Kingston is a name that shouldn’t need an introduction. For several years they have been a powerhouse in solid state peripherals such as PC RAM, SSDs and USB flash drives. They’re also very well established in the PC and console gaming headset market since the huge success of their HyperX Cloud line was released. I have been a long time fan since I bought my HyperX Cloud Pro more than two years ago (and they’re still in great working condition). Recently I was also very impressed with their latest, the HyperX Cloud Stinger. Today I’ll be looking at their top of the line product the Kingston HyperX Cloud Revolver.
This product was sent to me for the purpose of this review. I have no affiliation with the company and all opinions and observations here are my own, based on my personal experience with the product.
Kingston HyperX gaming website: http://www.hyperxgaming.com/us
HyperX Cloud Revolver product page: http://www.hyperxgaming.com/us/headsets/revolver/hx-hscr
Summary
Still comfortable with the HyperX trademark memory foam, still sound great but I still prefer their other offerings. In an effort to take things forward, in my opinion, they’ve also taken some steps back. Read on to find out why.
Specifications
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)
Package and accessories
The Cloud Revolver comes in a black box with red highlights – hardly surprising as that is the HyperX colour scheme and because that’s what every manufacturer apparently believes every gamer wants. On the front is an image of the headset with some of the key features and over on the back is a slight variation of the same. This outer sleeve slides off to reveal the actual box underneath with is more attractive to my eye and promises good things inside. It’s all black except for a white HyperX logo on the front and a pinstripe red line that runs around the centre of the box. Nice.
Build and comfort
The Revolver’s design is pretty nice as far as gaming headsets go. The black and red theme continues with the red HyperX logo on the side and red stitching on the headband. The headset feels heavier than the original Cloud and Cloud Stinger but once you put them on it’s easy to forget they’re there because they are just so comfortable. At the top are two metal bands with a self-adjusting headband suspended underneath, a design that has gained a fair bit of popularity over the years very similar to the well known SteelSeries Siberia. The underside of the headband is generously padded and on the top is embossed with the HyperX branding.
The ear-cups are very large and should easily fit over even the biggest ears. As usual, the ear-pads are wonderfully soft and pliable with plush memory foam, perfect for long gaming sessions though they can get quite warm. Due to the size of the headset, these are not at all suited for use on the move. At the bottom of the left ear-cup is the jack for the removable microphone.
The cable has a nice soft braid and feels very strong although it’s surprisingly lightweight. A microphone mute switch and volume control are located on the inline controller as well as a clip to help keep it secure. It’s simple and functional but I would much prefer these functions moved onto the headset itself.
Sound and microphone
In games, these sound superb. The 3d positional sound is great and as advertised the improved soundstage does help you hear where your enemies are coming from. Nearby explosions will rumble, when planes fly overhead you can tell in which direction they’re going and which direction that near miss sniper bullet just came from. It’s immersive and clear without needing to resort to piercing treble or ridiculous amounts of bass. For movies and video, you get the same qualities along with clear dialogue for a truly enjoyable experience.
When it comes to music these are more than capable of reproducing your favourite tunes. The separation is very good and the sound is balanced and warm. The treble extends well without getting on your nerves or fatiguing and is an improvement over the original Cloud in this respect.
The microphone is pretty decent and adequate for chatting with friends while gaming or with programs such as Skype and Teamspeak etc. It’s a little nasally but does a pretty good job with noise cancellation without sounding overly compressed. When not in use the microphone can be an annoying distraction as it doesn’t allow much movement and stays in your face unless detached. But who wants to detach or reattach the microphone every time you switch from gaming to music or vice versa? I’d like to see something similar to the microphone on the Stinger which can be swivelled up and out of the way or the Cloud that can be positioned away from your face whilst you’re not using it.
