reckon some folks might find them a bit much, but I’ll admit, I love them to pieces.

And talk about a conversation starter! I’ve been testing these for a couple of months, even dragged them along to big tech crowds like Gamescom, and bloody hell, they attracted more questions and curious stares than a wizard trying to cast a fire spell in a library. If Nothing’s quest objective was to get people talking, they absolutely crushed it. The build quality feels solid too, a pleasant mix of aluminium, robust plastic, and some rubberised bits for good measure. Definitely not flimsy – they feel like proper gear.

**Comfort for the Long Haul (And a Few Minor Glitches)**

For us gamers, comfort is paramount. Those marathon raiding sessions or deep dives into sprawling open worlds demand headphones that won’t feel like a vice on your skull after an hour. The Headphone (1) delivers here. The clamping force is snug enough to secure a good fit and seal for the ANC, but it's not so heavy that it causes fatigue. The earcups are deep and well-padded, giving your ears plenty of room to breathe.

Now, for a couple of quirks – because what’s a new gadget without a few minor bugs, eh? The slender carry case is slick, but the headphones lie flat inside… the wrong way around. So every time you pull them out, you’ve got to flip them. It’s a minor annoyance, like a slightly misplaced hotkey in your UI. Maybe I’m being nitpicky, but it’s one of those things that just feels a bit… unoptimised.

Then there's the pairing button, tucked away inside the right earcup. It’s a tad finicky to get to, especially when you compare it to the otherwise lovely, tactile controls: a proper volume roller, a rocker switch for skipping tracks, and a customisable button on the outside for things like voice assistants, ANC modes, or spatial audio. You can even map two functions to that button, which is a neat little bit of customisation.

**The Magic Under the Hood: App, ANC, and Spatial Spells**

The Nothing X app is your trusty spellbook for these cans. It’s pretty decent, offering all the usual suspects: adjusting ANC levels, fiddling with an EQ (you can go from simple 'More Bass' presets to a granular 8-band custom setup), and handling spatial audio. Crucially for us, there’s also a **low-latency gaming mode** for mobile use, which immediately piques my interest.

Speaking of spatial audio, it’s based on head tracking. For music, I found it a bit… forced, like a spell that didn't quite land with natural grace. But for movies and, more importantly, **games**? That’s where I can genuinely see it adding a compelling layer of immersion, giving environmental sounds and directional cues more depth.

As for Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), it’s good, not groundbreaking. It deals with voices and most ambient noise rather well, like a decent shield spell deflecting minor projectiles. However, some higher-pitched sounds can still poke through, especially if you’re not playing any audio. It doesn’t quite envelop you in that absolute silence that some class-leading headphones achieve. And the transparency mode, which lets you hear your surroundings, felt a bit synthetic in its relay, like a slightly muffled voice chat.

Connectivity is solid, rocking Bluetooth 5.3 with support for high-res codecs like LDAC, alongside the usual SBC and AAC. Pairing to my phone or dedicated audio player was a doddle. Plus, you’ve got both USB-C and 3.5mm options for wired use, which is always a win for versatility and zero-latency shenanigans.

**Mana Management: Battery Life**

Battery life is surprisingly strong. Nothing rates these for up to 35 hours with ANC on, and a whopping 80 hours without. In my testing, I actually pushed past their claims, getting around 40 hours with ANC enabled. That’s a solid week of general use, meaning less time tethered to a charger and more time glued to your screen, which is always a bonus.

**The Main Event: Sound for the Savvy Gamer**

Alright, the audio. KEF, a fellow British brand known more for its speakers, lent a hand with tuning the 40mm drivers inside. Out of the box, the Headphone (1) boasts a darker sound profile with plenty of extension, depth, and prominence in the low-end. This, my friends, is where it gets seriously interesting for gamers.

That punchy bass and excellent audio width? Absolutely *cracked* for immersion in many gaming scenarios. Think about it: the rumble of a tank in a war game, the satisfying bass drop of a devastating ult in an MOBA, the roar of an engine in *Forza Horizon 5*, or the visceral *thwack* of a sniper shot in *Call of Duty Mobile*. This sound signature makes those moments *feel* substantial, adding a real weight to the experience.

The wide soundstage also means you can often pinpoint directional cues. Distant gunfire, enemy footsteps (though this is where we get to a subtle point) – these headphones help you place sounds in your virtual space. The Nothing X app also lets you dial up the Bass Enhancement, which I found added an extra layer of presence without becoming overbearing, perfect for those explosive moments. The mid-range is pleasantly smooth too, ensuring NPC dialogue and your teammates’ comms come through clearly.

Now, for a spot of gentle skepticism. The top-end, while crisp, has a slightly darker finish. Cymbals and other bright, high-frequency elements can feel a tad pushed back in the mix. For competitive gamers who rely on those *super-crisp*, precise high-frequency cues (like quiet enemy footsteps on a specific surface) to clutch a round, this darker treble profile might be a trade-off. It’s not necessarily a deal-breaker, but it’s something to be aware of; you’re gaining powerful lows and width for immersion, but perhaps losing a fraction of surgical precision in the highs.

**The Verdict: A Curious Contender**

So, are the Nothing Headphone (1) an OP piece of gear for your gaming arsenal? They’re definitely a curious customer, that’s for sure. If you’re after a pair of headphones that look unlike anything else, are super comfortable for long sessions, and deliver a genuinely punchy, wide soundstage that *greatly* enhances the immersion in action-packed or atmospheric games – especially mobile ones with that low-latency mode – then these are a strong contender.

The ANC isn't top-tier, and the treble might not be surgically precise for competitive twitch-shooters, but for the sheer visceral enjoyment of gaming, particularly where bass and atmosphere reign supreme, they bring a lot to the table. They’ve got character, comfort, and an audio profile that, for many games, is a bloody good time. If you spot them at a discounted rate, I reckon they’re well worth a go. They’ve certainly made my audio tinkering sessions a bit more interesting.

Tags: Gaming Headsets, Mobile Gaming, Audio Tech, Gadget Review, Headphones

Original article: Eurogamer