The Kingston HyperX Cloud II is a well-built, comfortable, excellent-sounding gaming headset that comes with its own optional USB sound card. It's generous with accessories, and will work with all computers and mobile devices, and most game systems out of the box.

Attractive, understated design; Solid build quality; Works with PCs and mobile devices as well as most modern game systems

Virtual 7.1-channel surround isn't effective; Besides the USB sound card, cable isn't detachable

If you want a good-sounding gaming headset for less than $100, the HyperX Cloud II ($99) is one of the most comfortable, stylish options you can buy. The headset's virtual 7.1 surround-sound capabilities do an admirable job of highlighting your games' more subtle sounds, and its lightweight design...

Best-in-class comfort; Stylish; lightweight design; Includes both pleather and plush ear covers

Lackluster bass; No software for customizing sound

Kingston was off to a great start on their first venture into the gaming headset segment when they unveiled the first HyperX Cloud . Needless to say, they're trying to ride the momentum with their second gaming headset – the Kingston HyperX Cloud II .

Utilitarian design; Aluminum build; Soft padding; Interchangeable ear pads; Durable braided cables; Useful bundled accessories; Large 53mm drivers; Outstanding audio quality for its price; Affordable for what it has to offer; Improved detachable microphone

Rubber cap on line-out port can easily get lost; 7.1 surround sound is good but still miles away from true 7.1 surround sound quality

The 53mm dynamic stereo drivers used in the original CLOUD produced crisp mids and highs with very good bass levels and that hasn't changed a bit with the CLOUD II so that's one piece of good news.

- Build Quality (Flexible/Durable Aluminum Frame; - Excellent Audio Quality (Crystal Clear Mids/Highs; - Very Good Bass Levels; - 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound USB Card; - Comfortable (Size/Weight/Cushions; - Removable Boom Microphone (Improved Model; - Available In 3 Colors

- No Control Software; - Price (For Some

This is a fantastic gaming headset and if you're involved in eSports, or just a keen gamer at home, you'll love what the Cloud II has to offer. You'll struggle to find anything better, or with a comparable feature set for the same kind of money and that makes this one of the best all-round headsets...

Excellent build quality; Very comfortable fit; Detachable microphone; Separate game/chat volume control; Multi-format support; Braided cables; Competitive price

None

Kingston's HyperX Cloud II headset feels like it is worth around $300, sounds like it is worth $200 and costs $100. We recommend this for any gamer looking for a game-winning headset.

The feel; Comfort in the long-run; Strong backbone; Easy to clean

Size issues; The microphone socket; USB; PRICING; United States; Kingston HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset for PC/PS4/Mobile retails for $97.29 at Amazon; Canada; Kingston HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset for PC/PS4/Mobile retails for CDN$204.08 at Amazon Canada

The HyperX Cloud II gaming headset are well built and should provide for years of enjoyment in gaming and multimedia playback. The sound quality is very good for music and movies, and the virtual surround does a good job to simulate that you are in the game.

» Attractive styling (even in hot pink and white; » High end sound for gaming and multimedia enjoyment; » Solid construction; » Includes plenty of useful accessories; » Two sets of ear pads; one in leatherette and one in cloth; » 8 year old daughter finally enthused about something I reviewed

» Can't get 7.1 channel surround or use microphone unless using USB adapter; » I wish the microphone jack cover was attached to the headphones; so I won't lose it; » Would like an adapter to use a sound card's dedicated outputs for surround sound and microphone

Our favourite gaming headset just got better with 7.1 digital surroundbut it's also driven down the price of its predecessor, so choosing between Cloud models is a tough call.

When it comes to putting the HyperX Cloud II to the test it proved itself quite well. The comfort of this headset is up there with the best. The extra included velour cup cushions proved to be the best feeling and throughout testing we even felt as if it wasn't on.

I'm sure you're all familiar with Kingston and their HyperX line of gaming memory and SSD's. Did you know that HyperX also makes gaming peripherals Their original headset - the HyperX Cloud - has been out for a while and has gained a lot of praise from the gaming community.