UPDATE (03/16/17): I ended up giving my pair of Cloud II's to my son for his birthday. I now had to make a decision whether to purchase another pair of Cloud II's or try something else. SO, I ended up buying the Beyerdynamic DT770, Logitech G633, Turtle Beach Stealth 500P and the Playstation Golds. I bought all four from Amazon and sat down and tested all of them over a period of 4 months. First off, what I love in headphones is a full sounding, deep bass and some ambient surround sound. I like hearing the boom of a grenade or thump of a stealth take-down of a long-neck in Horizon Zero Dawn.

First off, Don't believe in the 7.1 surround sound hype you get from any "GAMING" headphones under $200. I have now tried 3 different actual gaming headsets and all of them gave the directional sound but at a cost... These gaming headphones that declare 7.1 surround achieve this by diminishing the sound levels of other ambient sounds. I'm not a audiophile or pro so bare with me... The Logitech G633, Turtle Beach Stealth 500P and the Playstation Golds all sounded tinny and the mid-range seemed distant. It hyped up the surround but in order to achieve that it lowered the other sounds to make it happen, including bass. For example, in Horizon Zero Dawn, when Aloy shoots an arrow it sounds like it's far away, when it shouldn't because she's directly in front of you and if you shot off that arrow it should sound like the release happened in your face. It doesn't. It sounds like your Aloy let go of the bow about 20 yards from where you are standing. If that makes sense. YES, the gaming headphones with 7.1 do give you directional but it just lowers everything else. Which is why I assume pro gamers love them because they want to hear if someone is sneaking up on them.

FOR ME though... I'm not a pro gamer. I want bass, a thud. I want a overall strong sound that makes me feel like I'm right there. SO, I did more research online and youtube and came across the Beyerdynamic DT770's. They are not gaming headphones but many claim the bass is awesome and the sound in games is even better. I just received these today and within 30 minutes I packaged them back up and returning them. Although, I will give them this much. The directional sound was WAY better than any gaming headphones, Logitech G633, Turtle Beach Stealth 500P and the Playstation Golds. No joke, the directional sound was dead on with these. The low bass was also good but wasn't enough and the mid-range sounded distant just like the Logitech G633, Turtle Beach Stealth 500P and the Playstation Golds. If you want directional sound that mimicks 7.1, with a low bass that isn't overwhelming I would buy the Beyerdynamic's.

SO saying all of that. I know this sounds funny but I'm basing this all down to shooting an arrow. I switched back and forth between the Beyer's and the Clouds II's in Horizon Zero Dawn. I would shoot an arrow at a grazer (metal animal) and the Cloud II's sounded like I shot that arrow from my shoulder next to my ear. It also enough bass to where you felt like you actually shot an arrow. The Beyer's and the Logitech G633, Turtle Beach Stealth 500P and the Playstation Golds all felt Aloy (character in game) was 20 yards away shooting an arrow. Only way I know how to describe it. The Cloud II's also have way more base then the one's I've mentioned. It's punchy and you feel it. Felt good when I slammed the ground with my spear. The Logitech G633, Turtle Beach Stealth 500P and the Playstation Golds and Beyer all felt weak. When I slammed the ground with my spear it again, felt distant. Not really immersive.

I stood on top of a Long Neck. When a Long Neck walks around the map it's feet create a ground thump that should sound heavy. SO I stood on top of a Long Neck and switched back and forth between the Beyer and Cloud II's. The Beyer again felt like the sounds were distant and didn't feel the Long Neck walking very much. The Cloud II's at the same sound level I could feel the Long Neck walking, it felt like I was right there on top of the Long Neck and could feel every step it took.

Also, the Cloud II's do have directional sound ... So if you walk up to someone talking and swing your camera around in a 360, the voice will swing around your head as it should. Is it true surround, no. Does it do the trick, yet. Now in the Beyer and Logitech G633, Turtle Beach Stealth 500P and the Playstation Golds, the surround does sound more ambient and sounds around you but again, it diminishes the bass and mid-range it feels like.

So saying all that, I'm a casual gamer that wants good bass, I want to feel like I get hit rather than hear someone walking up behind me. I want to feel the game. The Cloud II's in my opinion after trying all the headphones are awesome. I can honestly say that and feel comfortable suggesting you pick up a pair over any other's I've suggested. They really are good.

I can also attest to the 7.1 feature the Cloud II's do provide with the packaging. You can plug it into your PS4 and your controller and I can honestly say it does provide 7.1 BUT it then turns into the Beyer and Logitech G633, Turtle Beach Stealth 500P and the Playstation Golds and diminishes the mid-range and bass.

I don't plug my Cloud II's into my controller. I purchased a two speaker with sub-woofer sound system for my desk that comes with a volume control and headphone output. I plug my Cloud II's into this setup which allows me to turn it up as loud as I want and in a way acts as a amp to push out even more bass and volume. You can't get that by just plugging into the PS4 controller, it can only pump out so much volume and your maxed out. Not very loud going directly through the controller.

