EPOS updates the GTW 270 Hybrid earbuds to let you use the mic while gaming

EPOS produced a set of gaming earbuds called the GTW 270 Hybrid wireless earbuds. I reviewed them last year and I thought they were good. Gaming was solid with no noticeable lag as the earbuds support aptX low latency. One of the things I dinged it was the inability to talk with your online friends while using it. That’s not uncommon as I have a few aptX low latency headphones that don’t let you use voice when using that Bluetooth mode.

Well, EPOS listened and they pushed out an update not too long ago that addresses this specific issue. I brought out my review unit and updated the firmware using the EPOS software installed on my Windows machine. After a few go arounds as it seemed to have slight issues pairing after the update initially, I was able to test the new voice functionality.

For voice testing, I tried out Microsoft Teams and Discord. Using the GTW 270 in my meeting on Teams, my coworkers said they heard me fine and when I did a test call I was surprised at how well my voice came through. Now, this is in a quiet environment of course and Microsoft Teams has some software background noise cancellation. Popping over to just recording my voice with OBS, the clarity and loudness was the same, but when I introduced a fan and simulating a noisy street, the extra sound could easily be heard in my recording. EPOS does say on their website it has some noise cancellation, but I found it to be just OK and I wouldn’t use it to talk in louder environments or outside if there’s a lot going on.

On my Steam Deck, I tried to use it both with the dongle and straight Bluetooth connected. I first tried just using Bluetooth and while it worked, it didn’t offer an option on the Steam Deck to use the aptX low latency codec. My other aptX low latency headphones showed that option on the Steam Deck when connected through Bluetooth. Even though it wasn’t in low latency mode, I was still able to game with the set pretty well. The delay was ever so slight and most of the time I didn’t notice.

Now if you want true low latency mode, you can use the dongle with the Steam Deck. I plugged it in and saw the purple light signifying that it was in low latency mode. With the dongle, you’re also able to use the mic on the earbuds with the Steam Deck as that option showed up in the audio menu for voice. If you want to use the GTW 270 Hybrid with the Steam Deck, the update will expand the functionality and add a microphone option for voice communication on it.

With the update, EPOS has made the GTW 270 Hybrid a much more complete audio gaming solution. It makes for a much more compact option as you don’t have to attach a mic now should you play online with friends. I didn’t test battery life to see if it has improved or decreased though.

I do still have some minor issues with the GTW 270 Hybrid. When first starting up, I get crackling noise in my ear buds like there’s interference. This happens whether I’m connected with the dongle or Bluetooth and it also happens when using the extension cable to move the dongle away from the PC. The crackling is minor and lasts maybe 30 seconds on and off before it seems like the connection stabilizes. I don’t know why it’s doing it, but I can say the interference issue seems to only last anytime I start using the GTW 270 but doesn’t last throughout my gaming session.

There’s only one button on the GTW 270 Hybrid for things like pause, play, skip, and so forth. No volume adjustment so you’re reliant on the computer’s audio controls. Considering there are many earbuds at a lower price range with touch controls and the ability to adjust the volume of your device makes this a miss for me on the GTW 270 Hybrid.

While the case is very nicely made, I wish that it supported wireless charging. There is the USB-C port to let you plug them in to charge, but having the wireless case also charge wireless is something I would’ve liked on a set of earbuds in this price range.

Speaking of price, EPOS did drop the set another $50 so now it comes in at $149.00 making these even more attractive. Having the ability to now use the mic when using the dongle makes the GTW 270 Hybrid a much better value especially for gamers wanting a smaller package with good sound.