NZXT Switch Mix Review – IGN

I have been using the Switch Mix for about a month now, and I must say, it’s a game-changer. This innovative headphone stand is more than meets the eye. It tackles a problem that I didn’t even realize I had, and it does so brilliantly. Kudos to NZXT for thinking outside the box on this one.

Design and Build

The Switch Mix stands out with its simplicity. At first glance, it may look like an ordinary headphone stand, but it’s so much more. The pad on which your headphones rest is pressure-sensitive and communicates with the DAC (digital-to-analog converter). When you lift the headphones, the pad signals the DAC to switch the audio output to the attached speakers. And when you place the headphones back, the audio is seamlessly redirected to them. It’s a clever solution to a common problem.

The DAC, which serves as the brains of the operation, not only controls the audio routing but also functions as a 24-bit/96 kHz digital-to-analog converter. This high-quality DAC ensures excellent audio output for both speakers and headphones. The Switch Mix features two 3.5mm jacks—one for headphones and one for speakers. It connects to your computer via a USB-C to USB-A connection. Additionally, the Switch Mix includes a port that detects when headphones are placed on the stand, creating a seamless user experience.

The Switch Mix features a large volume control dial and a fader on the top. The volume control dial offers a tactile feel, and the fader allows you to balance the game volume and your voice chat volume. The build quality of the product is impressive, with rubber feet on the DAC unit and a well-designed base for the stand. NZXT offers different configurations for placing the DAC on the stand, providing flexibility to users.

One interesting choice by NZXT was to separate the DAC and the stand. While unconventional, this decision can be beneficial if either component needs to be replaced or used independently. It adds an extra layer of versatility to the Switch Mix.

In Use

The only drawback I found with the Switch Mix is the pressure pad. When you lift the headphones off the stand, the audio switches to the headphones from the speakers, and vice versa. The transition is quick and seamless, except for a momentary increase in speaker volume when removing the headphones. This sudden burst of volume can be a bit unsettling, especially if the speakers were already playing loudly. However, I believe that NZXT could address this issue with a firmware update.

Although the Switch Mix works perfectly fine without any additional software, installing NZXT’s CAM software unlocks some extra features. Through the software, you can customize the color of the LEDs on the volume dial and adjust the EQ settings. The EQ settings are primarily designed to be used with NZXT’s Relay Headset, but you can manually set your own EQ preferences. The software also allows you to toggle spatial audio support on and off, with support for DTS 7.1 surround sound.

It’s worth noting that the EQ settings seem to have no effect on connected speakers, even when using NZXT’s Relay Speakers. However, this doesn’t detract from the overall audio quality of the Switch Mix. In my testing, I compared it to another similar DAC and couldn’t discern any difference. The Switch Mix delivers exceptional audio performance, making the $130 price tag well worth it.