Hyper x cloud core. Kingston HyperX Cloud Core headset review

Sometimes you want peace, you want no one to distract you and nothing from the outside world to disturb you. Sometimes, in order to take a break from the annoying surrounding reality, we sit down to play our favorite game, drown ourselves in a TV series or a record of a beloved band. And the recipe for a comfortable dive is, in principle, simple. In the case of games, this is a good computer, with a TV series - a monitor or TV, with music - a good DAC/sound card. For complete delight - a comfortable chair, high-quality headphones and forget about work for a couple of days. The latter is the most difficult, but headphones are perhaps the easiest.

Today I want to introduce you to a good universal headset. Meet the review and testing of HyperX Cloud Core!

Packaging and equipment

The packaging of HyperX Cloud Core is small, decorated in black and red colors.


The headphones themselves are depicted on the front and rear sides with a description of their characteristics and features.


The ends of the box carry a less important information component.


There is a black box inside.


Opening it, you can see the headphones themselves, securely clamped, in black foam.


There are a couple of leaflets included that detail how to use the headphones with different platforms. On the first: PC, MAC, smartphones, tablets.

On the second, consoles: PS4, Xbox ONE. Although the connection of all of the listed devices occurs on an intuitive level.


Also included with the headphones:
Detachable microphone on a flexible stem.
Extension cord in fabric braid with remote control.


And before moving on to studying the headphones, I recommend that you familiarize yourself with the technical specifications of the product:


Appearance, structure
The HyperX Cloud Core headset is no different in appearance from the HyperX Cloud; it also has an aggressive and organic appearance. Although appearance is a matter of taste, some people like a space helmet design, while others like a classic one. But in addition to the lack of differences in appearance, there are no differences between the Cloud Core and Cloud headsets themselves, so they are identical, only the delivery package differs. And if you remember, HyperX Cloud has modified QPAD QH-90 Black headphones, which have earned a lot of reviews and are considered one of the best in their price category.
The headphones are quite light, only 320 grams, but they are not flimsy and look reliable. The quality of the materials is at a very high level, they have earned a lot of positive reviews from foreign users, not only as a gaming headset, but also as very good headphones for listening to music.


The headband is flexible thanks to the metal base, which has a soft leather covering. Thanks to this, the headphones keep their shape well and at the same time sit comfortably.
The ear pads are quite large and made of leather. Thanks to the rigidity of the metal frame and the softness of the Cloud Core ear pads, they fit perfectly.


On the outside of the headband there is the HyperX inscription embroidered with black threads, and along the edges of the headband the leather is neatly stitched with red threads.


The headphone model is indicated on the inside on one of the plastic inserts that secure the sliding mechanism.


The metal frame has the ability to increase the size; owners of large and small heads will be satisfied.


On the outside of the bowl there is a metal insert with the HyperX logo in red; the plastic has a pleasant soft-touch coating. The bowls are tightly closed and there are no holes in them.


On the left side of the cup, at the bottom, there is a rubber plug, under which is hidden a seat for a microphone on a flexible stem.


The microphone, thanks to the flexible stem, can be easily adjusted to suit you.




The ear pads are easy to remove; underneath there is a plastic base with foam padding, behind which a 52 mm speaker is hidden.


And here is the 53 mm speaker itself, which has no markings that could shed any light on where it comes from.


HyperX Cloud Core will have a serious opponent, Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro 250 Ohm. And as a sound source I used an ASUS Xonar Essence One sound card with an excellent headphone DAC.


But it’s worth considering that HyperX Cloud Core and Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro 250 Ohm are representatives of completely different classes of headphones. I think you understand that Cloud Core is a gaming headset, so even if the result is at least half the size of DT990, then for Cloud Core it will already be a victory, since the cost difference between them is colossal, the Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro 250 Ohm costs 2 ,5-3 times more expensive than Cloud Core.

Overall impression and convenience:

Without a good and comfortable fit, even the coolest-sounding headphones will turn listening to music or gaming into a mockery of yourself. And even more than that, it can cause headaches and lead to fatigue. Fortunately, the HyperX Cloud Core sits very comfortably and it’s difficult to dig into anything. They cover the ear completely, do not put pressure on it, and do not let in sounds from the outside. After literally 1-2 minutes of immersion in the game, you forget that you are wearing Cloud Core, the main thing is not to forget about the time, otherwise you can see the morning unnoticed. It is worth remembering that the Cloud Core is a closed headset and your ears will sweat a little after an hour of playing, but this is a feature, not a drawback. At this point, the opponent DT990 Pro is inferior to the hero of the review, due to its size and bulkiness, you still remember about them a little longer than the Cloud Core, immersing yourself in the game longer.

Music and sound:

HyperX Cloud Core without warming up out of the box may not be as bright or, in other words, sound dull, the mids and highs are somewhere in the depths and are not as bright as you expect. Fortunately, everything can be easily corrected by warming it up, although this is not possible with all headphones. I would recommend leaving them for at least 12 hours of warming up at medium volume, then the headphones will be transformed.
After warming up, the mids and highs become much brighter and realistic at first, it even surprises. Although it lacks some clarity, especially on complex songs in fast moments. The sound is pleasant, just a little muffled, there are no parasitic crackles, the middle does not fall out, the highs remain in place, squeaks and rattles do not overshadow the overall picture. The bass is quite good, intelligible, its quality is felt, although again, at speed in fast compositions there is a bit of confusion. In general, the headset sounds good for the money!
List of songs used for sound comparison:
The Dillinger Escape Plan – One Of Us Is The Killer MP3 320 kbps
The Dillinger Escape Plan – Paranoia Shields MP3 320 kbps
The Dillinger Escape Plan – Milk Lizard MP3 320 kbps
Converge - Wretched World MP3 320 kbps
The Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza - the alpha the omega MP3 320 kbps
Protest The Hero - Tongue-Splitter FLAC
Mastodon - High Road MP3 320 kbps
Mudvayne – Happy? FLAC
Follow the white rabbit - All night and day MP3 320 kbps
Follow The White Rabbit - The Eye Light MP3 320 kbps
Guns N" Roses - This I Love FLAC

Movies:

Almost everything is good here, you immerse yourself in the film and its atmosphere without problems, the bass conveys explosions and special soundtrack well. effects, minus one, the ears still sweat.

