Kingston HyperX Gaming Headset Review

Overview

 

For the next two weeks, I’ll be testing and reviewing the Kingston HyperX Gaming Headset (KHX-H2SS/WR). I’d also like to add that this is my first review for pcGameware, so hopefully all goes well…

The Kingston HyperX Gaming Headset is a closed-cup, stereo gaming headset manufactured by SteelSeries for Kingston, it is in fact a SteelSeries Siberia V2. It features 50mm Drivers, a retractable microphone, passive noise reduction, in-line audio with mute & volume control and a 3m (1m attached + 2m extension) cable.

Or as Kingston like to say – ‘Get your head in the game and kick your opponents’ backsides with this premium, limited edition headset. In classic HyperX® black and blue (like the other guy will be), it amps up your game with 50mm driver units delivering rich and dramatic soundscapes, from immersive background music to precise 3D positional sounds of footsteps and gunfire to add to your experience. Plus, you’ll look cool while you’re playing, thanks to the award-winning Siberia V2 design’.

 

 

The headset itself is boxed in a dark, tasteful and in a not at all over the top manner, which for a gaming headset was a surprise! The front of the box features the instantly recognisable SteelSeries logo as well as the Kingston HyperX logo. The front of the box also features a large window showing off the Kingston HyperX headset within and endorsements from professional gamers Incredible Miracle, SK Gaming and NaVi. It describes the HyperX as a Gaming Headset and goes on to highlight the following features:

• Pro Gaming Optimized – Crystal clear high, low and mid-tones
• Pull-Out Microphone – ‘Invisible’ microphone system
• Closed Type Headset – Improved passive noise reduction
• Long Lasting Comfort – Lightweight suspension and construction
• 50MM Driver Units – Rich reproduction of all acoustic details

The back of the box lists the headset features (see Specifications/Features below) along with a description of the headset from SteelSeries, see below:

KINGSTON HYPERX GAMING HEADSET

“Celebrating 10 years in the game, HyperX joins forces with SteelSeries to further enhance your gaming experience. Stand out from the crowd, show your support for e-sports and celebrate the games with us. This premium, limited edition headset is now available to you in the classic HyperX black and blue theme – combining the most distinctive qualities both brands are built on: cutting-edge design, serious performance and uncompromised quality. Based on the Siberia v2 design, winner of worldwide review and tournament awards, this headset has all the qualities the world’s best pro gamers demand. The 50mm driver units allow you to experience rich and dramatic soundscapes – from immersive atmospheric background music to precise 3D positional sounds of footsteps, gunfire and more.

– Retractable built-in microphone. Use it for gaming or IP telephony.
– Volume regulator and voice mute switch.
– 1m cord, with 3.5mm mini jack. For connecting directly to PC or audio equipment like MP3 players.
– Closed type headphone.
– 2m extension cord with 3.5mm mini jacks, for connecting to PC or other audio equipment.

Tested and approved by professional gamers from NaVi, Incredible Miracle and SK Gaming.”

 

 

The right side of the box is mostly taken up by the window and shows off the Kingston HyperX headset itself, but also draws attention to the ‘pull-out microphone’. The left has a picture of the headset and again draws attention to the ‘pull-out microphone’!

 

Within the box we find the usual health and safety warnings, SteelSeries case sticker, Kingston HyperX case sticker and more importantly the headset itself.

 

 

At the time of review the Kingston HyperX Gaming Headset is retailing for approximately £70 and comes with the standard 2 year warranty.

 

Specifications/Features

courtesy of Kingston Technology

* Additional details available here

 

First Impressions

 

First impressions of the Kingston HyperX… At first glance I have to admit I wasn’t keen! I didn’t like the HyperX metallic blue colour, I didn’t like the dual headband as it looked somewhat flimsy and I certainly didn’t like the gaming style. Visually I thought they looked a little tacky and cheaply built (not ideal for a £70 gaming headset).

So in picking them up, I was very surprised to find them to be solidly built (taking away my fears of cheapness). The cabling also had a really nice soft textured feel to it and the gold plated audio jacks have coloured pink and green rings to match up with correct socket. Upon handling the headset itself the light weight was duly noted, and after actually wearing them, I was further pleasantly surprised.

 

 

From the left ear cup we have a 1m (2m extension also in box) audio cable with a colour matched inline audio control, this has your typical volume control and mute switch as well as the SteelSeries logo.

The right cup had no additional features, both cups have your typical L and R printed on them in order to help avoid confusion and also feature the Kingston HyperX logo.

Both cups have a nice soft cushioned leather padding and on the inner cup along with noise reducing foam inserts with a big white X (HyperX logo) printed inside. The cups tilt up and down creating an adjustable clamp like effect.