By a desktop sound system with subwoofer and volume control with headphone output.... Trust me it changes the sound output and bass levels.

SO there's my updated review. Other's will probably disagree with my review but this is COMING from someone who doesn't need 7.1 or games heavily online in COD or Battlefield 1. I love games like Horizon Zero Dawn, Last of Us, Dying Light, Metal Gear Solid 5, Just Cause 3, Nioh, Dark Souls, BloodBorne, Evil Within, Dishonored, etc. I should also mention I've also owned the X12's, PX24's.

Previous Review: OKAY, SO FINALLY, after buying the X12, PX24, TB 500p, Sony Gold Wireless and returning all of them, I purchased the Cloud II. Before I bought the Cloud II, I was almost going to settle with the X12's or PX24. The 500p and Gold Wireless you'd think are superior BUT THEY ARE NOT. The surround sound on the expensive gamer headphones are just a gimick. Most of the surround sound gamer headphones are made for gamers who primarily play FPS. It tones down quite a few sounds including bass and other environmental sounds to pump up footsteps and reloads. This allows the FPS gamer to hear what's around him. Sounds cool, YEA BUT, again, it drowns out other sounds to make that possible.

Saying that, I'm a casual gamer and I love bass. I love feeling the thump of the explosions and gun fire. The 500p and Gold Wireless sucked at this. IN fact, the 500p did have good bass but ONLY when I switched it to the mode called, "Bass & Treble". Great right? NO, because that's basically what the X12's and PX24's do. Even the x12's simulate surround sound. I've had a pair of x12's for 5 years and I can honestly say they simulated surround just as good as the 500p and Gold's but kept the bass and overall depth of sound. More balanced.

This is where the Cloud II comes in... Very skeptical and was almost ready to return them before I got them. Was just tired of buying and returning. Before I begin, a few disclaimers... 1. I game on a PS4 and I don't plug my headphones into my controller or through USB. I actually bought a device online that allows me to plug in my toslink directly from the output on the PS4 to the adapter which is where I plug my headphones into. This gives it way more depth and power then plugging into the controller or via USB on the front of the console.

2. The 7.1 on this particular headset doesn't really work with PS4. Saying that, it actually works but doesn't. Bare with me on this... In order to get it to work, you have to plug it into the front of the PS4 via a USB. Then you plug the headset into the 7.1 mixer. I tried it with and without and quite honestly it sound MUCH better without the 7.1. Mainly because the 7.1 mixer is designed for PC and MAC. It wasn't designed to use with the PS4 even though you can get it to turn on. SO, I actually don't use the 7.1 mixer. I put it back in the box.

3. DONT plug the headset into your controller or via the USB. A lot of people don't realize they can buy a very cheap setup that allows you to use the toslink which pumps out the 7.1. I'll do my best to link my set up below. I've been using it for years and won't go back. Only because when I plug these into the controller it loses something, can't put a finger on it but it doesn't sound as good. Same with using the mixer.

I highly recommend the Cloud II. It has really good deep base, the mid's are clear and sharp and the high's as well. It's a very well balanced sound, as well as, it does simulate surround sound even without the 7.1. I switched back and forth between the Gold's and these while playing NO Man's Sky, Dying Light, Dark Souls 3, BloodBorne, Just Cause 3 and these really sounded good and very good balance of sound.

Best part, I own a Nvidia Shield and plug the headset into the controller that comes with the shield and watched a couple movies with it and it blew me away. Awesome sound and even simulated surround sound.

FINALLY satisfied with a headphone purchase after using my x12's for 5 years. Both my sons are sold on them as well comparing them to other headsets they've owned. Worth the purchase in my opinion.

OH, they are comfortable!!! Although, be aware... It comes with a leather or fake leather material and it comes with a replacement that is cloth. I noticed a huge difference in sound when I used the leather over the cloth. Mainly because the leather is air tight and keeps all the sound in and out. The cloth I noticed I could hear outside sound more and it leaked the sound coming from the headphones. Wasn't a big deal but the bass felt deeper and stronger with the leather padding. Both are awesome and sound good though.

USE THIS DEVICE to hook up your headphones using the Toslink output on the PS4. I've used these for the past 3-5 years and they work great and pump out way better sound then plugging into the controller or using the USB on the front of the PS4. A lot of people don't realize you can use this with any headphones whether they are made for Xbox or PS4 or PC. It's makes it to where you can use any headphone and uses the Dolby surround from Toslink.

PORTTA PETDTAP DIGITAL COAX AND OPTICAL TOSLINK TO ANALOG AUDIO CONVERTER: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005DIRI6I/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Pros:

- The most comfortable headset I've tried over the last 5 years
- Light but well built
- Great background/ambient noise cancellation
- Extra long cord which gives more than enough cable to play with if you have a long run for cable MGMT (could be seen as a con but pretty simple to use a velcro cable strap to make it more manageable)
- Speaker/MIC volume controls are easy to find without looking and can be clipped to your clothing to make it easier.
- Impressive audio quality with great 7.1 3D surround (hasn't failed me in FPS type games)
- Option to completely remove MIC by unplugging it is very convenient if you aren't using it and don't want it hanging to the side in your peripheral vision.

