Hyper X. Hyper X headphones - headset characteristics from Kingston

The Kingston company is known to the Russian public mainly as a manufacturer of inexpensive and at the same time high-quality electronic storage media, in particular flash drives. However, this brand also produces a wide range of other types of devices. Among these are the HyperX series gaming headphones. These devices are characterized by a relatively low cost, but at the same time very impressive capabilities. What are the most notable features of the HyperX series headphones? In what main modifications are they presented on the Russian market?

HyperX series headphones: main modifications

Devices of the Kingston line are sold on the Russian market in the following main versions:

HyperX Cloud Care.

HyperX Cloud II.

Let's study their specifics in more detail.

HyperX Cloud Core Headset: Key Features

So, we can start our short review of the HyperX series headphones by examining the features of the products in the Cloud Care modification. It is considered as the junior model of the corresponding line, but at the same time the most affordable.

The device in question is equipped with a microphone, supplied complete with an adapter from a 4-pin to a 2-pin slot. The device has a wire just over 1 meter long.

The design of the headphones uses black, gray, and red colors. Their cups are oval-shaped and very impressive in size, allowing you to completely encircle the ear. The material used to make the ear pads is high-quality leatherette. The design of the cups also includes foam elements. The ear pads can be removed if necessary, and the ear cups can be rotated.

The gaming headphones in question are secured to the head using an aluminum arm. The fact that it is metal determines the high reliability of the device’s design. The wire connects to the headphones on the left. It is equipped with a braid, so it does not get tangled.

The Cloud Care series headphones belong to the closed category - that is, the ears are completely immersed in them. Thanks to the presence of soft foam in the ear pads, wearing them becomes very comfortable. The design of the device allows for excellent sound insulation - and, in fact, two-way, when the gamer hears only what is happening in the game, and the people in the room are able to recognize only a small part of the corresponding game special effects.

HyperX Cloud Core headset: reviews

What do gamers say about their experience using headphones in this modification? Judging by the reviews, HyperX Cloud Core headphones are primarily valued for their simplicity of design and high level of wearing comfort. As users note, the devices, thanks to the presence of soft ear pads, sit comfortably on the head. The materials used to make the devices are very light, and therefore wearing the headphones for a long time does not cause fatigue. The cups, as users note, do not put pressure on the head, and are easy to adjust, gamers note.

As for some of the disadvantages of headphones noted by users, it is very difficult to find a replacement microphone if for some reason it gets damaged or stops working. At the same time, according to gamers, with the proper level of care in using the device, as well as caring for them - which only consists of timely removal of dust from various parts of the device. In addition, you can count on quite stable operation of the headphones over time.

HyperX Cloud Core: sound quality

As for the quality of sound reproduction, the gaming headphones in question are regarded as capable of providing the highest level. This can be seen in any mode of use of devices - when listening to music, in a game, when talking on Skype. Regarding recording sound through a microphone: of course, the corresponding hardware component is far from the characteristics of studio samples, and users understand this very well. But to perform the main function - voice transmission in the same Skype or in a game chat - the microphone that is equipped with the headphones produced under the HyperX brand in this modification is quite optimal. Both in terms of ease of use and in terms of quality of transmitted sound.

HyperX Cloud headphones: features and specifications

The device is equipped with speakers with a diameter of 53 mm, capable of reproducing sounds in a fairly wide range - from 15 to 25,000 Hz. As a result, the user gets the opportunity to listen to melodies and sound effects characterized by a high level of richness and detail. Device impedance is 60 Ohm. The remaining characteristics of the microphone, in general, correspond to those that characterize the majority of similar devices present on the market in the same price segment.

The device is supplied with replaceable ear pads, a remote control for adjusting the sound level of the speakers and microphone, a case, and an adapter. The headphones are made of lightweight and at the same time high-quality materials. The arms are made of aluminum, the cups are made of plastic. The design of the device also uses leatherette. The earcups are oval. The ear pads are presented in 2 modifications - velor, and also made of leatherette. They completely cover the ear and thus provide a high level of sound insulation during gameplay. The ear cups can be adjusted in height.

In general, the design of the device helps gamers minimize any discomfort when wearing it. The microphone, like in the younger model of the line, these HyperX gaming headphones is removable.

HyperX Cloud headphones: reviews

What do users themselves say when assessing their experience of using a Kingston device in the modification in question? In general, reviews from gamers are positive both in terms of the comfort of wearing headphones and the quality of their work.

