HyperX Cloud Orbit S Gaming Headset with 3D Audio, Head Tracking, and Detachable Noise Cancelling Microphone for PC, Xbox, PS4, Mac, Mobile, Switch

Holy crap. Best headset I've ever had.History: I'm strictly a PC gamer. Been on the hunt for a new headset after my old Logitech Artemis Spectrum G933 started shorting out. After a lot of research I tried the SteelSeries Arctis 7 (2019 edition), SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC, and the new Logitech G Pro X.The SteelSeries Arctis 7 had bad sound quality - I couldn't get any decent sound from it even with EQ. Unimpressed.The Arctis Pro was much better, but the GameDAC is crap - anything other than Flat EQ setting caused popping noises after audio stopped, and the surround feature sounds horrible. The headset seems to go into an inactive mode after 10 seconds of no audio, causing a digital popping sound if the EQ isn't set to flat. Also, to get decent sound out of them I had to run Equalizer APO + Peace to get even remotely close to good sound. The GameDAC EQ settings are decent, but again, if you use them you get a wonderful popping sound any time audio ends after 10 seconds.The Logitech G Pro X wasn't bad, but it was hollow and lacked the immersion I like for gaming and music. The mic on that thing is great though. The G Pro X would be my choice for a cheaper headset.======Enter the HyperX Cloud Orbit S. This headset sounds phenomenal out of the box, no EQ required. That said, it does come with plenty of EQ presents which I'm playing around with, however I find the "Default" EQ the best sounding for everything from games to music. This also happens to be the EQ it comes set on out of the box. The other EQ options are very well done, with no distortion. The "Warm" setting is a great bass boost for those who like a bit more power to the bass end.The "S" version includes head tracking technology which will virtually simulate a real "room" in which you are listening to audio, changing the sound when you move your head. It's extremely accurate and does exactly what it says it will do. While cool, I don't find a real use for it, as I prefer my audio to be based on my character's actual location in games, not my own head. For music, if you want to pretend you're in a concert hall, it's awesome. The non-S version lacks this feature and is a little cheaper.The 3D audio feature is unparalleled. I have never used the virtual surround feature in any past headset, since it tends to just degrade the sound quality and sound awful. This is the first headset where I actually ENJOY the 3D setting in games AND music. It opens up a wonderful soundstage that sounds like you're sitting in the audience of a live concert. I've spent several hours switching 3D audio on and off listening to music and in games. It will come down to personal preference, but I'm thoroughly impressed. Even without the gimmicky head-tracking tech, the 3D audio is nothing less than astounding.Comfort, not a problem. Reviews say the Arctis series is more comfortable with the ski-goggle strap style, which I actually really did like. This headset is perfectly comfortable though, and I forget I have it on. The memory foam headband and ear cups don't get too hot. Some reviewers complain about the weight. I do not find this headset overly heavy at all, especially after taking a little time to adjust it to sit properly on my head. It has more than enough extension to accommodate larger heads.The microphone is good. Some people mention that it is too quiet, however with proper positioning it is very clear and loud. You just have to make sure it's pointed the right way.The cons I can come up with:- Cannot control mic sidetone. Audeze states if the mic gain is set to less than 44% in the software, the sidetone is disabled, and this is true. I've never been a fan of microphone sidetone anyway, so I wish we could turn this off completely and still set microphone gain to 100%.- There is an EVER so slight "white noise" when no audio is playing. It's less of a sound or hiss than a "feeling." I can tell if the headset is on and nothing is playing - it's not an empty void of sound. This is hardly a con though. As soon as any audio is playing this is completely masked an unnoticeable. This sound floor is to be expected with any active amp headset, as I understand.- It's not wireless. Maybe in the future they will come out with a wireless version, however I do believe the pros of a wired connection (latency/sound quality/battery issues) outweighs wireless since I just sit at my PC desk anyway.- The "voice" prompts when switching EQ settings. This headset comes with preset EQ options, and when switching between them it feels the need to vocally announce which EQ setting you are choosing. This makes it somewhat difficult to compare the EQ presets, since you have to wait for a voice to announce this setting between options. I much prefer an instant switch where I can really tell how the sound is changing. This could easily be fixed in a future software/firmware update.- EQ. There is no option for a custom EQ, and the preset settings don't show what the EQ is actually doing. Again, easily fixed in a future software version I hope.Everything considered, this blows every Logitech and SteelSeries headset I've tried out of the water. I'm extremely satisfied and recommend this headset to anyone who can afford it. It's worth the extra $$$.

So this product is entirely of plastic and like all plastics it has weak points. With headphones those are usually where the cup meets the headband. That is where this one just snapped after less than 6 months of use. For the price, not acceptable.I'll go ahead and rate the rest of it since I'm here.The sound quality is ok. I was hoping these new type of speaker would offer something unheard before, but the bass is less than satisfying. There was no static overall, very clear, but not what I was hoping from gaming headset. Still overall I was very satisfied with them as a replacement for my Razer Nari which had a terrible mic (the mic is the best feature of these HyperX, very very good to my friends).Comfort wise these were fine. Not the most comfortable, not the least. Much lighter than the Nari's, but with the cost of bass sound as stated above.Cord length was great. Cord is fiber, very sturdy.The "S" feature was kind of gimmicky to me. Cool for about 15 minutes, but then became a pain to remember to re-center them all of the time.All in all, probably would not pick them again, but don't hate them either.As for support on my broken set, I don't know yet. I got the dreaded answering machine routine so far. We'll see.Update: I am lowering my rating to 1 star because of their customer support, or lack thereof. I have made contact with a human via email, sent them pictures, receipt etc. and have heard nothing from them in 2 weeks now. I seem to just be out the money. I am an older guy, take EXTREMELY good care of my computer and peripherals. These snapped when I slightly pulled them apart to set them on my head. They said they may do nothing since people throw items when they get angry. Good excuse. After looking through the many reviews there are many more like me whose sets have broken (right ear cup mostly for some reason). DO NOT BUY THEM.

I decided to check back on this model to see if a new version was made and noticed the poor reviews. Im gonna be real here because im a huge gamer and I love my quality for sound. With that being said these headphones have provided and impeccable sound experience in gaming. I can actually spectate my friends games and tell them where enemies are for them because these headphones are that good. I hear better than the huge group I play with. I see a ton of reviews complaining about durability. I gotta tell you, i drop these things twice a day, on a carpet floor mind you, but from 4 feet up almost. Never has this headset broken or malfunctioned. Dont be a ragey gamer and they might last ;). I think the worst experience ive had is every blue moon they just shutoff. Its pretty rare, but i just turn them back on. Comfortability is also big need for me because I game all day sometimes, but I hardly ever get ear aches from it. I have big ears and they fit great honestly. The audio software i never dabble in. Audeze is interesting but i just set 3D Audio to "On" and LEAVE IT ALONE. Its all you need. Yes these are expensive. I wont lie there, but hey. 2 1/2 years later and still going strong. Ps the ear muffs have gotten slighty worn but nothing horrible. Its expected.