HyperX has been making gaming accessories for over a decade (and way before that if you count things like RAM and SSDs), but somehow in all that time the company has never made an open-faced gaming headset. But that changes today with the $150 Cloud Alpha Air, which comes with plush foam ear cushions and a bass tube designed to preserve that low-frequency thump.
One of the problems with open-back headphones is that, compared to their closed-back competitors, there is often a slight loss of bass due to their more airy soundstage. However, on the Cloud Alpha Air, HyperX wanted to deliver the same low-frequency response you get with closed-back cans to help gamers pick up sound effects like footsteps and explosions more easily. And in my short time working with the Cloud Alpha Air so far, they certainly deliver.
The HyperX cans produce a truly satisfying and controlled deep rumble that gave me a new appreciation for Nintendo’s Wii Shop Channel theme without overpowering the mids and highs. And in gaming, its bass response highlighted the bass tones of shooters, although I’m not sure if that’s enough to give anyone a significant competitive advantage over similarly priced rivals. The Cloud Air Alphas also have an impedance of 34 ohms, which is relatively low, although I noticed that when I connected them to my PC via a 3.5mm audio cable, the overall volume was a bit attenuated, so discerning audiophiles may want to opt for HyperX’s included USB adapter or rely on their own DAC. And as you might expect, you can change the Cloud Alpha Air’s EQ and sound profile in HyperX’s free NGENUITY app.
As for the rest of the design of the Cloud Alpha Air, HyperX kept things very simple. The only controls on the earbuds themselves are a volume wheel and a mute button for its detachable mic. The sides of the cans feature a metal grille that hides its red 40mm dynamic drivers underneath, while large ultrasuede-covered foam earcups provide a very comfortable relaxed fit that makes them extremely easy to wear for extended periods of time. Meanwhile, the metal headband feels pretty sturdy, and it easily withstood my bend test of not-so-gently squeezing each cup in opposite directions.
Sam Rutherford for Woozad
However, my favorite thing about the Cloud Alpha Air is that it comes with a full range of cables and adapters, including a basic 3.5mm cord, a PC extension cable with separate audio and mic jacks, and a USB adapter that comes with both USB-A and USB-C connectors, so you can plug the headphones into just about any gadget you can think of. And to complete the kit, you even receive a drawstring bag in which to store everything when traveling.
Overall, it’s a pretty nice package, especially since it’s relatively affordable at $150. The only downside is that the Cloud Alpha Air is currently only available as wired headphones. When I’m at home and battery life isn’t really an issue, I like having the freedom to get up and walk around while chatting on Discord or listening to music without worrying about cables getting tangled. But alas, that’s not yet an option. I strongly suspect that HyperX is working on a wireless version in the future, but when I asked a company representative directly, they declined to comment. That said, the Cloud Alpha Air isn’t the only pair of earbuds HyperX is launching today, as the company is launching new color schemes for existing products including the HyperX Cloud III S, HyperX Cloud III Wired, and HyperX Cloud Flight 2.
Alternatively, for those looking for new input options, HyperX has created its lightest mouse yet in the Pulsefire Haste 3 Pro ($130). Made from a carbon fiber shell and weighing just 47 grams, if you didn’t know better you’d think the mouse was empty inside. That said, it features the company’s new performance sensor that offers up to 42,000 DPI while providing up to 150 hours of use (with 1K polling) in wireless mode. And if $130 seems a bit high, HyperX has also created a more affordable Pro model for $90, featuring the same sensor and general features, but with a slightly heavier plastic shell. Finally, if that’s still too much, there’s an even more economical wired model available for just $40.
Unfortunately, if you’re in the market for a new PC, aside from some updated AMD configurations for the Omen 35L, it looks like HyperX is waiting a little longer to announce new gaming laptops or desktops. But for those looking to upgrade their rig with new peripherals while they wait for the price of RAM to drop, HyperX has a number of reasonably priced accessories to consider this fall when these devices go on sale in September.
