The company Kingston is known to Russian consumers with various computer products. In partnership with the Swedish company, it decided to master a new kind of activity and produce a gaming headset. The model headphones HyperX Cloud II - the second in its series and can please fans of computer games excellent quality on all fronts. With the reading of this material, the reader will learn about the important advantages and disadvantages of this headset, its characteristic features.
Contents:
Features of packaging and equipment
Kingston took into account all its shortcomings and claims of gamers, significantly refined and introduced a new brainchild - HyperX Cloud II is so high quality that it stands in line with long-known competitors: Razer, Sennheiser, Defender, etc.
The equipment is stored in two neat boxes:
1. The first - lightweight - has color printing and serves to attract attention. It displays basic information about the headphones.
2. The main one is made of thick cardboard, it is suitable for storing and transporting the headset. On the surface of the cover, there is a large HyperX logo, and on the inside there are the words of greeting from the manufacturer.
The interior space is filled with foam rubber, where, in cells of appropriate shapes, the headphones themselves and accessories are located:
- a pair of spare ear cushions;
- Removable microphone;
- USB remote control with cable (not removable);
- aircraft adapter;
- A soft storage case with several compartments and Velcro pockets for storing the microphone and other parts;
- Quick start guide.
All parts are well fixed, which ensures safety during transportation. We can say at once: the package is rich, at the level of analogues premium.
The case is of high quality; despite the softness, the material is strong and thick, able to protect the equipment from a slight fall.
The wire is 3 meters long: 2m extension cord and 1m wire connected to the case. On the extension cord is a USB unit with a sound card inside, 1m non-removable cable connects to smartphones and other devices.
Features of the appearance of technology
HyperX Cloud II is sold in several colors, the standard coloring is black called "Blued Steel". The headset looks stylish and solid: they are made in a strict style. Black and silver tones are used, there are small metal inserts. Unlike many analogues, the case has no backlighting, no fancy colors; all this makes the model closer to the technical products of the premium class.
The headset has a rather large size, which may not seem very practical, but the classic design, size makes using the model more comfortable. The weight of the model exceeds 320 grams, although you can hardly feel this weight on your head. Full-size cups of diameter 10,5 cm fully embrace your ears, provide good sound insulation: the user will protect themselves from almost all external sounds, distracting from the game.
The headband is adjustable and based on an elastic plate, it has cup supports with hinges that help to adjust the head shape: the maximum deflection angle of the cups is 15 degrees. Height adjustment is possible through 7 divisions. The headband is very strong and pliable, suitable for any shape and does not exert too much pressure on the head when in use.
The earcups are large and oval with two sets of velour and leatherette ear cushions (summer and winter versions). The filler remembers the shape of the ears - the user does not have to get used to it every time, looking for the best position.
The microphone is detachable, located on a metal leg that can take the desired shape of the player, there is a system of noise cancellation.
The non-removable cable is not long, so in most cases you will have to use an extension cord. Well protected from damage by a durable fabric braid. At the ends - the usual jacks 3.5 mm. To use the headset on the computer, you will have to buy an adapter for separate channels.
USB-block (remote control) is convenient to use, there is a plastic clasp for attaching to things.
It has 6 buttons used for:
- changing the volume level of the headset;
- turn on the mode of spatial sound 7.1;
- Turn off the microphone (located on the side).
- Already on first inspection, you can see that these headphones are very robustly built.
Sound Quality
All the main performance indicators of the model can be seen in the table below. In short, the manufacturer was able to make a really high-quality product, which is suitable for both computer games and for other purposes.
Specifications of the Kingston HyperX Cloud II
|
Characteristics |
Value |
|
principle of operation |
closed |
|
Audio channels |
2.0 (7.1 virutally) |
|
Speaker size |
53 mm, with neodymium magnets |
|
Resistance value |
60 ohm |
|
Playable frequencies, range |
15-25 000 Hz |
|
Sound pressure level |
98±3 dB |
|
Non-linear distortion coefficient |
< 2% |
|
Connection interface |
Single stereo mini-plug (3.5mm) |
|
Weight |
320 g |
|
Total cable length |
3 м |
|
Compatibility |
PC, MAC, PS4, Xbox One (via adapter) |
|
Microphone |
|
|
Working principle |
pressure gradient |
|
Reproducible frequencies, range |
50-18000 Hz |
|
Sensitivity level |
-39±3 dB |
|
Non-linear distortion coefficient |
2% at f = 1 kHz |
Every gamer will be impressed by the technology: with good soundproofing, the headset lets you enjoy the full range of sound. Sounds are clear and distortion-free. Even the slightest rustling and creaking is reproduced.
The emphasis is put on quality positioning and detail - the gamer can easily identify the range and location of the sound source. Experienced gamers know that this can increase the efficiency in shooters and games where you need to react quickly.
Adding to the effect is the 7.1 Virtual Spatial Sound feature, which allows the player to almost fully experience the game events. But it is advisable to enable this option only if the game has a multi-channel sound track, otherwise the surround sound will not be noticeable.
Frequency balance is quality: while most gaming headphones often have hypertrophied bass, in HyperX Cloud II all frequencies sound harmonized.
This makes the model suitable for listening to music and watching movies:
- thanks to its balance, the headset will appeal to music lovers - it is not bad for revealing the sound of the melody at its best. This is especially noticeable if you listen through an external USB sound card in the extension cord;
- watching movies with the 7.1 function turned on is a particular pleasure. It makes no sense to listen to music in this mode, a regular stereo mod will do here.
- Microphone works well, there are no complaints: during a conversation in online games, the interlocutor can easily hear and understand the speech. Porolon nozzle, which performs the function of wind protection (noise reduction), works well, cutting off unnecessary sounds.
Advantages and disadvantages of the model
The headset can easily function as a regular headset, and this versatility is one of its main advantages. It is enough to remove the microphone, connect to the player, turn on your favorite tune - high-quality equipment will do everything to enjoy the sounds.
Among the advantages of this technique are:
- quality sound;
- suitable for playing games and listening to music;
- the presence of 7.1 surround sound function;
- two-way sound insulation;
- flexible detachable microphone with windshield;
- rugged case;
- rich packaging;
- the technique can be used immediately after connection, does not require installation of drivers, software configuration.
There are no serious disadvantages with this model, but some points can be highlighted:
- all cables are non-removable, accordingly, there is no possibility to change them yourself if they break;
- it is unpleasant to sit for a long time in the leatherette cushions - your ears get hot.
Speaking of the price, the headphones are sold at a price of 7 thousand. The headset's price is above average, but the price/performance ratio is on the side of this headset. However, the price/quality ratio is on the side of this headset: for this money, the buyer will get headphones that beat many competitors, including Razer or SteelSeries.
The Kingston HyperX Cloud II gaming headset has features and benefits that many of its competitors do not have. The manufacturer was able to make headphones that have almost no downsides. Definitely, it is one of the best models of sound reproducing equipment in its price segment.