Users characterize the device as capable of providing high quality playback of any audio content, as well as transmission and recording of sound. True, much in this regard depends on what type of ear pads you use. If they are used in a velor modification, then the quality of bass reproduction is somewhat reduced, as well as the overall quality. However, as users note, such a perception can be subjective. Some gamers also complain about what they consider to be an insufficient sound volume level when connecting headphones to the sound card, which is built into the motherboard. But this is quite logical, since in most cases this hardware component is inferior in performance to external chips.

HyperX Cloud: main advantages

The main advantages of headphones that gamers determine:

Nice design;

High level of device operating comfort, ergonomics;

Excellent build quality and headphone materials;

High level of sound insulation - both from external noise and from the point of view of audibility of the game process for other people;

High sound quality in all operating modes of the device.

In general, users evaluate the device as fully meeting the modern needs of gamers.

HyperX Cloud II Headset: Specifications

The next popular modification of the devices in this series is the HyperX Cloud II headphones. Let's consider their main features.

These headphones are classified as condenser, closed, enveloping type, and are characterized by the fact that:

Capable of reproducing sound in a wide range of frequencies - from 15 to 25,000 Hz;

They have an impedance of 60 ohms;

They have a sensitivity of about 98 dB;

Designed for a maximum operating power of 150 mW;

Have a nonlinear distortion coefficient not exceeding 2%;

Capable of suppressing ambient noise within 20 dB.

The headphone microphone is notable for the fact that:

Functions on the principle of pressure gradient;

They have a cardioid-shaped polar pattern;

Perceives sound in the range from 50 to 18,000 Hz;

Has an impedance within 2.2;

Characterized by a nonlinear distortion coefficient not exceeding 2%;

Has a sensitivity of about 39 dB;

It has a membrane diameter of 6 mm.

The diameter of the speakers that are included with the device is 53 mm.

HyperX Cloud II: Key Features

Included in the delivery package, the gaming headphones with a microphone in question also have an additional module with a sound card, which is connected via a USB port. Also in the box with the device, the user will be able to find a soft and comfortable case.

The microphone, which is equipped with headphones produced under the HyperX brand in the modification in question, is removable, just like in the younger and “middle” models of the series. It is also characterized by a high degree of flexibility - it can be positioned in any position convenient for the gamer.

The device is available in 3 color schemes - black, or “steel”, white with pink elements, and black with red accents. As with the previous modification of the HyperX series of devices, the headphones of the Cloud II line have large cups that completely cover the ear and thus provide a high level of sound insulation. The corresponding elements of the devices can also be rotated.

The arch to which the cups are attached is characterized by great flexibility, and this protects it from possible damage. In addition, thanks to this property, the headphones practically do not put pressure on the gamer’s head.

The ear pads on the cups are replaceable. It can be noted that the device comes in two varieties - covered with leatherette, and also covered with soft velor fabric. As in the case of the previous modification of the headphones, in the model under consideration there is foam rubber in the design of the cups.

Regarding the USB block with which the HyperX gaming headphones in question come in the general package - this hardware component is equipped with 5 buttons that are designed to: control the volume level of the speakers and microphone, activate surround sound playback mode. In addition, the design of the USB block includes a microphone switch, as well as a clip with which this hardware component can be attached to a gamer’s clothing.

HyperX Cloud II headphones: reviews

Let's consider how the users themselves evaluate the Kingston Hyper X headphones in the modification under consideration.

According to gamers, the devices fully meet the needs of modern computer game lovers. The headphones are distinguished by a high level of wearing comfort, ease of setup, excellent quality of playback, recording and sound transmission.

The presence of movable cups, a flexible arm, as well as lightweight materials used in the manufacture of the device, determine, as users note, its rapid adaptation to the wearing method preferred by a particular computer game lover.

Gamers highly appreciate the quality of the device's sound insulation and the level of assembly of the device. Many users are impressed by the design of the headphones - quite strict, but at the same time characterized by a very sophisticated style.

Prices

How much do the headphones produced within the HyperX line cost? The price of the device, which is the junior model of the corresponding series - HyperX Cloud Core - is about 6,490 rubles. in large Russian stores. The HyperX Cloud device will cost approximately 8,490 rubles. HyperX Cloud II headphones are presented in Russian catalogs with a price of about 9,990 rubles.

