The HyperX Cloud II -
Like the Kingston HyperX Cloud Pro the Cloud II is designed with a retro feel to it. You get the same solid-aluminum construction combined with leather pads and real stitching. However, there is a difference to them as well. When you hold both the Cloud and Cloud II in your hands the Cloud II “feels” smaller, but also heavier. This is more of an impression than a reality though as when you put them side-by-side you can see they are almost identical with some very minor differences and the Cloud II is slightly lighter.

The Cloud II headset shares the same over-the-ear design and two ear pads leather wrapped around memory foam and the “plush cloth”. You get the same 53mm closed driver with Neodymium magnets (which we talked about in the original review). The closed drivers should, once again, allow for very tight sound reproduction.

For the specs junkies, the Cloud II has the same 15 Hz to 25 KHz frequency response coupled with an SPL of 98dB and a T.H.D of less than 2%. This is one of the better ranges on the market right now and with the design of the driver is sure to give you some solid sound reproduction.

Connecting the ear piece to the cross bar is a solid piece of aluminum. This gives it a cool look and also should help extend the life of the Cloud headset. Kingston decided to keep the speaker wires running externally from the cross bar to the ear piece. Very nice look, it also raises the chance of damage to the cable by simply getting it caught on something. With the right amount of force, even the braided cable will not hold up.

Looking at the crossbar we find everything almost the same with the exception of the depth of the memory foam. On the Cloud II the memory foam is visibly smaller. This could factor into comfort when you wear them for a long period of time. The leather has black stitching to enhance the appearance and the added touch of having the HyperX logo embroidered into it. The overall weight of 320g should make for a comfortable fit on the top of your head.

As the Cloud II is a gamer’s headset (Pro Gamer) they have also included the option for a removable microphone. The port for this is on the left hand ear piece and protected by a cover. This is a nice touch as it not only maintains the look of the Cloud, but makes sure that the port stays nice and clean.

The mic plugs in very securely and looks like a solid piece once attached. The boom is flexible so you can adjust it to suit your needs. The business end of the mic is covered in foam to help reduce noise from air moving around it and also your breath.  

Again for the specs guys we have the following for the microphone. Max SPL 105dB, THD of less than or equal to 1% an output of -39dB (plus or minus 3) and a frequency response of 100Hz to 12 KHz. It is a solid choice of microphone.

The audio control device (USB) –
When we talked with Kingston during CES 2015 about this little device they were very proud of it as they have a very large hand in developing and designing it. It is really not much more than a USB audio device, but it is one that does not need any extra drivers to work. In the Windows device manager it simply shows up as the HyperX 7.1 Audio and works as a Generic USB audio device (Microsoft Drivers). You get separate volume controls for both the headphones and the Microphone with a full mute switch on the side for the mic. The audio controller can also clip to something so it is out of the way if you want.

In the center of the controller is the 7.1 button. When you press this you enable the virtual surround processor in the controller.

In all the HyperX Cloud II is a very well thought out and built product just like its older brother, but there are some differences that worry me a little. So let’s move on to see how well it performs.