Introduction
In the world of competitive gaming, having the right gear can mean the difference between victory and defeat. A high-quality headset is essential for immersing yourself in the game world, pinpointing the location of enemies, and communicating clearly with your teammates. The HyperX Cloud Revolver is a popular choice among gamers, promising premium sound quality, comfort, and durability. But with so many options on the market, is it really the best choice for serious gamers? In this in-depth review, we‘ll examine the Cloud Revolver from every angle to help you decide if it‘s the right headset for your needs.
HyperX: A Leader in Gaming Peripherals
Before we dive into the specifics of the Cloud Revolver, let‘s take a closer look at the company behind it. HyperX was founded in 2002 as a division of Kingston Technology, a well-established name in computer memory and storage solutions. Originally focused on high-performance RAM for gaming PCs, HyperX has since expanded its lineup to include a wide range of gaming peripherals, from keyboards and mice to microphones and headsets.
HyperX‘s products have earned a reputation for delivering top-notch performance and build quality at competitive prices. The company sponsors several professional esports teams and collaborates with popular streamers and content creators, giving them valuable insights into the needs and preferences of serious gamers.
According to a 2020 report by Market Research Future, the global gaming headset market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 7.2% from 2020 to 2025, reaching a value of $2.5 billion. HyperX is well-positioned to capitalize on this growth, with a 12% market share in the gaming headset industry as of 2019 (Source: IDC).
Cloud Revolver Features and Specifications
Now let‘s take a closer look at what the HyperX Cloud Revolver brings to the table:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Driver | 50mm directional drivers with neodymium magnets |
| Frequency response | 12Hz–28,000Hz |
| Impedance | 30 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 104.5dBSPL/mW at 1kHz |
| Audio controls | In-line volume and mute controls, USB control box with 7.1 toggle |
| Microphone | Detachable noise-cancelling electret condenser, unidirectional |
| Microphone frequency | 50Hz-18,000 Hz |
| Microphone sensitivity | -40dBV (0dB=1V/Pa,1kHz) |
| Weight | 360g |
| Cable length | 1m headset cable, 2m PC extension cable |
| Connections | 3.5mm plug, USB |
| Compatibility | PC, PS4/PS5, Xbox One/Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, mobile devices |
The standout feature of the Cloud Revolver is its 50mm directional drivers, which use powerful neodymium magnets to deliver precise audio positioning. Neodymium is the strongest permanent magnet material available, allowing for a higher magnetic flux density in a smaller size compared to traditional ferrite magnets. This means the drivers can respond more quickly and accurately to changes in the audio signal, resulting in better clarity and detail.
The Cloud Revolver‘s drivers are also angled to fire sound more directly into your ears, creating a wider soundstage that makes it easier to locate the source of in-game noises. This design choice sets the Revolver apart from many other gaming headsets, which typically use drivers that are positioned parallel to your ears.
Sound Quality and Virtual Surround
To put the Cloud Revolver‘s audio capabilities to the test, I used it to play a variety of games across different genres, including first-person shooters, open-world RPGs, and racing sims. I also listened to music and watched movies to evaluate its performance with non-gaming content.
In shooter games like Call of Duty: Warzone and Apex Legends, the Revolver‘s directional audio was a huge asset. I could easily distinguish the location of footsteps, gunshots, and other important sound cues, giving me a better sense of my surroundings and allowing me to react more quickly to threats. The sound was crisp and detailed, with good separation between different frequencies.
The Revolver also excelled in more atmospheric games like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Horizon Zero Dawn. The wide soundstage made the game world feel more expansive and immersive, with subtle details like rustling leaves and distant animal calls coming through clearly. The headset‘s balanced sound profile handled both dialogue and sound effects well, without any harshness or distortion even at higher volumes.
When connected via USB, the Cloud Revolver supports virtual 7.1 surround sound through its inline control box. While not as precise as a true multi-speaker setup, the surround effect does add an extra layer of depth and directionality to the audio. In games with good surround sound implementation, like Hellblade: Senua‘s Sacrifice and Resident Evil 7, the Revolver‘s virtual surround made for a more engrossing experience, placing me right in the middle of the action.
However, the surround sound was less impressive with non-gaming content. When watching movies or listening to music, I found that the effect could sound a bit unnatural and echoey at times, and I often preferred to switch back to stereo mode for a more accurate representation of the original audio mix.
It‘s worth noting that the Cloud Revolver doesn‘t offer any EQ customization options, either through the USB control box or HyperX‘s NGENUITY software. While the default sound profile is well-tuned for gaming, some users may prefer the ability to tweak the bass and treble levels to their liking. Competitors like the SteelSeries Arctis Pro and Logitech G Pro X offer more robust software customization options.
Build Quality and Comfort
The HyperX Cloud Revolver makes a great first impression with its sleek, understated design and premium materials. The headset features a sturdy steel frame with a matte black finish, accented by red stitching on the leatherette headband and ear cups. The overall look is stylish and professional, without the garish RGB lighting or aggressive styling found on some other gaming headsets.
The build quality feels top-notch, with no creaking or flexing even when subjected to moderate twisting and bending. The headband is reinforced with a flexible metal core that distributes the weight evenly across your head, while still allowing for a good range of adjustment to fit different head sizes. The ear cups are attached to the headband via metal yokes that pivot and swivel for a better seal around your ears.
One area where HyperX consistently excels is comfort, and the Cloud Revolver is no exception. The memory foam ear cushions are covered in soft, breathable leatherette that feels pleasant against the skin and does a good job of wicking away heat and moisture. The headband also features generous padding to reduce pressure on the top of your head during long gaming sessions. Even after several hours of continuous use, I never experienced any discomfort or fatigue with the Cloud Revolver.
