This is a review for Cloud Stinger Core Stereo Wired Headset - The cheapest of the four variants listed under Cloud Stinger at the time of writing.
I'll be trying to address the questions that I had in mind when I was looking at this, and my opinions on the different positive and negative points mentioned in other reviews. This is going to be a long one.
Cloud Stinger Core (HX-HSCSC) is already a well known headset among console users for the past few years. The relatively newer version (HX-HSCSC2) is the PC adaptation of the same model, with an included audio splitter to provide separate audio/microphone connectors to be used with computers.
One of the primary requirements I had when looking for a cheap headset was to have decent audio, equipped with a pair of breathable ear cushions which does not tear itself and leave pieces all over after a couple of months. While the cushions on the Stinger Core are not extraordinary by any means, they are soft enough to seal the ears, while not sticking to them like faux-leather. It is definitely not as good as the breathable cushions found on headsets like the BlackShark V2, in fact I might go ahead and say that the feel of the cushions is the cheapest thing about this headset - but they get the job done, and only time can tell about its durability. Since it doesn't make sense to get a budget headset and replace the pads with velour/fabric-cushions that costs around ₹1,500, my choices were fairly limited here.
◆ Build Quality
Above Average. Feels confident in hand, not flimsy. No sharp edges, and no glossy sections apart from the engraved logo. While the full plastic approach might not be for everyone, I actually prefer it, mostly because it feels durable than the normal soft touch materials generally used in headsets. The sliders are steel with solid adjustment steps, and the fact that it uses two wires to independently connect to each of the drivers makes the headband cable management non-existent - which contributes to the overall durability of the product. The top padding is of a slightly better, yet similar quality material compared to the ear cushions. The swiveling mic requires adequate force to move, and stays correctly in place once adjusted. The left and right units can be tilted. Both the connector and splitter cables are of the same quality, which has a generic rubbery texture. The inline control unit feels solid - the microphone button is clicky and the volume control is in flush with the unit.
◆ Audio Quality
Surprising good for a gaming headset. While it is nothing to write home about, the headset can get loud without distorting notes. The complaints regarding the low volume might have to do with faulty units, because the one I got went far beyond what you would call a healthy level of headphone volume. The quality of the actual audio you hear depends on your sound card, and for me, there was not a lot to complain. At all volumes, the audio was clean, with pleasant low notes while not artificially 'bassy'. The sound reproduction is very good on mobile devices with a bit of EQ tuning.
◆ Microphone
Not great. While it only picks up the voice coming from the front of it - giving great environment noise reduction - it adds some softness to the voice. Works great for in-game communication, but not so much for a good conference call. Not detachable from the headset, and is made with the typical flexible metal tube with plastic on both the ends. The swiveling setup is well engineered, and the microphone can be kept out of the peripheral vision for audio pick up. The swivel to mute functionality provided in the higher end variants are absent in this one - there is a dedicated mic mute button give in the inline controller. This might actually be a good thing, since the swivel-mute mechanism is known to have complaints in the long run.
◆ Comfort
Average. Being lightweight & flexible should work for most users, but I can't shake the feeling that the cushions could be better. Keeping that aside, These are moderately comfortable over long gaming sessions, heating up is never an issue thanks to the breathable pads. All the parts that touch the head are adequately padded. Having a relatively large head, the clamping force is just adequate to keep the headset in place through vigorous headbanging sessions - it will definitely not fall off when looking down, if your head is of somewhat average size.
◆ Ease of Connectivity
Great. The non-detachable four ring pin cable from the headset can be directly connected to all 3.5mm ports for audio. If you want to use the microphone, it can either be connected to a TRRS four ring headphone jack(mobile phone jack), or you can connect it to the audio splitter cable that is provided with the headset to get two TRS pins out - one for audio and one for microphone. Connected together, the cable is sufficiently long to be used with computers/consoles - and without the splitter, just at the right length for mobile phones.
◆ Dimensions
The headset is not huge by any means. Neither the side unit nor the head band are obnoxiously large like standard gaming headsets. The ear pads keep a small profile, the cushions measure in at 9.5 centimeters at the longer end and 8 centimeters at the shorter end, giving just enough coverage to hold my big ears in. The top padding is 1 centimeters thick, and around 10 centimeters long. The steel headbands can be extended 3.5 centimeters on both sides, and for a person with a bigger head like myself, they might have to be extended all the way down to have a comfortable fit. The flexible microphone stand measures around 13 centimeters, end to end. The cable from the headset is around 1.2 meters long, and the audio splitter cable is 1.7 meters - making the whole cable setup reach almost 3 meters in combined length.
I think I covered most of the points I wanted to know before I ordered the headset. Would I buy it again? If I don't want to spend ₹10,000 on a BlackShark V2 or ₹ 7,000 on a feature rich SoundBlaster H6, I probably would get this on the sale price of ₹ 2,790. At a price around ₹ 2,000 to ₹ 2,500 this easily is recommendable. Not so above that.
TLDR; For people who want a budget - name brand - non leatherette - well built headset which does not scream 'gaming' when you look at it, this might be it. However, if you can tolerate faux-leather, you might be able to do better.
| Special Feature | over-ear |
|---|---|
| Included Components | 1 HyperX Cloud Stinger Core for PC with in-line audio control |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Material | Steel |
| Headphones Jack | 3.5 mm Jack |
| Noise Control | Sound Isolation |
| Charging Time | 20 Hours |
| Ear Placement | Over Ear |
| Control Type | Media Control |
| Microphone Form Factor | In-Line |
| Cable Feature | Retractable |
| Item Weight | 12 Grams |
| Net Quantity | 1 Pack |
| Style | Cloud Stinger Core PC |
| Control Method | Remote |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Cable Length | 4.3 Feet |
| Is Autographed | No |
| Manufacturer | HyperX, HP Inc |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. |
| Item model number | HX-HSCSC2-BK/WW |
| Voltage | 5 Volts |
| Hardware Platform | PC |
| Are Batteries Included | No |
| Lithium Battery Energy Content | 2 Kilowatt Hours |
| Lithium Battery Weight | 2 Grams |
| Number of Lithium Ion Cells | 5 |
| Number of Lithium Metal Cells | 5 |
| Manufacturer | HyperX |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Item Weight | 12 g |