Games:

As for the most important and core thing for Cloud Core, games, everything is very good here. I spent a good night playing the witcher, fully enjoying the sounds of nature, the music in the taverns, the clinking of swords and the screams of monsters. The atmosphere is preserved, and you get the pleasure from the game that it should be. To check the microphone, I had to install DOTA 2 again, for which my wife threw a scandal....))) I promised her not to play it. But one roll for the sake of a test can be done, in general, I think, the schoolchildren of whom there were many over the year, appreciated my rich vocabulary and well understood all the words that I spoke into the microphone (it was fun)
Additionally, I talked on Skype and on the phone, the transmission and reception of the sound signal is good.

CONCLUSION:

I didn’t bother and simply simplified the HyperX Cloud package by adding Core to the name. Having retained all the best from the older model, a metal frame, versatility, flexibility and lightness, convenience, plastic that is pleasant to the touch. All these criteria combined with the sound make them very interesting.
Although it is worth understanding that the attitude towards sound and sound is quite subjective... some are happy with plugs for 150 rubles, while others are guilty of a HI-FI system for 100 thousand. To each his own, but I can’t say that the HyperX Cloud Core headset is worth attention in its class and price category. And if this article helps you with your choice, then I will be only glad. The main thing to remember is that there is a need for warming up.

Company Kingston relatively recently began producing gaming headsets under its own brand. The “test of the pen” was quite successful and for HyperX Cloud followed by the release of a “pumped up” version - HyperX Cloud II. The product is good and of high quality, but the cost of such devices has always been, is and will not be the lowest. Therefore in Kingston decided to take a different route - to give the people the desired product for a reasonable price. Of course, it’s impossible to combine everything at once; you have to sacrifice something. Kingston HyperX Cloud Core- the company's new product in the field of gaming headsets, this is exactly what was said above - high quality at a moderate cost. Editorial i2HARD such a headset was provided and it is this that will be discussed in this article. So let's get started!

Specifications

Headset:

• Sensor type: dynamic, 53 mm;
• Operating principle: closed;
• Frequency response: 15 - 25000 Hz;
• Nominal impedance: 60 ohms per system;
• Nominal sound pressure level: 98±3 dB;
• Harmonic distortion factor:< 2%;
• Maximum power: 150 mW;
• Headphone type: over-ear;
• Ambient Noise Reduction: Approximately 20 dBA;
• Headband pressure: 5 N;
• Weight with microphone and cable: 320 g;
• Cable length and type: 1 m + 2 m extension;
• Connection: 3.5mm stereo and microphone mini plug.

Microphone:

• Sensor type: condenser (reverse electret);
• Operating principle: pressure gradient;
• Directional pattern: cardioid;
• Supply voltage: AB supply;
• Supply voltage: 2 V;
• Current consumption: max. 0.5 mA;
• Nominal impedance: ≤ 2.2 kOhm;
• Open voltage: at f = 1 kHz - 20 mV/Pa;
• Frequency response: 100 - 12000 Hz;
• Nonlinear distortion coefficient: at f = 1 kHz - 2%;
• Max. Sound pressure level: 105 dB SPL (THD ≤ 1.0% at 1 kHz);
• Microphone output: -39±3 dB;
• Microphone length: 150 mm (including stand);
• Connection: 3.5mm stereo mini plug.

Packaging and equipment

The HyperX Cloud Core packaging consists of two parts. On the colorful outer part, presenting the product, there is an image of the headset, and its capabilities and features are also described in some detail. Information is provided in several languages, including Russian.

The headset itself is located in a black box, which is made of thick cardboard. Inside, everything is securely fixed using foamed polyethylene inserts.

The package includes: a HyperX Cloud Core headset, a detachable microphone, a two-meter Y-shaped extension cable (used to connect the headset to a PC) and documentation.

Appearance and features

The design of the headset cannot be called sophisticated; in the case of HyperX Cloud Core, the bet is made differently. The color scheme is not replete with bright colors - black, gray and just a little red. The outer part of the cups is made of tactilely pleasant plastic with a soft-touch coating. The combination of materials used gives the impression that the cost of the headset is much higher than it actually is. I would like to immediately note that the headset is quite lightweight and this, of course, will have a positive effect on the duration of continuous wearing.

The closed cups have an oval shape. In their center there is a metal insert on which the signature logo of the HyperX line is applied.

The headband has an aluminum frame, the finishing material is leatherette. To reduce pressure on the head, a soft insert made of polyurethane foam is used. Along its entire length, the headband is stitched with neat red stitching; this element goes perfectly with the logo on the cups. At the top you will again find the signature HyperX logo embroidered in black thread.

HyperX Cloud Core, like any other gaming headset, has the ability to adjust the length of the headband. The adjustment is multi-level (9 positions), the change in position is felt tactilely and is accompanied by a soft click. Due to the design features, the wire connecting the cups had to be partially moved outside.

The microphone, as mentioned above, is removable. The connector for its installation is closed with a removable plug. The solution, in my opinion, is excellent. After all, this makes it possible to use the headset not only for communication, but also simply to listen to music from your player/smartphone without spoiling the appearance with a protruding microphone.

