HyperX Cloud Alpha S review

The best gaming headsets need to check off a lot of boxes. They need to be comfortable enough that you can wear them for hours on end without leaving your skull feeling like it's trapped in a vice. They need to deliver high-quality audio that remains clear even when you've got multiple channels and audio sources popping off at the same time. And they need to support surround sound so you know exactly where every shout, footfall and explosion is coming from.

With the Cloud Alpha S, HyperX has ticked off all of the above.

Design

• Memory-foam ear cushions are blissfully soft
• Hardy build quality
• Flexible microphone holds its position when bumped or jostled

• Read our full review of the HyperX Cloud Alpha S' design

  The HyperX Cloud Alpha S is a tremendously comfortable headset. Its ear cushions are made of memory foam, and that's evident in how soft and supple they feel against the ears. More importantly, the cushioning ensures the headset remains comfortable for the entirety of extended play sessions. Even after hours at my PC, it was easy to forget I was wearing a headset at all.

  HyperX says it has upgraded the leatherette covering to be extra breathable, and the recent pre-summer heatwave has certainly put that to the test. Thankfully, the Cloud Alpha S kept its cool under the sweltering Australian sun, saving me from the nasty moisture issues you get with some headsets when the weather heats up.

  As is the HyperX way, the Cloud Alpha S prioritises function over form in its design. A blue aluminium frame connects the subdued black ear cups, with a black leatherette headband cushioning your noggin. It's not an unattractive look by any means, but it does lack the sleek, artistic sensibilities of some high-end Razer, Logitech and Turtle Beach headsets. I don't mind this at all since looks aren't what I come to a gaming headset for, but it could be a point against the Cloud Alpha S if you stream or regularly game in public spaces.

  This sturdiness extends to the microphone, too. The Cloud Alpha S sports a detachable boom mic with a flexible cable, much like the HyperX Cloud Mix. This allows you to bend it away when you're screaming at teammates who aren't pulling their weight in Call of Duty or move it inwards to pick up your whispers when you're gaming at the wee hours of the morning. Once you've positioned the mic, the cable remains impressively rigid, refusing to move when jostled or knocked inadvertently.

  Rounding out the robust package is the braided cable. The last thing you want with a premium gaming headset is a cheap plastic cable that knots and wears down with heavy use, but thankfully you don't have to worry about that with the Cloud Alpha S.

Performance

• 7.1 surround sound is rich and full
• Powerful bass with no peaking
• Microphone audio is decent, if relatively unremarkable

• Read our full review of the HyperX Cloud Alpha S' performance

  Unsurprisingly, the HyperX Cloud Alpha S boasts top-notch audio quality that justifies its premium price tag.

  At its core, it features the same custom 50mm HyperX dual-chamber drivers that powered the Cloud Alpha, and they continue to deliver crisp highs and rich, full-sounding lows. Gunshots and explosions boom with skull-rattling bass, but even when the action reaches its chaotic peak, the audio balance ensures you can still pick up the shouts of your comrades and the barks of your enemies.

  Where the Cloud Alpha S distinguishes itself from its predecessor is in its addition of virtual 7.1 surround sound support. Pressing the 7.1 button on the headset's wired remote activates the sound card built into it, creating a virtual 7.1 surround sound effect tweaked to output through its twin drivers.

  The difference is dramatic. While it's not "true" 7.1 surround sound – that would require cramming a total of eight drivers into the headset – it's an impressive facsimile. The resulting audioscape feels enveloping, making it easy to pinpoint the direction of approaching footsteps and maintain situational awareness in the heat of battle.

  The microphone audio isn't quite as impressive, but it does the job. The boom mic features built-in noise-cancellation, and it does a good job of filtering out background noise, breaths and other ancillary sounds.

Features

• Wired remote provides quick access to handy features
• Built-in bass sliders are a novel albeit unnecessary addition

• Read our full review of the HyperX Cloud Alpha S' features

  Beyond its 7.1 surround sound support, the HyperX Cloud Alpha S has a few more tricks up its sleeves. The wired remote that houses the 7.1 sound card is optional, for instance. If you're happy with stereo sound, you can use the Cloud Alpha S as a regular 3.5mm wired headset. However, when you connect the remote you'll need a spare USB port to plug it into instead.

  Speaking of the remote, it has more to offer than just unlocking surround sound. It's got your standard volume and mute buttons, but it also has buttons for adjusting the audio balance on-the-fly. One button shifts the balance towards game audio while the other prioritises voice chat. For keen online gamers, this provides a considerable advantage over diving into menus or messing about with keyboard shortcuts.

  

  That's not all you can tweak on-the-fly, either. Each ear cup has a slider built into its rear for adjusting the bass level to one of three presets. Bass isn't a setting I necessarily feel the need to change frequently, but it's nice the option is there.

Verdict

Between its soft and cool ear cushions, its crisp audio and its all-encompassing 7.1 surround sound, the HyperX Cloud Alpha S is every bit the premium gaming headset HyperX is pitching it as. No matter what kind of gamer you are, I have no qualms recommending it with a hearty double thumbs-up.

Pricing and availability

The HyperX Cloud Alpha S retails for $229.

HyperX Cloud Alpha S Gaming Headset

HyperX Cloud Alpha S Gaming Headset

Improve your situational awareness with the custom 7.1 surround sound powering the tremendously comfortable HyperX Cloud Alpha S gaming headset.

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Specs

Finder score: 4

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