Kingston HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset Review

Kingston released the original HyperX Cloud headset last year and that was actually the first time I had reservations towards a Kingston product due to the sole fact that Kingston just isn’t in my radar for gaming peripherals. Fast-forward to today and Kingston has expanded that line-up and has already came out with the new iteration of the Cloud headset, dubbed the Cloud II. In this review we’ll take a look at what’s fresh in the HyperX Cloud II and see if Kingston is really going to be steaming ahead in the gaming peripheral market.

Kingston has long been a staple in our test labs with their memory products namely RAM, flash drives and SSDs. Late last year saw the HyperX branding separate itself by establishing itself as a dedicated brand for enthusiasts and gamers. Of course what gaming brand would be complete without a peripheral line and that’s what the HyperX family is seeking to expand but for now its current focus is audio and the new HyperX Cloud II is looking like a good step in that direction. Read on.

Features

• Advanced USB audio control box with built-in DSP sound card
• Hi-Fi capable with 53mm drivers for supreme audio quality
• Hardware-driven virtual 7.1 surround sound
• Comfortable, 100% memory foam on headband and leatherette cushions
• Pro-Gaming optimized with closed cup design for passive noise cancellation
• Compatible – USB connectivity for PC & Mac. Stereo compatible with PS4, Xbox One¹ and mobile

Official product page

Closer Look – HyperX II Cloud

Packaging & Bundle

HyperX Cloud II Headset

We’re not gonna go into much details here since the Cloud II and Cloud both share the same physical appearance and overall presentation. We’ll leave you a gallery here and you can view our original review of the HyperX Cloud Headset along with a gallery of the HyperX Cloud White Edition headset.

One of the most obvious changes that the HyperX Cloud II headset has is its colors. With the earlier model, we have a simple black and white offering but for the new Cloud II, Kingston is offering the initial Red and Black model as well as a Gunmetal on Black variant. Upcoming models also include a White on Pink version.

Aside from the cosmetic makeover, the packaging also receives a bit of cleaning up with the plastics completely removed from the accessories giving it a cleaner presentation. The hot red inner box of the red variant is also a really pleasing adornment of the otherwise redundant packaging.

Inside, we still get the same items we’ve seen with the inclusion of the USB audio adapter. This audio device allows the HyperX Cloud II to offer virtual 7.1 surround sound for those looking for 3D-immersion audio in their gaming experience. The USB audio card is completely driverless and no setup is required. To toggle between surround and stereo, just press the 7.1 center button on the USB audio card.

User Experience & Conclusion

At a glance, the Kingston Cloud II gaming headset is exactly the Cloud headset with an extra sound device and to be perfectly, that’s exactly what it is. The official product page for the Cloud II doesn’t go all out in saying its anything new or revolutionary but focuses on the fact that it now includes the new USB audio device that allows surround sound. While its description goes on a bit flashy, its not really deceptive and it doesn’t need to be.

As stated in our initial review of the Cloud headset, its sound quality is really exquisite and for its price range offers one of the most competitive combo of quality, compatibility and performance. Comfort also gets high marks as the Cloud II features the same classic design featuring high-quality pads and cushions for a really premium feel and allows for near-perfect sealing on the earcups for nearly 100% isolation.

We’ll admit, the Cloud II design has grown on us and our previous nitpick of the headset being a bit on the heavy side has since subsided. While the size still isn’t very street friendly and while you can use the headset on the street with a decent smartphone or portable audio player, the design looks more like earmuffs or pilot headsets but ultimately its up to you if you got the swag to break it out.

All in all, the HyperX Cloud II is a good reiteration of tried and tested design. The new look works perfectly well to give the otherwise tame curves a sporty edge to it. If you’re tired of all the flashy wares on the gaming peripheral market right now and want something that focuses on comfort and audio quality while being completely platform independent, the Kingston HyperX Cloud II headset is your top choice.

The Kingston HyperX Cloud II is backed by a 2-year warranty. We give the HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset our B2G Silver Award for its tried quality and comfort all for an affordable price.