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HyperX is expanding its catalog with the new Cloud Stinger 3 gaming headset that packs a mighty 80-hour battery for just $99.99

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Tue, 05 May 2026 12:33:26 +0000

HP is expanding its long line-up of gaming tech with the influx of a new range of HyperX goodies. Announced on April 30, 2026, the brand unveiled the HyperX Clutch Talon Controller, but as the resident audio tech nerd who regularly tests and rounds up the best gaming headsets, I was far more intrigued by the announcement of two new HyperX Cloud Stinger 3 gaming headsets.

Starting from $49.99 (HyperX), there are two new pairs available in total: the new HyperX Cloud Stinger 3 and the HyperX CloudX Stinger 3. Both headsets are available in wired and wireless models, with the wireless versions sporting both Bluetooth and 2.4Ghz support, along with a $99.99 MSRP. The main difference between the two is that the CloudX version is compatible with Xbox Series X/S consoles, yet both pairs share the best feature of the lot in my eyes, the up to 80-hour battery life.

The HyperX Cloud Stinger 3 gaming headset is compatible with the PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and Switch 2 consoles and comes equipped with the brand's well-known comfortable over-ear design, an 80-hour battery life, 50mm audio drivers, and support for the latest NGENUITY audio engine.

PlayStation Wired: $49.99 at HyperXView Deal

The HyperX CloudX Stinger 3 gaming headset is essentially the same as the HyperX Cloud Stinger 3, but it's compatible with the Xbox Series X/S consoles. Alongside support for Microsoft's pixel pushers, you get the same 80-hour battery life, comfortable fit, and 50 mm-sized audio drivers.

Xbox Wired: $49.99 at HyperXView Deal

Up to 80 hours of juice isn't the most impressive battery life I've seen in a headset. That award still goes to the brand's own HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless, which can reach an unrivaled 300 hours on a single charge. However, it is pretty impressive given the $99.99 MSRP of both the HyperX Cloud Stinger 3 and the CloudX Stinger 3. Some of my personal favorite pairs of cups around a similar price range, like that of the $109.99 SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless, can only muster up to 40 hours max, whereas this new Cloud Stinger 3 can achieve double that.

It's not the only thing these new headsets have going for them. Both pairs are also equipped with dual wireless 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth wireless, noise-cancelling swivel to mute microphones, and 50 mm-sized audio drivers. The official HyperX product page, nor the HP Press Release, doesn't elaborate on the type of drivers used, other than that they're "big," but their large size, combined with the advanced spatial audio support on PC via the latest NGENUITY Audio Engine, is a surefire combo for high-quality sound.

(Image credit: HP/HyperX)

While the HyperX Cloud Stinger lineup of headsets has got some new additions, so has the NGENUITY software that goes along with them. It's available to download straight from the HyperX official website and is powered by HEAR360 to introduce parametric and graphic equalizers, game and chat audio balance, along with the ability to customize the headset's spatial audio and spatial chat features.

The NGENUITY audio engine's new upgrade also includes real-time dynamic microphone processing, voice monitoring, EQ presets, and AI noise reduction for these new headsets, and a long range of existing HyperX products. Including that of the HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless, which I reviewed late last year, and more of the brand's accessories you might currently have in your gaming setup.

Both the HyperX Cloud Stinger 3 and HyperX CloudX Stinger 3 are available in black and white colorways for $99.99 at HyperX today. If that's out of your price range, you can grab the wired versions for $49.99 instead, which are available for both the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles.

View all HyperX gaming headsets at Amazon

Check out our guides to the best PS5 headsets, best PC headsets for gaming, and the best Nintendo Switch headsets if you need an even bigger battery life.

This gaming headset runs on "witchcraft" with a 300 hour battery life, but today's price drop is even more magical

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 14:24:27 +0000

The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless has still not been topped for its massive battery life. Sure, fellow best gaming headsets alum like SteelSeries' Arctis Nova Pro Wireless has hot-swappable battery tech, but you still won't find another wireless headset that manages to provide up to 300 hours of playback.

That comes with at a $199.99 premium during a normal day, but today's not a normal day. Today's the start of Amazon's Spring Sale, which means you can now get that unrivaled battery power for $119.99 (Amazon) instead. That saves you $80 to save for a rainy day, and gets you access to not just one of the best headsets with the best battery life, but a wireless pair that's equipped with 2.4GHz, spatial audio, and compatibility with everything from the PS5 to the PC.

As an older headset, the price of the HyperX Alpha Wireless gaming headset fluctuates regularly from its full price to an average of $140.03. However, this is the very first time the pair has dropped as low as $119.99. It gets close to the very holiday sale, but never quite this low.

Buy it if:

✅ You play the PS5/PC/Switch 2
✅ You hate remembering to charge tech
✅ Comfort is key

Don't buy it if:

❌ You need Bluetooth wireless support
❌ You need an Xbox headset

UK: £109.03 at AmazonView Deal

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In our HyperX Alpha Cloud Wireless review, we noted that the battery "is powered by magic, witchcraft, and the mysteries of the universe" and so far no other headset has managed to rival it. You can grab the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless instead, which has hot-swappable batteries, but you'll still have to remember to switch them out after around 22 hours.

The HyperX Cloud Alpha is a better pick for those who hate remembering to charge their tech and just want to get on gaming. While it's a wireless headset, it doesn't have any Bluetooth support, which is a bit of a bummer. It's fine for use with the PC or PS5, and you just need to pop in the 2.4GHz wireless dongle, and you're good to go. However, if you're looking for a headset for your Nintendo Switch 2, you will need to use this in docked mode or have an adapter at hand.

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)

It's a bit unusual for wireless headsets to have 2.4GHz wireless support and not Bluetooth in tow, but it's easy to look past that when you remember its shockingly good battery life. The pair also sounds fantastic, which is what really matters. In our review, Rob Dwiar noted that the pair "excelled" no matter what was being played and that " every detail was presented beautifully." That's likely thanks to its HyperX Dual Chamber audio drivers, which keep the low, mid, and high frequencies tuned separately to avoid any distortion or warbling.

If you're after a great-sounding wireless headset, only need 2.4GHz, and absolutely hate remembering to charge your tech, this HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless deal is worth grabbing. Just remember, you have until March 31 before it and the rest of Amazon's Spring Sale deals disappear for good.

View all gaming headset deals at Amazon

Check out our guides to the best PS5 headset, the best Xbox Series X headset, and the best Nintendo Switch 2 headset if the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless doesn't sound like the right pick for you.

I've found your next favorite PS5 headset, and it's all thanks to this week's Best Buy savings

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 15:31:12 +0000

Best Buy's Tech Fest Sale has officially kicked off, and it's looking to be a good week for those of you PS5 players in need of a new headset. Plenty of the best PS5 headsets I've ever popped on my head and reviewed are included amongst today's tech savings.

Take the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, the best option out there for PS5 players overall. It's down to $299.99 at Best Buy today, a mighty $80 saving off its full $379.99 price. Sure, it's not a record-low, but it's not far from it, and picking it up this week means you're getting access to the greatest headset that can pair with Sony's pixel pusher. If it's a bit out of your budget, the brand's mid-range Arctis Nova 5 Wireless is down to $129.99 (Best Buy) and carries the same comfortable over-ear design, albeit without some of the fancy high-end bells and whistles.

