Kingston HyperX Cloud Headset Full Review (Updated Pictures!)

[BoltActionWaffle]

I’ve noticed a lot of people have been asking about the HyperX Cloud headset by Kingston, and I’ve decided to write a full review for it. Testing was done with IBIubbleTea.
 
NOTES:
 
• 36 Hour Burn in Time.
• Used “Headphones” option without Virtual Surround for Imaging testing
• Used on-board motherboard audio (No external Amp/DAC) 

• They're advertised to have LEATHERETTE Pads, not Genuine Leather. This is a mistake on Linus' part I believe.

Pictures (Updated Pictures!)
 
The last picture is my favorite. 
 

 

 
Included in the Box:
 
•  HyperX Cloud headset
•  Detachable microphone
•  Microphone Cap
•  Pair of Synthetic Leather and Velour Pads.
•  Control box with 1m cable (3.5mm Jack)
•  Extension cable (2m)
•  Headset splitter cable (10cm)
•  Airplane headphone adapter [WHO CARES]
•  Mesh Carrying bag
 
Specifications (For those who care)
 
Headphones:
 
•  Transducer type: dynamic Ø 53mm
•  Operating principle: closed
•  Frequency response: 15Hz–25,000 Hz
•  Nominal impedance: 60 Ω per system
•  Nominal SPL: 98±3dB
•  T.H.D.: < 2%
•  Power handling capacity: 150mW
•  Sound coupling to the ear: circumaural
•  Ambient noise attenuation: approx. 20 dBa
•  Headband pressure: 5N
•  Weight with microphone and cable: 350g
•  Cable length and type: 1m + 2m extension + 10cm iPhone
•  Connection: mini stereo jack plug (3.5 mm)
 
Microphone:
 
•  Transducer type: condenser (back electret)
•  Operating principle: pressure gradient
•  Polar pattern: cardioid
•  Power supply: AB powering
•  Supply voltage: 2V
•  Current consumption: max 0.5 mA
•  Nominal impedance: ≤2.2 kΩ
•  Open circuit voltage at f = 1 kHz: 20 mV / Pa
•  Frequency response: 100–12,000 Hz
•  THD: 2% at f = 1 kHz
•  Max. SPL: 105dB SPL (THD≤1.0% at 1 KHz)
•  Microphone output: -39±3dB
•  Length mic boom: 150mm (including gooseneck)
•  Capsule diameter: Ø6*5 mm
•  Connection: mini stereo jack plug (3.5mm)
 
Build Quality
 
The build quality of the Cloud’s are excellent. They’re on par with the DT770/880/990’s as expected, and easily trumps most other offerings in its price range.
It uses high quality plastics coated with a soft touch layer and has an aluminum headband. The cable is braided and is of high quality, I wouldn’t worry about this degrading over time.
 
Comfort
 
Overall, They’re quite a comfortable headset. the padding on the headband is thick and soft enough to not bother me and has a very good amount of clamping force. The synthetic leather earpads are plush and thick enough to prevent your ears from coming in contact with the drivers. A pair of velour pads are also included, but feel of a lower quality. They’re still just as comfortable, possibly more comfortable, and reduce noise isolation significantly. (Might be your Personal preference)
 
Sound (Highs, Mids, Lows, Soundstage and Imaging)
 
The sound signature of this headset leans towards a warmer side of neutral as well as forward highs, giving them a V-Shaped sound signature.
 
There is definitely an emphasis on the low end of the spectrum. The bass is surprisingly tight, has very low distortion, if any, and still manages to not drown out the mid tones
The bass is also well extended and has a very well controlled, articulate and authoritative sound
 
The high’s are predominant and sound a bit forward. They aren’t harsh and I was able to listen to them for hours on end without fatigue.
They have a very smooth sound, without congestion, but doesn’t have much of a “crunch” (Sorry can’t think of a better term)
 
The Mids are well detailed and lush, sound somewhat recessed, but besides that aren’t too special in any way.
 
I was quite impressed by the soundstage, considering the closed back. I’d say on par with the HD518s, though not as “Airy”.
 
The imaging wasn’t anything special, but wasn’t bad. Here are the results from my testing.
 

 
(All Testing done in Battlefield 3)
I would prone in the middle of field, my friend would shoot his gun, then I would guess his position and distance.  We did the same with footsteps and jumping.
I usually use my ATH-AD900x headphones for gaming, and I definitely will not be replacing them.
 
Notes about gaming performance:
 
• Footsteps sounded distinct and were very audible.
• Explosions and gun shots are very satisfying.
• I personally don’t think the imaging is of enough calibre to use in “Competitive FPS’” (Which is what I play)
 
Microphone Test
 
The microphone is very mediocre, but I guess it gets the job done for talking to friends and such. The link contains a microphone test for the HyperX Cloud headset and an AT4040 Condenser
 
Conclusion
 
As a whole, the Kingston HyperX Cloud headset is a very compelling offer. Overall, I’m more than satisfied with my purchase, and would have paid more. In its price range and category, the sound quality can’t be touched. I can’t think of a single headset that sounds as good or better than these for ~$80. (Except QPAD-QH-90 which are the same) The build quality and design is excellent,  as well as the aesthetic appeal. The only disappointment is the microphone. If they ever release a high quality detachable mic I’ll be sure to purchase one and update the review.
 
Fun facts
 
The HyperX Cloud is just a rebrand of the Qpad QH-90.
 
(Will add more when we think of them LOL)

[Rekx]

Qpad is scandinavian. I'm so proud :-)

 

Great review, i especialy like the diagram about position accuracy. I always recommend this headset to people who wont buy headphones, but doesn't have the bugdet for Sennehiser, Beyerdynamic or Qpad

[dylan43270]

I love this headset, especially since I got it for $50. I do wish the mic quality was better though...

[BoltActionWaffle]

Qpad is scandinavian. I'm so proud :-)

 

Great review, i especialy like the diagram about position accuracy. I always recommend this headset to people who wont buy headphones, but doesn't have the bugdet for Sennehiser, Beyerdynamic or Qpad

I fixed up the Diagram a bit, made it smaller and forgot to add distance before. 

[BoltActionWaffle]

If anybody would like a review on any other Audio Equipment I own, I'm happy to write one. 

 

EDIT: Audio Technica ATH-AD900x Headphones Review (Complete)

          Possibly HiFiMan HE-560's (Need more time to listen)

[Rekx]

I would really like to see a review of the Plantronic Rig. I have seen some really good reviews on it, even some audioheads seem to like it.

[GamerDude]

Just got the HyperX Cloud Pro Gaming headset, but damn, I can straight up tell that music is way.....waaaaaay better than on that POS Black Shark (which cost about the same as the HyperX Cloud, last time I check that is, will have to recheck the current price of the Black Shark). Like BoltAction had said, there is some emphasis on the bass side, but it is tight and doesn't overwhelms mids and highs. Even trying this headset for a few minutes, listening to some tracks of Cher's Greatest hits, I can say this headset is much more 'musical' than those craptastice gaming headsets I've tried before. Can't wait for it to 'burn in' and 'see' if it sounds warmer.

 

A pic of my purchases...

[GeekySole9354]

I love mine, great for the price.

[alby800]

uuuuuuhhhhhhhhh, I realllllyy want one soooo bad

[GamerDude]

uuuuuuhhhhhhhhh, I realllllyy want one soooo bad

I'm really surprised at how good it handles games (just tried UT3 on it) and music. For games, it has pretty deep bass but when I play music, bass is tighter, not loose and all over the place like the Black Shark. Is it not available yet down under?

[alby800]

I'm really surprised at how good it handles games (just tried UT3 on it) and music. For games, it has pretty deep bass but when I play music, bass is tighter, not loose and all over the place like the Black Shark. Is it not available yet down under?

It is available down here but I just don't have enough money, I am waiting for my mum to pay me for my work. My Razer Hammerhead pros died and I am using the mic from them (it still work for some reason) and the CRAPPY speakers from my monitor

[MoonSpot]

I've owned these for awhile now and am happy with them. The low loud bass in games seems to have worn off some, which is fine.
The only problem I've had with them is that they're too comfortable. Just got back from the ER because of a not so awesome ear infection that I've got in both ears, that was brought on by extended use of closed over ear headphones. I use the headset to listen to lectures, YT, News, music and game while turning off the otherwise all too noisey outside world.

I can now only recommend open earphones in good faith. Because they've airflow which should prevent similar ear infections in others. This is the first time in my life getting an ear infection and I now feel a swell of pity for those that have chronic swimmers ear.

Anyways, just thought that it should be something people should be aware of and consider when buying any closed over ear headgear, cause finding out the hard way has been quite the shity ordeal.

Painful regards, MoonSpot

[BoltActionWaffle]

Just got the HyperX Cloud Pro Gaming headset, but damn, I can straight up tell that music is way.....waaaaaay better than on that POS Black Shark (which cost about the same as the HyperX Cloud, last time I check that is, will have to recheck the current price of the Black Shark). Like BoltAction had said, there is some emphasis on the bass side, but it is tight and doesn't overwhelms mids and highs. Even trying this headset for a few minutes, listening to some tracks of Cher's Greatest hits, I can say this headset is much more 'musical' than those craptastice gaming headsets I've tried before. Can't wait for it to 'burn in' and 'see' if it sounds warmer.

 

A pic of my purchases...

 

 

I love mine, great for the price.

I'm glad you are both content with your purchases! I just realized I didn't follow my review, so I didn't notice these replies till now haha. 

[Rye Cribby Tree]

In your list of features you note that the leather is synthetic but in Linus's new video he says they are genuine leather. Was this a mistake on his part or yours?

[BoltActionWaffle]

In your list of features you note that the leather is synthetic but in Linus's new video he says they are genuine leather. Was this a mistake on his part or yours?

 

Edit: actually, I think Linus was wrong... I changed it back. Kingston advertises them as leatherette.

[PC-NOOB]

Good review

Very informational

[Easy To Pronounce Name]

This headset was on sale at NCIX.com a few weeks back for 50 bucks (10 dollar shipping) I can personally attest to their awesomesauceness.

[GamerDude]

Hey BAW, if you don't me calling you that, did you try the headset with the supplied velour pads? I don't know if I'd imagined it, but the bass seems a tad less thumping, and mids (and perhaps highs) seem to stand out a little more. I can't decide if I'd imagined it though, could using different pads actually affect sound? :unsure: Meanwhile, I'm mentally masturbating over whether to get a decent soundcard for the system I'm using the headset on...perhaps an Asus Phoebus Solo or a SB Zx.

[BoltActionWaffle]

Hey BAW, if you don't me calling you that, did you try the headset with the supplied velour pads? I don't know if I'd imagined it, but the bass seems a tad less thumping, and mids (and perhaps highs) seem to stand out a little more. I can't decide if I'd imagined it though, could using different pads actually affect sound? :unsure: Meanwhile, I'm mentally masturbating over whether to get a decent soundcard for the system I'm using the headset on...perhaps an Asus Phoebus Solo or a SB Zx.

I didn't extensively test the Clouds with the Velour pads, because I believed most people would use the leather, but you're probably not hallucinating. Velour pads compared to leather pads tend to lighten up the low end, which could possibly bring out the highs and mids a bit. I can do some extensive testing if you would like, though I probably won't be done until the at least the next day. But yes, different ear padding definitely effects the sound signature and sometimes the quality of a pair of headphones. 

[alvez]

linus review says that the earcups are made of genuine leather but on the kingston website is wrotte: leatherette-padded 

 

Leatherette (Textiles) an imitation leather made from paper, cloth, etc.

 

seems that it is not genuine leather correct me if i am wrong! 

[BaSkA]

What is the size of the cups?

[BoltActionWaffle]

linus review says that the earcups are made of genuine leather but on the kingston website is wrotte: leatherette-padded

Leatherette(Textiles) an imitation leather made from paper, cloth, etc.

seems that it is not genuine leather correct me if i am wrong!

This was my original belief. But people are going to constantly ask about the leather probably, so I'll just leave it.

Edit: nvm, I'll change it. Going to add a note saying I believe linus was incorrent. Thanks for the help bud! 

[BoltActionWaffle]

What is the size of the cups?

Just measured the Cups, then the forums go down haha. 

I measured: 

 

Length - Outer Earcup - 89mm

Length - Inner Earcup - 38mm

Height - Outer Earcup - 114mm

Height - Inner Earcup - 70mm

[BaSkA]

Just measured the Cups, then the forums go down haha. 

I measured: 

 

Length - Outer Earcup - 89mm

Length - Inner Earcup - 38mm

Height - Outer Earcup - 114mm

Height - Inner Earcup - 70mm

 

I KNOW RIGHT! Almost cried because I actually had to work for a bit...

 

The cups are not HUGE but they would probably fit my mutant ears... thank you!

Definitely add it to the main post

[Jmjam]

How well would these perform in CSGO? I currently have the HD558's but the low cost of these intrigue me to getting a second pair of heaphones/headset