The Hyper X Cloud Core is a great pair of headphones for gamers on a budget. It has a simple design and a removable microphone which I like. Despite being comfortable, the headphones can cause ear fatigue with prolonged use. When it comes to performance, the headphones is a great bang for the buck!
In the Box
The headphones come in a simple, elegant black box with a sleeve that showcases the features of the headphones. Open the box, and you have the headphones in a sponge casing, along with the information guide and a quick starter guide. You also have a 2m microphone extension cable, along with the detachable microphone in the box. The packaging is simple enough for you to reuse the box, should you want to keep the headphones.
Specifications
Here is a quick look at the specifications of the headphones.
Headset
Transducer type: dynamic Ø 53mm
Operating principle: closed
Frequency response: 15Hz–25,000 Hz
Nominal impedance: 60 Ω per system
Nominal SPL: 98±3dB
T.H.D.: < 2%
Power handling capacity: 150mW
Sound coupling to the ear: circumaural
Ambient noise attenuation: approx. 20 dBa
Headband pressure: 5N
Weight with microphone and cable: 320g
Cable length and type: 1m + 2m extension
Connection: 3.5mm mini stereo & mic plug (4 pole)
Microphone
Transducer type: condenser (back electret)
Operating principle: pressure gradient
Polar pattern: cardioid
Power supply: AB powering
Supply voltage: 2V
Current consumption: max 0.5 mA
Nominal impedance: ≤2.2 kΩ
Open circuit voltage: at f = 1 kHz: 20 mV / Pa
Frequency response: 50–18,000 Hz
THD: 2% at f = 1 kHz
Max. SPL: 105dB SPL (THD≤1.0% at 1 KHz)
Microphone output: -39±3dB
Length mic boom: 150mm (include gooseneck)
Capsule diameter: Ø6
Connection: single mini stereo jack plug (3.5mm)
Build and Design
Remove the headphones from their casing, and the first thing that you will notice is that they are slightly heavy, and weigh a mere 320 grams with the microphone attached, and that isn’t a bad thing. The headphones have a matte black finish, and the ear cups have the Hyper X logo on them. The headband has a red stitch on its borders, giving it a touch of class.
Coming back to the ear cups, the headphones have an over-the-ear circumaural design. I’m someone with really large ears, and the cups fit comfortably.
At the bottom of the left ear cup we have a small flap near the connector port, and this is where you connect the microphone. It’s nice that the Hyper X Cloud Core has a detachable microphone for the times that you want to use it as a pair of headphones only. The flap that covers the mic port can easily be misplaced, and that’s an inconvenience.
The downside of the design is that, with prolonged usage, your ears can get very sweaty if the temperature around you is on the warmer side, making the experience uncomfortable.
The cable of the headphones is shorter than what you’d get on most headphones, which I personally like. If you like playing games on a handheld gaming device like a smartphone, tablet or even a PS Vita or Nintendo 3DS, then the short cable is advantageous as you wont get entangled in the wire. The short cable also works well if you decide to plug the headphones in your PS4 or Xbox One controller.
If you do need a longer cable to run the headphones to an amp or a TV, it comes with a 2metre extending cable in the box. Considering the price point, the build and design of the headphones is good. It has a premium build and simplistic design.
Performance
What good is a game if you don’t have an immersive sound experience? Well, I’m happy to say that the Hyper X Cloud Core provides very clear audio, and adds to the immersive gaming experience. Playing a game like Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, you can hear the sounds of the protagonist’s movements as he sneaks his way to infiltrate the enemy base. Every small sound is clearly audible. Coming to the high octave action sequences, the thuds and bangs of the guns, tanks and rockets surround you. These aren’t 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound headphones but the channel shift between is good enough to give an immersive experience.
The Hyper X Cloud Core headphones aren’t noise cancellation headphones, but do a good job of drowning out external noise. Even during some stealth missions in the game where there was silence, outside noises were inaudible.
Sound does leak from the headphones, so if you want to play on high volume while others are sleeping in the same room, these headphones may not be ideal for you.
Coming to the microphone, it works really well. The audio from the microphone was well audible to my fellow gamers and even using the headphones and mic for a Skype call was good. The audio was crisp and clear at both ends.
Coming to other uses, like watching movies, listening to music, etc, the headphones perform acceptably. Sure, audiophiles will complain, but then again, these headphones weren’t designed for music. While watching movies, the thuds and bangs of explosions (while watching Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol) felt slightly amplified. I personally liked it but there are others that will argue that it sounds a little unnatural.
Bottom Line
Should you consider purchasing the Hyper X Cloud Core? Well, for the asking price, the headphones offer good build quality and design, and a very good gaming experience. The only downside is that with prolonged use in warm temperatures, your ears may just start sweating, thus hindering the experience. The overall sound output for gaming is great, and the headphones can definitely be on your list, if you are on a budget.