THERE IS NODENYING that HyperX’s Cloud
headsets are super comfortable, there's
even a clue in the name. Although visually,
this isn’t the most advanced design, there
is no faulting HyperX's formula here—
take an already great gaming headset
and add wireless functionality to the mix.
So, does this headset live up to the latest
expectations, and should you join sides
with this formidable peripheral?
Starting with the design, HyperX
has stuck with that old saying; 'if it ain’t
broke, don’t fix it'. The mainly aluminum
structure provides a durable build
quality, while still having a flexible
padded headband. As far as the cups go,
if you have ever used HyperX headsets
before, you’ll already know, but these
cans are soft and comfortable. A thick
memory foam coats your ears and while
back in 2015 , the original Cloud IIs were
one of the most comfortable gaming
headsets on the market, we can still say
the same today. They aren’t the lightest
headphones we've tested, but they are
fine for a long session, with no noticeable
pressure on your ears or head.
We mentioned that the design has
remained similar through the years, and
although we love the aviation-inspired
look, it may not appeal to everyone. That's
especially true for the red and black color
scheme, which, unfortunately, is the only
colorway for this model. Each cup has
a shiny red HyperX logo in the center,
you can find red stitching along with the
headband, and of course, the headphone
forks are in red aluminum. Other than
this, the rest is black.
The majority of functions are on the
left cup. There’s a power button, mute
button, USB-C charging port, and also
the detachable microphone jack. To
differentiate the two buttons, the power
button is indented and the mute button
is the opposite. This is great for mid-
game changes when the last thing you
want to do is turn your headset off when
attempting to mute yourself.
The power button also acts as the
virtual 7 .1 surround button and you press
it once to cycle on/off. On the right side is
where the volume wheel is located, this
Durable, comfortable and
a reliable timeless design.
HyperX Cloud II
Wireless
9
VERDICT HyperX Cloud II Wireless
UP IN THE CLOUDS Nicely
balanced sound; pillow-like
comfort; rugged build quality; classic
aviation-inspired shape.
STORMY TERRITORY Mediocre microphone;
only one type of connectivity; distinctive
red and black color scheme.
$149.99, http://www.hyperxgaming.com
SPECIFICATIONS
Driver Type 53mm dynamic
driver w/ neodymium
magnets
Frequency Response 15Hz-20,000Hz
Impedance 60ohms
Connectivity 2.4GHz wireless USB
Design Style Circumaural,^
Closed back
Weight 0.68lbs
has a nice texture to it for precise
volume knob action. If we're being
extremely picky, we'd prefer to
see this on the left cup, so that
you can make adjustments and
keep your hand on the mouse
when gaming.
The microphone is a
detachable bendy mic that comes
with an LED mute indicator on the
end, which is a handy visual sign
that your mic is muted,
instead of thinking that
your friends have been
ignoring you for the last
five minutes. The audio
quality is nothing ground-
breaking but will be more than decent for
some party game chat.
Like most detachable headset mics,
it's adequate, though it can be a little
tinny at times. It does come with a foam
filter that helps a little with this. However,
if you are planning to live stream, a
standalone mic will be the way to go.
SOUND ADVICE
Let's talk sound because this is what
matters. This headset seems to hit a
balanced sweet spot. You get a nice warm
bass that isn’t too in-your-face with these
cans. It’s there when you need it and it
can hide away in intricate moments of
gaming. The highs are detailed and they
help to create a great audio aid with
pinpoint directional sound when gaming.
No one element of the soundstage
overshadows the others, giving these
headphones a well-balanced presence.
The virtual 7 .1 surround also produces
an immersive environment when gaming
and watching films. This headset isn’t
the best for listening to music, and when
the volume is cranked all the way up,
the highs can get a little harsh, but they
aren't necessarily made for music. Going
wireless hasn’t taken anything away
from the originals, which is a positive.
The HyperX Cloud IIs aren't
revolutionary, they aren’t groundbreaking
and they aren’t anything brand spanking
new. However, they are a slightly modern
upgrade to an already great-sounding
gaming headset. Sure, they only have one
form of USB wireless connectivity that
restricts compatibility, they aren’t jam-
packed with modern features and they
may not be to everyone's visual taste. But
what HyperX has created again is a no-
fuss, reliable headset, with a great well-
rounded sound and sublime comfort.
HOL 2021 MAXIMUMPC 91