It's not just SteelSeries headsets that are seeing plenty of savings this Tech Fest, but a whole range of big-name brands from Turtle Beach to Razer. So you can find the right pair for you, I've gathered all my top PS5 picks from this week's sale down below and have made sure to include devices that myself, or someone else on our hardware team, have tested. Better yet, I'll continue to add any PS5 headset deals I see over the coming days as the sale doesn't end until this Sunday, March 22, 2026.

The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is the best there is for the PS5, but its full $379.99 MSRP is not one everyone can budget for. Thankfully, Best Buy's Tech Fest deals have dropped it below that juicy $300 price mark, making it and its sublime audio quality, hot-swappable batteries, ANC, and Base Station more accessible for PS5 players.

Featured in: best gaming headsets

Read more: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless reviewView Deal

If you like your headsets coming with extra little devices, this PS5-compatible pair also comes with its own base station, which combines the functionality of a Stream Deck and 2.4GHz wireless dongle into one. It typically boosts this pair into the £299.99 price bracket, but it's down to a record-low $249.99 price during Best Buy's Tech Fest Sale.

Read more: HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless reviewView Deal

The Virtuoso Max Wireless is one of Corsair's most premium PS5 headsets, and also the most stylish. The RGB lighting on this pair is some of the most vivid in any pair I've tested to date, and it happens to sound fantastic too. If you want a flashy PS5 headset that's all about style and substance, it's $80 off today at Best Buy.

Read more: Corsair Virtuoso Max Wireless reviewView Deal

If you want a PS5 headset that's best for bass, the Stealth 700 Gen 3 is your best bet. Out of any PS5 pair I've tested, there's rarely been a pair that could rival the gut-punching power this brings to low-frequency sound, which makes it an ideal pick for music too. This booming bass usually comes at a $199.99 price, but it's just $149.99 today.

Read more: Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 3 reviewView Deal

SteelSeries and the best PS5 headsets go hand in hand, but if the Pro Wireless is out of your budget, you could instead grab the Arctis Nova 5 Wireless today. It's also part of the Tech Fest sales, with a $20 off discount that takes its price down to $129.99. It's not a record low, but still a monumental saving on a headset I still use with my PS5 on the regular, thanks to its great sound, comfort, fantastic low-latency 2.4GHz wireless dongle, and high-quality microphone.

Featured in: Best PS5 headsets

Read more: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless reviewView Deal

If your PS5 headset budget is far below the $100 mark, there are plenty of options for you among the Tech Fest sales. The best of the bunch is this $20 saving off the wireless Razer Barracuda X, which carries the same iconic 40mm Triforce audio drivers as many Razer pairs up in the $100+ price bracket. You not only get a great sound here despite its low $79.99 price, but also a comfortable fit with its lightweight 250g form factor, a high-quality cardoid detachable mic, and an up to 50-hour battery life to boot.

Read more: Razer Barracuda X reviewView Deal

How I find the best PS5 headset deals for gamers

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

Finding the best gaming headset deals at an event like Best Buy's Tech Fest Sale is an easy feat for me, but that's because I spend day after day catching up with the latest pairs and their pricing history. When I first approach a brand-new sales event, I look at how the most premium pairs are discounted, which, in this case, means the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless.

It currently tops our best PS5 headset guide, and is my go-to pair whenever I start a new PS5 game, whether that's Resident Evil Requiem, Fatal Frame 2 Crimson Butterfly, or just the latest season of Marvel Rivals. I'm always keeping an eye on its pricing history as it tops multiple of our "best of" lists, but for an event like today, I'm most interested in seeing how much it's discounted from its full price, and how close it is to its record-low saving. If it's just a measly $10 or so off, it doesn't feel relevant to bring to your or anyone else's attention. However, this week it's $80 off at Best Buy, which brings the usual $379.99 pair down to $299.99 - a price definitely worth highlighting.

After looking at more premium offerings, I like to check out the mid-range market and below to see what lower-priced headsets are even cheaper at an event like Best Buy's Tech Fest Sale. In today's case, that brought me to the likes of the SteelSeries' own Arctis Nova 5 Wireless and the Razer Barracuda X wireless headset. The latter of which isn't currently on our top PS5 headset list, but it's actively been a favorite headset of mine due to its comfortable, lightweight design and great sound.

I'm not just looking at the differences in MSRPs when choosing the best PS5 deals to include today, but I also like to ensure there's a bit of variation for any type of PS5 player. For example, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is the best of the best, but it's best suited for those who play on the PS5 and other platforms. Meanwhile, I included the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 3 for those who need their bass to sound in-your-face and as intense as possible, and the Corsair Virtuoso Max Wireless is included here as it's cheaper and one of the best-looking PS5 headsets for those who love a bit of RGB lighting in their setups.

When does the Best Buy Tech Fest Sale end?

The Best Buy Tech Fest Sale comes to an end on Sunday, March 22, 2026. That leaves you with plenty of time this week to grab a brand new PS5 headset or peruse the rest of its PS5 accessory and game deals.

If it's high-quality PS5 accessories you're after, our best SSDs for PS5, best PS5 controllers, and best PS5 external hard drive guides are full of top-tier devices that have been tried and tested by our very own hardware team.

Neurable and HyperX have unveiled a gaming headset at CES 2026 that can be controlled by your brain

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 17:27:57 +0000

CES is no stranger to gaming headset unveilings, but this year will mark the rare instance that a headset has been shown off at the event that can be controlled through the power of the human brain. Neurable, a Boston-based tech company dedicated to harnessing the power of the human mind, has announced that it has teamed up with HP to develop a HyperX-branded headset powered by neurotechnology.

Not to be confused with the MW75 Neuro, a pair of headphones developed in 2024 between Neurable and US audio brand Master Dynamic, the new HyperX headset is currently being demonstrated on this year's CES 2026 showfloor. There's no price and availability information, and the pair of cups doesn't even have an official name for now, but Neurable HyperX boasts that it enhances gameplay performance using real-time brain insights.

I'm not a scientist, so decoding how the cups work hurt my own brain, but it appears that the cups are fitted out with brain-computer interfaces (BCI) and sensors which are designed to read and track your brainwaves while playing different games, and feed that information back to you to improve your gameplay.

(Image credit: Neurable/HyperX)

When it comes to the MW75 Neuro LT, the second-generation headphones developed by Neurable and Master and Dynamic that were announced in September 2025, it worked as it features soft-fabric EEG sensors that monitor your brain activity, which Neurable's AI tech then processed and fed back via a smartphone app. Information on when and where you focused best was then fed through the app, but this upcoming headset is designed to improve gameplay rather than your stress levels. The HyperX prototype is instead equipped with the BCI tech I mentioned earlier, which is typically found in medical equipment like MRI machines. Instead of giving yourself a scary brain scan however, the headset utilizes the tech, along with the Neurable neurofeedback Prime system, in an effort to help improve your focus while playing your favorite games.

