Razer and HyperX are known for producing sublime gaming headsets. They both have been in the market long enough to know what their consumers want. When there is a battle between these two units, then you know that you have an even contest at hand.
This comparison review will be looking at the Razer Kraken Ultimate and the HyperX Cloud 2 gaming headset. Now the Razer Kraken Ultimate is one of the best in the Razer stable. The headsets have come with the THX spacial sound, eyewear friendly, and are priced affordably.
On the other hand, the HyperX Cloud 2 gaming headset can be termed as a second to none unit. The model offers you with outstanding audio quality for listening to music and gaming, comes with a stunning microphone, and exceptional comfort.
As there is not much of a difference between the price range, how do you know which is better? In that case, you must read the below review carefully to make a wise decision. We have provided you with the features, including the audio performance, to help you decide on them.
 |  |
|---|---|
| RAZER KRAKEN ULTIMATE | HYPERX CLOUD 2 |
| PROS | PROS |
| Its design is top-notch quality. The audio performance is remarkable. Its software is one of the best in the segment. It comes with THX spatial audio that is an exceptional software-driven surround. The color options are excellent. | The design is stubborn in looks. It comes with a stunning finish. It has an exceptional audio quality. It has several valuable extras. The unit comes cheaply priced under $150. |
| CONS | CONS |
| Few users have felt that it is simply quite huge. | Sadly, you cannot detach the headphone cord. |
| SPECIFICATIONS | RAZER KRAKEN ULTIMATE | HYPERX CLOUD 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Product Name | Kraken Ultimate Wired Over-the-Ear Headset | Cloud II Pro Wired Gaming Headset |
| Brand | Razer | HyperX |
| Sound Mode | Stereo | Surround |
| Connection Type | Wired | Wired |
| Built-In Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Headphone Fit | Over-the-Ear | Over-the-Ear |
| Adjustable Headband | Yes | No |
| Microphone Features | Noise cancelling | |
| Carrying Case | Yes | |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
DESIGN & COMFORT
The Razer Kraken model comes with the THX spatial audio that Razer produces. Besides, the unit comes with a 50-millimeter driver. The construction of the headset is fabulous and sturdy.
It comes made from aluminum steel that enables it to be superlight. We also found that it is eyewear-friendly. If you are concerned about your spectacle or long hair, then you have no worries when using this unit.
We loved the active noise cancellation microphone that comes in terms of the Razer Chroma RGB. Additionally, you can make use of the cooling gel on the earcups. They make the unit extremely comfortable to put on for lengthy gaming sessions.
The model comes with an adjustable headband that is quite flexible for you to use. We also found that it is robust and can be termed durable. Many users have complimented the headband because of its feature.
The clamping force is exceptional and can seamlessly fit your head very well. We did not find clamping power on the head too excessive, and it was ideal on the eyes. You will be delighted to know that it is stable on your head too.
The microphone performance was sublime; we will read about it later on. However, it is retractable, which is a good thing. Most of the gaming headsets these days do not come with retractable microphones that have an adverse effect on your comfort.
The HyperX Cloud 2 is another exceptional unit that comes with a comfortable design. Though it is mainly made from metal and plastic, the comfort is not at all compromised. Besides, the head cushion comes with excellent padding for additional comfort.
The memory foam on the earcups gives them a sturdy but eloquent feeling when you wear it. This unit is superb and is very comfortable. The device comes with a 53-millimeter driver and braided cable.
Unfortunately, the cable cannot be removed from the unit. That can cause inconvenience for gamers who are keen on optimum comfort level. So, you need to ensure that you get up slowly and do not rush into things.
We noticed that the earcups do not move around too much. However, you do not want to stretch the headband to its limits. The ear cups are made from plastic and not metal. However, they do not look cheap in any way.
Overall, the HyperX Cloud 2 is a robustly designed unit that is also extremely comfortable and versatile. The Razer Kraken Ultimate excels in comfort too. We felt that they both are quite comfortable and have a unique design.
BUILD QUALITY
Both the Razer Kraken Ultimate and the HyperX Cloud 2 comes with the exceptional build quality. Let us find the better of the two models. The comfort level of the earcups on the Ultimate model was splendid.
They come with a pretty cushion. Gamers can find some leather also in there, and it is more like fabric rather than a heat-causing material. You will be glad to know that the earcups come with cooling technology that ensures it remains comfortable for long periods of time.
The cooling memory foam is top-notch. Gamers can now wear them for long hours without any discomfort. When you wear them for few hours in a hot region, you may feel inconvenience. However, you can remove them to get some fresh air.
The HyperX Cloud 2 comes with a 53-millimeter driver that enables you to exercise maximum comfort. When the unit is less than 50mm, then it can become difficult. If you have a large head, then things can become challenging.
The fitting is splendid and goes around your ears sublimely. They do not sit on your ears. Its build quality is stunning because of the material, and it will not bother you whatsoever. We felt that it is not too heavy.
