Page 4 - Conclusion
One day I was talking to a friend when she said something embarrassing, to which I sarcastically responded, "respect++". Unfortunately, she was not exactly knowledgeable with programming syntax, so I had to explain the increment operator to her. This turned into an extended explanation of programming in general, and explaining other things like the assignment operator, but that is another story. The point is, the increment operator is exactly as it says; it increments the variable by one. Today's review unit of the Kingston HyperX Cloud II is very much an incremental step forward after the original Cloud. It keeps many of the things I like about the original headset, including the plushy feel, the superb build quality, and the numerous accessories. I really cannot heap enough praises about the comfort levels of the headset. I personally can testify I have been using the original Cloud has become my daily headset, and the Cloud II is no different. As with any incremental step, Kingston has also fixed the headset where it counts. In the audio quality department, the changes are improvements overall. The lower end has been adjusted to achieve a better musical balance. The headset still sounds clean, crisp, and natural, which are big pluses to the Cloud II. Soundstaging and imaging is also pretty good for a headset of this caliber. I think they can still fix up some fine details such as frequency transitions, but overall it is still a great sounding headset. Kingston has listened to feedback and with their changes and additions, they once again have an excellent product on their hands. You may call it "taking the safe approach", but I say Kingston is taking the smart approach by not changing too many things at a time. At press time, the Kingston HyperX Cloud II will set you back $100 USD, which is actually quite good for everything you are getting. Even as the original headset is still available for twenty dollars less, the new headset is worth the extra Andrew Jackson, even if the only difference is the USB audio card. Plus, you can get one in pink. Admit it: You know you want one.
Kingston provided this product to APH Networks for the purpose of evaluation.
APH Review Focus Summary:
8/10 means Definitely a very good product with drawbacks that are not likely going to matter to the end user.
7/10 means Great product with many advantages and certain insignificant drawbacks; but should be considered before purchasing.
-- Final APH Numeric Rating is 7.6/10
Please note that the APH Numeric Rating system is based off our proprietary guidelines in the Review Focus, and should not be compared to other sites.
Kingston's second gaming headset is a well-rounded headset with the comfort and build quality from the original Cloud, plus improvements in the audio department.
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Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. Physical Look - Hardware
3. Subjective Audio Analysis
4. Conclusion