I've not been lucky enough to attend CES 2026 for myself this year, so I can't strap myself into the "neurotechnology-powered wearable" like in a scene out of the 1971 film A Clockwork Orange, and put those game enhancements to the test and see how it actually utilizes my brainwaves. However, BusinessWire shared in a press release that everyday gamers and esports athletes showed fast reaction times by 43 milliseconds and better accuracy during FPS training sessions. Whether that would translate into myself finally being able to achieve regular MVP status in Marvel Rival matches remains to be seen.

(Image credit: Neurable/Hyper X)

This is purely an announcement so far, so there's little else I can share on the headsets' additional specs, and whether they'll contain the impressive battery life HyperX cups are known for. Though with all that Neurable propriety AI and BCI tech needing to be shoved and powered in the cups, I have a feeling the battery power won't be in the three digits, like you can find with the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless.

With no name, release date, or pricing, the headset remains purely a prototype for now, but CEO and Co-Founder of Neurable Ramses Alcaide stated that this collaboration with HyperX will allow the company to "bring neurotechnology to gamers at a scale we've never been able to reach before." He followed up by stating in the press release that they "look forward to the excitement of this strategic relationship, which represents a promising future of gaming, one where understanding your mind becomes as natural as understanding your mechanics."

I look forward to when we can see more specs and pricing information on these cups, and what other benefits besides game enhancement having this kind of tech readily available in a headset could provide, especially for those who don't play FPS and competitive-level games.

View all wireless gaming headsets at Amazon
View all HyperX gaming headsets at Amazon

Check out our guides to the best PC headsets for gaming, the best PS5 headsets, and the best Nintendo Switch headsets for more traditional over-ear cups alternatives.

HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless review

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 14:44:04 +0000

Whenever a brand new HyperX headset rears its lovely head, I get pretty excited. The brand has a knack for popping out wireless cups with extraordinary battery life, which can give even the best gaming headsets I've tested a kicking to the curb.

The new HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless is no different, as it can pump out up a mighty 250 hours of playback, but that's not what's most interesting about this new pair. This new iteration of the Cloud Alpha line features an RGB Base Station, which combines the tech of a 2.4GHz dongle and some quick access buttons for streaming into one device. While a neat addition to the HyperX lineup, its presence drives up the price to $299.99 / £254.99, $100 more than the $199.99 than the older HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless.

For $300, you are also getting a great-sounding headset with simultaneous Bluetooth and 2.4GHz audio, a feature that's expected of cups that verge near that price mark. However, I can't help but feel like those who'd benefit the most from the Base Station would be better off acquiring a separate stream deck device instead, which can come with more buttons and cost dramatically less.

Key specs

Price	$299.99 / £254.99
Acoustic Design	Over-ear (circumaural); closed back
Connection	Simultaneous Bluetooth and 2.4GHz, Wired
Drivers	53mm Dual chamber Neodymium drivers with spatial audio by HyperX NGENUITY
Frequency response	20 Hz to 20 kHz
Microphone	Uni-directional
ANC	No
Controls	Volume; multifunction button; mic mute/mic monitoring; wireless mode switch
Battery	Up to 250 hours
Weight	345g (Base station: 178g, Boom mic: 12 g)
Compatibility	PC, PS5, PS4, Switch, Mac, Mobile

Design

There's that age-old saying of, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" and that seems to be a HyperX design philosophy. The new HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 looks almost indiscernible from its predecessor, the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless, which in turn looks like HyperX Cloud Alpha. This headset features the same cut-out metal yokes and oval-shaped earcups, but there are some changes that make it look (and feel) more premium than what came before.

For one, those bright red yokes are now a metal, almost gunsmoke-colored gray, as are the logos on either side of the earcups. The HyperX headset line is pretty well known for its black and red colorways, but this change helps make the Alpha 2 more professional and premium, which feels more befitting for a pair that costs $299.99. The plastic headband has also been replaced with a robust metal band, which pairs nicely with the cool-to-the-touch metal sides of each cup and the metal yokes that keep everything in place.

My favorite design difference for this headset is the plush fabric coating that's found on both ear cushions. Normally, I prefer having a leather-like fabric pressing up against the side of my head as fabric-coated cups tend to be itchy and a sensory nightmare for my easily overstimulated self. However, HyperX has opted for an almost velvet-like fabric this time around. Not only is it super soft to the touch, but during my weeks spent with the cups it it didn't attract a million cat hairs, which is unique for any accessories that find their way into my house - as you'll well have noticed if you've taken a look at any of my review photos over the year.

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

What makes the HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 most unique is nothing to do with the look or design of the headset itself, but the fact that it comes with an RGB Base Station, which also acts as the 2.4GHz wireless dongle. While it shares a similar name to that of the accessory you can find packed in with the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, it's nothing like it.

In design (and practice, but you can read more about that later) it reminds me of a miniature version of Elgato's Stream Deck, a device used to give quick access buttons to streamers and content creators. The accessory comes with a large RGB integrated dial and a series of six RGB buttons underneath, which light up purple, dark and light blue, orange, yellow, and green by default.

Features

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

The HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless is a pretty feature-full headset, even if you don't factor in the accompanying RGB Base Station - but that's what you'd hope for when you remember its $300 price tag.

The headset is integrated with 53mm audio drivers with neodymium magnets, which are equipped with the brand's NGENUITY spatial audio. When it comes to voice chat, the Cloud Alpha 2 features a detachable boom mic that attaches via the left cup by a 3.5mm port. This port sits in front of a USB-C port for charging, another 3.5mm port for wired audio support, a mic mute button, and the power button. On the opposite (Right) cup, you can find a volume dial, a multi-function button, and the wireless mode switch.

The PC-focused cups can be hooked up to a desktop gaming rig, the PS5, Switch and Switch 2, and mobile platforms via 5.3 Bluetooth or the 2.4GHz connectivity built into the Base Station. That's right, instead of providing a small flashcard-sized wireless dongle that can easily go missing, the RGB-lit accessory provides that wireless support, and there's simultaneous Bluetooth and 2.4GHz audio on the cards here too.

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

The base station's existence as the 2.4GHz dongle is both a blessing and a curse. It's a blessing as I hate having yet another tiny wireless accessory to keep track of at all times. However, it's a curse as hooking the Cloud Alpha 2 to the PS5 is extremely awkward if you have it kept in your living room, as you'll never be close enough to use any of the rainbow glowing buttons. I'll get more into the tedious details of its PS5 compatibility later on in this review; however, all you need to know now is that if you're a PC player, you have to have a USB-C and 3.5mm headphone jack going spare to get the wireless headset and base station up and running. I assumed just the USB-C cable alone would be enough to power the Base Station, but I couldn't get audio to come through the cups unless I had both it and the wired connection running at once. This might be a firmware issue, or some ignorance on my part, but you'll need both to hook up the Cloud Alpha 2 to your PC gaming rig.

Once the base station is powered, you have six buttons and a volume dial at your disposal. By default, these buttons are assigned to mic gain, Game/Chat mix, mic monitoring, audio mute, EQ preset, and media control. However, you can customize the button shortcuts via the NGENUITY Beta PC software, along with the lighting colors and effects.

