Bridging the gap between high-end gaming headsets and affordability.
As one of the most popular gaming headsets among streamers and casual gamers alike, I revisit the HyperX Cloud II gaming headset, highlight some of its pillar features, and compare it to some of the newer gaming headsets on the market.
The gaming industry has seen exponential growth, especially in recent years. In 2018 the global gaming industry revenue was just over 120 billion. Four years later, 2022 sees gaming revenues exceeding 235 billion dollars – an increase of over 195 percent.
The gaming headphone sub-industry is expected to see a growth of well over 1 billion over the next few years.
- Ultra-low latency
- Great bass reproduction and balanced mids
- Microphone quality is inconsistent
- The treble can sound sharp
More people have been turning to gaming as a way to spend their free time, connect with friends, and make new friends – especially since the pandemic locked everyone indoors.
With this influx of new gamers came the need for the gaming headset market to adjust and deliver gaming headsets that aren’t only geared toward professional competitive gamers.
The HyperX Cloud II is a shining example of how gaming headsets are designed to provide quality and also cater to an audience of newcomers and casual gamers who may not need a $500 set of pro-gaming headphones.
Released in 2015, the HyperX Cloud II gaming headset has sold well over 20 million units. Leveraging huge partnerships with esports organizations and some of the biggest live streamers on platforms like Twitch and Youtube Gaming, HyperX has become somewhat of a household name.
In this review, find out more about the HyperX Cloud II gaming headset and everything it offers gamers of all experience levels.
Company Overview
HyperX was originally owned by the multinational computer technology company Kingston Technology Corporation. In February of 2021, Kingston Technology sold the rights to all HyperX branded computer peripherals to HP (Hewlett-Packard) for $425 million.
Founded back in 2002 as a gaming and overclocking memory brand, HyperX is now celebrating its 20th anniversary. In 2014 they launched their first-ever gaming headset – the HyperX Cloud.
Since then, HyperX has put out various computer peripheral products, including keyboards, mice, microphones, and more.In 2015, the HyperX Cloud II gaming headset was launched and was quickly named one of the best all-around gaming headsets on the market. It has become a staple product for the HyperX brand and earned its place among other industry leaders.
Technical specifications
- Form: Closed-back,over-ear, circumaural fitting
- Drivers: 53mm dynamic drivers with neodymium magnets
- Impedance (Ohm): 60 Ω
- Sensitivity (dB): 98 ± 3dB
- Frequency Response (Hz): 10 Hz – 23 kHz
- Removable Cable: No
- Source Jack/Plug: 3.5 mm
- Cup/Shell/Connector Jack/Plug: mini 3.5 mm jack plug (4 pole)
- Mic: Yes
- Weight (g): 310 g
- Compatibility: PC, Mac, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, PS4, PS5, Mobile
Packaging & Accessories
The HyperX Cloud II gaming headset comes packaged in a hard-shell exterior box that sports their signature red, black, and white brand color scheme. It features a high-resolution photo of the headset itself and a bullet point breakdown of essential features.
Inside is an eye-catching red box adorned with the HyperX logo, containing the warranty paperwork and a user guide. Underneath a foam protective shield, the HyperX Cloud II headset is nestled nicely into a protective foam mold.
The headset comes with optional Velour ear cups that gamers can swap in for the standard leather ear cups. The detachable microphone is packaged separately and provides an appealing introductory display upon opening the box.
In the box
- Gaming headset
- USB advanced audio control box
- Detachable mic
- Velour ear cushions
- Mesh carrying case
- Quick start guide
- 2-year warranty card
Design
In regards to design, the HyperX Cloud II delivers a nice clean look, feel, and fit. I like that they didn’t do anything crazy with the design and instead went for simplicity.
The red and black color scheme has a sort of matte look to it that gives this headset style and sophistication. Using red as an accent color to highlight the HyperX logo is a great aesthetic feature, as well as the red stitching that lines the headband.
The build design and structure are slim and compact, with no real bulky parts that are excessive or intrusive. They are super easy to transport with the mesh carrying bag that comes with the headset!
In terms of functionality, I really like the detachable microphone, as it can get in the way if you are trying to eat/drink with your headset on. I am also a big fan of the built-in volume, muting, and surround sound controls.
Comfort
The HyperX Cloud II is known for being one of the most comfortable gaming headsets on the market, especially at their price point.
