Usage & Final Thoughts
I have been using the HyperX Cloud II headset for a couple of weeks now and it has become my main headset and it does not look like I will be going back to my previous headset anytime soon. As I said before the original Cloud headset was extremely comfortable and this headset is no different. It has to be one of the most comfortable headsets that I have ever worn. I have worn it on a daily basis, which includes hours upon hours of sitting at the computer and hours of gaming and not once did my ears or area where the headband sits hurt or get irritated. This is due to the memory foam on the headband and the extremely comfortable earcups.
Being comfortable is important, but how does the headset sound? The big change to this headset was the addition of the USB sound card and 7.1 virtual surround sound. You can definitely tell the difference from using the headset in stereo mode to 7.1 mode. While I don’t think this headset compares to a true 7.1 sound system or headsets with individual speakers in each earcup that 7.1 brings more life to games and makes things sound much better. The sound of the headset overall is great, I have not only used it for gaming, but listening to music and podcasts as well.
I also used the included microphone for making a few Skype calls and in-game voice communications. Everyone said that I sounded very clear and that the microphone was not picking up any background noise or anything like that. Another thing that is great about this headset is that you can use it with quite a lot of devices whether it is your PC, tablet, phone, console etc. The 3.5 mm connector is a headphone/microphone connector so you have full use of both the microphone and headset on devices that have that single connection. For PC users the USB sound card works great and helps out users who might have older sound cards. If you happen to want to use the headset on PC as just a stereo headset and want to be able to use the microphone you will need to buy an adapter.
At the end of the day this is one of the best headsets that I have ever used. Not only in sound quality, but in comfort as well. Kingston has built it with quality materials and it is going to last. Right now you can pick up the HyperX II Cloud II at my favorite online retailer for $99.99. Overall ThinkComputers gives the Kingston HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset a 10 out of 10 score and our Editor’s Choice Award!
– Built with quality materials
– Great sound and 7.1 virtual surround sound
– Removable microphone
– Comes with carrying case
– Can be used in stereo or USB mode
– 2 different sets of earcups included
Cons:
– No control software for the sound card
– Need an adapter if you want to use it in stereo mode with a PC and be able to use the microphone