The microphone sits tightly in the right place; pulling it out will require some effort. The leg, thanks to the materials used (a metal frame is used), does not independently change its given shape, unlike flexible plastic analogues.

The ear pads are removable. They are made, as you probably already guessed, from leatherette. The filler is a material called “Memory Foam”, also known as a material with a “memory effect”. On my own behalf, I will say that the material is very soft, and copes well with its direct task - it perfectly softens the pressure on the area around the ears. It’s a little saddening that there are no replaceable velor ear pads in the kit (these came with the HyperX Cloud and HyperX Cloud II), but as already mentioned, the manufacturer has reduced the cost of the product to the maximum and it is precisely because of this that the packaging is so depleted. Why is it sad? At least because leatherette does not allow the ears to “breathe”. In this regard, when fighting for many hours, it is likely that your ears will sweat.

The design of fastening the cups to the headband allows you to change their position along the vertical axis, which, in turn, will allow you to place the headset on your head most comfortably.

The main plug of the headset is 4-pin. Thanks to this, HyperX Cloud Core can be fully used not only when connected to a PC, but also to consoles, smartphones or tablets. To connect the headset to your PC, you will need to use the included Y-shaped extension cord. All wires have a black fabric braid.

Testing

The Kingston HyperX Cloud Core headset was tested using the following configuration:

• Case: Corsair Graphite 780T;
• Processor: Intel i7-3930K (Socket LGA2011), 4 GHz, voltage fixed at 1.215V;
• Cooling system: Corsair H110 (2 x Noctua NF-A14 FLX);
• Video card: Sapphire R9 290X Vapor-X 4GB;
• Mat. board: ASUS P9X79 Pro;
• RAM: Corsair Dominator Platinum, 4 x 8GB, 1866 MHz;
• Drives: Corsair Neutron GTX 240GB + Seagate ST1000DM003;
• Sound card: Creative Sound Blaster Z;
• Power supply: Corsair AX760i;
• Reobass: Lamptron FC Touch.

Where to test a gaming headset? First of all, of course, in games! I consider shooters to be the best tools for testing gaming headsets - CS 1.6, CS Global Offensive and Battlefield 4. There it is important to hear the enemy, know where he is and where he will move next. Therefore, when playing shooters, it is very important to have a good headset. And voice chat with your team is not the most extreme thing - a high-quality microphone that will clearly convey your speech will definitely not be superfluous.

But we won’t limit ourselves to just games, we’ll listen to a variety of musical compositions, watch movies, chat in voice chats...

Games:

In games, HyperX Cloud Core behaves simply great. The sound is excellent, you can hear every step and every shot. Sound positioning is excellent. Explosions? No, not like that. Explosions! Every explosion in Battlefield 4 feels like it happened right next to you. Sniper shot? And here he comes... Headshot!

Movies:

For a lover of action and horror films, that is, me, these “ears” came in handy. Of course, you don’t have to limit yourself to these genres, but HyperX Cloud Core, in my opinion, performs well in these genres. In action films, like the above games, you are immersed in the atmosphere of battle and war. But the excellent sound insulation, which will further allow you to detach yourself from the present, will allow you to fully experience the whole atmosphere of horror and fear in horror films.

Music:

The headset is for gaming, but this does not mean that it is not suitable for listening to music. I really enjoyed listening to youth compositions with this headset, where low frequencies play an important role. Classical compositions also sound good. After a little adjustment of the equalizer, I got what I wanted.

Microphone:

Conclusion

What can I say about Kingston HyperX Cloud Core after several days of active use? To be honest, I don’t even want to part with them. I liked this headset so much. Lightweight, comfortable, with excellent sound. What else is required? The only thing is that you cannot get this effect without a good discrete sound card and this is worth keeping in mind. The cost of the headset at the time of writing is 6,000 rubles. Is this too much? Yes, quite a lot. Is she worth the money? It's worth it, but, as always, I wanted it cheaper. If you want to purchase this headset, but you do not have the opportunity to purchase a high-quality discrete sound card, then I recommend paying attention to another headset from Kinston - HyperX Cloud II.

Pros:

• Great sound;
• High-quality assembly;
• Good materials;
• Stylish, non-provocative design;
• Soundproofing;
• Large volume reserve;
• Good microphone;
• Lightweight and fits well on the head.

Minuses:

• Ears sweat when worn continuously for a long time.

To create a cool branded headset, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. All you need to do is take good gaming headphones and dress them in your color palette. At least that's what Kingston did: they borrowed a high-quality Q-pad gaming headset, changed the design a little - and that's it! However, you shouldn’t blame them for this, because the company doesn’t make its own gaming headphones, so it decided to leave this matter to professionals. The right move and another reason to get acquainted with the full-size HyperX Cloud Core headset.

Specifications and Features

HyperX Cloud Core are wired full-size closed-type headphones designed for gamers and music listening.

• Supplied in black with a red company logo on the outside of the cups.
• Wired connection interface – mini-jack with 3.5 mm jack.
• There is no active noise cancellation feature.
• Frequency range – 15-25000 Hz.
• The diameter of the speakers is 5.3 cm.
• Weight – 320 g.
• Has a detachable omnidirectional microphone.

The headset is built on the basis of the Takstar PRO 80 model, and, judging by the technical characteristics, this is the same model, the only thing is that the manufacturers have added a microphone. We like this state of affairs because it gives us hope that these headphones will be of high quality.

Packaging and equipment

The headset comes in a relatively compact box. On its front side there is an image of the device, the key features are briefly noted. At first glance, it gives the impression of an expensive and high-quality item.

