HyperX Cloud Revolver Review

By now, Kingston’s HyperX branding has become one of the most revered names in the gaming industry, that the company’s gaming division is considered as the go-to place when it comes to peripherals and memory products. And now, we're going to take a look at the company's Cloud Revolver

By now, Kingston’s HyperX branding has become one of the most revered names in the gaming industry, that the company’s gaming division is considered as the go-to place when it comes to peripherals and memory products. However, if there’s one surprise hit we’re going to call, it’s going to be the Cloud lineup of gaming headsets. The lineup has earned its reputation of being an exemplary piece of equipment that combines high performance, classy aesthetics, and great value in one package. What we have here now is the company’s HyperX Revolver – the latest from the gaming division that strays a bit far from its predecessors.

Specifications:

Headphone

Driver: Dynamic, 50mm with neodymium magnets

Type: Circumaural, Closed back

Frequency response: 12Hz–28,000 Hz

Impedance: 30 Ω

Sound pressure level: 104.5dBSPL/mW at 1kHz

T.H.D.: < 2%

Input power: Rated 30mW, Maximum 500mW

Weight: 360g

Weight with mic: 376g

Cable length and type: Headset (1m) + Audio Control Box (2m)

Connection: Headset - 3.5mm plug (4 pole) + Audio Control Box - 3.5mm stereo and mic plugs

Microphone

Element: Electret condenser microphone

Polar pattern: Uni-directional, Noise-cancelling

Frequency response: 50Hz-18,000 Hz

Sensitivity: -40dBV (0dB=1V/Pa,1kHz)

Features

• Studio-grade sound stage
• Signature HyperX memory foam with premium leatherette
• Durable steel frame
• Detachable noise-cancellation microphone
• Next-generation directional 50mm drivers
• Multi-platform compatibility

Packaging

Kingston has its usual packaging when it comes to shipping its HyperX Cloud headsets, and the Cloud Revolver follows that trend. It arrives in the same signature box that we’ve grown accustomed to – black and red themed, and a tad bulky and heavy, but a bit more compact than its predecessors.

Once you pop that out, you’ll be greeted with the usual inclusions for a headset that’s protected by a layer of foam. As for what comes inside, there’s the Cloud Revolver itself, an analog audio box cable, standard documentation for manuals and such, a flexible microphone, and that’s about it.

Now, if you’re going to point out differences with its predecessors, you can tell that Kingston somewhat skimped out on the bonuses. There’s no velour earcups that you can switch to accordingly, an airplane headphone adapter, and a case. Not really a dealbreaker, but they could have been welcomed additions into the total package.

Design

Let’s simplify things up a bit here. In essence, the Cloud Revolver is a combination of sorts of metal, leatherette, and plastic. The light yet solid metal band frame the entirety of the headset altogether, and it’s quite light at that at just 376g with the microphone attached. As far as design cues are concerned, the Cloud Revolver is built for gamers looking for a low key headset but still with edgy aesthetics to boot. Simply put, sleek.

As far as the build quality goes, the Cloud Revolver shines through. While, yes, the Cloud and Cloud II gives off a more solid vibe to it, the Cloud Revolver boasts a more flexible vibe to it but still retaining its strong construction. Its suspension optimizes your ear fitting, and the self adjusting cups swivel for your ideal ear placement. Also, do note that due to its suspension, the Cloud Revolver is much heftier to accommodate different sizes.

The leatherette earcups offer some nice cushioning for your comfort. That has been the case with the lineup, and it’s great to see Kingston keeping up with its trend. But then again, the velour ear pads will be missed, for class.

On the other hand, the build quality and design of the microphone far surpasses that of its predecessors. Instead of going with the usual flexible material with a foam tip, the one on the Could Revolver goes for a superior design through its plastic rubber build that feels sturdy and durable. It’s also removable similar to its predecessors, but you probably won’t see yourself lugging this around during your daily commutes due to its size.

Performance

Performance does vary on many occasions, and there are many factors that will decide how the Cloud Revolver, or any audio equipment will work. But we’ll keep it to basic and work with what the mainstream would have to standardize it. For starters, we’re working with an onboard Realtek ALC887 on our ASRock Z97 Anniversary board, and with the audio control box plugged.

Gaming

Kingston claims that the Cloud Revolver delivers “studio-grade”soundstage, and we’ve put it to the test with several types of games to kick it off. For total immersion, we started off with Amnesia: The Dark Descent. The game makes use of several audio elements to add to the total atmosphere of the game. With that said, from the eerie howling of winds to the wails and footsteps, the Cloud Revolver brings total immersion to it. On the FPS front, it’s the same story – pinpointing enemies by their footsteps and gunfire were easier chores.

Music

Different genres of music from synthpop to heavy metal were tested, and the experience varies on different scenarios. CHVRCHES’ “Gun,” a synth, bass-heavy track, was pronounced well from the placement of the intstruments and the vocals. The bass is quite strong, and it has that thumpy kicks most people would go for. The same could be said for Explosions in the Sky’s tracks, especially “Your Hand in Mine” with its focus on melodic instruments. On the other hand, the energetic instruments to the growls and screams on Mudvayne’s “Death Blooms” are superb and clean.

Conclusion

Drawing comparisons of the Cloud Revolver to its predecessors is pretty much inevitable, but in the end it’s all just a matter of preference. The performance differencial in the user experience with the other offerings in the line-up isn’t exactly as night and day. It’s there, but not to an extent. As far as the deciding factor goes, it boils down on the price and aesthetics, as well as what inclusions Kingston brings into the fold. The Cloud Revolver, similar to the Cloud I and Cloud II, offer great value for your money. But do take note that the Cloud Revolver isn’t exactly unassuming when it comes to design – it makes a statement as a gaming peripheral, and it shines as one.

However, with that Php4,250 price tag, the Cloud Revolver stands at the top of the line-up. That's a couple of hundreds above the SRP of the Cloud II, which sits at Php3,870. With that, you'll get a carrying case, a USB sound card that can further up the audio experience, and a pair of velour earpads.

Honestly, if the HyperX division aimed to beat its own game, the Cloud Revolver isn’t it. It’s gaming-centric, yes. But for those looking for greater value, the Cloud II is still king. But hey, if you’re looking for an edgy gaming headset that has the performance to match and isn’t as expensive as the other high-end offerings from Razer, Steelseries or Corsair, the HyperX Cloud Revolver can take them head on.