Pros: Sound isolation Microphone Accessories

Cons: Tight fitting Bulky; may elicit teasing

Overall Review: My demands were specific: "I want a circumaural, sound isolating, headset with audible microphone and 3.5mm TRRS connector for my BlackBerry." I have not experienced an adequate in-line microphone so I focussed on boom mic. There are surprisingly few options, I found out the expensive way that Headset-Buddy does not work. I was deciding between these and the Razer BlackShark and am pleased with my decision. - Appearance: 8/10 Wearing them, I look like I just climbed out of a tank. That may be fine if I was in my basement playing Modern Combat but may look out of place around the office. - Comfort: 8/10 I will agree that the sliding headband adjustment is poorly designed because it always slides until fully extended. The tension is firm which I believe enhances the sound isolation and also helps keep their position. I wear this headset at work for an average of 6 hours a day and they are more comfortable than any supra-aural (on-ear) headphones. I wear them when not listening to anything just to block out the noise. My head is larger than average, I am sorry to hear about those owners that found them ill fitting. - Sound isolation: 9/10 I wear these to listen to music, audio conference with co-workers, and take phone calls in a loud environment. The only better sound isolation I found were in a pair of Browning circumaural Hearing Protectors (NRR 31) or foam earplugs (NRR 30). The noise reduction is as good as many of the noise cancelling headphones I have tried. Until I got these beauties, I was using foam earplugs with headphones so I would not blow out my sensitive hearing, the escaping sound irritated co-workers. With this headset, there are no leaks. - Sound quality: 10/10 The sound quality from these is as good as any headphones I have tried in the $100 - $200 range. - Microphone: 10/10 The sale price on this headset is worth it for the microphone and USB sound-card alone. - Quality: 10/10 From cups to cords, the quality is remarkable. They look like they can take a beating. - Overall: 9/10 Considering all of the great features (USB Dolby Surround card, high quality construction, excellent case, exceptional microphone), I can understand the high MSRP. On sale, they are a sweet bargain.

Pros: - Solid - Cables - Connectors - Sound quality

Cons: - Detachable microphone

Overall Review: The headset is comfortable and seems durable. The level of sound isolation is excellent with the enclosed circumaural aluminum cups. The sound quality is great for music and tends to boost bass. Long high quality braided cables. The headset is permanently attached to a 1 m cable ending in a 4 pole 3.5 mm audio+mic plug. This works great with mobile phone and MacBook. The extension is 2+ m dual 3 pole 3.5 mm plug for audio and mic on one end, 4 pole socket on the other. This is great for PC. The provided cables are perfect. The microphone is better quality than many headsets but has noticeably lower voice clarity and isolation compared to Plantronics Gamecom Commander. The big problem with the microphone is moving it out of the way when not in use. A detachable mic is a nuisance; my phone starts to ring, I scramble to locate the mic and plug it in, fail, missed call. A better design is swivel. With a better designed mic, this is a 5/5 headset, for $80, 4/5.

Pros: - The layout is perfect, the keys are well placed and stable. Minimalist form while keeping all the keys. They have replaced the useless (to me) menu key by a function key for media controls. - The build quality is solid. There are no creaks or wobbles and the rubber feet keep the board where I want it. - The full sized USB connection is well placed near the front right end of the board. I tend to place my keyboard against the base of a monitor stand or laptop so this is perfect for me. - The rubberised texture of the bezel was unexpected. The matte black finish is appealing to sight and touch, if only I could get keycaps that nice.

Cons: If I had to pick out my least favourite things about this keyboard, they would be the font used on the keycaps and the Num/Caps/Scroll lock LEDs. The font on the keycaps is odd looking, large print, and sometimes confusing. I would prefer smaller, more standard printing in the top left corner of the key or no printing at all. The Num/Caps/Scroll LEDs are very close to the number pad so I must lean forward to check, same as Filco, very minor. I wish the XT had LEDs under the Num/Caps/Scroll lock key similar to the CM Storm compact models.

Overall Review: This was purchased to replace a defective Rosewill RK-9000. The fist Rosewill shipped with a defective 'D' key, the second developed a defective 'O' key within 9 months. I loved that keyboard but comparing the two I would pick the CM. It seems to be quieter, softer somehow. Perhaps the sound is dampened by the rubberised bezel, perhaps the red metal plate in the Rosewill acted as a resonant soundboard. I have also used Razer BlackWidow, Filco, and Unicomp. I dislike the Razer because of its cheap feeling/sounding plastic construction. The Filco was just as nice as this keyboard but the cable entrance was inconveniently located in the centre of the back and the premium price seems to be for improved customer service. I did not have a chance to write code on the noisy Unicomp because my colleagues threatened to bludgeon me after typing my username and password.

Pros: Well built and solid

Cons: Poor quality control

Overall Review: I ordered this keyboard and it arrived with one defective key switch ('D'). The RMA was processed quickly and painlessly. I would have preferred that the first keyboard was fully functional but the second one is excellent. This inconvenience could have been avoided with better quality control. The appearance is great; I like the red underlay. The construction is solid; I have used Filco and Razer and this one feels as good as the Filco. People have mentioned a flaw in the mini USB jack on the keyboard being prone to breakage but that is not an issue since the keyboard is stationary on my desk, I see it as an advantage to have the dedicated PS/2 cable. I interpreted "laser printing" on the keycaps to mean laser etched but the paint/ink is raised slightly. Still the keycaps are clear and standard. This keyboard makes me want to type more.

NewEgg sent me a notice that my order was delayed two weeks after I received the delivery. There was no way to confirm the order arrived. There seems to be a communication gap between seller, tracking, and NewEgg. I am pleased with the delivery speed and I have been looking everywhere for an original "HyperX Cloud Core Gaming Headset" so am overjoyed this seller had it. The packaging was appropriate, I recommend this seller.to confirm delivery through NewEgg?