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Gaming headsets are a dime a dozen. You can go out and buy one for $20 or shell out a few hundred. What Kingston had done with their original HyperX Cloud last year was that they created a quality headset for a value price. Now, they have built upon its success and have released the HyperX Cloud II. It offers plenty of features such as a removable microphone, inline sound card with virtual 7.1 surround sound, and cross platform compatibility for a low price of $99.99!
Today we have the gun metal color option to review, however, there are also red and pink themed versions available. Continue on and let’s see how this headset stacks up!
PACKAGING AND ACCESSORIES
Our HyperX Cloud II came in a red and black themed box with the main features listed on both the front and back, from the “Premium USB Sound Card” to the digitally enhanced, noise canceling mic. It also states that it comes with a two year warranty and free technical support.
On the side of the box it states that the headset is compatible with Skype, TeamSpeak, Ventrilo, Mumble, and RaidCall.
The headset is also compatible, via USB connectivity, with PC and Mac and is stereo compatible with PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and mobile devices. When used with an Xbox One you will need a separate adapter.
When we first opened the box we could see that Kingston have really put a lot of effort into the packaging. It is definitely packaged as a high end headset. Everything is contained neatly within the cut out foam cushioning and accessories are below.
Included with the headset are an extra set of memory foam velour ear cushions on top of the leatherette ones. There is also the detachable 3.5mm stereo microphone, USB audio control box w/ attached 2m braided cable, airplane adapter, and mesh carrying bag. On top of these there is also a quick start guide to help you get started with connecting the headset to your digital devices.
DESIGN & BUILD QUALITY
The most notable feature of this headset is its USB audio control box with built-in DSP sound card. Since most laptops do not allow for sound cards to be added to them, the built in card is great.
It improves the audio quality and allows for easy control over the headset and mic volumes while also allowing for a quick way to enable virtual 7.1 surround sound. There is also a mute switch for the microphone and a clothing clip on the backside.
Furthermore, the aluminum building materials are a very welcomed sight. With the metal can arms this headset should prove to stay intact no matter the amount you use and abuse it, especially when compared to cheaply made plastic headsets which tend to break after heavy use.
The cups are a closed design and feature black brushed aluminum plates with the HyperX logo on their sides. Within the cups are 53mm drivers with neodynium magnets which have the same specifications as in the original HyperX Cloud.
The headband material is a stitched leather and has a more than ample amount of memory foam that is soft to the touch and proves to keep the headset comfortable even after hours of use.
The microphone plug is located on the bottom left headphone can and comes with a removable plug cover. However, the cover is not attached, thus after a few times of swapping it for the mic you are going to most likely lose it … as we have ours after just two weeks.
The non-detachable cable is 1 meter in length, which in our use proved to be the perfect length for when the headset is being used as headphones on the go. However, if you are using it on your PC and are not going to use the included USB control box, you may have to get an extension cable to use the headset as 1 meter is a bit short for that usage scenario.
Review Overview
Design and Comfort
Build Quality
Features
Sound Quality
Price
The HyperX Cloud II Rises to the top
Designed in Sweden, the HyperX Cloud II is a quality gaming headset that is sure to deliver not only in terms of sound, but also quality and comfort. If you are in the market for a new gaming headset, this one is well worth a look.
So what in it is better than the first one ? Also will there be a white version ?
The microphone has a wider frequency range, the jack coming out of the headset is a single jack, not two, and it has an inline sound card when used over a USB connection. The pink accented model is in white, it will be a limited edition.
Exactly what I wanted to know, thank you, I enjoyed your review, i’ll be sure to read your future ones (just discovered you with this one)
Awesome! If you like SSDs, I am the consumer storage editor on our sister site, TheSSDReview.com. I have a bunch of other articles there as well. 🙂
Thanks for the great review! I was just planning to pick up the first hyperX cloud but might just opt for this. Quick question though..i’m currently using a Steelseries external USB sound card which already comes with virtual 7.1 surround, am I better off just using the HyperX’s usb or my sound card? Also if I opt to use my sound card will there be any issues with the mic or will I need a Y adapter? Thanks in advance for any input and keep up the great work!
The included airplane adapter may work to connect it, otherwise you will need a Y adapter for it to work with Cloud II. The Cloud II’s cable out is a single jack for both audio and mic, not independent. I can not say which would be better as I have no experience with the SteelSeries one.
Do you have any idea what retail stores will carry these on release date?
Febuary 9th Seems to be the street date.
As far as I can tell, it will only be available online via Amazon, Newegg, Rakuten and Kingston’s own online store. However, if it is in fact available in actual retail outlets, we’ll let you know as soon as we find out.
So without the usb 7.1 when playing on xbox one can you still pin point peoples footsteps?
So i’ve lost the little plug for the microphone…can i find another one ? if you have an aswer contact me on Facebook : Gogo Mitrev. 🙂