The pandemic changed the way we go about introducing children to technology. It’s unsurprising for a child to ask for a headset as a birthday gift. There is always the temptation to give children a pair of hand-me-down grown-up headphones, but that is not the best option. First, a larger size headset is uncomfortable for children. Second, the unregulated loudness levels of most adult headphones may not be good for a child’s hearing.

Recently, we came across HyperX Cloud Mini Wireless headset, designed for young gamers in the eight to 12 age group. Perhaps the biggest selling point of the headset is its volume limit of under 85dB. I agree 75dB is a better option but some kind of restriction is needed on a headset for children. One should remember that volume-limiting headphones are merely a tool that can help parents in protecting a child’s hearing but it’s not a solution. Be it adults or children headsets should not be used for long hours to listen to music or for gaming.

Simple design

The design of the headset is no-nonsense. There is, of course, plastic all over but the quality is quite good. More importantly, the headband cushion as well as earcups are quite comfortable. We could use the headset for a couple of weeks and it works well. However, its white colour is not something I am a fan of because of the accumulation of dirt over time.

There is a "tuck-away" boom mic on the HyperX Cloud Mini wireless headset

The headset comes with rotating earcups to ensure easy storage, which is not something many expensive headphones don’t come with.

There is a tuck-away microphone attached to the headset. It has an advantage as well as a drawback. Had it been detachable, the overall look of the headset could have been better but it would also have ensured that children lose the mic piece.

Sound quality

There are two ways to use the headset. You can connect to any device with a 3.5mm connection: Think of PCs, Ninetendo Switch, Xbox, PlayStation or MacBook Air.

When using wired, the headset has a high impedance with reduced sensitivity for less volume output, protecting the ears. In case you go wireless, there is 25 hours of battery life, meaning it will survive long gaming sessions.

Thanks to comfortable ear pads and an adjustable headband, the headset is designed to fit smaller head sizes quite effectively.

Even though perfect for gaming, the headset works for budding music fans. These headphones sound far better than those from most com petitors, which often sound muddy and muffled. The overall sound has a nice balance between low and high notes.

I was surprised to see my daughter favour this over a cartoon-covered style.

Should you buy it?

You can use the headset wirelessly or connect it to any 3.5mm port

A zippered travel case would have been handy while travelling. Apart from that, there is nothing to complain about the battery life or sturdiness of the headset. And there is a two-year warranty on the device. The foam in the pads is soft and doesn’t make a crinkling noise. There is a button to mute the volume (also pauses videos). As for the microphone quality, it’s decent. HyperX Cloud Mini wireless headset is enduring even if the child is tough on the device.

At a glance

Device: HyperX Cloud Mini Wireless

Price: ₹5,447

High notes

Volume-limiting device for children

Comfortable cushioning on the earcups

Sturdy

Microphone quality is good

Comes with a wire for 3.5mm connectivity

Muffled note

Doesn’t come with a carry case