Is HyperX Cloud II Core Wireless Headphone Best for Gaming?
Having invested an ample amount of testing hours on the HyperX Cloud II Core Wireless, I quite rejoice in being able to share my views on this gaming headset. HyperX headsets are popular among gamers because they always manage to offer very good performance, comfort and price. The Cloud II Core Wireless headset claims to provide surround sound, decent battery life, and a lightweight but solid build. But just how well it really performs in practice is tested here.
Reasons to Buy
- Strong sound quality with 53mm drivers and virtual 7.1 surround sound
- Comfortable memory foam ear cushions and padded headband
- Durable build with reinforced metal frame
- Long battery life of up to 30 hours
- User-friendly, plug-and-play wireless connection
Reasons to Avoid
- No Bluetooth support, limiting connectivity options
- Bulky design with no folding feature for portability
- Lacks active noise cancellation
- Not compatible with Xbox
Design and Aesthetics
Upon unboxing, HyperX Cloud II Core Wireless comes with an elegant design that is simple, yet has some elements of style that incorporates a touch of gaming like Audio-Technica ATH-ANC700BT. The headset uses black and red colors, which is the signature design of all HyperX offers, hence it’s not hard to coordinate with most gaming setups. It is very plain, with the brand name being inscribed on the ear cups, which leaves a classy look but not gaudy.
HyperX went for an over the ears configuration with large, chunky ear cups in what can only be perceived as complete coverage. The ear cups of Hyperx cloud ii headset are also elliptical shaped and although this may not be of any significance, they are able to accommodate even the most protruding of ears comfortably.
Looking at the top surface of the headband, HyperX’s logos have been imprinted around the edges and in between those edges there are soft inserts. The outer rim of the frame is metallic not only for aesthetic purposes but also with the intention of making the headset more durable. To summarize, this was a good balance between work and play, which is great for many either hardcore or relaxed circumstances.
Materials and Build Quality
The materials used in the construction of Flash reddening HyperX Cloud II Core Wireless are well-spaced for proper functioning and lend themselves-respect to the headset. The earcups are principally made from plastics and are not sleight of hand and weak. The outer band is surrounded by a metal band making the headset more rigid and possess an inbuilt bending mechanism useful for various head sizes.
The ear pads are memory soft pads wrapped in light leather to enhance comfort and noise suppression. I also made use of the memory foam covering for the ear piece which fits the contours of my head and offers comfort and most definitely better sound as the encasing is able to eliminate background noise. The headset also comes up with a soft and yet a durable foam covering for the headband inside the gaming headset. While a number of headsets offer plain plastic headbands, the Cloud II Core Wireless has rounded polycarbonate with metal core within the aluminum leveling which makes the overall end premium.
There is no doubt that this Hyperx cloud ii gaming headset is made with durability in mind like Sony WH-CH520 and Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2.” Gaining such a quote within the materials was not just pleasant; they should be suitable for long hours of gameplay without abuse too quickly apparent. Overall, I was pleased with the construction and materials of the HyperX Cloud II Core Wireless, which appears to be able to take the brunt of hot gaming or just regular usage with ease.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is a very important factor when selecting a gaming headset, and particularly in those long sessions of gaming. The HyperX Cloud II Core Wireless will not disappoint you in this regard like Technics EAH-A800 and Skullcandy Hesh ANC. Weighing just over 300 grams, it manages to sit in between the light and heavy categories, being light enough yet hefty enough to not feel fragile.
As for me, the ear cushions are the most impressive segments in this case, being made of soft memory pads wrapped in a leatherette. After fitting the cushions, I was personally pleased with how well the cushions reasonably contour towards the outlines of my ears without pressing down too much. This was advantageous in keeping the headset in place even when the gaming got a bit aggressive. The leatherette cover is fairly effective in containing sounds within the headset and sounds from outside as well, enabling the listener complete immersion into whatever it is they are doing.
Another plus is the headlink, which is rather well padded. The memory foam contained herein helps to spread the burden evenly, thus alleviating the regions of the head that could cause discomfort with prolonged use. It is also possible to adjust the head pad as there are two smooth sliding mechanisms fixed on both sides. There aren't any fidgeting or fitness problems, fit is satisfactory. Even after wearing it for several hours, I did not feel any soreness or tiredness and this says a lot about comfort provisions in the make.
