Introduction

The HyperX Cloud Alpha (reviewed here), released back in 2017, was a massive success. Thanks to its great sound and microphone quality, excellent wearing comfort, and a reasonable $100 price tag, it was a go-to choice for anyone after the best analogue gaming headset $100 could buy. HyperX also cleverly promoted it through various eSports tournaments and celebrity endorsements, which further added to its recognizability and popularity. Building on that success, the company recently released the slightly more expensive HyperX Cloud Alpha S.



If you're at all familiar with the HyperX product nomenclature, you already know that the "S" in "Alpha S" means the headset is equipped with a USB sound card. There are some other notable changes: the color scheme changed from black-and-red to black-and-blue, there's now a physical mechanism to supposedly control the amount of bass, and the supplied USB sound card introduces 7.1 surround sound support along with some other interesting functions. Did all of this result in another smashing hit for HyperX? Read on to find out!

Specifications

• 50-mm dynamic drivers (neodymium magnet)
• 65 Ω impedance
• 13-27,000 Hz frequency response (specified by the manufacturer)
• Closed-back, over-ear design
• Detachable bi-directional noise-canceling microphone
• USB sound card with 7.1 surround sound support
• 1 m braided cable (TRRS plug) + 2 m braided cable (USB sound card)
• Weight: 321 g

The Package

HyperX cleaned up their product box design to a certain extent, which is why the box of the Cloud Alpha S looks much less busy than was the case with the original Cloud Alpha. Its front and back depict the headset and go over its key features. The quality of the box remained the same—the cardboard is thick and looks like it could take a beating.

One side contains a list of box contents and official eSports sponsorships (Cloud9 and Complexity), while the other shows one of the ear cups and the aluminium frame.


Inside the box, you'll find the headset, its detachable microphone, a detachable 3.5-mm audio cable, the USB sound card, an extra set of ear cushions (made of fabric instead of pleather), and a travel bag.