Performance

I went into testing this headset, hoping that the sound profile of the HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless matched its premium cost, and my hopes were not squandered. The moment I popped the velvet-like cups on my ears, I was greeted by a theatrical-sounding audio, a sound that made me glad I set aside new releases like Dispatch to test it with. The low timbre of Aaron Paul's voice in the first episode of the game sounded heavenly. Even at full volume, both on the dial and my gaming PC, the 53mm Dual chamber Neodymium audio drivers produced no audible distortion, and I could hear every nuance of the dialogue-heavy game and the superhero-laden metropolis that surrounded characters Robert and Blonde Blazer.

This quality was heightened by the inclusion of the brand's NGENUITY spatial audio software, which lent itself to the AdHoc Studio's game. There's a moment in the first episode where the two characters are sitting on top of a billboard, and the sounds of engines of cars driving by sounded as though they were happening on my own very street behind me. Even though I need to switch to my next headset to review, I'm going to ensure I have the Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless on while playing through the rest of the chapters.

The high-quality audio lends itself to our usual testing games of choice, too, including Marvel Rivals and Fortnite. In Fortnite, especially, the spatial audio and balanced soundstage made me extremely heightened and aware of those around me, and I always secured a top 10 place with this headset on my head. If you know what you're doing, Fortnite can be a pretty quiet game, but even the sounds of the whistling of the wind through the trees and foliage I was hiding in on the new Chapter 7 map sounded so clear that I had to regularly drag myself out of a relaxed ASMR state.

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

I instinctively started testing the HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless with PC games first because of the Base Station. The little accessory needs to have desk space and be near your hands at all times to feel relevant and like a justifiable add-on, and my gaming PC lent itself to that. Of course, to get the most out of the device, you also need to have the NGENUITY Beta software running on your PC, as that's what allows you to map the buttons and change the color and lighting effects of them, and the dial above.

When playing through Dispatch, Marvel Rivals, and Fortnite, it felt really fun to have it at my side. I much preferred being able to quickly adjust the volume of the mic with the easy-to-turn dial, rather than the usual tedium of running my hands on the edge of the large cups to find the volume dial. It was especially helpful as I suffer from joint pains in my hands from a chronic illness, so the large buttons and dials were a far more comfortable experience to use than the tiny buttons on the headset itself.

I ended up enjoying the convenience of the Base Station so much that it was disappointing when it came to testing the headset on the PS5. My PS5 is set up traditionally, with it opposite my living room sofa. As the 2.4GHz wireless dongle is integrated into the device, I had to hook it up to the front-facing USB-C port of the Sony console and leave it hanging on the edge of my living room cabinet. Then, of course, by sitting on the sofa, I'm nowhere near the Base Station and can't actually use it. That's where the onboard controls on the cups do come in handy, as I still have access to the mic mute button and volume dial, but it rendered the Base Station useless. Of course, if your PS5 is integrated into your PC gaming setup, you won't have this issue, but it felt worth mentioning if you're after a new PS5 headset in particular.

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

When it came to testing the same games on the PS5, like Marvel Rivals and Fortnite, the cups still sounded just as fantastic as on the PC, at least. The high-pitched announcements from my favorite space giant Galacta were just as exciting as ever, which was expected when I knew how well this premium headset lent itself to in-game dialogue. On Fortnite, I even managed to secure a few wins, but it was there that I discovered that the microphone was a bit lacking.

No matter the adjustments made to the mic gain, I always sounded far too comically loud to my partner when playing both online games with me. I tested the mic quality thoroughly by asking my fiancé to use it on his PC, so I could listen to his voice for a few hours every day, and it definitely is far from what a premium microphone should sound like. It had an early 2000s quality to it, where the voice wasn't entirely clear and sounded as though it was always in the realm of peaking, which is a bit of a letdown. Especially as I really appreciated HyperX's design choice to coat the mic in a proper grill as you'd find on the best microphones, and not a cheap bit of foam utilized by other headset brands on the market.

My microphone woes were quickly forgotten when I used the HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless to listen to music. One of my favorite local Scottish bands recently launched their new album, 'National Record of Achievement,' and I'm so glad I listened to the entirety of it through these wireless cups. Slime City's catchy melodies and crunchy guitar tones sounded incredible, and despite having many audiophile headsets at my disposal as a music nerd, I ended up still using the cups for tunes far after my testing time had ended. The headset's ability to perfectly blend the low, mid, and high frequencies of any soundstage meant that any genre, from Slime City's punk rock offerings, to bbno$'s new bass-heavy pop stylings, sounded chief's kiss perfect.

Should you buy the HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless headset?

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

The HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless puts me in an awkward position, as if I were purely focusing on the headset, I'd definitely recommend it for those after premium quality and sound.

During testing, I was blown away by how theatrical the 53mm Dual chamber Neodymium drivers made games sound. There's no question that is a great-sounding and high-quality PC headset, but the Base Station makes recommending it a bit awkward.

It's handy to have the 2.4GHz wireless dongle tech combined into the little device. Not to mention, being able to have a large mic-mute button at my disposal is a lifeline. However, it drives up the price pretty considerably. With a $300 price tag, I'd feel more comfortable directing people towards picking up the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless when it's on sale, and a separate stream deck device, which can provide the same number of buttons, and even more, starting from $50 / £50 at retailers like Amazon.

If you have all the cash in the world to spare and want to test out a more compact version of a stream deck for your streaming or gaming needs, and happen to need a new headset, the HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless is still a fantastic option. I just hope it sees some considerable discounts down the line so it can become a good alternative to those who want to dip their toes into stream decks and streaming gear.

How I tested the HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless headset

To test the HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless, I made it my only headset when it came to gaming, music, and work for over two weeks. In that time, I played everything from Counter Strike 2, Marvel Rivals, Fortnite, and Dispatch on the PC, and later used it to play Marvel Rivals, Fortnite, and Sonic Racing CrossWorlds on the PS5. When not gaming, I used the HyperX headset to listen to a huge range of different artists via Spotify, including the alt punk-rock stylings of Scotland-based band Slime City and their new album 'National Record of Achievement' and bbno$'s self-titled new album.

During that testing time, I also spent multiple hours with the Cloud Alpha 2 wireless headset on my head when catching up with the latest episodes of Stranger Things on streaming TV platforms like Netflix, and watching Christmas movies like Our Little Secret as the festive season is officially underway. For more information on how we test gaming headsets, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

Check out our guides to the best Nintendo Switch headsets, the best Xbox Series X headsets, and the best PS5 headsets for more of our top picks if the HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless doesn't sound for you.

HyperX just launched what could be the most customizable gaming mouse ever made at CES

Tabitha Baker — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 04:00:00 +0000

HyperX has added five new gaming mice to its Pulsefire range this year, with the new Saga line offering brand-new customization options that go beyond traditional DPI and keybinding adjustments. Both the wireless HyperX Pulsefire Saga Pro and the wired Pulsefire Saga use a modular chassis with magnetically attaching main mouse clicks and rear domes that can be swapped in and out for a range of different grip types.

That's a fix for something even the best gaming mouse models can sometimes struggle with - if you've got all the internal specs you want, you're pretty stumped if the actual chassis doesn't bend to your will. It's a novel concept, where personalization is usually limited to software features, HP's latest range can shape itself to whatever you feel is most comfortable - especially since additional parts can be downloaded and 3D printed.

