HyperX Cloud Alpha Gaming Headset Review

Our money is, and always has been on the HyperX Cloud II. Simply put, it improved upon the first advent of gaming headset in the Cloud lineup, which still stands as one of the best to this date. With that said, HyperX has been eager to serve up a fresh follow up that can take the crown from the Cloud II. Enter the Cloud Alpha – a gaming headset featuring dual chambers to deliver more distinction and clarity.

Our money is, and always has been on the HyperX Cloud II. Simply put, it improved upon the first advent of gaming headset in the Cloud lineup, which still stands as one of the best to this date. With that said, HyperX has been eager to serve up a fresh follow up that can take the crown from the Cloud II. Enter the Cloud Alpha – a gaming headset featuring dual chambers to deliver more distinction and clarity.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Headset
Driver	Custom dynamic, 50mm with neodymium magnets
Type	Circumaural, closed back
Frequency response	13Hz–27,000Hz
Impedance	65 Ω
Sound pressure level	98dBSPL/mW at 1kHz
T.H.D.	< 1%
Weight	298g
Weight with mic & cable	336g
Cable length and type	Detachable headset cable (1.3m) + PC extension cable (2m)
Connection	Detachable headset cable - 3.5mm plug (4 pole) + PC extension cable - 3.5mm stereo and mic plugs
Microphone
Element	Electret condenser microphone
Polar pattern	Noise-cancelling
Frequency response	50Hz-18,000Hz
Sensitivity	-43dBV (0dB=1V/Pa,1kHz)
Price	$99

PACKAGING

Kingston is retaining its signature presentation upfront with the Cloud Alpha – that familiar black and red theme light but big, yet solid and compact.  Once you open up the packaging, you’ll notice Kingston took things a bit differently. Instead of the usual foamy packaging we’re usually met with, there’s plenty of plastic this time around. We’re one for presentation, but it could be HyperX is cutting down on the cost. Plus, there’s no more fun intro message we’d get upon opening the box.

As far as what’s in the box goes, there’s the Cloud Alpha itself, together with its detachable wiring and microphone, an extension cable/adapter, a set of paperwork, and at long last a carrying case. I’ve honestly missed this one.

DESIGN

HyperX rekindles its love for the original design language of the Cloud, and it’s one that should have been done since the Revolver. We’re not going to lie here – we’ve been favoring the Cloud II for years now, so much that we still haven’t found a replacement for it. It’s design and performance are simply unmatched in its price category.

Well, then. Back to the topic. The Cloud Alpha is easily a familiar sight on the onset. Think here the HyperX Cloud, but this time with red metal forks with a bit of flair on the design instead of the bare standard metal variant. The cups are still retractable as they were back then with the original Cloud, but it’s longer now than before. What’s missing on the bundle however is definitely that velour foam that came in extra.

The headband is still the very same faux-leather wrapped material that also features the HyperX logo, and cushion on the other side for comfort. The detachable cable is definitely a plus, here, too, making things much easier to carry around.

The inline controls on the cable on the other hand is analog. You can control the volume via the dial, and you can also mute the microphone using it. No qualms on this one, and we’d prefer it over bulky ones from the previous entries in the Cloud lineup.

PERFORMANCE

The Cloud Alpha prides itself as the next evolution in HyperX headsets - it’s the very first gaming headset that incorporates dual chamber system to separate bass from the mids and highs. To put it simply, its designed to deliver the bass you look for without compromising the sound clarity. Rich bass, crisp, clear, sounds. To sum it up, it’s all about the isolation.

GAMING

Let’s get on to business, gaming is definitely one of its primary features, so we’ll kick this off with that. We’ll test it with a couple of games that hugely benefit from the sound experience such as shooting games like PUBG, Call of Duty WWII, and Overwatch, as well horror games such as Amnesia and Evil Within 2 for immersion. Just to note, the Cloud Alpha isn’t a 7.1 Surround Sound headset, but it does deliver well on its sound reproduction. On PUBG, directional sounds are great that you’ll hear precise directions on red zones, planes, and hail of bullets around you. Overwatch on the other hand is too fast paced that you’ll most likely rely on instinct first before sound, but hearing audio elements does help locating enemies and allies on pace. Things will get very immersive especially on games, where Amnesia’s atmospheric sound elements are definitely clear with its precise bass heavy but not compromising. The same case goes with The Evil Within 2.

The microphone on the other hand also spells some improvements on isolating the background noise. Here’s a recording you can check out.

MUSIC

We really appreciate the bass on the Cloud Alpha, which will become more definite with synth pop tracks and bass heavy tunes. We took it for a spin with Sade’s No Ordinary Love with its sexy bass lines carrying the tracks, and next with CHVRCHES’ Gun pumps it up. The Cloud Alpha on heavy metal tracks including All That Remains’ The Deepest Gray and Lamb of God’s Ruin definitely bring huge impact on bass.

CONCLUSION

The HyperX Cloud II is still selling like pancakes for good reason, and it’s easily a great competition for HyperX’s Cloud Alpha. Them being in the same price range makes it more difficult to choose.  At the end of the day however, it all comes to your preference. The Cloud II delivers strong with its 7.1 Surround Sound, despite it being virtual. On the other hand, the Cloud Alpha is strong on bass without compromising sound clarity through its dual chamber setup. Truth be told, the experience is much more profound on the Cloud Alpha – it comes with a heap of great improvements in design and performance that easily gives you great value for your money.