HyperX’s headset needs no introduction: for years, the Cloud II was the leading reference for gamers. Over time, other brands have managed to make their mark, pushing HyperX to release an update of its Best Seller headset. Let’s take a look at whether this is a good thing or not.
(First and foremost, the headset has been compared to an Epos H3PRO )
The return of the king?
First and foremost, we’d like to mention a few minor changes compared to the Cloud II! The loudspeakers have been modified and the microphone has been given a nice facelift. In terms of overall design, we’ve seen quite a few changes, while remaining visually close to the Cloud’s overall image. What’s more, the headset is finally compatible with NGenuity, which manages all your connected brand peripherals. Which is pretty cool when you consider that the headset is equipped with 3D DTS.
The headset itself has been available for a few months at a price of €179.99, but can be found for less on various stores. Yes, the price stings a little, but if we’re on the same level as HyperX, we won’t be changing headphones in 3 months.
Design.
The design is broadly similar to that of the Cloud II, which is not shocking and will enable anyone to recognize the headset out of the corner of their eye. Especially since it’s available in two colors. The iconic Black and Red or Black. The overall shape is a little more rounded, with an unobtrusive blend of plastic and aluminum. Yes, the hinge is still metal, don’t worry.
All in all, it feels like a better-finished, sleeker headset. This won’t please everyone, yet it looks much more solid than in the past. Especially if you look at the microphone, which is admittedly larger than in the past, but directly integrates the pop filter. Say goodbye to the wadding that kept pulling out.
Handhold.
Let’s face it, once you’ve got it on your head, you’re extremely comfortable. The weight is evenly distributed, so you don’t feel it after a good hour’s play. However, I found it heavier than my Epos. That didn’t stop me from keeping it on for hours on end and forgetting it was there.
Except perhaps for the overall heating. The headphones are too well insulated, which makes it a little hard for our little ears not to breathe at times. And well, we know what happens when you forget to let the whole thing breathe… You sweat!
As for the rest, it’s flexible enough to suit everyone. The helmet adapts easily to all body shapes, and that’s great!
Connectivity.
Connectivity. There’s a dongle and a USB-C cable. The headset can operate as a wired headset via USB, or as a wireless headset via its dongle, and only its dongle. So we tried everything to see if it was possible to do without it. But to no avail. So maybe we’re going about this the wrong way?
The dongle, however, is the ultimate weapon for PC/Console/Smartphone gamers. Because while the headset is officially a PC headset. It’s also fully console-compatible! Yes, just plug in the dongle and go – it works with everything! We tested it on PS5, PC, XBOX, Smartphone and tablet. And it worked like a charm!
The only downside is that the headset still doesn’t have dual connections. And its software suite is very limited. We’d have liked to be able to connect the headset to two devices at the same time to get the most out of it. Or to be able to give it several profiles via the suite for when you switch from PC to console. But it remains to be seen whether the future will correct this.
Audio.
Not much to say about the audio. The sound is very good, even if it lacks a little punch overall. On the whole, however, the highs and lows are well reproduced. However, we would have liked to have been able to boost them at times. This would have given us a better feel for video or big war games. But all in all. It’s what gamers expect.
On the micro side. Here, on the other hand, HyperX still has some way to go. The microphone is well made, and sends a clear voice. But it has trouble picking up a lot of sound at times, especially S sounds. It’s not bad, but pay close attention to your pronunciation if you don’t want to have various problems where the mic decides not to hear you.
Finally, Cloud II has found its replacement in Cloud III. We’re working on a number of small updates that perfect the old model. But at times, we’d have hoped for more. Just having profiles on the headset and a better microphone would have made it untouchable in the face of increasingly tough competition. Once again, HyperX shows us that they’re here to stay, and that they won’t give up! We can’t wait to see the next evolution!