(Image credit: Future)

That last part does make it seem like HyperX won't be releasing its own accessories alongside the Pulsefire Saga and Pulsefire Saga Pro - which would defeat the purpose for anyone who doesn't have one of the best 3D printers stashed away. The Saga comes with two shells, two button covers, and two side button pairs straight out of the box, so there is still some wiggle room from day one.

Both mice feature HyperX's 26K sensor running at up to 650 IPS and 50G acceleration. The wireless Saga Pro is capped at a sensible 4,000Hz polling speed, but the cable on the Saga allows it to move up to more competitive 8,000Hz rates as well. Optical main switches will make for a faster response than more traditional mechanical clickers, and - of course - everything will be customizable with the brand's Ngenuity software. The wireless Saga Pro comes in at a slightly higher 79g, taking it away from the featherlight FPS-first mice across the rest of the market. However, if you want that reliable 8K polling in the wired Saga you can slim that waist down to 69g. That's still a little heavier than more premium entries from Razer or Logitech, but it's a cheaper device overall.

(Image credit: Future)

The HyperX Pulsefire Saga and Saga Pro will be available from March, with the Saga starting at $79.99 and the Saga Pro coming in at $119.99. HP also announced the budget-minded Pulsefire Fuse at CES this year, a 75g ambidextrous wireless mouse with a 12,000 DPI sensor that runs off a replaceable AAA battery for $49.99. Plus, the Pulsefire Haste line is seeing a refresh with the 2 S and 2 Pro 4K, two wireless gaming mouse models with a slick design, low weight, and the same HyperX 26K sensor. They will launch for $149.99 and $119.99 respectively.

We're also rounding up all the best Logitech gaming mouse models and the best left-handed gaming mice. If you're looking to keep your pointer running smoothly, though, check out the best mouse pads for gaming.

HyperX Cloud 3 Wireless review: “comfort and battery at the expense of functionality”

Tabitha Baker — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 15:33:08 +0000

HyperX’s latest wireless headset takes the updated Cloud 3 form factor and swaps the cable for a 2.4GHz USB-C connection. Considering this is pretty much just a straight swap between a 3.5mm cable and a dongle (there’s no Bluetooth connection option here), the $70 / £70 price increase at launch raised eyebrows. These days, though, the HyperX Cloud 3 Wireless is regularly found for around $129.99 / £129.99 - not too shabby considering there’s a battery and cord-free connection under the hood.

In silo, the HyperX Cloud 3 Wireless is an impressive piece of kit, but with the Razer BlackShark V2 Hyperspeed and SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X Wireless on the shelves, the competition might be too much. I put the latest wireless option from HyperX to the test over the course of three weeks, to see just where it falls next to the best gaming headsets on the market.

Key Specs
Price	$169.99 / £169.99 MSRP
Connection	2.4GHz
Drivers	53mm
Frequency response	10Hz - 21kHz
Microphone	Uni-directional noise canceling
ANC	None
Controls	Power, volume, mic mute
Battery	120 hours
Weight	330g
Compatibility	PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Android

Design

(Image credit: Future)

The HyperX Cloud 3 Wireless looks and feels very much like the Cloud 2 Wireless I reviewed back in 2021. One of my favorite elements, the red stitching around the headband, has been abandoned, but you’re still getting those iconic red aluminum yolks (now with a slightly more streamlined curve), a matte black plastic chassis, and a logo emblazoned on each side. I received the black and red model, but there’s a version that does away with these colorful accents for a more uniform aesthetic.

The cups themselves provide a particularly deep cushioning with springy but still nicely firm padding and a leatherette cover. That material does trap some heat within the main driver area, and is vulnerable to cracking and flaking later in life, but feels incredible around the head straight out of the box. Combined with the generous lining across the headband (far more than we were given in the previous generation), there’s plenty of protection from the harder elements of this build. That means the Cloud 3 Wireless is an incredibly comfortable headset. My ears were perfectly housed in between the cushions of each cup with no pinching to worry about, and the clamp force felt just right as well.

The biggest benefit of that leatherette material is noise isolation. Of course, there’s no active noise cancellation here, which meant they were no match for an airplane’s engines, but the seal was impressively tight during everyday play.

(Image credit: Future)

Getting the perfect fit isn’t too difficult. The headband easily adjusts across a series of notches up and down the red aluminum struts. There’s enough freedom of movement to simply place the headset straight on your head and then pull each side to reach the correct fit, but this drop in tension also means sizing can shift in a bag. I took the HyperX Cloud 3 Wireless on a five-day trip and did notice that the design didn’t exactly lend itself to travel. Yes, you’ll get a cloth drawstring case in the box, but with no swivel in the (slightly chunkier) cups, they take up a considerable amount of bag space.

The microphone attaches to the left cup via a 3.5mm port. That’s perfect if you want to use your headset on the go (provided you have a USB-C device), but I personally prefer a flip-to-mute microphone for everyday convenience. At a $169.99 / £169.99 MSRP, this feature isn’t out of the price range either.

Features

Like previous wireless gaming headsets from HyperX, the Cloud 3 only offers a 2.4GHz connection. That’s a little disappointing, especially considering you’ll find a Bluetooth option on the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X Wireless and a wired USB mode on the Razer BlackShark V2 Hyperspeed. At today’s going rate of $129.99 / £129.99 (and especially at the original $169.99 / £169.99 launch price) you’d expect alternative connection options.

As it stands, you can use the HyperX Cloud 3 Wireless with PS5, PC, Nintendo Switch, most Android devices, and some Apple devices. That seems like a lot, but dropping a wired option completely wipes Xbox consoles off the menu, and the lack of Bluetooth makes use with gaming handhelds a little trickier as well. I’ve been using the headset with an Asus ROG Ally for the last week and had to sacrifice power for audio.

Controls are split across the left and right cups, with an endless but notched volume wheel on the right and power / mic-mute buttons on the left. The volume wheel itself is one of my favorites I’ve tested. There’s a particularly pleasing tension to this scroller, allowing for quick volume control without the risk of sliding all the way up the scale in one frenzied movement. The notches are a little less pronounced than you’ll find in other gaming headsets as well, which means no annoying clacking sounds as you adjust.

(Image credit: Future)

The microphone itself features a unidirectional pickup with noise-canceling baked in. At nearly 8cm long, and with a nicely flexible arm, there’s plenty of room for a comfortable distance.

HyperX also knows how to use a battery. The brand made headlines with its massive 300-hour Cloud Alpha device a couple of years ago, but its mainline Cloud devices have generally stuck close to average in their charges. The Cloud 3 Wireless boasts an impressive 120 hours of battery - that’s the longest-lasting battery I’ve personally tested (and the second largest only to the Alpha that we’ve seen on GamesRadar+ at all). Considering the slightly more expensive Corsair HS80 Max only runs in at 65 hours, and both the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X and Razer BlackShark V2 Pro come in under 80 hours this is a seriously impressive feat. Not only that, but I ran the Cloud 3 Wireless for around 100 hours over the course of three weeks and was still at 30% battery, suggesting that the 120-hour benchmark might be at the lower end of the brand’s estimate.