Cons:

Honestly I don't have anything I would truly consider a con with this headset. The couple of things that come to mind would be considered more room for improvement or redesign.

- At times I find that the mute switch on the side of the main control panel can be difficult to toggle because of its size and lack of protrusion from the slot the slider is in. If the surface had slightly better design for grip or was a button/switch instead I think that would make it easier
- If there are issues stemming from the USB section of the headset cord, the section that would still allow you to plug into the standard 3.5" jack is to short to do without an extension.

Overall Review:

So I tend to overlook the process of leaving reviews after I purchase new products and have enough time using them to leave a proper review. I just happened to be browsing through the headsets and read through some of the reviews on the HyperX Cloud II and felt that I needed to leave a detailed and proper review for this headset.

Let me start by stating that my profession is in the IT industry and I have thorough knowledge when it comes to computers and electronics. I've been with the same company for 6 years now and have owned/tried close to 2 dozen different headsets. This headset is hands down the most comfortable headset I have tried to date. The individuals on here that left a review saying they weren't are not wearing them correctly or didn't adjust them properly. They are the only headset that I have been able to wear all day, 5 days a week without hurting my ears or where the top rests on your head. That being said the leather ear pieces are by far much more comfortable than the other set which is some kind of velvet material.

I'm currently wearing my first headset which I bought over 3 years ago now and have had no issues. I bought a second set in gunmetal grey to leave at work which I have been using for about 2 years now.
I don't baby them by any means, but anyone who treats their possessions with care should have no issues with the audio card failures mentioned in other reviews that I saw. I've dropped mine on the floor (which is concrete) a few times and have never really put any thought into much else aside from ensuring I store them properly when I'm done.

The complaints and negative reviews left regarding the sound is bogus. That being said this headset is a gaming headset, not a headset specifically designed for listening to music like Beats or Bose which those individuals need to remember when they purchase them. The sound surpassed my initial expectations and the 7.1 surround works very well, but that will also depend on the audio program/driver you use with them on the PC. I suggest that you don't use what Windows offers natively. As for the MIC and any comments regarding it being to quite, I'll just come out and bluntly state that they are an idiot. There is a MIC volume control on the control board of the headset to adjust, integrated mic input settings within windows you adjust, as well as MIC input settings that are stand alone within most programs you use with it as well. As I stated in the Pros above the background/ambient noise cancellation is pretty decent as well. Only time I've seen it picking up background noise is if I have the MIC sensitivity turned up.

When it comes to all the reviews that pertain to individuals that were attempting to use these with a console gaming system like a PS4, they are all null and void if you have no intention to try using these on a console as well. This headset was not designed for use on a console, even though it might still be compatible. Console systems from playstation and xbox have and always will function better with wireless based hardware or hardware made by them.

On one last note, regarding all the negative reviews I see due to the fact that someone received a faulty /flawed unit or something was messed up with their shipping, that should not have any direct relevance with a review. The one exception to that would be after you engage customer support to have the faulty unit replaced. 99% of the time you will get great support and expedited shipping with no extra cost so don't jump the gun just cause you get peeved and for those of you reading through reviews, take any of them based on this topic with a grain of salt.

I bought this product late December 2022 it's currently late September 2023 and this product still works great. As long as you don't throw it around or anything this will last a while! No connection issues. I did have mic issues but it ended up being the controller it was plugged into was going bad. Once I got a new controller the headset worked perfectly fine.

I loved my Hyper X Cloud 2's enough to purchase a second pair as the one I bought 3-4 years ago was starting to show wear and tear and I feared that the end was near for my precious headset.

Shortly after my new headset came in the mail, the original's right speaker died and I was forced to replace it. When opening the package I was a little disappointed in the contents as the original came with a lovely mesh bag to store your mic and extra earmuffs but that was missing. After inspecting the headset I noticed that the exposed plastic pieces no longer had a rubber coating. I only hope that the removal of the rubber coating means a stronger plastic is now being used.

With this additional change, I researched what happened to the quality of the headsets and learned that HP bought Hyper X from Kingston in 2021 and disgraced the Hyper X Cloud 2 by removing the nice comforts but charging the same price.

If you intend on purchasing this product in the hopes of replacing a Hyper X Cloud 2 that you had I'd still recommend it if you are willing to lose out on some things you had because as of now I have not noticed any negatives in the actual audio and comfort of the product.

Estos han sido mis primer headsets para gaming. El sonido que sale de sus altavoces es bueno aunque a veces siento que con la repetición de la S puede llegar a molestar sobretodo en canciones. En cuanto al diseño me parece sencillo lo cual no está mal, lo único malo es que si vives en un ambiente caluroso el cuero de las almohadillas se desgastará con mayor facilidad por lo que debes tener en cuenta a la hora de comprarlo