The main difference between HyperX Cloud Core and the first and second generations, which remain on sale, lies in the configuration. If with previous models the boxes included a lot of additional wires, replaceable velor ear pads, a case and a control panel, then the delivery package for this model includes only the most necessary components:

• the headphones themselves; extension cable-adapter in fabric braiding for connecting to a PC;
• detachable microphone;
• connection instructions;
• warranty card.

An extension cord 2 meters long serves as an adapter from a regular mini-jack to two separate plugs for connecting to a computer and phone. Due to this configuration, the manufacturer managed to reduce the cost.

Appearance and workmanship

For those familiar with Q-pad products, the design will seem familiar. What we have in front of us is a complete copy of the QH-90, which are exactly the same as their Takstar PRO 80 model. Externally, the headphones look great: predominantly black with red inserts predominates here.

The design is strong, flexible, without a hint of play or creaking of parts, which immediately inspires confidence. The design is dominated by soft touch and metal, which makes the headphones look expensive and elegant. The manufacturing materials captivated me from the first seconds: you take the headphones in your hands, and it’s immediately clear that they were made conscientiously. Metal, soft-touch plastic, leatherette - everything is of a high level of quality and does not look like consumer goods. Even the wires are braided with fabric.

The soft headband is made of high-quality leather substitute and stitched with red thread, which does not stick out or come out anywhere. The company logo is embroidered on the outside. On the inside of the headband, there are inscriptions with certificates on the right side, and the model name on the left.

The soft ear pads are covered with a pleasant-to-touch synthetic material like artificial leather. They completely cover the ears and have memory, repeating anatomical features. All fixations are clear, without any slips.

The movement of the cups is soft and easy, nothing creaks or rustles. The cups have a rubberized coating that does not get dirty at all. The company logo is printed on the sides of the cups on metal inserts that pleasantly cool your hand. The cup holder is also made of metal. All metal parts have an interesting treatment: satin, painted black. The headset looks stylish and expensive.

The microphone is condenser, directional and removable so as not to interfere outdoors. It attaches to the left bowl and can be easily detached back in the same way. However, if you remove the microphone, you will not be able to use the headphones as a headset.

For convenience, there are indicators for the right and left earphones on the inside of the device. In order to hide an unnecessary microphone jack, there is a plug that is quite easy to lose, be careful. However, this is only a minor drawback against the backdrop of a solid build.

The microphone is mounted on an adjustable elastic rod that easily takes any shape. It should be noted that this microphone uses a standard 3.5mm plug, which is great because:

• firstly, it gives us the opportunity to connect it to any other device, for example, a smartphone, and record through it;
• secondly, you can connect any other microphone to this headset.

Note! This microphone is directional, not only technologically, but also structurally. If you remove the pop filter, you can see the principle of operation: during a conversation, when the microphone is connected to the headset, it is directed towards the mouth.

Accordingly, the sound going into it will be much cleaner, since various unnecessary reflections will get into it less.

Comfort

The metal frame allows the headphones to withstand heavy loads. As for the fit, you can put this headset on almost any head, since the range of adjustments is quite wide. The device is well fixed, so it does not tend to fall when you rotate your head.

The device is surprisingly light and does not put pressure on the ears at all. The ears and head are comfortable even during several hours of continuous battles. In general, it’s quite surprising how it was possible to make such a light model with metal in the structure. It should be noted that pressure on the ears began to be felt after 5 hours of continuous play.

Each cup can be moved back by seven divisions, so anyone can feel comfortable wearing them. Despite the fact that the headphones do not have active noise cancellation, it should be noted that they have good sound insulation. In them, you obviously won’t hear sounds from the room, however, on the street, especially in big cities with metro stations, listening to music can cause some discomfort. The headphones look good when put on, so they can be a pretty good option for every day.

Sound Quality Tests

Kingston HyperX Cloud, judging by the comments on the Internet, even at the first acquaintance, many put it as their personal favorite among full-size headphones, precisely because of the sound. Let's see what we managed to find out.

Having tested the headphones in everyday use, it turned out that they are quite musical: the bass is good, does not take away other frequencies, does not drone, but at the same time is deep.

The mid frequencies do not drop out, and overall the sound was very pleasing. Listening to all the test compositions went with a bang: both instrumental music, Drum and Bass and crazy driving rock. Everything sounds great, without a single hitch or reproach. This is the sound level that can be heard in good monitor devices costing $200.

Another important point is the fairly high resistance of 60 Ohms. Even with a sensitivity of 98 decibels per MW, this is too much for both players and built-in sound cards. High volume fans won't approve. But with the Cloud Core amplifier they sound like an adult. Initially, they are slightly pulled towards low frequencies, but this is easily corrected with an equalizer. A couple of moves, and Cloud Core is ready for rock, classical, and hip-hop. The sound is smooth and assertive.

As for games, the situation is this: in metal gear solid 5, packed to the brim with special effects, you feel as if you are watching a blockbuster. HyperX Cloud Core work with sports simulators a little less brightly; there is no effect as if you were right on a football field in FIFA 15, but there are other positive aspects: hitting the ball is both biting and booming, and the commentators sound like they are sitting next to you. When it comes to online action games, there are two use cases for HyperX Cloud Core.

1. Add a little bass and lower mids to get a whole barrage of explosions and shooting, flying helicopters and thundering tanks in the same Battlefield 4.
2. The second option is to tidy up the lows, add highs and clearly distinguish the sound sources located throughout the map. In this mode, shots hit the ears and are less realistic, but a high level of positioning can be much more important.

Having tested the headset in the KS, we were convinced that others did not hear what we were able to hear. This makes me happy.

Conclusion

Closed monitors, an arc made of metal plates, a soft pillow for the top of the head, a braided wire, a case made of soft-touch plastic, aluminum inserts and screw fastenings - all this is Kingston HyperX Cloud Core. Despite the modest position settings, the headset fits perfectly on the head and does not bother me at all. You can easily sit in them for a long time, because the soft Cloud Core ear pads almost never tire your ears.