Like most gaming headset software suites, HyperX’s Ngenuity is ok. You’ve got all your volume, microphone, and EQ settings in here as well as an additional switch for DTS Spatial Sound. There’s nothing revolutionary going on here, and it’s neither a particularly clean nor messy piece of software. EQ changes don’t have the same kind of impact that you’ll hear in something like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X or the far more expensive Astro A50 X. It’s there if you need it, but considering saved settings don’t carry over to console you might only ever touch it for the odd firmware update.

Performance

The HyperX Cloud 3 Wireless is far more concerned with clarity than richness - and this ethos runs throughout the entire sound profile and microphone performance. Far more attention has been paid to higher ranges here, with an under-emphasized bass that leaves explosions feeling a little flat and renders the Cloud 3 pretty redundant when Spotify is concerned. The lower mid-range also suffers the same fate, feeling muddy and underwhelming across music.

If you prefer detail to raw power, then, you’ll love this soundstage. A focused upper bass and upper mid-range mean environmental sounds shine through, dialogue is crisp and forward, and sometimes piercing clangs and scrapes are vivid without being too sharp. Nowhere was this more apparent than in Horizon Forbidden West. I have an area of this map where I like to test gaming headsets; a sparse glade with some roaming Ravagers. Why? Because very few headsets can actually balance all those machine sounds in a way that doesn’t completely overwhelm the soundstage in the mid-range. The HyperX Cloud 3 Wireless is the best headset for the job I’ve tested so far.

(Image credit: Future)

In dialing down lower ranges, environmental sounds can pull through without crashing into each other. Rather than an often unpleasant cacophony of overblown machine noises, I could pick out footsteps crunching without overtaking the entire soundstage. Would I have preferred a more textured, robust bass range? Probably yes - this is one small experiment in a sea of testing games, after all. But it does go to show how far the Cloud 3 Wireless is geared towards accuracy in the mids - something very few headsets aim for.

While that does mean the overall soundstage is slimmer than you’ll find in other devices, there’s still plenty of room for directional cues. I was easily able to pick out movement and reloads across CS:GO, as well as enemy locations in Fallout 4 and Doom Eternal.

Similarly, the microphone provides a crisp, clear vocal representation but doesn’t do much else. There’s very little warmth to this mic’s tones, which makes for an easily understandable line of communication but not one that will lend itself well to recording or streaming.

Should you buy the HyperX Cloud 3 Wireless?

(Image credit: Future)

The HyperX Cloud 3 Wireless excels in what it wants to do. The question is whether or not that’s enough for today’s market. It wants to bring you a detailed mid-range with clear directionality, natural audio, and a soundstage that prioritizes environmental cues and dialogue, and it does so better than any headset I’ve tested. It wants to cut the cord of the previous wired model, and the resulting 2.4GHz connection is reliable, easy, and rock-solid. It wants to steer clear of the charging cable, taking inspiration from its Cloud Alpha predecessor to offer long-lasting battery life in a completely different league to the rest of its competition.

But without Bluetooth, a wired connection, onboard EQ setting storage, a robust lower range, and a soundstage that works across both games and music, I can’t say the HyperX Cloud 3 Wireless is doing enough to put it above similar options from SteelSeries and Razer. Of course, no headset can do it all - but a lot do far more than this for the cash.

I would recommend the HyperX Cloud 3 Wireless to PC or PS5 players who primarily play story-forward games like Horizon, The Last of Us, Baldur’s Gate 3, and Skyrim. The games where dialogue matters more than the satisfaction of an explosion or the footsteps of another player. Equally, if you’re tired of constantly charging that 120-hour battery life might be enough to sway you towards HyperX. Otherwise, the Razer BlackShark V2 Hyperspeed is the better buy for PC players and SteelSeries’ Arctis Nova 5X is still the top dog for console players in this price range.

Specs	HyperX Cloud Wireless 3	Razer BlackShark V2 Hyperspeed	SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X Wireless
Price	$169.99 / £169.99 MSRP	$129.99 / £129.99	$129.99 / £129.99
Connection	2.4GHz	2.4GHz / Bluetooth / Wired	2.4GHz / Bluetooth
Drivers	53mm	50mm	40mm
Frequency response	10Hz - 21kHz	12Hz - 28kHz	20Hz - 22kHz
Microphone	Unidirectional noise canceling	Super Wideband Unidirectional	Bidirectional noise cancelling
ANC	None	None	None
Controls	Power, volume, mic mute	Power, volume, playback, profile / Bluetooth smartswitch, mic mute	Power, volume, Bluetooth quick switch, mic mute, chat mix
Battery	120 hours	70 hours	60 hours
Weight	330g	280g	265g
Compatibility	PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Android	PC, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, mobile	PC, PlayStation, Xbox (on X model), Nintendo Switch, mobile

How we tested the HyperX Cloud 3 Wireless

I used the HyperX Cloud 3 Wireless for all play across a period of three weeks. In that time, I primarily tested on Fallout 4, Gears Tactics, and CS:GO on PC as well as Doom Eternal, Horizon Forbidden West, and Assassin’s Creed: Mirage on PS5. I also took the Cloud 3 Wireless headset on a five-day trip, during which I listened to music, podcasts, and tested on the Asus ROG Ally. For more information on how we test gaming headsets, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

We’re also rounding up all the best Xbox Series X headsets and the best PS5 headsets on the market. Or, take a look at the best PC headsets available.

HyperX Armada 27 review: "There really is no other monitor like it on the market"

John Loeffler — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 17:15:06 +0000

The HyperX Armada 27 is easily one of my favorite gaming screens, even if the appeal of this display is almost entirely in the arm.

That’s not to say that the Armada 27 isn’t a good-looking high-performance display. It definitely holds its own against many of the best gaming monitors in terms of resolution, refresh rate, and pixel response. And with features like HDR 400 and Nvidia G-Sync, it ticks a lot of boxes, even if it doesn’t bring a whole lot of innovation to its spec sheet.

The QHD (1440p) resolution looks great, especially on a 27-inch monitor, and the 1ms pixel response time is respectable as is the max 165Hz refresh rate. These are increasingly becoming standard gaming monitor specs, so it’s notable that the Armada 27 hits all the right notes when it comes to fundamentals. It doesn’t go much beyond them, unfortunately, but if you’re looking for a solid performer for everything from casual to competitive play, you’ll find the Armada 27 does what it needs to do and it does it very well.

Where it really shines though is the arm action: the (honestly) completely unnecessary mount for the display that allows you to move the monitor around like you’re on a damned starship. Want to look down at an RTS map and feel like you’re a supreme commander of an army taking a god’s-eye view of the action? You can do that. Want to spin the display 90 degrees and play some old-fashioned bullet hells in portrait mode? Covered. Got totally crushed in a match and want to be all dramatic and shove the display away in disgust? Go right ahead, though watch the clearance. However you want to position it, you’re almost certainly going to find the right angle for whatever game you’re playing.

For a QHD monitor with these specs though, you’re paying more than you might for a more traditional gaming monitor with a stand, but if you’ve got the budget to spend on an upgrade, there’s a lot to like here. The Armada 27 is available now with a listing price of $499 and £499, respectively, and while the HyperX Armada 27 isn’t the most expensive QHD gaming monitor on the market, it’s definitely not for the budget conscious. If you’re willing to stretch your budget a bit though, you’re going to get a much more distinctive gaming display than just about any of its competitors.