If you want more comfortable headphone for your use, you must try Sony WH-1000XM5.
Sound Quality
The strongest feature exhibited by the HyperX Cloud II Core Wireless headphone is the sound quality. In gaming, this headset is designed to be heard with its 53mm drivers, capable of producing very good audio. Well, to put it in simple terms, the sound profile is well placed and includes a tight low end, good midranges and decent treble. However, for competitive games where listening for footsteps and distant gunshots is vital, the directional sound that this headset possesses is very impressive as well. I played these games in quite a few FPS titles and surround sound really helped me determine all enemy positions with ease.
In terms of more linear narrative games, the HyperX Cloud II also manages to reproduce and create the presence of space around you. I used it for various genres of video games starting from RPGs and ending with action-adventures and ambient sounds were excellent as well. The explosions, voices and some music fit into place but not just fitting, rather all the elements impressed the engagement of the gaming experience. Most importantly, the virtual 7.1 system is supported but can be switched barely noticeable or quite helpful, depending on the playing style. I liked this feature for instance in games that not just promote but require this sort of awareness as it added another level of immersion.
Smart Features
The HyperX Cloud II Core Wireless may not be packed with advanced smart features, however, it does have a number of helpful functions which are reasonably handy. In any case, it does not require any special programs for normal use, which makes the installation easier. Note that for those who wish to personalize their audio details to the next level, it is compatible with HyperX's NGENUITY software. Here it is possible to change the parameters of the audio equalizer and you can set them as ever you want either heavy bass for music or well-balanced sound mode for competitive games.
The volume is controlled easily, with the volume control incorporated on the left ear cup, as well as a power switch that also serves to turn on or off the 7.1 surround sound feature. I remember using one of the volume wheels, which I found very useful as I was able to make changes to sound levels in between games as I did not have to move my eyes from the screen. The headset also has a quick-access microphone mute button which is a large benefit during multiparty games and online conversations.
On the other hand, this Hyperx gaming headphone is surprisingly simple and practical without complex features such as active noise canceling or Bluetooth. Its simple solutions are designed for gamers who want smart features without losing the quality.
Connectivity and Usability
The HyperX Cloud II Core Wireless is a hassle-free, easy to set up headset that communicates using a 2.4G wireless USB dongle. Just plug the dongle into your PC or console and the headset will automatically be paired for you. Unless you go beyond a parameter of about 20 meters, you will not have to worry about loss of sound. I walked around my apartment with my headset on, even went into another room, and I did not experience any interruptions with sound even while listening to music.
It works on PC, PS, and Nintendo switch, but it does not support Xbox. For some users, it could be a major drawback. While there is no Bluetooth support, there is less delay using a native 2.4G band instead. This is also important for competitive gaming as you want the sound in real time without delay. The whole process is plug and play that is very simple including for people who are not used to wireless devices.
Battery Life
The HyperX Cloud II Core Wireless can be used for around 30 hours on a full battery charge and this is reflected well in practical use as well. In case of the above-mentioned headset usage, I had to use it for quite a lot and it managed to be used for nearly two days without plugging it to recharge even with the surround sound on for some time. I appreciate how the charging was done through a USB-C port where it only takes about 2 hours to complete the charging after the battery goes to zero.
A very handy option is the automatic switch off feature, which saves the battery when the device has not been used for a particular amount of time. There’s also an LED indicator on the headset that gives a rough estimation of how much battery remains so that the user doesn't get what it is like right mid on the action. Generally, the battery is sufficiently good enough for use on most gaming rigs and the fact that you can recharge them in a short time is a plus.
There are some popular wireless headphones that offer long backup like Sennheiser Momentum 4 and Jabra Evolve2 65.
Mic Performance and Call Quality
Flexible and unintrusive, the detachable microphone found on the HyperX Cloud II Core Wireless is easy to manipulate for the user’s convenience. This mic has a noise-canceling function that works to facilitate the sound clarity of the voice by cutting off all unnecessary noises. I would find it in various online multiplayer games as well as voice chats and I could tell my voice very well even with noise background and adverse conditions.
