HyperX’s Cloud headset line is designed in such a way that it fits anyone’s gaming needs, no matter their personal 
style, play style, and system. The Cloud headset line offers stereo cans crafted for console gaming as well as headsets with virtual surround sound for PC gaming. Designed to keep gamers on top of their game longer, each Cloud headset model provides award-winning comfort through HyperX’s signature memory foam. The Cloud headset line’s closed ear cups house 53mm drivers that are Hi-Fi capable, offering precision sound, supreme quality, and immersive in-game audio. They are all built with a solid and durable aluminum frame – engineered to withstand daily damage and more. Their detachable noise-cancelling mics also offer clear and loud transmission for on-point communication and teamwork.
Design & size
The HyperX Cloud II gaming headset is available in four colors: red, gun metal, black, and silver. The headset alone has a weight of 320g with the microphone and cable attached. It has a length of 4.33 inches, a width of 4.33 inches, and a height of 3.54 inches, while the cable is 1m long and comes with a 2m extension. Both cables come covered with braided cloth for tangle prevention and extra protection. With this 1m + 2m cable arrangement, you get quite a lengthy cord when tethered to a PC and not an overwhelming amount of length if you detach the USB cord and use the headset with just the 1m long cord to connect it to your PS4, Xbox One controller, your phone, or any other device with a 3.5mm output. The headphones’ design has an aluminum construction to keep it light, a padded headband, interchangeable ear cups, a dual 3.5mm adaptor, and a detachable microphone and cable.
The headphones come in two parts: the headset itself and the USB dongle. It has an understated, polished, and stylish appearance, making it one of the best-looking gaming headsets in its price range. The leatherette headband sports an attractively embroidered HyperX logo at the top and is connected to both ear cups by metal forks on either side, allowing the ear cups to be adjusted for about an inch up or down. In addition to that, the metal forks click at specific points as you adjust them. The ear cups feature slick, metal-brushed exteriors and swivel back and forth.
The mic, on the other hand, is extendable for up to 6 inches. It features a large foam windscreen and a highly flexible arm and coil for when you want to position the mic in the exact position you wish. It also is completely detachable for when you don’t need it and turns the headphones into a pretty sweet-looking pair when removed
for casual use. The headphones sport a small rubber plug that hides the hole when the boom mic is detached.
The included USB dongle houses the dedicated inline remote control for game and chat volume, muting the mic, and toggling the virtual 7.1 surround sound on and off. The front of the USB dongle houses separate volume controls for both the headphones and the mic. This is quite a cool and useful feature as you can turn down the mic’s volume without turning down the audio from the headphones. The virtual 7.1 surround sound button sits in between the volume buttons, and a small switch to mute your mic sits on the side of the USB dongle. It also has a clip that allows you to attach it to your clothing to keep it out of the way while gaming while still making it easily accessible.
Materials & comfort
The HyperX Cloud II gaming headset is made of premium materials that include fully-padded ear cups, an aluminum metal frame, and a long braided cable. With its large and well-padded memory foam and leatherette ear cups, it provides outstanding comfort and a full over-ear and snug fit. The equally well-padded headband also makes use of memory foam and leatherette, adding up to the headphones’ high level of comfort. The ear pads can also be easily removed and switched, so if the feel of leatherette isn’t your thing, you can switch it to the velour one according to your needs and preference. The speaker plate of the ear cups sports a small foam pad for additional comfort. With a clamping force of 1lb, it is a bit tight on the head, but the even distribution of the pressure makes up for that. According to comfort testers, the HyperX Cloud II can be worn for extended periods of time, usually around 10 hours, without causing fatigue. The headphones are also decently stable, thanks to the leatherette headband that holds them in place without unnecessary pressure.
Sound performance
The HyperX Cloud II has an overall impressive and enjoyable audio output, although the sound could be a bit fuller. When listening to music, it has a decent, rich, textured, and well-balanced sound. The bass and treble are a bit emphasized – helping provide a very immersive experience when gaming. Loud sounds like explosions in a 
game sound crisp while softer sounds remain evident. With the virtual 7.1 surround sound enabled, you get a relatively expanded audio field, giving you a better sense of the sounds in a game. Without the USB dongle and with only the headset’s 1m cable plugged into a console’s controller, the headset delivers lush sound and voices remain clear. When listening to music, on the other hand, the bass delivers a nice thump while the mid and high frequencies stay crisp, making up for the headphones’ lack of low end. There is also a lot of sonic detail. When the volume is cranked all the way up, though, the sound tends to get muddy. The HyperX Cloud II’s isolation performance is quite great, given that it doesn’t have active noise cancelling. Its leakage performance is pretty good, too, and the sound that leaks out of the headphones is quiet and thin-sounding.
Durability and warranty
The HyperX Cloud II’s solid aluminum construction gives it an extremely solid construction while staying very pleasing, thanks to the combination of leatherette and rubberized coated pieces. The headband is also flexible, easily adapting to any head size and shape. The headphones have an overall good build quality – durable yet with sufficient flexibility that’s enough to prevent it from snapping from overextension. The ear cups are well-made and feel dense, like it’s capable of withstanding a couple of drops without causing any major damage. However, the back plates with the HyperX logo’s glossiness seem to be easily scratched up, so keep that in mind. The exposed audio cable that links the ear cups looks like a potential weak point as well. The headphones are covered by a two-year warranty from the date of purchase.
Connectivity & compatibility (Bluetooth, etc.)
The HyperX Cloud II headphones do not offer connection via Bluetooth, and instead utilizes a USB wired connection with a negligible latency that is suitable for gaming. Its wired connection also provides volume control and microphone compatibility. This pair of headphones’ USB adapter for PCs and Macs gives users a bit more control over the audio and microphone, featuring a 3.5mm port for the headset and individual controls for its volume and microphone. The USB module also serves as a DAC (digital to analog convertor) and is responsible for the headphones’ virtual 7.1 surround sound. It is also compatible with consoles and other devices, only requiring being plugged into your PS4 or Xbox One controllers or any device with a 3.5mm output. With no software needed to be installed, it is completely plug-and-play so setting it up is really easy.
Additional features
It could be said that the HyperX Cloud II’s biggest selling point is its optional virtual 7.1 surro
und sound that’s driven by 53mm drives in each ear cup. This seven, algorithm-driven surround sound is quite a big deal, delivering crystal-clear sound, highlighted details, and a fantastic bass response that’s accentuated by the headphones’ closed cup design and its construction materials. With the virtual 7.1 surround sound, you can hear every passing sound from behind and over your head, making the headphones all the more impressive and offering an extremely enjoyable gaming experience.
The mic, on the other hand, offers echo and noise-cancelling for an exceptionally clear voice quality with an above-average presence and detail. It isolates speech from noise makes your voice sound true to life and easy to understand. It almost makes you too loud and too clear (which is not necessarily a bad thing) that you sometimes have to put the mic away from your mouth for about two inches. However, the mic could use a little more openness and airiness.
The HyperX Cloud II comes with a number of extra goodies. Aside from the mic and the USB dongle with inline controls, you get an extra set of ear cups that features cloth (velour) padding to go with the set of leatherette ear pads that come attached to the headphones by default. There is also an included dual 3.5mm headphone jack that you can use when travelling by air. A padded bag comes with the headphones, too, shielding the headphones from minor scratches. It’s pretty nice that it comes with a bad as it allows you to all the extra goodies that come with the headphones to not lose them, or simply just to take them on the road with you.
Who are these headphones for?
The HyperX Cloud II headset is for those who want a good-sounding gaming headset under $100. It is one of the most stylish and comfortable headphones you can buy in its price range. These headphones are for gamers looking for virtual 7.1 surround sound capabilities to highlight their games’ more subtle sounds. If you’re looking for a cozy companion and a headset with a lightweight design for marathon playing sessions, this headset is for you.
Highlights
- Has a pro-gaming optimized over-the-ear and closed cup design for excellent passive noise cancellation
- Has a solid and durable build to withstand the blows of daily use
- Designed for comfort with its exceptionally comfortable memory foam ear cushions and leatherette padded headband to help you focus on gaming for extended periods of time
- 53mm drivers are Hi-Fi capable and deliver rich sound and immersive in-game audio
- Features virtual 7.1 surround sound for precisely located audio
- Detachable condenser microphone to ensure that your voice is heard loud and clear
- The USB audio control box features a built-in digital signal processor (DSP) sound card
- Cross-platform compatible and is TeamSpeak and Discord-certified
- Offers free technical support and is backed by a guaranteed two-year warranty from the date of purchase
About the company
Kingston Technology, also known as the world’s largest independent memory manufacturer, owns HyperX – its 
high-performance product division. HyperX was established in 2002 with just a line of high-performance memory. It has since grown to encompass several product lines including solid-state drives, memory modules, USB flash drives, headsets, and mouse pads. HyperX makes use of best-in-class components for its products to ensure superior performance delivery and high-quality and aesthetic design. HyperX products have been the choice of top-rated gamers, overclockers, and tech enthusiasts around the world for more than a decade now. They have set memory world records and has achieved the most stringent product certifications with their commitment to delivering premium and reliable products with the highest performance standards. Additionally, this product division of Kingston proudly sponsors over 20 gaming teams worldwide, and is the main sponsor of Intel Extreme Masters and Dreamhack festivals. The brand’s products have been designed and manufactured to meet the most rigorous demands of professional gamers – helping them stay on top of their game and giving them the winning edge.
Verdict
The HyperX Cloud II gaming headset is a very good pair of gaming headphones. With its wired design, you get little to low latency, resulting in a desirable gaming experience. Its great noise-filtering mic also performs well and allows for seamless communication with your teammates. Its good audio reproduction makes for clear delivery and transmission of sound. The headphones have an overall premium build quality, a modular and comfortable design, and a great virtual 7.1 surround and stereo sound – all at an affordable price.
