Gaming headsets. The first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions “gaming headset” is usually too much emphasis on bass and nothing else. The Kingston HyperX Cloud Core, on the other hand, is different. It actually sounds decent with good build quality to boot.
On top of that, this is by far the most comfortable headset I have ever used. For only RM269 (it can even be cheaper if you know where to look), this is one amazing value for money gaming headset.
What Is It?
The Kingston HyperX Cloud Core is a gaming headset designed for budget-conscious consumers. With a retail price of RM269, they are one of the more affordable gaming headphones on the market. Also, if you look hard enough, you can even grab them from as low as RM200. That’s a lot of value for money there.
Other than that, the Cloud Core also features a detachable microphone. While this may seem like a small addition, it’s very convenient to not have the microphone in the way when I don’t need it. Of course, there’s the issue of misplacing it.
Is It Any Good?
Without a shadow of a doubt the Cloud Core is a very good headset. First and foremost, they’re ridiculously comfortable to wear, and it isolates environment sound decently as well. For its price and as a gaming headset, the Cloud Core is surprisingly comfortable – something that managed to surprise all of us in the office.
The reason why the Cloud Core is so comfortable is simple: the earpads are made out of genuine leather, unlike other gaming headsets I’ve seen which use anything from synthetic leather to a rough but breathable mesh material. Edit: Turns out there has been some confusion on the earpads’ material. On the official website, it was mentioned that the earpads are made out of leatherette, not genuine leather. However, LinusTechTips’ review of the HyperX Cloud (which is similar to the Cloud Core) stated that it is in fact genuine leather. Whichever the case may be, they are very comfortable to wear, even for long periods of time.
As for audio quality, the Cloud Core does not disappoint. Considering its affordable retail price, I wasn’t expecting much, but gaming with it is quite a joy. It’s bassy (but not overly so). I play a lot of Counter Strike: Global Offensive, and on some headsets gunshots can be quite harsh usually due to the overly bassy settings; on the Cloud Core the shots are quite well balanced.
On the other hand, listening to music with the Cloud Core is equally as good. While I’m no audiophile, I definitely enjoyed listening to my favourite songs with this headset – though of course once it is compared to a proper premium headset multiple times its price, there is a tangible difference.
The Bad Stuff. Tell Me.
Honestly, I can’t think of any major flaws with the Cloud Core. If i had to nitpick, I wish the tiny piece of rubber that plugs into the microphone port – when the port is not in use – has a better method of storage. Being such a small item, I’m pretty sure I’ll misplace it sometime in the future. Other than that, the microphone also picks up a little too much ambient noise, although my teammates can still clearly hear me in a game of CS:GO.
Other than that…the Cloud Core is an excellent gaming headset. It has sturdy build quality, a braided cable, a very long extension cable that splits the single 3.5mm jack into audio and microphone jacks, and most of all, very comfortable earpads. How does this headset only cost RM269?
Should I Buy It?
If you’re looking for an affordable gaming headset that gives you plenty bang for your buck, the HyperX Cloud Core is worth your every penny. It’s very comfortable, well-built, and offers great audio quality as well. It’s not overly bassy like other gaming headsets, and it’s awfully comfortable (yes, it’s worth mentioning again).
Considering you can get this headset from as low as RM200 if you look online hard enough, it’s almost a no-brainer purchase. If you need a gaming headset, or just a headset for general use, you will not be disappointed with the Cloud Core.