The headset communicates with the sound source via a four-pin jack, which is ideal for phones and Playstation 4 joysticks. The cable length is a little more than a meter designed for such a scenario. The microphone is removable and sits on a well-bending arch. The hole for the receiver is closed with a rubber plug. However, you cannot control the microphone. In previous models, it could be turned off from the control panel or audio card; now you have to close it with your hand or turn off the sound in the system.

It's good to know that instead of a big mess of sounds, you can distinguish specific instruments. The sounds do not mix into one mess, but sound separately.

Due to their naturalness, headphones are perfect not only for games, realistically conveying any sounds - be it rustles, explosions or dialogues, but also for working with sound, listening to music and films. For example, for podcasts. It is also quite sufficient for recording voices in reviews. The detachable microphone is highly directional and records perfectly even in noisy environments - without any distortion. By removing additional accessories from the package, Kingston has released one of the best gaming headsets for the money.

pros

• High-quality sound, not oversaturated with bass.
• Large soft ear pads and cups, which is very important for those who sit at the computer for a lot of time.
• The use of metal in combination with a soft-touch coating makes the headset look more expensive.
• Quite light weight that you don't feel on your head.
• The metal shackle makes the design more reliable.
• Connects to PC, PS4, phone, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and also works with consoles.
• The braided cable will extend the life of the headset.
• The foam cap on the microphone ensures good filtering of extraneous noise and unwanted distortion.

Minuses

• Inability to mute microphone.
• High resistance.
• A little insufficient development of mid frequencies, however, this is rather nit-picking, especially for this price category.

Where can I buy?

With the release of Cloud Core, HyperX said that a gaming headset does not need to sound like an alternative sound to hear all the details of the game perfectly. This is the same case when for your money you may not like them except for their character, but not for their sound quality or level of assembly.

HyperX Cloud Core– a representative of the middle segment of gaming headsets from Kingston, endowed with a premium design using metal from older versions, but with basic equipment and functionality.

HyperX Cloud Drone– is a solution for even more economical users, in which metal is completely replaced by plastic, and the equipment and functionality are close to the older version, with minor differences.

There is an opinion that the most important thing in a headset is the sound quality and that it sits comfortably on the head, and metal or plastic is a secondary matter. Before these headsets came to us for review, I had already seen a comparison of them on YouTube, where the opinion was expressed that in terms of sound quality and convenience, HyperX Cloud Core and Drone are not very different and there is no point in paying 2 times more for the design . Is this really so and what some reviewers are lying about, we will try to figure it out in this article.

1. HyperX Cloud Core Review

1.1. Equipment and characteristics

The HyperX Cloud Core gaming headset comes in a nice medium-sized box.

The front of the box lists the following features:

• Compatible with PC, PS4, Xbox One, Wii U, Mac and mobile devices
• has a 4-pin mini-jack 3.5 mm
• awarded for comfort
• powerful sound
• durable aluminum frame
• sound insulation
• 2 years warranty
• certified for TeamSpeak
• free technical support

Here we can only comment that this is an absolutely standard headset that can be connected to anything with a 3.5 mm audio jack, including smartphones and tablets. And thanks to the 4-pin mini-jack, the headset can be used on a laptop with one combined audio jack (headphones/microphone), which is good.

There is some more information on the reverse side.

From here we additionally learn the following information.

• 53mm neodymium drivers
• soft leatherette rim
• Leatherette memory foam ear pads
• aluminum construction
• closed cups
• detachable microphone

Here I would note the good size of the speakers and the fact that the leatherette is really very soft and pleasant. But instead of soft aluminum, in my opinion, it would be better to use stronger steel of small thickness so as not to weigh down the structure.

On the side of the box, the emphasis is again placed on the “memory effect”, the convenience of “carrying on the go”, and there is also mention of a 2 m extension cord and a detachable microphone.

I don’t know why they are so obsessed with this “memory effect,” which is essentially just the natural shrinkage of fillers, probably purely for marketing reasons. Well, I’ll say right away that wearing headphones on your neck, as shown in the picture, is extremely uncomfortable, since the rim is too small for this, and the cups are very large and you have to stretch your neck upward, which is extremely uncomfortable. So I consider this method of wearing headphones questionable. It is suitable only for those who have a thin and high neck.

On the other side of the box there are logos of various awards and it is stated that it is compatible with popular voice chats (Skype, TeamSpeak, Ventrilo, Mumble, RaidCall).

In my opinion, this is pure marketing, since rewards are easy to buy, and chats work with any headset, the main thing for the user is that it provides high-quality sound.

Under the top glossy packaging there is a beautiful black cardboard box, and the headset itself lies in foam rubber exactly to its shape.

In addition to the stylish look more typical of premium products, the packaging reliably protects the headset from damage and you can be sure that it will not be damaged during transportation.

As indicated on the packaging, the package includes a 2 m extension cord and a detachable microphone.

The extension cord is soft, has a braid, gold-plated connectors and is designed to connect the headset to a computer or laptop with two separate jacks for headphones and a microphone. Personally, I really liked it.

The microphone appears to be of fairly high quality, bends easily in any direction and also has a gold-plated connector.

The cable of the headset itself is also soft, braided and has a length of 1 m.

There is no volume control or microphone mute button either on the cable or on the headset itself, but personally I don’t need them.

Without an extension cable, it is convenient to connect the headset to the combined jack of a laptop, smartphone or tablet. The compact round connector easily fits into the recess of any case.

You can download the complete instructions for the headset with a description of all parameters and technical characteristics (frequency range, power, resistance, etc.) at the end of the article or right now in the “” section.