Designed with premium memory foam and leatherette materials, the headband and ear cups provide superior comfort, while the overall slim and lightweight build really does give them that “cloud” feeling.
This headset delivers a level of comfort beyond the price point.
They are perfect for long gaming sessions without any discomfort. However, one thing to note is that the HyperX Cloud II do not have an eyewear channel for gamers who wear glasses, which could cause fit issues.
Build Quality
The headset’s build quality is one aspect that is a little bit more indicative of the lower price point. The HyperX Cloud II is made mainly of aluminum, while the earcups are built with matte-textured plastic with black metal panels on the outside surface. They are super lightweight and easy to pack away when traveling.
Although not constructed of the strongest materials, I have had my Cloud II for over three years, and despite numerous drops and other wear and tear, they have held up great.
Mic Quality
Gaming headsets need to have a quality mic so that communication with teammates is clear, controlled, and consistent. Everybody hates having that one teammate with a mic that sounds like it was made from a tin can.
The HyperX Cloud II have a detachable cardioid microphone with a flexible metal arm designed to find that perfect mic position. The mic also features noise-canceling and noise-isolation technology for smooth sound transmission.
The Cloud II microphone comes with a foam microphone pop-filter or “windscreen” attachment designed to prevent breathing sounds and other loud audio created by pops or blasts of air from being transmitted.
The microphone can have moments of volume wavering and inconsistency, in which case a simple unplug and replug often remedies the issue. I recommend having a friend jump into a Discord voice chat with you to test your mic if the need arises!
Microphone recording
Connectivity
The HyperX Cloud II includes both USB and 3.5 mm stereo jack connectors. It also allows gamers to enable 7.1 virtual surround sound when they want an even more immersive audio experience.This headset is compatible with PC, Mac, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and Mobile devices.
Sound Quality
The wallet-friendly HyperX Cloud II provides the sound quality that gamers need for an immersive and accurate audio experience. From hearing enemy footsteps and environmental audio cues, to enjoying realistic explosions, gunshots, and other in-game sound effects – this headset delivers great sound quality.
PC gaming
The Cloud II headset provides excellent detail for picking up on footsteps and important sound cues during in-game situations like this screenshot of some Valorant gameplay on PC. As you can see, I have let one enemy walk past me, knowing, thanks to my headphones, that two more enemies are following close behind.
With ultra-low latency, a slight emphasis on bass and treble tones, and zero bass boosting, you can clearly hear every footstep, shuffle, and sound cue.
On PC, the HyperX Cloud II also allows gamers to enable virtual 7.1 surround sound using the built-in volume control panel. As you can see in the picture below, mine has taken a beating over the past few years, but it still works perfectly!
The HyperX Virtual 7.1 surround-sound feature is somewhat lacking, as it does not offer the dramatic elevation in 360-degree directional sound that I had hoped for. This is disappointing as this is one of the features that is heavily advertised.
However, it still offers an extra element of immersiveness when used in the right situations – I use it for games like Overwatch, Raft, and Resident Evil.
Console gaming
I also tested the HyperX Cloud II on Playstation 5 with high-action Fortnite gameplay, and they sound as good as on PC!
This headset offers high-quality low-end/bass reproduction that makes all your explosions, gunshots, and impact rumbles sound excellent. I like the bass-heavy sound profile as it provides an extra immersive gaming experience.
The mid-range audio performance on the Cloud II is also excellent, which is incredibly important for the natural representation of sounds. They provide well-balanced mids that you can notice in things like in-game dialogue and music and voice chats with friends.
On the other hand, the treble on these headphones often sounds quite loud and sharp, to the point where I need to lower the volume on certain games to avoid ear-piercing audio. The treble response on these headphones is one of their weaker aspects.
All things considered, the HyperX Cloud II offers solid all-around sound quality for gamers.
Where to Buy
Conclusion
My overall impression of the HyperX Cloud II gaming headset is overwhelmingly positive. In my opinion, this is one of the best mid-priced gaming headsets currently on the market.Solid sound quality, superior comfort, and a sleek, lightweight design – this headset delivers all of the important aspects that a gaming headset should.
I do experience some issues with the treble sounding sometimes sharp, and I find the surround sound feature to be lackluster. However, these weaknesses do not overshadow the overall quality of the headset.
The HyperX Cloud II bridges the gap between high-quality gaming headsets and affordability.