A big part of the appeal of attending conventions like PAX South is the opportunity to play a variety of upcoming games and meet their developers. But something else you'll find on the show floor is hardware and accessory manufacturers promoting their latest wares. Considering how expensive computer and gaming equipment often runs, the chance to test drive a few such devices should not be overlooked.
We met with Kingston Technology's HyperX representatives at PAX South to check out a trio of upcoming gaming headsets: the Cloud Revolver, the Cloud Revolver S, and the CloudX. All three will work with PCs, but the CloudX is designed primarily for Xbox One users. Read on for details about HyperX's new Cloud headsets and our full video interview!
Cloud Revolver
HyperX's previous gaming headsets, the Cloud and Cloud II, were designed in partnership with a Swedish manufacturer called QPAD. Both headsets were very well received, and now HyperX feels that it has enough expertise to design headsets entirely in-house. The first of those will be the Cloud Revolver.
The Cloud Revolver packs some impressive features, such memory foam ear cups encased in premium leatherette, a durable steel frame, a detachable microphone, and compatibility with Xbox One, PC, PlayStation 4, Mac, and mobile devices. I'm not completely sold on the removable microphone design, but I need to use the headset more before forming a solid opinion on it.
HyperX hasn't set a final price for the Cloud Revolver yet, but the manufacturer is aiming at the $120 range. Preorders will open on April 1st – no fooling. If the Cloud Revolver truly surpasses the popular Cloud headset in quality, it will become the mid-priced headset to beat in the competitive gaming headset landscape.
Cloud Revolver key points:
- Studio grade sound stage
- HyperX signature memory foam and premium leatherette
- Durable steel frame
- Detachable noise cancellation microphone
- Next-gen directional 50mm drivers
- 3.5mm plug (4 pole) connectivity from the headset for console and mobile devices
Cloud Revolver S
The Cloud Revolver S takes the Cloud Revolver's design and throws in some extra features for a more deluxe package. The chief difference is a "USB Sound Card Audio Control Box" that provides the headset with optional Dolby 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound. Just click the Dolby button on the dongle to toggle the surround feature on or off. The dongle also provides volume and mute controls.
I wore the Cloud Revolver S at PAX South and came away impressed with its comfort. The ear cups are extremely comfortable and should be ideal for long play sessions. Combined with the Dolby 7.1 effect, the Cloud Revolver S should feel and sound as good as any gamer could want.
Seeing as how the Cloud Revolver S relies on a USB dongle for its advanced features, HyperX lists it as compatible with PC, PlayStation 4, and Mac only. Xbox One doesn't support USB headsets, unfortunately. The headset might work with Xbox One when the dongle is removed, however, as it still has a 3.5mm plug. You'll miss out on the fancy virtual surround sound, but it'll still be a good headset.
The Cloud Revolver S should launch this summer at a price in the $150 range.
Could Revolver S key points:
- Dolby 7.1 virtual Surround Sound via USB controller
- Hardware driven, no driver needed
- Plug and play, driverless
- Studio grade sound stage
- HyperX signature memory foam and premium leatherette
- Durable steel frame
- Next-gen directional 50mm drivers
- 3.5mm plug (4-pole) + 2m PC extension cable
CloudX
First announced in January, the CloudX is a headset designed specifically for Xbox One gamers. That design includes the looks of the headset itself. The black-and-silver color scheme perfectly matches that of the Elite Wireless Controller, the cream of the crop of console gaming controllers. And like the Elite, the CloudX includes a carrying case for protection.
The CloudX will also have in-line volume controls, so you'll be able to adjust volume and mute without the need for a Stereo Headset Adaptor, Chatpad, or the Xbox One system menus. This headset will have everything you could want in a wired headset (other than Dolby surround sound, which would drive up the price).
HyperX plans to release the CloudX for Xbox One in June at a price in the $100 range.
CloudX key points:
- Memory foam ear cushions
- Soft leather-padded headband
- Detachable microphone
- Large 53mm drivers
- Hard-shell carrying case
- 3.5mm plug with in-line volume controls
Have you guys and gals tried HyperX's Cloud headsets yet?