1.2. Design and ergonomics

The HyperX Cloud Core headset looks quite stylish and does not evoke associations with a cheap product.

Despite this, after opening the box there was a cheap chemical smell, but it completely went away from the headphones very quickly.

The next thing that immediately caught my eye was the speaker cups. For some reason, they were made of soft-touch plastic, probably for design reasons, so that the black aluminum inserts with the HyperX logo would contrast better with it.

In principle, it looks good, but even though the soft-touch coating is not very easily soiled, it still collects greasy stains from fingers. Personally, this decision by the designers seemed dubious to me, but not critical.

The fact that the mounts that hold the cups are made of aluminum also seemed like a dubious decision to me at first, because aluminum is soft and prone to bending. But my fears turned out to be in vain, since the metal is quite thick and quite hard, apparently duralumin. I tried to bend it, but it didn't work. In addition, the metal is painted in a beautiful black color like the inserts on the cups and looks good. The plastic hinge mounts also seem to be quite reliable.

Behind the cups there are braided wires that are protected from bending and go into an arc through plastic inserts.

It all looks very neat and reliable.

The headband is quite thick, soft and pleasant.

It feels like there is a flat steel bracket with good spring properties running through the top of it, with the HyperX logo on top.

The elasticity is calculated perfectly, thanks to which the headphones stay on the head perfectly and do not press at all. But their weight of 350 grams is a little too big for me. No, they are not heavy, but I would like them to be a little lighter.

The height can be easily adjusted using a retractable mount.

The fastening has a soft move with a distinct discrete fixation. With a minimum headband height, the headset is suitable even for a child, and the maximum height is designed for an average head.

The ear pads of the HyperX Cloud Core are soft, pleasant and quite large.

They fit the ears completely and do not press anywhere.

The microphone plug sits quite tightly on the left cup.

Underneath is a 3.5 mm jack with a rectangular recess.

The microphone fits into it very tightly and fits like a glove.

If desired, it can be bent in any way you like.

Or you don’t have to bend it, it’s already conveniently located. In my opinion, a detachable microphone is only useful for those who will not use it, since constantly pulling it back and forth does not make much sense.

Now we will look at the second headset and then I will talk about comparison tests of both headsets in terms of sound quality and microphone.

2. HyperX Cloud Drone Review

2.1. Equipment and characteristics

The HyperX Cloud Drone headset is packaged in a small, simpler box.

The front also mentions support for PC, consoles, mobile devices, voice chats and a two-year warranty.

All other features are indicated on the back of the box.

They include:

• switchable microphone
• intuitive volume control
• light comfortable weight
• 40 mm speakers
• 4-pin 3.5mm audio jack
• extension cord 2 m long

Here I would like to note that the weight of the headset is optimal and it is noticeably lighter. But it also has smaller speakers. We'll talk about the differences in design and convenience below.

The Cloud Drone has a non-removable microphone, and the delivery package includes exactly the same extension cord as the Cloud Core.

The cable for Cloud Drone is also similar.

Its length is also 1 m.

You can also download instructions with the full characteristics of this headset (frequency range, power, resistance, etc.) at the end of the article or right now in the “” section.

2.2. Design and ergonomics

The HyperX Cloud Drone headset looks more modest, at a level that may be slightly higher than the cheapest computer headsets.

But the plastic from which it is made seems quite pleasant and of high quality. The speaker cups are also closed and made of matte textured plastic, which is much more practical than soft touch.

There are no wires coming from the cups; they are all well laid out in special hidden grooves. There is a radial volume control on the right earcup, which might be convenient for some.

The headband is made of plastic, which does not contribute to its durability and you need to be careful when using such headphones.

In principle, a soft red insert is enough to prevent the plastic rim from pressing on the top of the head.

The headset feels narrower, more elastic and puts more pressure on the head. It is more suitable for a small or slightly smaller-than-average head. Its weight, as I already said, is quite light and comfortable.

The retractable mount is plastic and therefore less durable than the Cloud Core.

But the headband is much higher and is more suitable for a long head.

The ear pads of the Cloud Drone are as soft and pleasant as those of the Cloud Core.

But their size is a little smaller, which is why they fit close to the ears and the sensations are no longer so comfortable. For those with small ears, this will not be critical.

The non-removable microphone is located on the left ear cup.

It lowers from top to bottom by turning and has an interesting shutdown system. There is a switch approximately halfway through the stroke. When the microphone is lowered it turns on, when raised it turns off. The switch is quite elastic and has a distinct, not very pleasant click. Perhaps someone will like such a system, but personally it seemed dubious to me. Pulling the microphone back and forth is not very pleasant; it would be better if there was a button to turn it off. Although game chats usually use their own way of turning the microphone on/off, so few people need it at all. But storing the headset with the microphone turned up is more convenient than with it constantly sticking out like in Cloud Core. If desired, the microphone can also be bent to suit your needs.

Now let's move on to the tests.

3. Comparative testing

The first thing I did was connect the HyperX Cloud Core headset to a computer with Realtek's budget HD Audio codec (ALC888). At first the sound seemed a little muffled to me, and the maximum volume was low. After listening to the headset in several games and getting used to it a little, I noticed that it conveyed the details of the environment quite well. You can hear tiny sounds in the game that you would never hear through speakers or cheaper headphones. The bass is also present, for me even more than necessary, since I am used to softer transparent bass. For example, shots from a machine gun sound like ringing blows with a hammer on metal, which is a little hard on the ears and you have to turn down the volume. With mid and high frequencies in the game everything is fine.

