HyperX Cloud Stinger Headset Review
For the past 2-½ years, HyperX has introduced no less than five amazing gaming headsets (Cloud, Cloud II, Cloud Core, Cloud Revolver, & CloudX) and taken the gaming arena by storm. We’ve had the pleasure of reviewing two of these headsets. Less than two months ago, they introduced their sixth gaming headset, the Cloud Stinger, this time taking aim at the budget conscious consumer. What prospective HyperX customers don’t realize is that they’re getting a $100 headset packed into a $50 body. The question you may be asking is, does the lower price point represent a drop in quality? Check out our HyperX Cloud Stinger headset review to find out.
• Modern lightweight design
• Soft leatherette ear cups w/memory foam
• 50mm dynamic drivers
• Good stereo sound reproduction
• No surround sound capability
• No wireless capability
Cloud Stinger Design and Features
The HyperX Cloud Stinger is easily comparable to the Cloud II as both feature the same method of fit to one’s head. By using an adjustable steel slider, the headband will fit best to your personal preference. This is a deviation from the Cloud Revolver which uses automatic adjustment. The Cloud Stinger comes in the traditional HyperX slick black and red colors as prominently seen throughout the Cloud family. The leatherette ear cups contain signature HyperX memory foam, in addition to being able to rotate 90 degrees. On the right ear cup, there’s a volume switch reminiscent of that on the Sennheiser Day One gaming headset. It also has a “swivel-to-mute mic” which means that if you put the microphone up, it mutes itself, and if you put it down, it unmutes itself. The microphone is noise canceling.
[envira-gallery id=”6730″]Specifications
• Driver Diameter: 50 mm w/neodymium magnets
• Type: Circumaural, closed back
• Impedance: 30 Ω
• Cable Lengths: 1.3 meter + 1.7 meter Y-Extension
• Input Power: 30mW rated, 500mW maximum
• Microphone Frequency Response: 50Hz – 18kHz
• Microphone Pick Up Pattern: Unidirectional, NC
• Microphone Sensitivity: -40db
• Total Harmonic Distortion: ≤2%
• Weight: 275 grams
Within the packaging comes the Cloud Stinger headset and the two cables listed above.
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Overall Fit and Performance
The Cloud Stinger performs like the child of the Cloud II and Cloud Revolver; it fits comfortably upon adjustment. The memory foam isn’t as soft as that on the Plantronics RIG 400HX, but that doesn’t mean it’s uncomfortable. In fact, the leatherette feels very nice against your ears. I’ve worn the Cloud Stinger for a 3-½ consecutive hours playing Counterstrike – Global Offensive and Just Cause 3 and experienced zero discomfort. Unlike the RIG 400HX, the ear cups go completely over the ears with extra space available. The ear cup rotation I found no particular use for except the fact that you can set it with ear cups face down, or you could lay them flat over your shoulders.
The quick volume switch on the side is a great feature. Instead of fumbling with changing windows, you can do it right on the spot. It’s preferable on the headset itself instead of on a control box as the former is more straightforward. I’m a big fan of the “swivel to mute mic” feature. It’s so much easier than pressing a button on-screen or unplugging the cable. You can just put the headset down and flip it. The microphone is very easy to manipulate but feels a tad flimsy. The noise canceling on the microphone is superb. The sound quality is, unfortunately, a bit below that of the Cloud Revolver. While the level of bass is good, it just doesn’t sound quite as immersive and profound as its more expensive family member.
Final Thoughts
The slight drop in sound quality is more than acceptable for the $50 price tag, and the two new features the Cloud Stinger comes with (“swivel to mute mic” and quick volume control) makes it an excellent headset. It’s compatible with PC, Xbox One, PS4, Wii U, Mac, and mobile devices so that it can be used with virtually everything.
If you happen to be reading this during the Black Friday – Cyber Monday weekend, you may have seen the Cloud Stinger selling for $35, so go on and pick one of these puppies up.
As you’ve read above, this gaming headset offers plenty for the price. Currently on Amazon (see link below) the HyperX Cloud Stinger Headset goes for $50. At this price, and with these features, what’s not too excited about?
[envira-gallery id=”6731″]The HyperX Cloud Stinger gaming headphones come with a 2-year warranty. Should you need to reach Customer Support, feel free to call one of these two numbers: 714-435-2639 or 800-435-0640.
Have you tried these Cloud Stinger headphones? Do you agree (or disagree) with any part of this HyperX Cloud Stinger headset review? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.
Feel free to follow HyperX on Twitter and Facebook as well as this very blog on Twitter and Facebook. And don’t hesitate to head over to the HyperX website to see their latest gaming hardware.
FTC Disclosure: HyperX provided Beantown LLC with one (1) Cloud Stinger headset sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.
All photographs are the copyrighted property of Beantown LLC © 2016.