Summary

So, this is our short review of the HyperX line of headphones from Kingston. The American company produces headsets in 3 popular modifications: the youngest - Cloud Core, the “middle” - Cloud, and the older - Cloud II. The differences between them, by and large, come down to the configuration. HyperX Core headphones, in particular, are supplied without a control panel and an additional USB module for controlling the sound level. The microphone in all modifications of the device is removable, which can be fixed in any convenient position. The ear pads in all versions of the device are comfortable, closed, providing a high level of sound insulation. The main technological capabilities of the HyperX headphones of the modifications we reviewed are generally similar.

How do gaming headphones differ from regular full-size models? Firstly, most often they have an aggressive appearance, which gamers really like. Secondly, they are not designed for music, but for positioning in games. Third, they have a remote microphone so your teammates can hear you loud and clear. And such headsets also produce excellent low frequencies - this is especially noticeable when listening to shots and explosions. In a word, let's take a look at the best HyperX headphones, which are covered by all of the above.

The Best Cheap HyperX Headphones

HyperX Cloud Stinger - Budget Option

Relatively inexpensive headphones. Even many keyboards and, to be honest, mice are sold at a higher price. In this regard, you should not expect elegant performance and clear sound from headphones. This is a standard closed-type computer headset, connected using two 3.5 mm connectors. The microphone used here has a noise reduction function - and thank you for that. By the way, the manufacturer claims that these headphones will support many mobile devices.

Advantages:

• Very low price;
• Quite good sound insulation - you won’t hear people around;
• The microphone is made using condenser and electret technologies;
• The microphone can be turned off at any time;
• Single-sided cable fastening is used;
• The kit includes an extension cord;
• The volume can be adjusted.

Flaws:

• The harmonic coefficient reaches 2%;
• The microphone gain is clearly unnecessary - it should be turned off immediately;
• After about an hour, the ears begin to sweat a lot.

HyperX Cloud Core - Sleek and small

These “ears” can be classified as budget class only conditionally. In Russia they ask for from 4 to 5 thousand rubles - only buying in some Chinese online store can be cheaper. The headphones are made of smooth and pleasant-to-touch plastic. The soft headband practically does not press. And 53 mm membranes produce a very loud sound. Traditionally for HyperX products, an extension cord is found in the box with the headphones.

Advantages:

• One-sided cable fastening, so there are no problems with putting it on;
• The wire has gold-plated connectors;
• The directional microphone is made of condenser and electret types;
• The kit includes a two-meter extension cord;
• The microphone is detachable;
• Compatible with Xbox One, PS4 and various smartphones.

Flaws:

• The harmonic coefficient is too high - it reaches 2%;
• A fairly high resistance of 60 ohms;
• For that kind of money, the manufacturer could have included spare ear pads in the kit.

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The best top-end HyperX headphones

HyperX Cloud Revolver S - Maximum Power

These headphones can be considered the flagship of the HyperX brand. The connection to the computer is carried out not only using two audio connectors, but also via a USB port. This alone suggests that the headset turned out to be extremely loud. The sound is processed by software before being sent to the headphones - thus improving sound purity and improving positioning. There is also a noise-cancelling microphone, which most often has no complaints.

Advantages:

• High sound volume, adjustable;
• There is a sensitive microphone, complemented by noise reduction;
• The kit includes an extension cable;
• The microphone is removable;
• Extended frequency range up to 12 - 28000 Hz.

Flaws:

• The headphones turned out to be heavy - their weight reaches 376 g;
• The harmonic coefficient is 2% - the headphones will not appeal to music lovers.

Huge headphones that should appeal to many gamers. The cups used here are complemented by huge ear pads that completely cover the player’s ears. It becomes impossible to hear what is happening around. The headphones also have a microphone, which can be turned off and even removed at any time. The cable can also be disconnected.

Advantages:

• The headphones are compatible with PS4 and smartphones;
• The cable can be disconnected;
• The kit includes a two-meter extension cord;
• You can mute the microphone and even remove it;
• One pair of spare ear pads is supplied with the headphones.

Flaws:

• The harmonic coefficient is high - it reaches 2%;
• The headset weighs 350 g, which can make your head feel tired;
• The extension cord turned out to be too thin.

5 Best Harper Headphones

The second generation of the most popular headphones under the HyperX brand. When designing it, Kingston worked hard to eliminate shortcomings. Now sound processing is entrusted to special software, thanks to which the surround sound mode has been implemented. But because of this, you will have to connect the headset not only to the 3.5 mm jacks, but also to the USB connector. At the same time, the weight was reduced - now it is 320 g, which is quite tolerable. Spare ear pads are still included in the kit - the main ones can quickly become unusable during active use.