On the same computer, HyperX Cloud Core handled playback of various music quite well, as for a gaming headset. The sound was generally pleasant, harmonious, with average detail. But there was also a bit of thumping bass. Plus, this is a closed-type headset, which also increases sound pressure. As a result, after a couple of hours of using it, your ears begin to get tired. The sound insulation itself is at an average level.

A second HyperX Cloud Drone headset on the same computer sounded at about the same volume. Gunshot sounds in games were more muffled, making the sound less atmospheric but softer. With music everything is the same, the overall picture is similar, but the bass is a little boomy, which makes the sound worse, but puts less pressure on the ears.

After listening to the speakers, I tested the microphone quality using the audio recording software Audacity and the Skype testing service. In all cases, both headsets showed poor results. The sound from the microphone was a little muffled and there was background noise coming through the line.

A little upset, I decided to check how these headsets would behave when connected to several modern Lenovo and HTC smartphones that were at hand. After listening to music on the Cloud Core for a while, my mood began to improve, since the sound quality on all smartphones was good, and the maximum volume was at a good level. I turned the volume down a little and enjoyed the pleasant, harmonious sound for a while. I must say I liked it.

After that, I connected a second Cloud Drone headset to the same smartphones and found that the sound quality was also improved compared to what I had on the PC. However, the same difference remained - a little muffled sound and booming bass. Overall, I didn't really like how Cloud Drone handled music; it does better in games.

Also, both headsets were tested on a smartphone in talk mode with the recording function enabled. The microphones performed equally well. The sound on the recording was clear, the interlocutors also heard everything well, there was no noise. The sound from the headset was slightly muffled than from the smartphone's microphone. Consequently, interference on the PC was provided by the built-in sound card of the old motherboard.

After that, both headsets were tested on a modern HP laptop with a better built-in sound card. And then the sound quality of HyperX Cloud Core amazed me. The sound was very clear and detailed, and the volume was so high that it had to be turned down halfway. Of course, there was still some ear-splitting gunfire in games and bass in music, but the overall sound quality was pretty decent. The Cloud Drone headset differed only in softer whisper bursts and a slightly droning bass. In the mid and high frequency range the picture was quite pleasant and detailed. But I still liked Cloud Core more. On a laptop, when testing microphones on Skype, the sound was clear and without noise.

Tests confirmed that the muffled sound on the computer was not due to problems in the headsets, but to a bad sound card. I think with more modern HD codecs such problems will not arise.

4. Conclusion

Overall, I had a good experience with the HyperX Cloud Core headset. It is stylish, comfortable, made quite well and can produce quite decent sound. Personally, I like not very loud open-type headsets; for me, its bass and sound pressure are a little excessive. But at medium volume this does not cause discomfort. If you like powerful sound and sound insulation, then it will suit you. This headset will fit comfortably on both small and medium-sized round heads.

As for the HyperX Cloud Drone, I liked it less. In principle, it is suitable for games and the ears get tired of it a little less. In any case, it is better than any budget A4Tech, Sven, etc. But for music, due to some deafness, I would not recommend it. Also, this headset is not very suitable for a large round head, as the pressure will be unpleasant. It fits better on a small, elongated head.

In any case, you need to consider that sound quality depends not only on the headset itself. If it doesn't suit you, you may have to get a discrete sound card. But there’s no getting around it.

5. Links

You can purchase the reviewed headsets at a competitive price and with free shipping in the GearBest store using the following links.

Kingston HyperX Cloud Revolver Headphones
Kingston HyperX Cloud Core Headphones
Kingston HyperX Cloud Stinger Headphones

It only took HyperX, a division of Kingston, one year for the product line with the eloquent name “HyperX Cloud” to be heard by everyone who has ever thought about purchasing a gaming headset. Excellent build quality combined with good sound are the main features that characterize the HyperX Cloud product line.

Previously, we already introduced you to two models: and. The second of them features support for 7.1-channel sound and is equipped with a separate sound card with controls.

In this review we will look at 2015 − HyperXCloudCore, which uses a similar design as its predecessors, but at the same time has a minimal scope of delivery, which helps reduce the final cost. And for a live comparison, we’ll take the more equipped version of the HyperX Cloud, which this time is presented in white.

Manufacturer and model	HyperXCloudCore	HyperXCloud
Headphones
Impedance, Ohm
Sensitivity, dB
Interface	1 × mini-jack 3.5 mm	2 × mini-jack 3.5 mm
Reproducible frequency range, Hz
Speaker dome (diameter), mm
Maximum power, mW
Ambient noise suppression, dB
Nonlinear distortion factor, %
Headband pressure, N
	Closed headphones	Closed headphones
Cable length (with extension), m		1 (3) + 0.1 (iPhone cable)
Peculiarities	Extension adapter 2 × mini-jack 3.5 mm	Replaceable ear pads; Remote Control; adapter for aircraft; carrying case; headset splitter cable; extension cable.
	320 (with microphone and cable)	350 (with microphone and cable)
Microphone
Microphone type
Sensor type		Condenser electret (reverse type)
Principle of operation	Pressure gradient	Pressure gradient
Directional pattern	Cardioid	Cardioid
Power supply	Power AB	Power AB
Voltage, V
Maximum current consumption, mA
Impedance, kOhm
Open circuit voltage (at f=1 KHz), mV / Pa
Frequency response, Hz
Nonlinear distortion factor (at f=1 KHz), %
Maximum sound pressure level (THD ≤ 1.0% at 1 KHz), dB
Microphone sensitivity, dB
Microphone mounting length, mm
Membrane diameter, mm
Compound	Single stereo mini plug (3.5mm)	Mini plug (3.5 mm)
Warranty period, months
Products webpage

Packaging and equipment

The branding of the packaging has not undergone any major changes since its predecessors, but the box itself has become noticeably more compact. In the foreground is a large image of the headphones with a brief indication of the key features.

