For some time now I’ve been using the HyperX Cloud II headset with my PC while I use my Astro A40’s for my Xbox One. When it comes to headsets for a PC, I often have a hard time picking the one I want to use. With the market full of different brands, it comes down to which one is best for how it will be used. While I’ve been swamped with games to play and review over the past several months I’ve really put the headset under stress to see if it can really withstand a lot of usage.
Over the years I’ve had friends tell me I should go for Steelseries, Trittons, Turtle Beach and a few other brands, but I like to keep my options open. The first time I got to put on the HyperX Cloud II was at PAX East 2015 and I was quite pleased with the quality of the device. The sound was crisp and the noise-canceling feature worked well on the convention floor. The real test came when using the headset for more than just a few minutes. From the first day of using the HyperX Cloud II while playing my favorite games, I noticed how much more depth of sound I heard while using the 7.1 surround sound feature. (I’ve also had a great experience listening to music with the 7.1 surround sound off.) Being able to adjust game audio and microphone input independently from each other has worked perfectly for when I’m streaming on my Twitch channel.
The microphone’s sensitivity is such that it can be placed at a distance that is comfortable for long-term use. As I mentioned before, the settings allow the volume of the game audio and the microphone volume to be customized so that neither is overpowering the other. Below are the specifications for both the headset component and the microphone component. Trust me when I say that this headset is well worth picking up if you’re in the market for a quality gaming unit for your PC–or even for more casual use.
Headset:
- Transducer type: dynamic Ø 53mm with Neodymium Magnets
- 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: 320g
- Cable length and type: 1m + 2m extension
- Connection: mini 3.5mm jack plug (4 pole)
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: 50–18,000 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 (include gooseneck)
- Capsule diameter: Ø6*5 mm
- Connection: single mini stereo jack plug (3.5mm)
As you can see above, the specs are more than adequate for any use you can think of. In addition to the PC model, they’ve also released models that are compatible with the Xbox One and PS4. Based on the quality of the unit I received for review, I would recommend the console-compatible models with no hesitation. (PC gamers should absolutely grab the HyperX Cloud II.) With as much use as my headset has gotten, it looks as good as when I took it out of the box–something that can’t be said for all brands of headsets.
Overall, I would rate the HyperX Cloud II for PC quality as excellent, and would gladly use other products they manufacture. HyperX Cloud II headsets can be found at GameStop, Newegg, Amazon, and other online retailers for around $100–a great price for the quality.
