Introduction:
In my quest to discover if I was missing out on using my beloved Philips X2 headphones, I recently purchased the renowned HyperX Cloud II headset. Praised by the gaming community for its outstanding value, this headset is known for its excellent soundstage, making it a top choice for gamers. HyperX has taken the reputable Takstar Pro 80 headphone as a base and added a microphone, making it an enticing option for both gaming and communication needs.
Build Quality:
The HyperX Cloud II headset pleasantly surprised me with its exceptional build quality. Unlike some other gaming headsets I’ve tested in the past, these feel refined and well-constructed. The pleather ear cups are comfortable, providing a good seal around the ears. I couldn’t help but wonder how the sound might change with Brainwavz HM5 earpads, which I plan to try out later.
The pleather headband, generously padded with 1/2″, proved to be more comfortable than I initially expected. Despite my preference for floating-type headbands like the one on my Philips X2, the Cloud II caused no discomfort even after extended use. It remains to be seen how it fares over time, but so far, I’m impressed.
After an extended three-hour gaming session with PUBG, I didn’t experience any fatigue. However, transitioning from an open-back headphone to a closed-back one did require some adjustment. The closed-back design meant I couldn’t hear my own voice and external sounds as well, resulting in slightly louder Discord voice chat. The addition of Brainwavz HM5 pleather/velour ear pads significantly improved comfort and subtly altered the audio quality.
Sound Quality:
At its price point of $99, the HyperX Cloud II delivers sound quality beyond expectations. Unlike most gaming headsets that tend to overemphasize treble and mids while lacking in bass, the Cloud II offers surprisingly neutral sound. The bass is present but not overwhelming, providing more depth compared to other gaming headphones.
I must emphasize that changing the ear pads has a noticeable impact on sound quality. Various ear pad options may yield different results, leading to an enjoyable experimentation process for those seeking customization. For this, I highly recommend trying out the Brainwavz HM5 earpads.
As a personal preference, I’ve been playing games with the 7.1 surround sound feature turned off, finding it more favorable in PUBG. With the 7.1 enabled, audio becomes somewhat distant and slightly off.
Mic Quality:
To my pleasant surprise, the microphone on the HyperX Cloud II proved to be of excellent quality. While I had expected a mediocre performance, it exceeded my expectations, especially considering its price range. Comparing it to my Philips X2 with a VMODA Boom Mic setup, the Cloud II’s microphone exhibits slightly lower clarity, but it doesn’t hinder communication in any significant way. I will be providing an audio quality test soon to showcase its performance.
Conclusion:
The online praise is well-founded, and the HyperX Cloud II headset unquestionably stands as one of the best value-for-money options in the market. Its remarkable audio positioning in games like PUBG, well-balanced bass and treble, and impressive microphone performance through Discord make it a highly recommended choice. If you’re in the market for a new gaming headset, the HyperX Cloud II should be at the top of your list!
You can find a refurbished pair on eBay for $59.99:
You can buy a new pair on Amazon.com for $99.88:
