INTRODUCTION

   Whether or not you enjoy using gaming headsets there's no denying that they are an extremely useful accessory, not only for the PC but also consoles. Unfortunately just like with everything in the electronics industry it's not really easy to find the proper/ideal gaming headset, not only in terms of audio quality/clarity and positioning (3D/Surround models) but also in terms of build quality and even more importantly, comfort. Now that i think about it out of the countless gaming headsets I've tested and/or used over the years no more than just a handful combine all of the above. The CLOUD II Wireless is the latest closed back gaming headset released by HyperX and that's what today's review is all about.

   For 18 years, HyperX’s mission has been to develop gaming solutions for every type of gamer and the company is consistently recognized for delivering products that provide superior comfort, aesthetics, performance, and reliability. Under the tagline of “WE’RE ALL GAMERS,” HyperX gaming headsets, keyboards, mice, USB microphones, and console accessories are the choice of everyday gamers as well as celebrity ambassadors, pro gamers, tech enthusiasts, and worldwide because they meet the most stringent product specifications and are built with best-in-class components. For more information, please go to www.hyperxgaming.com.

   Unlike the CLOUD II Pro and the CLOUD II before it the CLOUD II Wireless doesn't share the same exact specifications and so even though it's also based on two 53mm neodymium magnet dynamic stereo drivers this time over they feature a frequency response of 15Hz-20KHz with 60 Ohm impedance and 104dB SPL. The same applies for the flexible detachable boom microphone (bidirectional, noise cancelling) which this time over features a frequency response of 50Hz-6.8KHz with -20dB impedance. Of course, 5+ years after the CLOUD II and CLOUD II Pro made their debut the change in specifications didn't really come as a surprise. Other features include a 7.1 virtual surround sound card, 2.4GHz wireless connectivity via a bundled USB dongle (up to 20 meters distance), 1500mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack that can keep the headset going for up to 30 hours and memory foam padding for both the ear and head pads. So, let's see just how the CLOUD II headsets have evolved after all these years.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

The package used by HyperX now is all new but still has a large product picture at the front right next to the main product features.

All of the features are also printed on the left side of the box while on the right side we find a few words about the NGenuity software.

4 product pictures printed at the rear of the box are used to showcase the main product features which are listed in 10 languages.

Along with the CLOUD II Wireless Gaming Headset and its detachable boom microphone inside the box you'll also find the 2.4GHz USB dongle, pop filter, congratulations paper, warranty information paper, support paper and the quick start guide.

THE CLOUD II WIRELESS

The CLOUD II Wireless are made out of plastic, aluminum, leatherrete and memory foam.

Just by looking at the above picture it's clear that the CLOUD II Wireless is a small to medium sized model (weighs 309g with the microphone attached).

Typically, HyperX has printed their logo on the aluminum exterior of both earcups.

The microphone port is located on the base of the left earcup, just next to the USB-C charging port.

Aside being very flexible you can also use the bundled pop filter with it.

Both the microphone mute button and the on/off button are located at the rear of the left earcup just next to the activity LED.

Just the volume control roller is located at the lower rear of the right earcup.

Left and right markings are located as expected on the interior just over the earcups.

Air exhaust holes are also located on top of the earcups.

Both the earpads and headpad feature memory foam padding covered by leatherette.

As with previous models the company logo is engraved on the exterior of the headband.

You can extend the headband of the CLOUD II Wireless a total of 35mm on each side via 8 increments (6 visible ones).

The 2GHz USB dongle is not new and has actually been used with other models like the Stinger Core Wireless+.

NGENUITY SOFTWARE

The beta version of the NGENUITY software is only available via the Microsoft Store for Windows 10 so you will need to download it from there.

Once you download and launch the software it will ask if you agree on collecting anonymous usage data (this is new, previous versions didn't have it).

From the main tab you can adjust the volume levels of the speakers and the microphone and of course enable/disable the 7.1 virtual surround sound and microphone monitoring features.

The current battery level along with the 3 available presets can be accessed from the right upper corner.

Everything related to the app itself (June 2021 software version with firmware version 4.1.0.0 was used in this review) is placed inside the settings tab.

CONCLUSION

   I must have reviewed every single CLOUD headset ever released by HyperX (minus the Mix model) and after testing it for 2 full weeks i feel that i need to point out that the CLOUD II Wireless has been the most comfortable one, at least to date. Yes, it has the same exact weight as the CLOUD II Pro but for some strange reason it just feels lighter and so when you put it on it’s almost like you didn’t. Needless to say, audio quality is also very good with accurate mids and highs and even a good amount of bass (when used with the proper material) making ideal not only for gaming and watching movies but also listening to music. Now I can’t say that I was impressed by its 7.1 virtual surround sound when watching 4k movies but it does a very good job in games so I’m sure many out there will find it extremely handy. The NGenuity software once again feels a bit “lite” with the limited number of options it offers but to some people that may not be a bad thing. When it comes to range and battery life well, I was able to use it from 7 meters away and a thick concrete wall in between and for up to roughly 24 hours at almost maximum volume (which is a fine number for any wireless headset). Exactly like with past models the performance of the detachable boom microphone is not going to blow you away but it’s still among the best I’ve encountered in that price range.

   At USD149.99 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and 137.90Euros inside the EU (Amazon.de) the CLOUD II Wireless Gaming Headset by HyperX is priced exactly how it should be. Yes, the CLOUD line of gaming headsets by HyperX may still lack the ARGB LEDs found in some other models but the CLOUD II Wireless delivers everywhere that matters from audio clarity, 3D positioning and build quality to superior comfort, range and battery life and for that it deserves the Golden Award.

PROS

- Build Quality (Flexible/Durable Aluminum Frame)
- Very Good Audio Quality (Accurate & Clear Mids/Highs)
- Bass Levels
- 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound
- Extremely Comfortable
- Detachable Bidirectional Boom Microphone
- Battery Life (Up To 30 Hours)
- Wireless Range (Up To 20 Meters)

CONS

- Available In Just 1 Color
- NGenuity Software (Limited Options)