erX quickly became a popular name for gaming headset fans when it made its debut with the Cloud a few years ago. With the HyperX Cloud Stinger, the brand seems to have redefined the entry-level gaming headset market, thanks to its low price and attractive design. Let’s start with the basics.
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) |
Design
The HyperX Cloud Stinger has excellent audio quality for the price range it falls in (INR 3800 on Amazon). It is the latest addition in the HyperX line of headsets and comes in jet black colour, with a HyperX logo on each side. The low price tag means that it has a body mostly made of plastic. But don’t let that fool you, because the headset features a nice textured finish, and from a distance it looks nothing less than a high-end piece of equipment. From the looks of it, it seems quite sturdy as well.
The Cloud Stinger is a wired analogue headset, meaning it’s compatible with anything that comes with a 3.5mm port. However, an analogue connection can lead to a drop in quality on some devices. It has a 1.3 m long primary cable that can be connected to phones and consoles via a single 3.5mm jack. For use with PC, you can extend it up to 3m by means of an included extension cable that has two 3.5mm jacks, one each for audio and microphone.
The ear cups on the headset are quite comfortable, and can rotate up to 90 degrees. There is a volume slide on the bottom of the right ear cup. Moving down, you find the microphone, which is (sadly) non-detachable, but offers enough flexibility for the user to be able to adjust properly. The headband also offers a reasonable level of adjustment and has padding on the lower side. One can easily use the Cloud Stinger for long gaming sessions without feeling much discomfort.
Sound Quality
Given the price, I feel the audio quality offered by the Cloud Stinger is quite impressive. Of course, you can’t expect it to be something as good as the CloudX or the Cloud II, but then again, you can’t get the CloudX for 3800 bucks. Whether you’re listening to music or playing a game, the Stinger packs a punch. The bass is sufficient enough so that it doesn’t overpower the other elements, and the clarity is great, where you prefer high-intensity FPS titles or captivating RPGs. Ripping an enemy apart in DOOM is a hundred times more cathartic when you can clearly hear the buzz of the chainsaw, something that the Stinger does quite well.
The microphone on the headset isn’t bad either, with noise cancellation that performs reasonably well. The voice quality is suitable for multiplayer titles like CS:GO, DOTA 2 and Overwatch. However, recording does present with an issue as the microphone can pick up static from the connected device. However, it works great when it comes to reducing background noise, which is definitely a strength.
The Verdict
For the price point if offers, the HyperX Cloud Stinger is quite well-balanced, making it a great choice for an entry-level headset. The design and looks offer it a premium feel and the audio quality is impressive as well. The microphone is non-detachable and the analogue connection means some compromises, but the features offered by the headset more than make up for it. If you’re looking a budget headset and are not extremely picky about something specific, the Cloud Stinger is an incredible choice for you.
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