HyperX’s Stinger lineup now includes a lot of headsets. The Cloud Stinger S is an inexpensive headset with virtual 7.1 surround sound. This is made possible by a USB sound card. We test the HyperX Cloud Stinger S for you.
Technical details
| Type: | Stereo headset |
| Design: | Ear-wrap |
| Connection and cable length: | USB, 250 cm |
| Lighting: | none |
| Weight (without cable): | 275 g |
| Impedance (headphones): | 32 Ohm |
| Frequency range (headphones): | 18 Hz – 23,000 Hz |
| Impedance (microphone): | n. A. |
| Sensitivity (microphone): | -40dBV |
| Frequency range (microphone): | 50 Hz – 18,000 Hz |
| Package contents: | HyperX Cloud Stinger S, USB sound card, manual |
| Price: | € 69.99 * |
Scope of delivery
The HyperX Cloud Stinger S comes in a simple package. The headset lies in clear plastic, with cable ties attached and microphone taped down. So don’t expect high-end packaging from HyperX like Razer, for example, but that’s reflected in the price. That shouldn’t detract from the Cloud Stinger S otherwise, though. The first impression of the headset is still good, though.
Design and workmanship
The HyperX Cloud Stinger S is kept completely simple. The matte black design is only broken up by the white HyperX logo on both ear cups. If you take the headset in your hand, the weight is immediately noticeable, combined with the feel of the material used, it should be clear to everyone that this is not a high-priced headset. However, the workmanship is good, no sharp edges and it is also sturdily built.
In terms of ear cup and head cushions, however, the Cloud Stinger makes a very good impression right away. They are pleasantly soft, feel high-quality and promise a good and comfortable fit even when worn for longer periods. The metal ear cup holders also make a good impression. They give the headset a certain torsional stiffness, and the headset can also withstand more than if the holder was also made of plastic.
HyperX relies on a microphone on the Cloud Stinger S that automatically mutes when you flip it up. These designs like to be prone to defects, especially when folded up and down frequently. With HyperX, however, the mechanism feels high-quality, and the hinge holds the microphone in place. The fully rubberized microphone isn’t exactly flexible, but it offers enough clearance.
Comfort
The closed ear cups shield external noise very well, and the soft padding still ensures a comfortable wearing experience even after several hours. The soft padding in the headband also ensures this. Despite the synthetic leather cover, enough air gets to the ears so that you don’t get hot ears even in heated battles.
The almost perfect wearing comfort of the HyperX Cloud Stinger S is also ensured by the 12-step precisely adjustable raster headband size adjustment, which also fits tightly when adjusted. On top of that, the ear cups can be rotated by 90 degrees, which ensures better comfort when you take the headset off your ears and simply hang it around your neck.
Recording and sound quality
HyperX ships the Cloud Stinger S with a USB sound card to enable virtual 7.1 surround sound. Accordingly, the headset is primarily aimed at PC gamers, but it can also be used for consoles thanks to the 2.5-meter jack cable.
The recording quality of the microphone is absolutely satisfactory considering the price of the headset. Only the volume could be a bit better. Otherwise, you can be understood clearly and background noise is filtered out well.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger S is also on a good level in terms of sound. The sound is quite bass-heavy, which is important for gamers, especially in the shooter area, without being really dominant. The rest of the sound is also good for gaming, the trebles are clear and mids are coherent and not too spongy. Locating enemies is thus very easy with the Cloud Stinger S in shooters. You won’t enjoy high-class sound quality, but it is very good all the same.
Software
There is also a software for the Cloud Stinger S, which you can get on the product page at HyperX – or you can search for it in the Microsoft Store. You only need the headset software to activate the 7.1 surround sound. You can also adjust the volume of the headphones and the microphone. That’s all that’s really necessary for this headset, but I personally find it annoying to go through the Microsoft Store.
Conclusion
HyperX delivers a really good headset with the Cloud Stinger S. The workmanship is really good, although the packaging does not make that impression. The sound can also convince us. It is more than sufficient for gaming, but excellent music enjoyment is of course something else. The headset gets a point deduction for the software. It is only required for the virtual surround sound, but has to be purchased via the Microsoft Store. A personal point that should not detract from the HyperX Cloud Stinger S, though.
HyperX Cloud Stinger S
Workmanship
Wearing comfort
Sound quality
Recording quality
Features
Value for money
93/100
HyperX delivers a really good headset with the Cloud Stinger S. The workmanship is really good, although the packaging does not give that impression. The sound can also convince us.
