HyperX Cloud Stinger Gaming Headset Review / Test
Today we are talking about the brand new HyperX Cloud Stinger Gaming Headset. What is really cool about this headset is that it is listed as compatible with PS4, Xbox One, PC, Mac, as well as your Smartphone. What's even cooler is that it's also certified to work with the following apps: Teamspeak, Discord, Skype, Ventrilo, Mumble, Raidcall. That means that no matter what system/software you are using, this headset will likely work for you.
If you are interested in this gaming headset, it will set you back $50 on Amazon
What's In the Box
Headset (1.3m Cable)
Extension / Splitter Cable (1.7m Cable)
Quickstart Guide
2-Year Warranty
Specifications
Headphones
Drivers: 50mm
Frequency Response: 18Hz - 23kHz
Microphone
Polar Pattern: Unidirectional
Frequency Response: 50Hz - 18kHz
Sensitivity: -40dB
Performance / Features
The build quality of this headset is better than I expected. It is a plastic build, however, the plastic feels high quality and provides ample flexibility. The foam on the headset/headband is made of HyperX's memory foam and is among the best I've felt on any gaming headset. The controls are simple; you will find a single volume rocker on the right ear cup to control the headphone volume, and that's it. And lastly, the microphone arm can articulate, and in order to mute the mic you just tilt it upright and you will hear a click to indicate the microphone has been muted.
The headphones are what truly stand out on this product. There is plenty of boomy low end while maintaining the presence in the high end. I typically do not enjoy bass heavy headphones, but that is because "bass-heavy" headphones are usually plagued by muddy lows that sacrifice high frequency performance; this headset does neither of those things. You get crystal clear highs and booming lows.
The microphone on the other hand is bad, and it just sounds like your typical gaming headset mic. When I saw the unidirectional polar pattern I knew that we would lose some quality in microphone performance compared to an omnidirectional microphone, and I think that it is a smart trade off to make. This is a gaming headset, and while gaming you want people on the other end to hear your voice instead of the fan blowing in the background. This unidirectional microphone will help with that. Do not get me wrong, you will still hear background noise, but it will not be as pronounced as it would be if the microphone was omnidirectional.
Pros
Universally compatible
Great sounding headphones
Extremely comfortable
Well built
Articulating Mic Arm
Unidirectional Mic
Cons
Bad sounding microphone
Conclusion
Even though I think the microphone is bad, I would absolutely recommend this headset. The recommendation stems from the headphones performance and comfort. While gaming, what's most important to you is going to be the audio you hear, and the comfort of the headphones; this headset excels in both of those areas. Your friends will also be able to hear you perfectly fine through this microphone while talking to each other on teamspeak, discord or any other chat service; you just won't win any awards for audio quality.
On the other hand, if you are going to be recording voice overs or gaming commentaries with this headset, I would recommend looking elsewhere because this microphone will not cut it for professional audio recordings.
If you have any additional questions about this microphone, leave them on the youtube video, and I will try to reply ASAP.
Buy the HyperX Cloud Stinger (Affiliate Link)
Global: https://geni.us/xstinger