HyperX Cloud Stinger Headset Review

Low Price Point, Low Features

If you are looking for a low cost headset that still has some quality, the HyperX Cloud Stinger can fit that bill.  Sold for $50, the Cloud Stinger is a lower cost alternative than its older brother, the HyperX CloudX headset.  But with lower cost means compromising on additional bells and whistles.

In a nut shell, there are not any advanced features in the Cloud Stinger. But at the same time, there is nothing really wrong with this unit either.  Outside of ear cups that can rotate 90 degrees for easier storage, this over-the-ear headset simply has a volume slider on it.  The mic can be rotated with the up position resulting in a mute function and is not removable. The user can still adjust the telescoping head strap but the unit also can extend outward which is nice feature for gamers with Stewie Griffin heads.

Here are the notable stats on this piece:

HyperX Cloud Stinger Key Features:
Lightweight Design – Minimal weight for enhanced comfort
Audio Precision – Optimal audio performance and sound quality
Adjustable Steel Slider – Long lasting durability and stability; high-quality build
Intuitive Volume Control – Easily accessible volume slider to adjust audio on the headset
Noise-Cancellation Microphone – Clear voice quality; conveniently flip the microphone to mute
Multi-Platform Compatibility – Enjoy comfort and enhanced audio experience on PC or console; plug into a mobile device and wear the headset on the go

Additional HyperX Cloud Stinger Specifications:
Headphone
–        Driver: Dynamic, 50mm with neodymium magnets
–        Type: Circumaural; closed back
–        Frequency response: 18Hz-23,000Hz
–        Impedance: 30 Ω
–        Sound pressure level: 102 ± 3dBSPL/mW at 1kHz
–        T.H.D:  ≦ 2%
–        Input power: Rated 30mW, Maximum 500mW
–        Weight: 275g
–        Cable length and type: Headset (1.3m) + Extension Y-cable(1.7m)
–        Connection: Headset – 3.5mm plug (4 pole) + extension cable – 3.5mm stereo and mic plugs

Microphone
–        Element: Electret condenser microphone
–        Polar pattern: Uni-directional, Noise-canceling
–        Frequency response: 50Hz~18,000Hz
–        Sensitivity: -40 dBV (0dB=1V/Pa,1kHz)
(May require controller adapter (adapter sold separately). Compatible with devices with CTIA standard connectors.)

I spent the majority of my time testing this unit while using an Elite Xbox One controller since it has the headphone jack built right in.  It is worth pointing out that this headset is not compatible with the Xbox One Chatpad through no fault of the headset.  It did, however, work just fine in my New 3DS as well.

The unit itself is comfortable but not as comfortable as the higher costing CloudX model. I found the headstrap to be harder on the top of my head and the ear cups didn’t seem to fit as snuggly.  The sound quality seemed to be on par with HyperX’s other model as well.  While this unit is only stereo, it is still significantly better than using the speakers built into your TV.  The bass it a little deeper than I thought it was going to be but since the ear cups do not fit as securely, I feel like the sound isn’t as clear.  But again, still way better than simply using your TV’s speakers.

The Cloud Stinger also comes in a lower profile package, about half the size as the CloudX model.  This is mostly because of the rotatable ear cup design.  The unit actually ships in a padded case with the cups rotated and mic cradled in the center. For a $50 headset, this is probably one of the highlighting features of this unit. If you are planning on bringing this headset on a plane or carried in a backpack, this lower profile option is welcomed.

Using the headset cannot be any simpler.  You literally just plug-and-play.  There are no batteries to worry about or settings to mess with other than moving the volume slider where you want it. Its black design gives this headset a modern visual style and looks like it belongs when sitting near your black game console.  There is a double sided instruction sheet included with the unit that explains how everything works through the use of pictures even if you did have trouble.

For $50, it is hard to knock this unit too hard.  Do I wish there were some more features?  Sure.  Would it have been nice if it came with a carrying case?  Of course.  But the point of this model is to offer a quality experience for an entry level price.  If you are a parent looking for a lower cost headset as a gift to your kid this holiday season, it will do the trick.  However, more serious gamers will probably want to lay down an extra Benjamin or two to get a surround sound wireless unit.

Not As Good As: the Astro A50
Better Than: Skull Candy PLYR2 Headset
Wait For It: HyperX’s upcoming surround sound unit

By: Zachary Gasiorowski, Editor in Chief myGamer.com
Twitter: @ZackGaz