There is more detailed information on the back of both boxes, but there is still no complete technical description. To do this, it is better to visit the product website in advance.

The sides are decorated with additional photographs of equipment and advertising inscriptions.

An interesting solution is to hide the warranty information on the inside of the cardboard cover. In order to read it, you have to use resourcefulness and really strain your eyesight. Information is available in various languages, including Russian.

The HyperX Cloud Core headset is packaged very carefully and securely. At first glance, it gives the impression of an expensive and high-quality item.

The package includes a detachable microphone, a quick user guide and an extension cord for connecting to a PC, which is included on the headset by default.

As you can see, the delivery kit includes only the necessary components. Perhaps this is the best option for reducing the cost of the product: remove everything unnecessary from the kit, but leave the hardware base intact.

HyperX Cloud, like a perfectionist's dream, is packaged with the same care and precision. The soft filler is ideally suited to all the extensive components.

The package includes removable velor ear pads, a detachable microphone, an adapter for a combined audio jack, two extension cables (one with a remote control), an airplane adapter and a mesh carrying case. The set for all occasions is one of the richest sets that we have encountered when testing gaming headsets.

Ergonomics and build quality

Since we have already previously reviewed the headset in detail, there is no need to focus on its key elements.

As you can see, the HyperX Cloud Core model presented for testing fully matches the design of the HyperX Cloud line, with its high build quality and attractive appearance.

When you take these headphones in your hands for the first time, you involuntarily say to yourself “I want.” The use of metal in combination with soft-touch plastic, pleasant to the touch, makes the HyperX Cloud Core headset look more expensive and elegant. And the rubberized coating used does not get dirty at all.

All elements fit perfectly, without a hint of unwanted play or creaking of parts.

The thread with which the headband is stitched does not come out anywhere, does not stick out and has an even seam around the entire perimeter.

The headband is soft and comfortable, so it does not cause discomfort during prolonged work. It securely fixes the headphones on the head, so they do not tend to fall when rotating.

This also applies to ear pads. They are quite soft and do not squeeze the ears at all, which fit completely inside. Surprisingly, even after two hours of sitting in the headphones, my ears practically did not sweat and I did not want to take the headset off at all.

For reliability, all wires are stitched with fabric. Even the wire coming out of the cups has such protection. By the way, a small peculiarity was discovered here. The wire coming out of the cup is not fixed in it and comes out a little if you pull it. Perhaps this was done specifically for the margin when adjusting the height of the headband, but it is not possible to say with certainty whether it is securely fixed. In fairness, it can be noted that it is quite difficult to catch it by accident. The same feature was observed on HyperX Cloud.

But you should be especially careful with the plug that covers the microphone connector. The first time you take it off may be the last, since it can easily be lost.

The microphone uses a well-thought-out design and has very good flexibility, which allows its position to be adjusted to the user's needs. And thanks to the foam nozzle, good filtration from excess noise and wind is achieved.

If we closely compare HyperX Cloud Core and HyperX Cloud, we can say that these are two boots in a pair. However, due to the white color of the second model, it gives the impression of a slightly larger size.

If you try hard, you will notice that the characteristic pattern on the metal part of the cup has a different coating. With HyperX Cloud Core, it is more like a sticker that clings with a fingernail, but is not subject to damage. But with HyperX Cloud it is completely smooth and almost tactile.

Sound quality

The way HyperX Cloud Core handles sound in computer games deserves the most flattering reviews. The sounds of grass swaying in the wind, crickets chirping in the night, blade signals from attacking wolves - all this is conveyed in great detail in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, providing complete immersion into the atmosphere of the created world from the first minute.

When it comes to music, the headphones perform better than most gaming headsets of this kind. High frequencies are characterized by increased volume levels. At the same time, previously unheard details of the compositions are well captured, so the music begins to sound in a new way. However, at volumes above average, the high frequencies are a little harsh on the ear. This feature manifested itself only in electronic music, especially in the composition Emma Hewitt − Rewind (Mikkas Remix). This feature was not observed in rock and light instrumental music. Also, audiophiles will probably notice that the mid-frequency range is not well developed, but this will not cause any trouble for ordinary users.

The bass produced is pleasant to the ear and does not dominate at all compared to other frequencies. Since the earcups do not have a bass reflex hole, when listening for a long time at high volumes, the ears are subject to unpleasant pressure. In this regard, the HyperX Cloud headset has a small trump card in the form of replaceable velor ear pads, which reduce pressure on the ears.

The microphone did not cause any complaints. Thanks to high sensitivity and a filtering foam nozzle, the voice is transmitted clearly and without a hint of distortion.

conclusions

Coming to the culmination of the review, I would like to note that the sound quality in the models HyperX CloudCore and absolutely identical, which is not surprising, given the almost identical technical characteristics of both devices.

The new product has absorbed the best developments from its older brothers, setting the quality bar at a high level, but for a more affordable price range. An excellent combination of materials that are pleasant to the touch gives the headset a more expensive look, and the use of metal in the design does not call into question its reliability and durability.

The thoughtful design of the microphone allows you to flexibly adjust its location, and the use of a foam filter has a positive effect on filtering out unwanted interference.

The musicality of the HyperX Cloud Core headset can be the envy of more expensive models. The headphones boast detailed high frequencies and pleasant bass. Audiophiles may notice a little lack of midrange development, but this is nitpicking, especially for this price category. Good sound detail in games enhances the perception of what is happening on the screen, completely immersing you in the game world.

As a result, in our opinion, the strategy of the HyperX division to reduce the cost of the product by reducing its configuration while maintaining an excellent hardware platform, stylish gaming design and fairly comfortable ergonomics has fully justified itself.

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