(Image credit: Future/John Loeffler)

Design & features

The HyperX Armada 27’s best feature is its design. Displays on adjustable boom arms is not a new concept, though these kinds of displays have been more likely to find their way into an office in the financial district or with software engineers.

Seeing this kind of monitor form factor coming to the gaming scene is definitely an exciting development. Whether it's one that will catch on remains to be seen, though. There is an undeniable cool factor to pushing and pulling your display to whatever position is most comfortable at the moment, but most gamers are likely to have their hardware close to optimally set up anyway, so it's possible that you might position the monitor and then never touch it again for weeks or months at a time. It’s good to know you could though.

(Image credit: Future/John Loeffler)

You also have included hardware for both desk mounting as well as wall mounting, giving you a lot of flexibility when it comes to how you want to use this monitor. The build quality of the monitor is fairly standard for a mid-range gaming monitor, but the boom arm is a much more solid bit of engineering that goes a long way to justifying its price tag.

The design isn’t perfect though, and one of the biggest problems is the lack of input ports. Limited to just two HDMI 2.0 ports and a single DisplayPort 1.4 input, there are a lot of gaming monitors out there that offer a better port selection. Another major drawback on the ports is that the HDMI ports are not HDMI 2.1, so it won't cut it as a PS5 monitor or Xbox Series X monitor if you're after 120Hz on those machines.

(Image credit: Future/John Loeffler)

Performance

The Armada 27 is a fantastic QHD gaming monitor in its own right, independent of its design. With a max 165Hz refresh and a 1ms pixel response, gamers are going to enjoy the snappy performance of this display. Everything from Elden Ring to Cult of the Lamb is going to look great, especially if you make the right color adjustments.

The display also covers 93% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, so creatives won’t totally balk at this monitor either. It’s not the best monitor for creatives out there by any means, but casual or prosumer users who are more interested in gaming than perfect color fidelity for some side projects in Lightroom or Illustrator will at least get some added benefit from their gaming monitor.

On the gaming side, though, the performance is outstanding. A 165Hz display isn’t breaking any land-speed records, but it's still fast enough for a great QHD gaming experience. And with 1ms pixel response, this is definitely a viable esports display, so Overwatch 2 or League of Legend competitors will appreciate the responsiveness. I’m not a great esports player, honestly, but I was able to hold my own fairly well in some Destiny 2 Crucible matches. Not enough to top the leaderboards, mind you, but I did manage to pull myself out of dead last at least.

(Image credit: Future/John Loeffler)

The only other thing to note is that the HDR 400 is pretty weak, but that’s really the case with all HDR 400 displays, so the Armada 27 is squarely within the mean here. That isn’t much of a compliment, or an excuse, but if you want outstanding color contrast, you really do need to look at some more premium displays.

You’ll also want to play around with the color settings in the OSD menu to access the DCI-P3 color space, since the default color mode for the monitor is sRGB. The monitor’s peak brightness is also a respectable 400 nits in standard mode, with a higher brightness possible in HDR mode. Ultimately, you’ll need to fiddle with the settings to find the right ones for you, but that is the case with most monitors anyway.

(Image credit: Future/John Loeffler)

Overall - should you buy the HyperX Armada 27?

At $500/£500, it’s a hard sell to make when so many other monitors on the market are cheaper, but in the end, the HyperX Armada 27 isn’t so much more expensive than the competition as to be laughed out of the room. The arm might be an unnecessary feature, and the display could absolutely be in line with its competitors on price if it just stuck with a traditional monitor stand, but the Armada isn’t trying to be a traditional gaming monitor.

For the gamer out there who is looking for exactly this kind of monitor for their setup, there really is no other monitor like the Armada 27 on the market, at least not one with gamers in mind. And, ultimately, you are getting something quite special for the money. Whether it's worth the investment is up to you, but I know that I’ll be sorry to have to send this one back now that the review is done.

How we tested the HyperX Armada 27

Generally, we tested the monitor over a number of days, using a mix of applications to test the limitations of the monitor, including many of the most modern FPS, RPGs, and esports games, but also Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, and Premiere. We looked at color fidelity, responsiveness, brightness and contrast, and HDR quality, among other physical features like ports, build quality, and ease of use. We used a wide mix of settings available in the monitor’s OSD menu and Windows settings menus to see how well the monitor accomplishes what it sets out to do. We also extensively manipulated the orientation and position of the monitor of the Armada 27 to see how easy it is to adjust to suit different needs.

You can read more on how we test gaming monitors at GamesRadar+ as well as our more holistic approach to gaming tech in our full Hardware Policy.

If you're after something more specialist, then head over to our guides on the best 4K monitors for gaming and the best G-Sync monitors.

HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 review: "A great sounding budget headset with unfortunate design drawbacks"

Alex Whitelock — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 17:01:20 +0000

The HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 is the latest budget offering from the brand and a headset that’s looking to offer a solid choice for those looking to spend the reasonable $50 / £50 MSRP.

A relatively plain design, classic wired setup, and lean set of features mean that the Cloud Stinger 2 is definitely a stripped-down affair but that’s by no means a bad thing. In fact, HyperX is a company that usually nails the performance side with its headsets by stripping out all the unneeded bells and whistles. It did just this with the excellent Cloud Alpha 2 - a more premium headset that’s been a favorite with gamers for many years now.

So, the precedent for an excellent value headset is there with the Stinger 2. To see how it stacks up against the best gaming headsets within this price range, I put the Stinger 2 through its paces with over three weeks of testing in-game.

Design

The HyperX Stinger 2 features the all-plastic design that’s common among headsets within this price range. While this lends to a nice, light headset, the HyperX Stinger 2 definitely feels on the cheaper side on closer inspection. The hard ABS plastic is likely to hold up to some abuse, but it’s a far cry from the aluminum cups and headband featured on the more pricey HyperX Cloud Alpha model.

(Image credit: Future)

The memory foam cups on each ear cup feel fairly cheap as well. They’re not quite as generously padded as some we’ve tested and the faux leather covers also have that plasticky feel that’s common on budget headsets Again, not a huge complaint since this is common on headsets in this price range but it’s worth noting what your money will get you here.

Aesthetically, HyperX has opted for a rather subdued all-black look with the Stinger 2, with the only flair being provided by some etching on the headband and ear cups. There’s no RGB to be found here, although the etching does give a nice carbon fiber effect that breaks up an otherwise fairly plain outward design.

Features

Essential Info

(Image credit: Future)

Type: Wired (3.5mm jack)
Sound output: Stereo (50mm drivers)
Microphone: Foldable boom
Compatibility: PC, Mac, PS5, Xbox One, Switch, mobile
Controls: Volume
Frequency response: 10Hz - 28kHz
Weight: 272g
Tested on PC.

In line with other HyperX headsets, the Cloud Stinger 2 focuses on straight-out-the-box simplicity as opposed to being packed out with tons of bells and whistles. Simply put, the Cloud Stinger 2 is a plug-and-play wired headset that uses a 3.5mm audio jack.

