HyperX Cloud Revolver S Gaming Headset
Feature
We put through the latest HyperX gaming headset to the test.
Design
Out of the box, I thought the Revolver S looked a little flimsy when compared to my current gaming headset. The thin metal suspension headband is lightweight, but it does look somewhat delicate. Looks can be deceiving though, as it stood up to the rigours of gaming and travelling during the course of the review testing.
The headset comes with a reasonably short braided cable (one metre), with a single 3.5mm plug. This can be extended with the dual 3.5mm connector (one headphone plug, one for microphone plug) extension or the USB audio control box which controls the 7.1 Dolby Surround sound. Both add a substantial length to the cable, allowing gamers to game further away from their PC.
The unit comes with a detachable boom microphone, which is definitely a plus, as it allows the Revolver S to work as an all-rounder, letting gamers use the headset whilst listening to music or watching movies whilst commuting. The black of the padding and frame allows the headset to match most gaming set-ups.
Comfort
Good looks are somewhat important, but for me, comfort is a major factor in deciding on a good gaming headset. The headrest of the Revolver S, which slides to fit any sized head, is well padded with soft leather and remains comfortable even after hours of gameplay. The wider metal frame headband was designed to evenly distribute the pressure placed on the head, and it seems to work as intended.
Like the headrest, the soft leather coated memory foam ear cups are extremely comfortable over extended periods of time, although I did find that they did become quite warm on a hot summer’s day. They’re also slightly larger than previous models enabling them to fit comfortably around the ears. The lightweight headrest and frame ensure that the headset does not become overbearing. Even for someone like me, who wears glasses, the ear cups do not push against the glasses frame as other headsets can do.
Features and Performance
Of course, looks and comfort aren’t everything. The quality of the audio and the output of the microphone probably take precedence when it comes to a gaming headset. Personally, I always like to test headsets in a range of scenarios. Yes, as a gamer, the priority is the performance whilst gaming, but as someone who uses a headset for other tasks, I like to see how they perform for each.
The USD Plug n’ Play control is excellent. It has the ability to turn up the volume on both the audio and the microphone as is the case with most other in-line controls, as well as the option to quickly mute the microphone at the touch of a button. But it also allows the 7.1 Dolby Surround to come into full effect. The sound quality when gaming is amazing, especially with those USB control attached. Whilst playing For Honor and Overwatch, I was easily able to pick up the direction of enemies (and team-mates) around me with the wonderful surround Sound. Team chatter is clear and explosions and other sound effects boom through the 50mm directional drivers. The microphone does a great job too, capturing my voice adequately enough for squad members whilst cancelling out much of the background noise.
When it comes to music, there are two functions I use headphones for... listening to the playlist of my favourite tunes and for use on the family digital piano. The Revolver S works well with both, even without the use of the USB control. Whilst on the digital piano, the bass and treble notes are produced with a wonderful clarity. And when listening to my playlist, the bass booms and lyrics are clear.
Rating
With the USB Audio control box attached, the Revolver S produces some great quality audio, but at the expense of a USB port. For those who game on a laptop, but use an external keyboard and mouse, USB ports can often be at a premium. As such, the sound quality really needs to be worth it. And this headset delivers in spades on that count. With the Dolby Surround 7.1, I don’t think I’ve ever been able to precisely determine where sounds are coming from. And whilst just using the 3.5mm plug (mainly when commuting), the sound quality is comparable to any other gaming headset in the HyperX range. Although the Revolver S does a glorious job with audio, it isn’t a fully noise cancelling unit. Wearing glasses probably doesn’t help though, as there is always that slight window for audio escape. Having the ability to detach the microphone (which does a great job), enables the HyperX Cloud Revolver S to be the ultimate all-rounder. I think I’ve just found my new favourite gaming headset.
Score: 9.2/10