HyperX

HyperX Cloud Stinger Gaming Headset Review / Test

Today we are talking about the brand new HyperX Cloud Stinger Gaming Headset. What is really cool about this headset is that it is listed as compatible with PS4, Xbox One, PC, Mac, as well as your Smartphone. What's even cooler is that it's also certified to work with the following apps: Teamspeak, Discord, Skype, Ventrilo, Mumble, Raidcall. That means that no matter what system/software  you are using, this headset will likely work for you.

If you are interested in this gaming headset, it will set you back $50 on Amazon

What's In the Box

  1. Headset (1.3m Cable)
  2. Extension / Splitter Cable (1.7m Cable)
  3. Quickstart Guide
  4. 2-Year Warranty

Specifications

Headphones

  1. Drivers: 50mm
  2. Frequency Response: 18Hz - 23kHz

Microphone

  1. Polar Pattern: Unidirectional
  2. Frequency Response: 50Hz - 18kHz
  3. Sensitivity: -40dB

Performance / Features

The build quality of this headset is better than I expected. It is a plastic build, however, the plastic feels high quality and provides ample flexibility. The foam on the headset/headband is made of HyperX's memory foam and is among the best I've felt on any gaming headset. The controls are simple; you will find a single volume rocker on the right ear cup to control the headphone volume, and that's it. And lastly, the microphone arm can articulate, and in order to mute the mic you just tilt it upright and you will hear a click to indicate the microphone has been muted.

The headphones are what truly stand out on this product. There is plenty of boomy low end while maintaining the presence in the high end. I typically do not enjoy bass heavy headphones, but that is because "bass-heavy" headphones are usually plagued by muddy lows that sacrifice high frequency performance; this headset does neither of those things. You get crystal clear highs and booming lows.

The microphone on the other hand is bad, and it just sounds like your typical gaming headset mic. When I saw the unidirectional polar pattern I knew that we would lose some quality in microphone performance compared to an omnidirectional microphone, and I think that it is a smart trade off to make. This is a gaming headset, and while gaming you want people on the other end to hear your voice instead of the fan blowing in the background. This unidirectional microphone will help with that. Do not get me wrong, you will still hear background noise, but it will not be as pronounced as it would be if the microphone was omnidirectional.

Pros

  • Universally compatible
  • Great sounding headphones
  • Extremely comfortable
  • Well built
  • Articulating Mic Arm
  • Unidirectional Mic

Cons

  • Bad sounding microphone

Conclusion

Even though I think the microphone is bad, I would absolutely recommend this headset. The recommendation stems from the headphones performance and comfort. While gaming, what's most important to you is going to be the audio you hear, and the comfort of the headphones; this headset excels in both of those areas. Your friends will also be able to hear you perfectly fine through this microphone while talking to each other on teamspeak, discord or any other chat service; you just won't win any awards for audio quality.

On the other hand, if you are going to be recording voice overs or gaming commentaries with this headset, I would recommend looking elsewhere because this microphone will not cut it for professional audio recordings.

If you have any additional questions about this microphone, leave them on the youtube video, and I will try to reply ASAP. 

Buy it on Amazon
US: http://amzn.to/2gspgik
UK: http://amzn.to/2gOlQ7K

HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset Review / Test

Today I am testing out another gaming headset by the name of HyperX Cloud II. I should note that my main interest in testing gaming headsets is the microphone. This is because I am searching for a headset that can function as an all in one podcasting options.

If you are interested in this microphone, it will set you back $100 on Amazon

What's In the Box

  • Headphones (w/ Attached TRRS Cable)
  • USB Adapter/Control (TRRS Input)
  • Carrying Bag
  • Extra Ear Cushions
  • Airplane Adapter
  • 2-Year Warranty

Performance / Features

The build quality of this headset is outstanding. It is a nice strong aluminum build which ensures that the headphones are not too heavy, and at the same time allows for flexibility. I do also have to say that they are some of the most comfortable headphones I have ever worn. The microphone is a study build, so I'm not worried about it breaking, and the braided cable will ease your mind that the cable won't tear easily. The control panel has a microphone mute switch, headphone volume control, microphone volume control, and a 7.1 surround sound activator. Basically everything on this headset is built really well.

he headphones have 53mm drivers and they sound superb. They have a frequency response of 15Hz to 25kHz. When I tested them, in the low end, I started to hear sound around 15-20Hz and in the high end, I didn't hear frequencies until 17kHz, but that could be due to one too many shows without hearing protection. This is the best sounding gaming headset I have tested to date.

The microphone has a cardioid polar pattern and a frequency response of 50Hz - 18kHz. It does well at eliminating background noise, but it sounds very hollow and like it's missing a lot of frequencies.

Pros

  • Great Build Quality
  • Very Comfortable
  • Headphones Sound Excellent
  • TRRS & USB Connection Options

Con

  • Microphone Sounds Hollow

Conclusion

The headphones are great, but once you get to the microphone you lose some audio fidelity. I would recommend these headphones, but only to a gamer. That is who they were designed for, and that is really where they will excel. The mic eliminates background noise (i.e. Keyboard & Mouse) and just picks up your voice, and the headphones sound excellent. I am also assuming that the virtual 7.1 surround sound will provide some sort of situation awareness benefit in gaming.

If you have any additional questions about this headset, leave them in the comments on this site or on the youtube channel, and I will try to reply ASAP. 

Buy it on Amazon (US): http://amzn.to/1VbUPeP
Buy it on Amazon (UK): http://amzn.to/1YBPRpw