In the course of the game, the communication mic was so clear that the messages delivered to the other players were easily comprehended. The noise cancellation is not perfect, but it tightens all the noises to a great extent making it air-tight and making communication easier. The headset has a mute button and cordless construction flexible for multi gaming pursuits when one seeks communication black out.
The quality of the microphone is sufficient for gaming and a bit of casual streaming but might not work for resolving certain audio-based issues for users who are looking for recording grade sound. Regardless, for basic day to day activities, it works very well and the removal option is very ideal for headsets usage without any form of microphones.
Durability and Portability
The HyperX Cloud II Core Wireless is particularly impressive in terms of beyond. It has a reinforced metal frame and quality plastic to complete all physical damage. The frame of the headset is not flimsy; when you twist and turn it to fit properly it feels strong and there are no squeaking sounds or any rattling parts, even after weeks of normal use. The cup swivels up or down, this enables it further to increase comfort whilst resting on the neck as well as facilitate storage of the headset.
Even though size limits it as the most portable set of headphones, however, the Cloud II CORE WIRELESS is not very heavy thus moderate in carrying around if necessary. Nevertheless, it does not fold, which could be a disadvantage if you are carrying it around. It does not have a carry case too, so you may wish about this when portability is concerned. However, I answered in a zoom meeting still using the provided monitor on the headset. But as for portability, this headset looks like it is designed to withstand lots of usage even in extreme conditions.
Gaming Performance
The HyperX Cloud II Core Wireless offers great gaming performance in this respect. I am also tested on several genres, such as, FPS, RPG and racing games. With FPS games, the surround sound headset helped in pinpointing locations of enemies and understanding swiftly the movements of enemies and their gunshots. The drivers of 53mm size are able to reproduce the sound of the in-game events within satisfactory limits, ensuring that players do not miss basic in-game operating details.
On the other hand, in more absorbing games like the RPGs, the Cloud II Core Wireless does a decent job amplifying space sounds. Speaking of capturing ambient sounds, wind and conversations in the distance further Enders the mood in the game. Also, the low latency wireless connectivity allows for audio to be in perfect sync with the action on screen and that’s crucial for any competitive gaming endeavor. In effect, this headset adds value to both the casual and competitive gameplay by making a successful feat out of most aspects.
Comparison with Similar Headsets
Analyzing the price range of the wireless gaming headsets, the HyperX Cloud II Core Wireless has a great design and sound quality which cannot be found in other headsets. Taking the instance of the Logitech G Pro X Wireless, the Cloud II Core is relatively basic regarding technical specification and features but unfortunately does not extend as far as the price. At the same time, the SteelSeries Arctis 7 provides Bluetooth capability but comfort may be an issue in long hearing periods.
In the end, we can say that the choice of the above headsets rests solely on customers, but in this case, the Cloud II Core Wireless isa well releasable especially for the gamers looking for comfort, good enough durability and simple wireless functions.
Final Verdict
The HyperX Cloud II Core Wireless is intriguing as per its right performance and comfort and fits all the gamers' demand. Even though it doesn't have some of the most advanced and sophisticated characteristics of expensive models, it has good sound, sturdy construction, and a decent battery instead. If you are an active gamer and can't afford to use a headset, which is only suitable for eSports, then the Cloud II Core Wireless is the best solution. There is a nice form and a super simple and easy assembly, which is a plus for the bulk of people who do not wish to splurge on a high-end but yearning for a great gaming experience.
FAQs
Q: Does the HyperX Cloud II Core Wireless support surround sound?
Yes, it supports virtual 7.1 surround sound, enhancing directional audio for a more immersive gaming experience.
Q: Is the microphone detachable?
Yes, the microphone is detachable, making it convenient to remove when you don’t need it.
Q: Can the Cloud II Core Wireless connect to mobile devices?
It doesn’t support Bluetooth but can connect wirelessly to devices that accept the 2.4GHz USB dongle, such as PCs and some consoles.
Q: Is the HyperX Cloud II Core Wireless compatible with Xbox?
Unfortunately, no. This headset is not compatible with Xbox consoles, though it works with PC, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch.