The world of cheap gaming headsets is slowly getting crowded, with two great headsets, the HyperX Cloud Stinger and the Razer Kraken X, available for around £65. Now, in 2022, another contender has emerged in this already large arena: Cherry's HC 2.2, known more for its keyboard switches than its headsets.

First, its design offers a more minimalist, basic approach than the other contenders: the $80/60-pound HC 2.2 uses hard plastic for the headband and main frame and smooth rubber for the ear cups. This makes for a relatively sturdy construction, but the plastic can rattle a bit if a little too much force is applied.

The only thing that identifies the HC 2.2 as strictly a gaming headset is the illuminated logo on the left and right ear cups. Truth be told, I don't quite understand the illumination on the outside of the headset, especially when it is not visible; in the case of the HC 2.2, the illuminated logo reflects the broad minimalist aesthetic of the headset, and the illumination itself is quite bright and (from the outside) looks quite good.

There are only three media controls, located on the left ear cup, to change the volume and mute the microphone. The actual buttons themselves feel pretty good, and the fact that Cherry has grouped these controls in the earcups, rather than on the underside where knobs and dials line up like other manufacturers, keeps things convenient.

Many gaming headsets pride themselves on providing tremendous passive noise isolation with a large amount of padding around the headband and earcups, and the HC 2.2 has a lot to offer to keep you comfortable during long gaming sessions and focused on your game, whether it's cats, doves It contains a number of pads that help block out unwanted noises, such as meowing, keyboard clacking, and more. It doesn't feel like it's blocking my ears, but to be honest, I would have liked a little more roundness in the headband.

Of course, it's nice to have a headset that looks and feels good for the price, but the sound of a headset is of utmost importance, and the HC 2.2's sound is honestly pretty decent, with a good punch in the midrange. This was especially noticeable when trying a few rounds of FPS titles, where the rasping impact of grenades and gunfire were not as noticeable as one might expect.

However, once you turn off the game and want to relax by listening to music or watching a movie, the same is evident. I listened to the new Marillion album (well worth getting) a few times, and the HC 2.2 audio sometimes felt a bit narrow, especially when listening to songs where things were a bit spread out, revealing a tight soundstage.

In an attempt to alleviate the narrow soundstage issue, Cherry said that the HC 2.2 features virtual surround sound to provide a wider experience. Thus, opening the included Cherry Audio software activates the 7.1 surround sound feature, which widens the soundstage somewhat and allows for better placement of instruments in a song, for example. HC 2.2's virtual surround sound is more immersive in-game, which is more effective than anything else.

In terms of the broader software, there aren't as many options. Internally, there are only options to change the balance of the audio through the left and right channels and microphone levels. By comparison, even Razer's lower-end Kraken headset allows users to configure surround sound settings and tweak EQ and sound profiles whether gaming, watching movies, or listening to music through Synapse 3 software.

A big plus point of the HC 2.2 is its microphone. For a mid-range gaming headset, it is surprisingly clear compared to headsets twice the price, and your teammates should be able to hear you. For convenience, it can be detached from the rest of the headset so you can take it with you when you travel, and even then the HC 2.2's main frame is collapsible.

If you are looking for a gaming headset that is comfortable, not too flashy, and has decent sound, the Cherry HC 2.2 is a pretty good choice. It may not have the flashy looks of its competitors, but if you're looking for a simple and effective option for gaming with friends, this is definitely one to consider, especially with its foldable, sturdy design and clear microphone.