Headsets in general allow people to enter into their own virtual world. Whether that be listening to the climax of a movie or the foot steps behind you in a computer game. As I have said in the past, your computer peripherals are really what makes your experience come to life.
Having reviewed many different types of audio equipment lately, I have gained a respectable sense of what makes a good audio device. There are many companies out there who sell “gaming headsets”, but what is a gaming headset? Is it a headset that is only good for gaming? Or maybe a headset that is good for everything all around.
For the first time ever, Kingston has taken the challenge of creating their own gaming optimized headset. This newly crafted headset takes the HyperX brand of Kingston, which is Kingston’s gaming branch. Being new into the headset market, you would expect there to be some imperfections. Yet, as you are about to find out, Kingston may have just hit the nail on the head with this new headset.
Welcome to my Kingston HyperX Cloud Gaming headset review. In this review I will be covering the unboxing, design, performance, and my overall thoughts. I would like to thank Kingston for providing me with the HyperX Cloud.
The Unboxing
To kick things off, we start with one of the best unboxings I have ever experienced. The outer cardboard shell provides you with more information than shown online at Kingston’s website. By having high resolution photos, clear readable text, and a seven point guide on the design of the Cloud headset, you get the sensation of owning a premium product.
Right before opening up the outer box, gamers will immediately notice the four iconic gaming organizations. Kingston has made the push to become the official headset for SK Gaming, Intel Extreme Masters, Alliance, and Teamliquid.
Moving on to the inside, users will find an elegantly crafted box that contains all of the accessories and the headset itself. Take off the front cover, flip it around and you are presented with a letter from the HyperX General Manager, Andres Willumsen.
Next, we take a look at what’s inside. The Cloud is placed in a soft touch foam that will standup to any drops that could occur during shipping. Once removed from the box and placed aside for a moment, users will find the included accessories provided with the Cloud, of which there are many.
Right away you will see the detachable microphone, audio/microphone to single 3.5mm jack adapter, a secondary pair of ear pads, one of the best carrying cases I have ever seen, an audio/microphone to single 3.5mm cable, cable extenders, and a secondary cable extender with a built-in volume wheel, push-to-talk button, and mute switch.
Having two sets of cable extensions allows users to reach incredible distances. As the headset is compatible with a PS4, users can sit on the couch and run the cables to their PlayStation 4 without compromise. The first set of cable extensions are coated with a rubber finish, while the second set is braided.
Taking a closer look at the ear pads, users will find the already installed pads are memory foam pads whereas the optional secondary pads are a soft-touch foam. Personally, I opted to stick with the memory foam pads, as they were extremely comfortable.
Finally, we have the well-crafted carrying case. As I mentioned above, the included mesh carrying case is one of the best I have ever seen for a headset. Having a two pouch design, the main pouch is for the headset and is closed off with a draw string, whereas the secondary pouch is for the unit’s cables and is sealed by Velcro. The stitching of the carrying case is very high quality and I would expect the carrying case to last the life of the headset.
The Design
Personally, I find the design of the Cloud to be one of the better looking designs on the market. Kingston offers the Cloud in either white or black, which isn’t much of a selection. Whilst looking at online reviews and pictures of the black model, I found that I would prefer the white model.
Built using a solid aluminum frame, the Cloud’s construction allows for a better contour to the user’s head whilst at the same time gives users a quality construction.
Along the top headband, users will find a thick memory foam padding. Matching the memory foam ear pads, the Cloud offers an excellent and comfortable experience whilst wearing them. For long gaming sessions, or watching movies, users should not find themselves needing to reposition the headset or having a headache. Another plus is that memory foam remembers the position you use allowing for a better fit each time.
On the top of the headband, you will find the excellent white stitching and a stitched HyperX logo. Looking at the sides you find nothing besides the plastic “HX” logo as seen in the photo above.
The cable running to the headset is located on the left ear cup and is non-detachable. So far, this is the only dislike I have about the Cloud. Non-detachable cables running to the headset means that if the cable is ripped or damaged in any way, the entire unit needs to be replaced. Not to worry though as the unit does come with a two year warranty.
Finally, we have the craftsmanship of the microphone. The microphone has a flexible stalk that allows easy positioning and sound reproduction is clear and crisp. The only design feature I dislike is the large noise cancellation cover at the end of the microphone. Seen in the photo below, I found that no matter where I bent the microphone I could always see the cover.
Performance
Having 53mm drivers, HiFi capability, and an excellent noise canceling system, the audio quality and performance is out of this world. Hear the footsteps of a first person shooter game or the screech of tires as a car drifts around a corner.
Whilst wearing the Cloud, I found that the normal world was canceled out due to the tight fit around your ears. The ear cups are correctly shaped with their oval design and the memory foam pads allow for a complete seal even near the rear of your head.
When playing my normal round of games such as World of Tanks, Civilization V, Warcraft III TFT, and Garry’s Mod, the Cloud offered up the same experience for all of my games. Sounds were crisp, game music was clear, and general action scenes were pleasing to listen to. Sounds never became too loud or too quiet.
Next, I took the gaming headset on a music tour. Low, mid, and high frequencies all attained adequate reproduction as well as an excellent bass-reproduction. When listening to rock and roll music, I found that the Cloud handled all the different music instruments with ease and the music was enjoyable. For users who listen to instrumental music, the Cloud’s audio reproduction shines with a stunning range of notes and ranges.
I then moved on to YouTube videos. As someone with 25 YouTube subscriptions, it is important for the headphones to perform well in this environment. I am happy to report back that just like gaming and music, the Cloud performed flawlessly. People’s voices, game streams, and general videos had a perfect playback.
When looking at the microphone, performance doesn’t lack here either. Having a frequency response between 100 – 12,000 Hz, it gives listeners on the other end an excellent experience. Never once did I have to repeat myself, or people say I wasn’t loud enough or too loud; it was just right.
Finally here are the full specifications of both the headset and microphone:
Headphones
Transducer type: dynamic Ø 53mm
Operating principle: closed
Frequency response: 15Hz–25,000 Hz
Nominal impedance: 60 Ω per system
Nominal SPL: 98±3dB
T.H.D.: < 2%
Power handling capacity: 150mW
Sound coupling to the ear: circumaural
Ambient noise attenuation: approx. 20 dBa
Headband pressure: 5N
Weight with microphone and cable: 350g
Cable length and type: 1m + 2m extension + 10cm iPhone
Connection: mini stereo jack plug (3.5 mm)
Microphone
Transducer type: condenser (back electret)
Operating principle: pressure gradient
Polar pattern: cardioid
Power supply: AB powering
Supply voltage: 2V
Current consumption: max 0.5 mA
Nominal impedance: ≤2.2 kΩ
Open circuit voltage at f = 1 kHz: 20 mV / Pa
Frequency response: 100–12,000 Hz
THD: 2% at f = 1 kHz
Max. SPL: 105dB SPL (THD≤1.0% at 1 KHz)
Microphone output: -39±3dB
Length mic boom: 150mm (including gooseneck)
Capsule diameter: Ø6*5 mm
Connection: mini stereo jack plug (3.5mm)
My Final Thoughts
In conclusion, I would say that the HyperX Cloud headset is one of the best gaming headsets I have ever used. They’re comfortable, sound great, and built to a high standard. For a price of $89.99, you cannot go wrong here. As I said before, Kingston hit the nail on the head with this unit and have created a headset that will be liked by gamers everywhere.
Buy it Now:
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