The 2022 has big shoes to fill. Its predecessor offered the kind of comfort needed for long sessions, along with audio and microphone quality that got the most out of your gaming experience. Fortunately, this year’s version of the Cloud Alpha fills those shoes very well. It’s no wonder these headphones are among the best PC gaming headsets on the market. Of course, the HyperX Cloud Alpha doesn’t reinvent itself too much. The familiar black and red aluminum frame is still there, along with the 50mm chamber drivers and wide frequency range of 13Hz to 27,000Hz.
Just like other headsets with which the Cloud Alpha shares its DNA, such as the Cloud Core and Cloud II wireless headsets, it combines a simple black and red aesthetic with incredibly rugged construction. For example, the aluminum frame that holds each earcup feels incredibly strong and durable. Although the headset weighs only 336g and is very comfortable, it can withstand anything you can throw at it. The headset even looks like new after we dropped it and sat on it.
The detachable microphone has a swiveling bar that allows you to position it to your liking. And if you want to take your Cloud Alpha to the park as a general headset or aren’t playing a multiplayer session, you can stow the microphone in a convenient carrying case that’s included. Console gamers will be happy to know that the 3.5mm plug fits securely into a Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4/5, or Xbox One/Series X|S and is just as durable as the headsets themselves.
The braided cable can easily withstand all kinds of tugging. PC gamers can use an included extension cable with stereo and mic plugs. The included inline audio controls are easy to use. A rigid roller ensures that the volume can be adjusted smoothly. Small grooves on the microphone on/off switch make it easy to quickly mute the microphone. Right out of the box, the Cloud Alpha supports virtual 7.1 surround sound, making the gaming experience even more immersive.
The multi-platform nature of the headset allows for some phenomenal experiences for different types of games. Playing Crossfire X or the Gears 5 campaign on Xbox Series S provided Hollywood-level sound during intense firefights. Playstation 5 games like Sifu and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart sound remarkable, even though the headset is not fully compatible with Spatial Audio. Even Switch games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of The Wild and Bayonetta 2 are convincing.