Advantages:

• The cable has a convenient volume control;
• The weight cannot be called prohibitive;
• The moving microphone can be muted with the touch of a button;
• Very high power;
• The kit includes replaceable ear pads;
• The cable and microphone are detachable;
• The headphones are compatible with game consoles and mobile devices.

Flaws:

• It was not possible to reduce the harmonic coefficient;
• The kit does not include the usual HyperX extension cord.

Assembling a personal computer is not an easy thing. This work always requires careful market research. You need to pay attention to any details and not focus only on the processor or video card.

Each component in the system is important, and not only its technical characteristics, but also compatibility with each part. But before choosing, the buyer pays attention to the brand and reputation. HyperX is now the most reliable option among RAM modules. Let's talk about it further.

Company

HyperX is not an independent company, but is part of the previously well-known Kingston brand. This division began producing RAM 15 years ago. Now it is known thanks to solid-state drives, DDR4 and DDR3 RAM, flash drives and gaming headsets.

Kingston HyperX sponsors a huge number of eSports tournaments and also contributes financially to the development of many eSports organizations around the world. After 15 years, we can safely assume that HyperX is aimed at the gaming segment. The choice of such a target audience set special requirements for the manufacturer, which it has so far coped well with.

RAM

As already mentioned, the division produces not only RAM, but also sells solid-state and gaming accessories. The latter have become especially popular thanks to streamers who receive a headset for advertising as a gift. Gamers all over the world dream of owning Cloud series headphones.

But today we will talk specifically about RAM modules. During its existence, the division has released several families of HyperX RAM. Among the high-speed models, the following stood out:

• Impact.
• Predator.
• Savage.
• Fury.

There is also the Beast line, which is presented in DDR3 type.

Since DDR4 RAM is becoming increasingly popular when assembling a gaming computer, we will consider its representatives further.

Fury

This is one of the updated lines of RAM, which is popularly called “furious”. It’s worth saying right away that this family initially appeared on the market in the DDR3 format. When the world started talking about DDR4, manufacturers were faced with the problem that few people understood the promise of this type of memory.

By 2017, no one has any doubts about what kind of RAM is needed in a gaming PC and what advantages it has over the outdated type.

With the advent of the accelerated version of the modules, their external design has remained virtually unchanged. They continued to match their style and looked quite aggressive. They also continued to position themselves as overclocking options.

HyperX Fury RAM allowed ordinary users to increase the operating frequency, but still limited them to 2666 MHz. Therefore, this was not good news for real overclocking fans.

The manufacturer focused on ease of configuration. Therefore, developers continued to provide new products with proprietary technologies that could simplify working with them. For example, Kingston Plug and Play worked to ensure that all indicators were activated automatically.

Returning to the appearance, it is important to note that the developers paid a lot of attention to the design of the modules. A review of the HyperX Fury RAM showed radiators that are covered with a heat removal plate.

The plastic case as a whole has a rather unusual shape, with aggressive features. The surface is decorated with convex elements, slots and graphic inscriptions. All this has a positive effect on the minds of gamers and forces them to purchase such RAM. But you need to understand that such surroundings are reflected in high prices.

Fury kits

The family has DDR3 and DDR4 memory types. In addition, it is sold immediately in sets. They may include 4 GB or 8 GB RAM. HyperX DDR4 RAM operates at speeds of 2.1 GHz, 2.4 GHz and 2.6 GHz.

You can get a four-channel kit, which will include four 8 GB modules. Then the total memory capacity will be 32 GB, which is an excellent indicator for a gaming system.

It is believed that the disadvantage of this RAM is the low nominal frequency. But this statement is controversial, in addition, this indicator depends on the system being assembled and the needs of the user. The rest of the indicators are decent, the timings are enhanced, and the supply voltage makes it possible to experiment.

Savage

This model was presented as a dual-channel memory for Skylake processors. The modules are supplied in a regular plastic box with a small label containing brief information about the product.

The appearance of this model is also remarkable, interesting and individual. Stamped radiators, low body height, high-quality mounting - all this has the best effect on sales. The cooler halves are attached with thermal Velcro.

In terms of characteristics, this option is not inferior to the previous one. The HyperX Savage PC also has several kits. One of them is 16 GB, represented by two modules. They operate at a frequency of 2.4 GHz. The operating voltage does not exceed 1.3 V.

