Gaming Headset Final Thoughts

In general, gaming headsets fall short of actual headphones in terms of sound. The HyperX Cloud Revolver is no different in that aspect. But as a gaming headset, the HyperX Cloud Revolver performs well, providing good directional sound clarity and crisp, clear mids.

HyperX took a different approach when designing this headset, they focused on directional sound, which is perfect for gaming. However, for anything else, this headset falls short. Be that as it may, I cannot knock them for this shortcoming as the headset is designed to be and advertised as a gaming headset, and in that aspect it works well.

HyperX Cloud Revolver Gaming Headset Conclusion

When trying to gauge and measure the performance of a headset it will come down to sound quality and microphone clarity. The HyperX Cloud revolver does one of these very well, given that you use it only for gaming, and the other not so much. The microphone on this headset could use a lot of improvement. It feels like HyperX wanted to tackle directional sound, without the use of a DSP, and the microphone was an afterthought.

Appearance wise, well that is subjective as well. For me, personally, it looks like a gaming headset, with a slightly ornate design featuring a red and black theme. The design of the HyperX Cloud II headset was much more subtle and probably would appeal to a larger market when compared to the HyperX Cloud Revolver.

The construction of this headset does feel solid, but the steel frame is also one of the shortcomings of this headset. The steel frame, when bumped or brushed up against, directly translates the sound into the cans (ear cups). The free floating headband, while not a new idea, does have it’s own problems as well. I have a large head, and when wearing the headset, I found that the band kept the bottom of the cans pushed up against the bottom of my ears. After a few hours, I started to feel pressure points on the bottom of my ears. However, this may improve over time as my ears adjust and as the memory foam adjusts. The “springyness” of the headband may subside as well the more it is used. The braided cable, as with all gaming type gear, is always a welcomed addition to any piece of equipment.

When considering the headset’s functionality, I focused on the fact it is meant to be a “gaming” headset and not a “audiophile” headphone. In terms of gaming, with it’s 50mm directional drivers, it performs very well. In terms of anything else, it falls short. If you’re a bass and drum kind of music listener, then you’ll really notice that this headset has little to no bass. Even when utilizing artificial equalizer enhancements, the Cloud Revolver headset could not perform to my satisfaction. It is worth noting, that the 50mm directional drivers in the Cloud Revolver performed better than the 7.1 channel found in the Cloud II’s DSP in terms of directional sound.

In terms of value, and considering that the current online price of $119.99 (Amazon | NewEgg), the price is just too high for the limitations you’re inheriting with this headset.  If the headset was in the $85-$95 price range, then it would be a decent value. Considering that it only performs well as a gaming headset, and that the older and better all around Cloud II can be had for around $95, the HyperX Cloud Revolver is really more of a niche product or for those seeking excellent directional sound for gaming at the expense of music/video sound.

No headset can please everyone, and the HyperX Cloud Revolver will only please gamers seeking directional sound. That being said, I would recommend anyone wanting very nice directional sound for gaming or possibly VR purposes to consider the HyperX Cloud Revolver, especially if the actual price when released ends up being below $100.

Pros:

+ Soft, comfortable ear cups
+ Clear mids, regardless of volume
+ Directional drivers work very well
+ In-line remote (audio control box)
+ Lightweight
+ Durable
+ Multi-device support
+ Detachable microphone
+ Circumaural, closed back design

Cons:

– Tinny sound during music/video playback
– Medium sized headband, not comfortable for larger heads due to depth limit
– Steel frame very noisy and translates directly to the cans
– Microphone not sensitive enough and subject to explosions and popping
– Price

Ratings:

• Performance: 8.50
• Appearance: 9.25
• Construction: 8.50
• Functionality: 9.50
• Value: 8.00

Final Score: 8.75 out of 10.

Quality Recognition: Benchmark Reviews Silver Tachometer Award.

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