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.