Testing Savage

To find out about the overclocking potential, modules need to be tested. As a result of the analysis carried out by specialists, it turned out that the RAM can easily raise its frequency to 3.2 GHz, with timings of 14-15-15-35. To achieve this result, you need to increase the voltage to 1.45 V. On the one hand, this is not bad, on the other, there are already modules on the market that operate with increased frequencies but reduced voltage.

Therefore, it is up to you to decide whether it is worth the risk and exceeding the permissible voltage. If you use a moderate 1.35 V, then the frequency can still be raised to 3 GHz, and this is already an excellent result, with the initial 2.4 GHz.

Predator

This is one of the latest HyperX RAM upgrades. The family is represented by DDR3 and DDR4 variants. Among the many kits, there is again a dual-channel model with a capacity of 16 GB.

It’s worth noting right away that the manufacturer is strongly positioning the Predator line for demanding users. This includes not only RAM, but also solid state drives. Models of this family can provide more than typical representatives, but they also cost much more.

Predator kits are available in two-channel and four-channel kits. The maximum volume can reach 64 GB. The frequency varies in different variations from 3 GHz to 3333 MHz. Therefore, it is not difficult to guess that these are modules with a higher frequency than the Savage and Fury variants.

General description of the Predator module

The delivery is worth mentioning separately, since it differs markedly from the presentation of previous families. The modules are sold in a large black and red cardboard box. Through the transparent “window” you can see the appearance of the RAM. Each module is hidden in its own plastic container.

The appearance of the planks corresponds to its “predatory” name. They are covered with black PCB. There are additional black radiators. There are plastic elements running through the center that complement the design with visual expression.

Previous DDR3 models had the main disadvantage of being large in size. Due to the large radiator blocks, the height of the bar increased. This situation has now been corrected, but the modules still look larger than their younger competitors.

Advantages of Predator

The main drawback of these modules was the price for this HyperX RAM. However, the excellent performance has proven to be a significant advantage that justifies the high cost. Reduced energy consumption eliminates the need to think about additional radiators. To work effectively, it requires a special motherboard and a supported processor. Otherwise, the speed will not exceed the standard 2133 MHz.

Overall, the kit is easy to speed up. Thus, the frequency of 3 GHz quickly turns into 3.2 GHz. The two-channel mode cannot show excessively high results, so it is better not to experiment with it and be content with what we have.

mobile version

These are the most popular options from Kingston HyperX. There is also the Impact family, but it is less in demand, since it is represented by modules for a laptop. This line is also represented by DDR3 and DDR4 types. Less high-speed modules previously worked freely with both laptops and motherboards that supported SO-DIMM.

But there are currently no motherboards that would work with this format, but the DDR4 type, so high-speed modules can only be found in laptops. However, this is now one of the few successful options for mobile devices.

conclusions

We looked at the characteristics of HyperX RAM and the situation with this device today. A division of a well-known company skillfully monitors the market and tries to meet the requirements of avid gamers.

It is impossible to say unequivocally that these models are the best solution for gaming PCs, but, as time and statistics show, it is HyperX that is becoming the best device for a good system that needs performance and stability.

Savage and Fury are considered more affordable options that are virtually indistinguishable from each other. But the Predator is the choice of the most demanding buyers. Putting this family into the average gaming PC is unreasonably expensive.

Despite the release of Intel Skylake, Kaby Lake, Coffee Lake and AMD Ryzen processors that fully support the new DDR4 RAM standard, the demand for classic DDR3 modules is not falling. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, AMD AM3+ and FM2+ processors and motherboards that require DDR3 memory are still available at retail. Secondly, users have a large number of old computers that require DDR3 to upgrade. One of the most popular series of DDR3 RAM is HyperX Fury from Kingston.

Overclocking potential

The most common DDR3 memory frequencies are 1333, 1600 and 1866 MHz. The first is the lot of very cheap models. The HyperX Fury series starts at 1600 and de jure ends at 1866 MHz, but de facto supports overclocking to 2133, and if you’re lucky with a specific instance, even up to 2400 MHz. HyperX's even higher-frequency DDR3 memory series are called Savage and Predator.

Three volumes, four colors

HyperX Fury is able to achieve stable operation without overheating in overclocking mode (manual or automatic XMP) thanks to metal radiators. They are thick-walled, but low, so they do not at all interfere with the installation of a large tower processor cooler. There are HyperX Fury sticks with a capacity of 4 and 8 GB, which are sold both individually and as dual-channel kits with a total capacity of 8 and 16 GB. There are also four radiator colors to choose from: white, blue, black and red (in domestic retail, most often only the last two are presented).