Kingston’s gaming headset is back with more punch, but it this enough to convince you to get their headset for your gaming needs?

Last year we reviewed the HyperX Cloud, was gave a great impression on how Kingston released their very first gaming headset. Now with the release of the newer version, let’s see what improvements have they made for their gaming headset:

Specifications:

Headset

• Transducer type: dynamic Ø 53mm with neodynium magnets
• Operating principle: closed
• Frequency response: 15Hz–25,000 Hz
• Nominal impedance: 60 Ω per system
• Nominal SPL: 98±3dB
• H.D.: < 2%
• Power handling capacity: 150mW
• Sound coupling to the ear: circumaural
• Ambient noise attenuation: approx. 20 dBa
• Headband pressure: 5N
• Weight: 320g
• Weight with microphone and cable: 350g
• Cable length and type: 1m + 2m extension
• Connection: single mini stereo jack plug (3.5 mm)

Microphone

• Transducer type: condenser (back electret)
• Operating principle: pressure gradient
• Polar pattern: cardioid
• Power supply: AB powering
• Supply voltage: 2V
• Current consumption: max 0.5 mA
• Nominal impedance: ≤2.2 kΩ
• Open circuit voltage: at f = 1 kHz: 20 mV / Pa
• Frequency response: 50–18,000 Hz
• THD: 2% at f = 1 kHz
• SPL: 105dB SPL (THD≤1.0% at 1 KHz)
• Microphone output: -39±3dB
• Length mic boom: 150mm (include gooseneck)
• Capsule diameter: Ø6
• Connection: single mini stereo jack plug (3.5mm)

The packaging for the Cloud II contains almost the same content with the original Cloud, you still get an extra pair of ear cups (cloth), a pouch to store the headset, the detachable noise cancelling microphone, the USB audio control box and the dual 3.5mm jack adaptor.

There were no changes on the design from the HyperX Cloud for Cloud II, but it now offers different color schemes; red & black, gun metal black and the very limited white & pink. The build materials are also the same; aluminum frame and leather coating for the headband, still giving it a sturdy and lightweight headset.

One of the changes on the Cloud II is that the two audio & microphone 3.5mm jacks has been changed to a single combo jack. A new inclusion to the headset is the USB sound control box that allows you to use 7.1 surround. The virtual surround sound can be activated by pressing on the button on the USB control box, no additional driver is required to utilize the feature. A minor complaint we would have is the very long cable, adding an attached cord tie would help it adjust the cord length.

Another improvement is that the Cloud II can be used to any devices without the need of an additional adapter except for the older smartphone models that do not support audio/microphone combo jacks. The USB sound card only works for computers, so plugging this to older game consoles like the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 will not work.

Audio quality is still solid and superb like with its predecessor, the great amount of bass and treble thanks to its 52mm drivers, nothing much has changed on the drivers which is a good thing. Noise reduction is also noticeable for the Cloud II, even on the medium volume, you won’t be hearing much outside noise.

We tested the surround feature in some games like Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, Battlefield 3 and Dragon Age: Inquisition and we enjoyed the audio quality of the digital surround feature from the Cloud II, it made some audio more noticeable when toggling the 7.1 surround function especially on shooter games as it add more thrill to the gaming experience for hardcore gamers. You will also enjoy using this to watch movies for a much enhanced viewing pleasure, though some media such as music has no difference when turning on the 7.1 surround, this feature was really optimized for gaming. Microphone has been improved with better noise cancelling feature and less echoes for voice chats, much enhanced the clarity of the voice audio.

Overall, the 7.1 surround feature was a great addition to an already great gaming headset. We liked the first Cloud and this even made us love it more. Another best thing for the Cloud II is that is still retain the same price range with the original Cloud, which makes this a must buy for those who wants a great quality pair of gaming headsets and still does not own the first Cloud headset.

Gadget Rating: 4.5 out of 5