Performance of the HyperX Cloud Alpha
HyperX Cloud Alpha is one of the best analogue gaming headsets on the market for its price point. The dual-chamber drivers are designed to help isolate the bass from the mid and high frequencies, and overall the headset is good at producing an immersive audio experience in the variety of games that I made use of during my testing period. I played a range of games with differing sound environments such as Apex Legends, FarCry5, Subnautica and to titles such as Minecraft and CitiesSkylines. Each gaming experience had their audio reproduced at a level I could enjoy. I could hear footsteps coming and going in Apex Legends. I could tell where birds were chirping or water was moving in FarCry 5.
Music was a comfortable experience as well with the HyperX Cloud Alpha. Thanks to the form earcups, I could listen to music for hours on end without having sore ears or even sweaty ears. Music sources ranged from uncompressed audio files to streaming of music with YouTube. For the price, the music reproduction was satisfying for me. The Cloud Alpha is an analogue headset that would benefit from the use of a DAC, which would help enhance the audio performance.
The detachable, goose-neck microphone was on par with other headset microphones I have used. Windows picked up the mic right away, and I have had no issues detaching and reattaching the mic either. The included pop filter was a nice added touch. I wish other manufacturers would bundle them as it does assist in the general quality of audio. For general audio chat in Discord or in-game the microphone performs as it should. If you are looking to stream gameplay, it would be adequate, but I would recommend investing in a stand-alone mic like a Blue Yeti or Audio Technica AT2020.
Final Thoughts
Over the past few weeks, I have highly enjoyed using the HyperX Cloud Alpha gaming headset. I have other sets in my arsenal I could be using, but the comfort and audio experience of the Cloud Alpha has kept it in use. I have had to get used to the in-line audio controls as my previous headsets have had them on the earcups themselves and I do tend to prefer that over the in-line controls. I love the fact that you can detach the microphone with ease when you choose not to use it. The audio cables being detachable is a bonus too if I ever need to travel with this headset as well. I have personally been enjoying the wireless headsets and would love to see the Hyperx Cloud Alpha become wireless much like their other two headsets the Cloud Stinger and their Cloud Flight as I enjoy the styling of the Cloud Alpha.
If you are looking for a comfortable, good audio experience without shelling out hundreds of dollars, then I would highly recommend picking up the HyperX Cloud Alpha gaming headset.