HyperX Cloud Stinger Gaming Headset Review

Once you get past the plastic construction the Cloud stingers start to differentiate themselves from their competition.  The use of 50mm directional drivers and memory foam ear pads is unheard of at this price point.  Plus, they fit firmly and offer a good closed back seal that feels solid and comfortable at 275g.

Another change is the implementation of the fixed swivel microphone.  This uni-directional mic features noise cancelling and will mute when in the up position.  The click of the mute function on and off is very distinct making this feature a welcome addition for those long chat sessions or when gaming.  The microphone is not removable which may be a deal breaker for mobile only users but it’s not an eyesore.

HyperX proudly displays both TeamSpeak and Discord Certifications on the box.  I found the microphone a little quiet compared to my normal Sennheiser PC363D setup and it picked up background noises more than the Cloud IIs but that’s to be expected at this price point. Clan mates noticed the difference when asked but had no trouble hearing and understanding me even over the game noise.

Both ear cups can swivel 90° allowing them to lay flat.  It’s not quite as useful as the full DJ swivel but makes packing the Cloud Stingers up and taking them much easier.  The swivel also provides a much more comfortable fit allowing the cups to seal on your head without the squeezing more common from competitors.

Most of the comfort comes from HyperX’s s signature memory foam on the pads.  Let’s face it, why buy headphones if you don’t feel comfortable wearing them!  And gaming headphones need to handle longer sessions without ear/head fatigue.  This is where the Cloud Stingers excel.  They are hands down more comfortable than the typical entry level gaming headsets.

The Cloud Stingers also feature a volume slider on the right ear cup. This is a nice touch for console and mobile gamers.  I am a bit embarrassed to say I fiddled with the PC volume for several minutes before remembering the slider existed!  The default volume was set to max out of the box and it did not do any favors. As with all on device volume settings, tuning should occur at middle volume or slightly lower.  More on that in a minute.

The cable for the Cloud Stingers quite short at 1.3 meters (~4.26 feet) making it just long enough to reach a desk level audio source in a PC setup.  This cable is terminated in a 3.5mm 4 pole plug more familiar to mobile users.  The cable is not detachable.  A second longer extension cable (1.7m or ~5.58 ft) is provided with a Y adapter to provide for a traditional stereo and mic setup. No fancy gold plating but it gets the job done.

I rarely mention the packaging in reviews these days unless there is something out of the ordinary.  In this case I had to mention the bomb shelter level foam tightly holding the headphones when I opened the Cloud Stingers for the first time.  Why can’t all manufacturers take the time to secure their products?