The headset‘s clamping force strikes a good balance between providing a secure fit and avoiding excessive pressure on your ears. However, users with particularly large heads may find it a bit snug, so it‘s worth trying on the headset before purchasing if possible.
At 360g, the Cloud Revolver is relatively lightweight for a gaming headset with metal components. It‘s not the lightest option on the market—the Razer BlackShark V2 and Logitech G Pro X both weigh in around 250-280g—but it‘s still comfortable to wear for extended periods without causing neck strain.
Microphone Performance and Static Issues
The Cloud Revolver‘s detachable microphone is one of its standout features, offering excellent voice clarity and noise cancellation. The mic uses a unidirectional polar pattern to focus on your voice and minimize background noise, making it ideal for gaming in shared spaces or environments with ambient sound.
In my tests, the mic did an impressive job of isolating my voice from keyboard and mouse clicks, as well as ambient noise from a nearby fan. My teammates reported that my voice came through loud and clear, without any distortion or muddiness even when I was speaking at a higher volume.
However, some users have reported issues with microphone static and background noise when using the Cloud Revolver. While I didn‘t personally encounter this problem during my testing, it‘s a common enough complaint to warrant further investigation.
There are a few potential causes of mic static, including interference from other electronic devices, USB port issues, cable damage, and driver conflicts. If you‘re experiencing static with the Cloud Revolver, try moving any nearby wireless devices away from your headset, using a different USB port, checking for any visible damage to the cable or control box, and ensuring you have the latest audio drivers installed for your system.
If none of these troubleshooting steps resolve the issue, it‘s possible you may have a defective unit. HyperX offers a two-year warranty on the Cloud Revolver, so you should be able to get a replacement if you encounter any hardware problems.
To put the Cloud Revolver‘s microphone quality into perspective, let‘s compare it to a few other popular gaming headsets:
| Headset | Microphone Type | Frequency Response | Sensitivity | Signal-to-Noise Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HyperX Cloud Revolver | Electret condenser, unidirectional | 50Hz-18,000 Hz | -40dBV (0dB=1V/Pa,1kHz) | Not specified |
| SteelSeries Arctis Pro | Retractable bidirectional | 100Hz-10,000 Hz | -38dBV/Pa | 58 dB |
| Sennheiser GSP 600 | Flip-to-mute unidirectional | 10Hz-18,000 Hz | -47dBV (0dB=1V/Pa,1kHz) | Not specified |
| Beyerdynamic MMX 300 (2nd Gen) | Detachable condenser, unidirectional | 5Hz-18,000 Hz | -38dBV/Pa | 58 dB |
As you can see, the Cloud Revolver‘s mic has a wider frequency response than the Arctis Pro, but narrower than the GSP 600 and MMX 300. Its sensitivity falls somewhere in the middle of the pack. Without a specified signal-to-noise ratio, it‘s hard to make a direct comparison on that front, but based on subjective listening tests, the Cloud Revolver‘s mic delivers competitive noise cancellation and voice clarity for its price point.
Value and Competition
At around $150, the HyperX Cloud Revolver sits in the upper-mid range of wired gaming headsets. It‘s pricier than entry-level options like the Razer Kraken X and Corsair HS50 Pro, but more affordable than premium headsets like the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 and Audeze Mobius.
Compared to similarly-priced competitors, the Cloud Revolver holds its own in terms of sound quality, comfort, and build quality. The SteelSeries Arctis Pro ($180) offers a more customizable EQ and a retractable microphone, but its surround sound implementation isn‘t as convincing as the Revolver‘s. The Sennheiser GSP 600 ($250) has a slightly wider frequency response and a flip-to-mute mic, but it‘s significantly more expensive and lacks virtual surround sound.
Within HyperX‘s own lineup, the Cloud Revolver sits a step above the popular Cloud Alpha ($100) and Cloud II ($100) models, offering a more spacious soundstage and better directional audio. However, the Alpha and II are lighter and more affordable, making them better choices for budget-conscious gamers who don‘t need virtual surround sound.
Ultimately, the Cloud Revolver‘s value proposition will depend on your specific needs and priorities as a gamer. If you play a lot of competitive shooters and want the best possible positional audio and mic quality, the Revolver is a strong contender. But if you‘re willing to sacrifice some sound quality for a lower price or more software features, there are other options to consider.
Conclusion
After extensive testing and analysis, it‘s clear that the HyperX Cloud Revolver is a top-tier gaming headset with a lot to offer serious gamers. Its 50mm directional drivers and virtual 7.1 surround sound deliver immersive, detailed audio that can give you a competitive edge in multiplayer games. The detachable noise-cancelling mic is also a standout feature, providing clear voice communication even in noisy environments.
The Cloud Revolver‘s build quality and comfort are excellent, with premium materials and generous padding that make it easy to wear for extended gaming sessions. And while it may not have the most extensive software customization options, its plug-and-play simplicity and compatibility with a wide range of devices make it a versatile choice for gamers who play on multiple platforms.
There are a few potential drawbacks to keep in mind, such as the lack of EQ adjustments and the reported issues with mic static for some users. But overall, the Cloud Revolver delivers impressive performance and value for its price point.
If you‘re in the market for a high-quality gaming headset with excellent sound, comfort, and mic quality, the HyperX Cloud Revolver is definitely worth considering. Just be sure to buy from a reputable retailer with a good return policy in case you encounter any hardware issues.
With its strong performance and reputation, HyperX is well-positioned to continue growing its market share in the booming gaming peripherals industry. As more and more gamers prioritize audio quality and comfort in their headsets, the Cloud Revolver stands out as a compelling option that balances premium features with long-term value.
