HyperX’s latest headphones create a virtual 7.1 surround sound with no wires
Rs. 9,990, hyperxgaming.com
You’d be forgiven if you mistook HyperX’s latest Cloud Stinger headset with the one that’s selling in the market for quite some time. HyperX has a wide range of Cloud Stinger headsets and the latest to join the ranks are the wired version of Cloud Stinger Core 7.1 and the wireless variant, which we are looking at today.
Gaming headsets are designed to complement gamers’ RGB-laden gaming setup, but the Cloud Stinger Core Wireless + 7.1 prefers subtlety. It sheds the flashy colours for an all-black design, with the only exception being the silver-coloured HyperX logo on the device. We like the matte black plastic finish and while HyperX has made the headset lightweight at 244g, we think the build quality could be better. The Cloud Stinger Core Wireless + 7.1 just doesn’t feel the same in terms of sturdiness compared to other HyperX headsets. That being said, the headset features adjustable steel sliders, soft breathable ear cushions and similar padding at the top for the head for better ergonomics. The power button, volume wheel, USB Type-C port and a non-removable mic are placed on the left side of the earcup. Since this is a wireless variant, HyperX also bundles a 2.4GHz adapter and a USB Type-C cable, which makes it impossible to wear and charge them simultaneously because of its short length.
Using the Cloud Stinger Core Wireless + 7.1 is a no-brainer. Just connect the wireless adapter to the PC, turn on the headphones and start using them right away since it’s programmed to use with the adapter. This frees the user from the pairing process but makes the adapter even more crucial, considering the headset doesn’t work without it, even when wired to the PC.
The headset is equipped with 40mm drivers with a focus on clear mids, highs, and bass, and it delivers on that front. We won’t say it as one of the best while listening to music but shines while gaming with excellent sound positioning, which is key in multiplayer action games. The virtual 7.1 surround sound requires HyperX NGENUITY software to be installed and while it can be installed from the Windows Store, we would have appreciated an executable file of the software on the website too. The software automatically detects the headset and allows simple operational features like adjusting the audio and mic volume and toggle on/off 7.1 surround sound. The mic performance is also better and makes it easy to mute and unmute it with a swivelling action.
The Cloud Stinger Core Wireless + 7.1 is aimed at users who want an affordable wireless gaming headphone and while the build quality could have been better, the headset makes up for it with a decent audio performance, breathable ear cushions and up to 17 hours of battery life.
RATING 3.5/5
WE’RE IMPRESSED Performance, battery life
WE’D IMPROVE Software features, build quality
THE LAST WORD The lightweight Cloud Stinger Core Wireless + 7.1 delivers a decent audio experience with 7.1 virtual surround sound and impressive battery life.