 

 

The headband felt surprisingly durable, the outer band being almost like piano wire with a plastic sleeve, the inner ‘suspension’ band being leather & felt with the Kingston HyperX logo printed on the leather band.

 

 

The headset’s self adjustment is not only incredibly comfortable, but also means anyone can wear them, even the Mekon!.

 

 

The inner ear cups house the 50mm Drivers and are protected by a thin noise reducing foam with the Kingston HyperX logo on them.

 

 

Hidden inside the left cup also reveals the retractable ‘Pull-Out’ microphone which is advertised once or twice on the packaging. This I have to admit I really liked, after a few previous removable microphones have gone missing around the house…

 

 

Hardware Installation

 

As the Kingston HyperX is a gaming headset and a mid-range device, I believe it’s only right to pair it with onboard audio, not only because onboard audio is what most gamers will be using theses days, but because the quality has dramatically improved in recent years. So for test purposes I’ll be using the current Realtek High Definition Audio Drivers on an MSI MPower Z77 motherboard.

 

The Kingston HyperX headset simply connects to the motherboard I/O panel via the 2×3.5mm audio jack plugs.

 

 

Testing Methodology/Setup

 

The Kingston HyperX was tested using my home rig. Running Windows 7 64bit (service pack 1) with all appropriate Drivers installed and updated. Being an audio jack style headset, no further software is required or supplied. So no fresh install of Windows was needed.

The following games and utilities were used during testing:

• Battlefield 3
• Arma 2-DayZ mod
• Blacklight Retribution
• Metro 2033 (benchmark)
• Unigine Heaven (benchmark)
• Unigine Valley (benchmark)

 

Hardware Performance

 

• Headset

 

The performance of the Kingston HyperX headset, in my opinion, was very good. Everything sounded clear and concise with good treble (I could clearly hear the wildlife during the Unigine Valley benchmark), although a slightly deeper bass would have been nice, but in doing so I’d guess the sound reproduction may lose some of its clarity.

The Kingston HyperX shone again in the Metro 2033 benchmark. I was able to clearly hear the speech at the beginning with the haunting musical score, through to the whistling bullets and the gratifying thud of the heavy machine gun.

The 50mm Drivers and cushioned ear-cups helped to immerse me further in the explosive warzone of Battlefield 3 and Blacklight Retribution. They blocked out most outside sound well, but unfortunately the outside world was still audible (as emphasized on several occasions by my other half…).

With the Arma 2-DayZ mod, the Kingston HyperX helped to give me a better sense of distance. Very handy for knowing when to run or hide in the nearest bush, sadly for me this almost always ended up with me still being sniped and left as food for the local wildlife. Perhaps I just need to up my game a little?

 

• Comfort

 

The dual headband sits very comfortably making its own adjustments and with prolonged use it’s very easy to forget you’re even wearing them. There’s no doubt that the Kingston HyperX is extremely comfortable. They are so light in fact, on more than one occasion the headset almost ended up paying a visit to the toilet (soz) with me! Definitely one of the most comfortable and least sweaty headsets I’ve tried so far.

 

• Microphone

 

The retractable microphone was great. I liked the flexibility to move it into your ‘perfect position’, the added durability if dropped (this is of course something I’ve never ever done..) and the way it simply slides back into the ear-cup when not in use (although a little surprised to find it doesn’t auto mute when hidden?), even more so because you can’t remove it and then lose it! Great pick-up via Steam chat even in group chat. In fact many friends decided it was better quality than a phone call (or perhaps I have cheap friends). 😉

 

Final Thoughts

 

Despite my initial impressions, I have to admit that I’ve really enjoyed my time with the Kingston HyperX Gaming Headset. They are incredibly comfortable and help immerse you when gaming and close out the outside world (apologies to the wife and kids).

The retractable microphone although not an innovation, is well designed. I especially like that its irremovable (not going to lose it!) and just hides away inside the left ear-cup. I also liked the sound coming from the Kingston HyperX headset, although through personal choice I’d have liked a heavier bass, others though, may disagree…

The headset is a stereo headset which means no 5.1 or virtual surround sound. To me this is not a problem as I’m not entirely convinced they truly make a major impact when gaming. After my short affair with the Kingston HyperX, I’m actually sorry to see them go. I’ve even grown fond of the metallic blue design! 😉

If you’re in the market for a striking, light, incredibly comfortable and well balanced gaming headset, I’d say the Kingston HyperX are certainly good enough for your hard earnt £70.

 

Verdict

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Many thanks to Kingston Technology for providing this sample for review