HyperX Cloud Stinger Review

The venerable HyperX Cloud name has proven to be the brand of choice when it comes to gaming headsets. That has been the case over several iterations, and we’ve grown fond of the line-up ever since the first HyperX Cloud started taking over the world by storm. Now, the company wants another piece of the action as it unleashes an affordable offering that still comes with the performance and comfort that the Cloud series delivers. Enter the HyperX Cloud Stinger.

The venerable HyperX Cloud name has proven to be the brand of choice when it comes to gaming headsets. That has been the case over several iterations, and we’ve grown fond of the line-up ever since the first HyperX Cloud started taking over the world by storm. Now, the company wants another piece of the action as it unleashes an affordable offering that still comes with the performance and comfort that the Cloud series delivers. Enter the HyperX Cloud Stinger.

Specifications:

Headset

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)

Features

• Lightweight headset with 90-degree rotating ear cups
• 50mm directional drivers for audio precision
• HyperX signature memory foam
• Adjustable steel slider
• Intuitive volume control on headset ear cup
• Swivel-to-mute noise-cancellation microphone
• Multi-platform compatibility

Packaging

The HyperX Cloud Stinger keeps up with the trend of gaming headsets from the company, well-designed with its black and red theme. We get the same signature sleeve box, and it comes a bit more compact this time around.

Prop it up and you’ll be met with the usual inclusions for a gaming headset – there’s the Cloud Stinger in the flesh, a cable converter for single jack output, and some paperwork for warranty and such. It’s not exactly well-equipped, and that’s really to be expected when you consider the pricepoint. On the other hand, a carrying bag would have been nice, or if that’s out of the question, a suction cup wall hanger would suffice.

Design

The Cloud Stinger is a whole lot different as compared to other gaming headsets in the lineup. The company did detract from the signature design with the Cloud Revolver, and we’re seeing another design shift with the Cloud Stinger.

For starters, the Cloud Stinger is made up mostly of hard plastic. It’s durable enough yet lightweight that it won’t bother you with worrying about wear and tear. The headband itself, while plastic is carries the same durability, while there’s also the HyperX logo for aesthetics and there’s enough padding on the other side. A welcomed change in the Cloud Stinger are the earcups that can swivel to make it more comfortable when you’re not using it. Of course, there’s also the matching HyperX logo on each side to boot.

The Cloud Stinger carries the signature HyperX comfort with it – the faux leather cushioning that we’ve come to known with the lineup. The size is large enough to cover your ear, yet small enough to make it less awkward.

Now, the Cloud Stinger is made specifically with eSports players in mind, and that could be the logic behind the microphone that can’t be detached. The microphone features the same design as the Cloud Revolver, it’s flexible and aesthetically designed for gamers. On the other hand, that would rid you of your chances to use this for commutes (it’s still a possibility, but a microphone sticking out of it would look off-putting).

The volume control, on the other hand, could go both ways. It’s easily accessible under the right earcup, but you may take some time getting used to it if you’ve been using control boxes that comes in with the previous offerings.

The overall design is also great for eSports, and it hits the mark when it comes to a gamer’s gear.

Performance

In terms of performance, you’ll be working with a headset with 50mm drivers. As for our test environment, we’re using our onboard Realtek ALC1150 with onboard TI NE5532AP amplifier. Of course, do note that performance still depends on your audio solution, but chances are your board will be fine enough for the workload.

Gaming

The HyperX Cloud Stinger isn’t claiming anything when it comes to audio performance, and it’s letting its specifications, rather than statements, speak for itself. We started it out with several atmospheric horror games for that sweet immersion over the course of Halloween to spook ourselves. Pretty much the sound elements from the scary howls to the ominous footsteps coupled in with the background noises are great for the Cloud Stinger. The same can be said for Overwatch, where it picks up footsteps and gives you an idea of where the enemies are. Although considering that this is a stereo, it’s capable enough for what it’s supposed to do.

The microphone also has this nice mechanism going for it. You can just swivel it to turn it off, then prop it back down again for instant voice communication on command. It’s great for communicating with your team, which would be essential for eSports, of course.

Music

Audio quality is somewhat subjective, and even the more so when it comes to music. With that said, we’ve had a great listening experience with the Cloud Stinger when it comes to tunes. We started out with Sade’s “No Ordinary Love,” and the emphasis on the bass and vocals are there. Heavy metal tracks including Lamb of God’s “Ruin” and All That Remains’ “This Calling” drive some powerful notes with heavy drum beats and riffs with strong vocals. The bass is emphasized, and has a thumping kick to it.

Conclusion

With the eSports industry booming, the HyperX brand wants to conquer every player there is that wants a proper audio solution. In essence, the HyperX Cloud Stinger, with its entry level price, boasts some excellent listening experience and gaming capabilities that can easily give a great value for your money. The design cues are excellent and it’s right on target with gamers that need edgy aesthetics and performance to boot, and we’ve grown fond of the signature comfort that’s very present with the Cloud Stinger.  

HyperX’s offering is battling it out with each other. Although the entries in the lineup are targeted to gamers specifically, each of them has its own demographic to target. The Cloud Stinger directly competes with the company’s in-house Cloud Core due to the current pricing with Php2,360 and Php1,999 respectively (PCHub prices).

Overall, the HyperX Cloud Stinger offers great value for your money. It has the chops of a well-rounded gaming headset, but without the price that the premium offerings come with.