Gamers can say that they have something on their heads. Overall, the build quality for the Razer Ultimate model is astounding. It comes from material that makes you immensely happy. Likewise, the HyperX Cloud 2 comes with the remarkable build quality.
AUDIO PERFORMANCE
The audio performance of the gaming headset depends on the kind of material that they come made from. The Ultimate unit comes with a barrage of features, including surround sound, USB, active noise-canceling microphone.
The Razer Chroma RGB is a notable feature of the gaming headset. It comes with lighting that can be customized and then changed to the kind of color you require. We loved the quality of the unit because it is exceptional and makes it look super clean.
The Razer Synapse software offers you with stunning mixer and sound property stereo. Additionally, there is surround sound and positional audio. It has a bass boost. We loved how we could adjust the volume on the microphone.
You can also set the sidetone and the sensitivity. Gamers can utilize the microphone’s active noise cancellation and use the static, immediate effects, spectrum cycling. Another support for the Razer Chroma unit is switching off/on lighting and brightness.
The earcups come with velour enabling them to transform into an open-back headset. The sound can enter and go out. That means you can hear the sound environment and how the noise enters and goes out.
Supposing, you are somebody who is keen on playing in a quiet environment. Then you will want to make use of the pleather earcups. You can replace them with the headset and then convert to the open and closed mode.
The audio quality on the Cloud 2 is outstanding, to say the least. It provides you with an incredible sound thanks to the microphone. The microphone is exceptionally built and comes with the attached cable.
Unfortunately, we felt that it is short and does not come with a PC-Y adapter. Instead, it comes with a USB sound card that can be used on several platforms. It can be converted into the open back to close back by replacing the earcups.
MICROPHONE PERFORMANCE
The Ultimate microphone works exceptionally well. Its audio quality is second to none, and the performance of the microphone is excellent. We did not find any ambient sound going out, and besides, it is an active noise-canceling unit.
Gamers can expect high-quality sound from the microphone by merely adjusting the volume. They can also adjust the volume of the microphone and microphone sensitivity, along with vocal clarity.
Additionally, you must ensure that the retractable microphone is powered using the active noise-canceling technology for nullifying the audio when spoken. Even mild sound gets canceled seamlessly.
The HyperX Cloud 2 also offers an excellent microphone for high-performance sound quality. We were highly impressed with the performance, and it is incredible. The audio quality was top-notch, and you can detach the microphone when not using it.
COMPATIBILITY
The Razer Kraken Ultimate is compatible with most of gaming consoles and your PC. We were highly impressed with the sound quality offered. The bass boost was exceptional and noticeable.
However, you may want to turn it once in a while to get the right element of music quality. The sound range was sublime. We used the headset with the PS4 using the controller. You can make use of the Astro MixAmps.
We did the same using the HyperX Cloud 2 with the help of the USB sound card. The sound quality was unbelievable. We were able to hear what we wanted. Some of the shooting games really stood out, like Valerie.
Since it comes with the pleather earcup and closed-back headset, the sound performance is not minced even once. The volume was solid and exceptional. We could hear the punches real well. Overall, both gaming headsets can be used on almost all the latest consoles and devices in the market.
Though we did not try them with most of them, we did find them peerless on the PS4.
PRICE
The models are available on most online retailers. The brands are known for producing sublime models in the segment. The Razer Kraken Ultimate – USB Gaming Headset is priced under $150. When you are looking for a gaming headset that is priced less than $200, then this can be yours.
It is available in 3 attractive colors. The HyperX Cloud II – Gaming Headset is priced under $130. You can get it for a lower price during sales and discounts. This is suitable for gamers in search of a unit that is in the $100 range.
It is available in 2 vibrant colors of gunmetal and red. The price difference is not much, in fact, it is less than $50. The features are almost on par with each other. We were highly impressed with their functionalities in the price range.
It ultimately boils down to the preference of the user.
VERDICT
The Razer Kraken Ultimate is a good gaming headset. It comes with outstanding features and tremendous audio performance. Besides, it is not that expensive, if you look at it, under $150. The unit also has an excellent durability factor with it.
However, the HyperX Cloud 2 is the headset you may want to think about buying. That is because Cloud 2 offers the outstanding sound quality, premium build quality, and the microphone working is simply astounding.
Our testers also thought the HyperX Cloud 2 appears better than the Razer Kraken Ultimate. Gamers can make use of the USB audio for getting a sublime inline control box. When you spend this much, you might not want to choose low features and bad quality audio.
Having said that, Cloud 2 gives you immense flexibility and power. The quality of the audio performance is second to none for the price range compared to other models in the market. It is a worthy unit helping you get the most from them possible.
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James Smith has always been intrigued by electronic products since his childhood. After his post graduation in electronics from a popular university, he decided to pursue a career in the electronics sector. But his calling for writing about these marvellous pieces of work got the better of him. That is how UBG was started. With a writing career spanning more than 12 years, James has worked on several hundred product reviews. During his free time, he like to spend time with his pet dog and relax in the swimming pool.