HyperX Cloud Stinger – Hardware Review
We’ve had our fair share of HyperX products on the site, especially their line of headsets, which proved to be qualitative and sturdy, but perhaps a bit above the price range for many casual gamers. Of course, just like is the case with many brands, they tend to follow up with a ‘budget’ class device, which allows those with a tighter budget to enjoy the qualities of a top gaming brand. This time we meet the Cloud’s smaller brother, the Cloud Stinger, surprisingly different, yet the same.
Design
Unlike the Cloud II’s padded exterior of its headband or the Revolver’s metallic frame the stinger has a massive plastic exterior, which might sound a lot cheaper, but in reality it actually looks just as qualitative as its more expensive brothers when it comes to the overall device. The only difference is that the Stinger has less whistles and bells and only has the brand logo on each of the ear cups in a fairly bright red color, and again the HyperX brand name on top of the headband in a glossy black tone, which creates a contrast against the otherwise matte design.
The microphone is more akin to that of the Revolver with its sleek rubbery appearance, which looks a lot better than the Cloud II’s foamy microphone. Having a budget headset that has features of the most expensive product in a brand’s assortment certainly shows that this ‘cheaper’ product was designed with care.
Comfort
Quite surprisingly this headset experiences no cutbacks on its comfort features, as the inside of the headband has ample padding to make sure it falls rather light on your head. The padding on the ear pads is also more than sufficient, and the fact that it overlaps your ears entirely makes things even more comfortable. The headset itself does isolate exterior noises quite nicely, albeit not completely, creating a healthy ‘in-between’ for those who still want to be aware of their environment, but also enjoy proper sound quality.
The overall weight of the headset is fairly light, making sure it won’t become bothersome during longer gaming sessions. Even with the rather massive plastic frame, things still feel rather sturdy, seeing there’s a bit of metal framework on the inside. Nonetheless, this in combination with the light weight, makes for a solid and comfortable experience.
Specs
- Memory foam
- Swivel microphone up to mute
- 50mm directional drivers
- Adjustable steel slider
- Volume slider on ear cup
- Rotating ear cups
Overview
HyperX’ Cloud Stinger is a plug and play device, which you can use on pretty much all devices that have a standard 3.5mm audio port, at least if you use the standard attached cable. If you wish to use your microphone functions, you’ll have to use the extension cord, which has two 3.5mm jacks, one for audio and one for microphone. There isn’t any extra installation required for the device to work properly, making this an easy-to-use headset.
Unlike many of the other headsets which have a control box to regulate volume or bass settings, the Cloud Stinger simply has a volume slider on the bottom of the right ear cup and for this headset it’s more than sufficient. The slider has some resistance to it, making it easier to precisely regulate the volume, granting you a bit more control. Perhaps a microphone mute button would have been nice, but you’ll manage without just as fine. That being said, you can actually mute the mic, if you swivel the microphone up.
The Cloud Stinger does not have a removable microphone, which in the end is just a matter of personal taste. Nonetheless, as this is no USB headset, and the device is fairly well proportioned in size, it could have made a nice outdoors headset as well, thus with a removable microphone it could have been a great multifunctional tool.
Surprisingly for a piece of hardware in the ‘budget’ class (as far as professional brands go), the sound quality is almost perfect. You’ll be treated to rather crisp sound and proper bass. The latter proves to be fun when you put on some heavier tunes during your gaming session, or if you simply want to enjoy the explosive action of one of your favorite games.
Conclusion
The Cloud Stinger proves to be a successful attempt of HyperX to reach a new market segment, by presenting a product that is very appealing to users with a lower budget. Thanks to products like this, there are casual gamers, or hardcore gamers with less resources, who can still undergo a topnotch gaming experience. Sturdy, good looking, qualitative and above all, affordable, the Cloud Stinger is worth checking out.
Those interested in this nifty device can click here for further information.
HyperX Cloud Stinger – Hardware Review,
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