HyperX CloudX Headset Review

1. Introduction2. Unboxing and First Look3. Testing4. Conclusion5. View All Pages

I have been using the HyperX CloudX headset for a couple of weeks now and in that time it has become my headset of choice while couch gaming on the Xbox One as well as PC thanks to the included connection splitter. Since this headset is primarily aimed at console owners, there is no additional software to tinker with, even for PC use. Instead, all of the control you get is limited a volume scroll wheel and a microphone mute button on the in-line controller.

So in terms of audio, you will be getting Kingston's default 53mm drivers in stereo mode with no additional room for tweaks. Fortunately, you shouldn't need to adjust anything as this headset sounds fantastic right from the get go.

While this is a gaming headset, chances are you are going to listen to more than just game audio at your PC or even your console. In terms of musical performance, the CloudX holds up well, the drivers are certainly capable of driving large amounts of volume and everything comes through quite balanced and clear. Bass response is quite boomy but doesn't overpower the mix like it can on some headsets, this also means the mid-range isn't muddied up at sensible listening volumes.

As for games, since this is a stereo headset, you aren't going to get the positional audio benefits of a virtual 7.1 surround headset. However, stereo panning often works quite well, so you shouldn't find yourself at a major disadvantage when playing a competitive shooter and listening out for enemies.

Setting this headset up for console use on the Xbox One is easy. I personally have an Xbox Elite Wireless Controller, which comes with a headphone jack at the bottom already. The same is true for newer Xbox One controllers, like the one packed in with the Xbox One S. However, if you have a launch Xbox One controller, you will need an extra adapter from Microsoft.

Once the headset is plugged in, audio should automatically start coming through. For console gaming, the CloudX is one of the best headsets around. Typically when it comes to console gaming, you don't get a ton of truly great headset options that don't break the bank but with Kingston's HyperX CloudX, this has changed dramatically.

For communication purposes, this headset does the job well, though the microphone is a tad sensitive on Xbox One so occasionally light breathing will be picked up easily over the party chat. I didn't experience similar issues on PC though, as VOIP programs like Skype and Discord have manual noise gate functionality built-in to allow you to cancel out background noise.

As for voice quality, I rate Kingston's microphone quite highly compared to many other gaming headsets. A lot of gaming headsets fall flat when it comes to microphone quality but that does not seem to be a huge issue here. You will be heard clearly and feedback/distortion shouldn't be an issue.

There is one final thing I would like to add- the CloudX is one of the most comfortable headsets I have ever used. Kingston has placed a lot of effort into refining its design and the Cloud series does an excellent job of providing a good level of padding, while not over tightening clamping pressure, which is especially important for those who wear glasses.

The only real criticism I have of the CloudX is the in-line controller, it does unfortunately feel a tad cheap with its volume wheels and doesn't quite live up to the in-line controller that came with the Cloud II. I would have preferred volume buttons but this isn't a big enough problem to really act as a big black mark against the headset.

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