HyperX, the gaming division of memory maker Kingston, has made more gaming headsets than most. There has hardly been a group test of headsets in Sound & Vision over the years, without a variant of HyperX Cloud.
This time it is HyperX Cloud II Wireless, which is a pure wireless headset. A USB cable is included for charging, but the sound is only transmitted via the included USB dongle.
Created for play and fun
HyperX Cloud II Wireless makes no attempt to hide the fact that it is created for play and fun. The red seams on the imitation leather lining on the headband and the red metal hoops that hold the powerful, oval earbuds with the bright red logos will probably prevent them from being confused with hi-fi headphones.
The controls on the headset itself are limited to a volume control and push buttons to turn off the microphone, as well as a power button. The gooseneck microphone is removable. A windshield in foam rubber is included to dampen breathing sounds.
Simple software
The HyperX Ngenuity software does not have a sea of features; for example, there is no EQ function. However, you can adjust the volume and microphone volume, as well as turn HyperX’s own virtual 7.1 surround sound on and off.
When listening in normal stereo mode, HyperX Cloud II Wireless has a relaxed and comfortable sound, where everything essential comes with, but hi-fi is not. For that, the top is too subdued, and the midrange too little detailed. It definitely does not sound bad, and the sound is free of staining and distortion, but only a little flat.
The surround function gives a more enveloping sound, and the feeling that the sound is inside the head is less pronounced. What is really going on is not clear, but sounds out of phase are panned around the head. Another effect is that the bass is strongly highlighted. Not in a rumbling or uncomfortable way, it just gets deeper and heavier.
Conclusion
HyperX Cloud II Wireless is the latest in a long line of fairly successful headsets with a good price-quality ratio. And it will not be changed here either. The number of functions is limited to just the relevant, and the sound is unimpressive, but functional. And the surround function works perfectly for games.
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