This essentially affords wide-ranging compatibility, and, since there’s no additional software or customization features, both console and PC gamers are getting the same experience here. For some, particularly those used to the software suites that companies like Logitech or Razer offer, that's going to be a bummer. For those who value simplicity, it’s going to be a benefit.

Even on the headset itself, the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 features fairly minimal controls. The only dial or button on the entire headset is a red volume control on the right cup. The mic also features a fold-to-mute design, which is another handy, if somewhat basic, feature.

Performance

(Image credit: Future)

So, the design isn’t amazing and neither are the features. Luckily, however, the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 makes up for it by knocking it out of the park when it comes to performance for the price. Put simply, this headset sounds absolutely great out of the box.

It’s definitely not the clearest headset I’ve ever used, but I was instantly impressed by the overall sound quality coming out of the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2’s 50mm drivers. The bass feels nice and well-rounded, there are no sharp highs, and everything just sounds right immediately. While you can’t exactly tinker with the sound due to the lack of customization, the Cloud Stinger 2 sound as good as some headsets that cost twice as much.

When playing Marauders, I could easily hear the distant clanging of enemies while filling my pockets with loot and in the short, intensive, gun battles everything sounded suitably frenetic. For a cheap headset for FPS gaming, the Cloud Stinger 2 is simply a great option.

I would, however, rank it slightly lower for those longer sessions - like if you’re sitting in for a multi-hour strategy game session with your friends. When doing just that playing Victoria 3 I found the relatively thin padding on the earcups to be a little grating after a while. Although sounding great, I had to take them off a few times to give my ears a break - your mileage may vary, however.

Overall - should you buy the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2?

(Image credit: Future)

I appreciate the overall philosophy behind the Cloud Stinger 2. It's a headset designed to be a cost-efficient, decent-value set that focuses on what’s important - great out-the-box sound.

Foibles here include a fairly cheap build and a barren list of features that’s likely to turn off those on the hunt for the best PC gaming headset. In comparison, brands like Razer and Logitech tend to offer more customization aesthetically and sound profiles on their headsets, which can be a draw if you like to tinker and personalize your setup.

Conversely, a simple plug-and-play 3.5mm jack and decent performance is likely to make the Cloud Stinger 2 a good choice for console gamers on a tight budget, but nothing more than that. It won’t challenge the best PS5 headsets, but it will offer bang for buck value if you’re short on cash.

One quick note here - it’s also worth considering the older HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 if you’re looking for a simple plug-and-play headset. This headset is a higher-end offering from the brand and can usually be found for around $50 / £50 if it’s on sale since it’s an older headset now. If you can find the Alpha 2 for a decent price then I’d recommend upgrading to that since it’s more comfortable and features a more solid design.

How we tested the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2

I used the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 as my daily headset for a three-week period, which roughly equated to 25 hours in-game. The games I used to test the headset were Marauders, Victoria 3, and Hell Let Loose. I also listened to a wide range of music to gauge the overall sound quality of the headset. During this time, I also compared the Cloud Stinger 2 to other budget headsets in my collection to determine how it held up against the competition.

You can read more about how we test gaming headsets as well as how we make all our recommendations in the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

If your budget is bigger and you're thinking about cutting the cords, then check out our guides to the best wireless gaming headsets, as well as the top contenders for PS5 wireless headsets and Xbox Series X wireless headsets.

HyperX QuadCast S and DuoCast streaming microphone review: "it sounded like I was literally in the room"

jasmine.mannan@futurenet.com (Jasmine Mannan) — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 14:31:04 +0000

If you're looking for a new microphone for streaming, music production, or anything in between then you should be considering the HyperX QuadCast S (which costs $160 / £160) and HyperX DuoCast (coming in at $100 / £100).

These are exceptional microphones that are worth every penny. I felt like a professional podcaster having them on my desk and when listening back to the audio it sounded like I was literally in the room. They're the perfect addition to any streaming for gamers setup.

(Image credit: Future)

HyperX QuadCast S vs HyperX DuoCast

HyperX QuadCast S

audio interface frequency rate - 48kHz
audio interface bitrate - 16bit
90dB SNR
weight - 710g
not compatible with iOS
available in black and white

HyperX DuoCast

audio interface frequency rate - 96kHz
audio interface bit rate - 24bit
100dB SNR
weight - 243g
compatible with iOS
available in black only

(Image credit: Future)

Design and Features

You'll find that the design of these microphones is relatively similar. Both are structured similarly: a slim cylinder design with a shock mount towards the bottom. You are able to mount both to a boom arm or use them with the stands included in the box.

You'll also find that the microphones feature some gorgeous RGB, however, the DuoCast does win on this front as it has an LED sound level indicator. The main interior of the microphone lights up, and this can be fully adjusted to match your setup using the HyperX software. One cool feature is the RGB turns off when your mic is muted so there's no longer a need to scratch around to check if your mic is muted on stream anymore.

(Image credit: Future)

A big difference between the builds of these two microphones is the weight. The QuadCast comes in at a hefty 710 grams - which is something to consider when you're shopping for an arm to mount your mic - while the DuoCast is much lighter, weighing just 243 grams.

Now, onto the main stats of the microphones for all of the audio and music nerds out there, the audio interface frequency rate is a big factor for many. You'll be glad to know that the QuadCast comes in at 48kHz and the DuoCast comes in at double that at 96kHz. The audio interface bit rate is 16bit on the DuoCast and 24bit on the QuadCast.

(Image credit: Future)

Performance

When using these microphones, I will admit, I felt a little bit like a music producer - but that's more to do with the design rather than anything else. Trust me, anyone I know will tell you that birds fall out of the sky when I sing.

When first plugging these in there was such a significant difference in quality when compared to my Fifine Gaming microphone that my friends on call with me literally all gasped. When listening back to the audio, you can barely tell that it is being transmitted through a microphone, it literally sounds like I'm in the room talking to myself. This is the case for both models, too.

It was such a giant peace of mind being able to tell when my mic was muted at a glance, and being able to adjust the sensitivity right on the device itself rather than having to open up any settings.

(Image credit: Future)

Overall... should you buy these mics?

If you're looking for a new microphone for streaming, music production, or podcasting then these are both great choices. They come in at very decent prices considering the features, and provide massive bang for your buck.

Alongside being functional, they are also beautiful - something which many other brands don't really consider when designing microphones. I love these so much and find it so hard to pick between the two when choosing my main microphone - I did settle for the QuadCast as it comes in white so matches my setup more.

Although the DuoCast is a full $60 / £60 cheaper, it's worth noting that the QuadCast is typically on sale, down to around $110 / £110.

How we tested the HyperX QuadCast S and HyperX DuoCast

I tested these microphones by replacing my current microphone and using them for everything from video calls for work, discord calls when gaming, and, of course, streaming. I was sure to test all the features which HyperX claimed these mics would present. I tried them on a mount arm and on their stands to see if there was a difference.

I was sure to also record audio and listen to it back and compare this to my previous microphone to see if I could hear the difference myself rather than just rely on the opinion of others to who I was speaking.

If you're trying to get into streaming but don't know where to start then be sure to check out our best webcam for streaming and our best ring lights. You can also take a peek at our best green screens if you'd like to pick one up.

HyperX Clutch Wireless review: "This is now my go to controller"

jasmine.mannan@futurenet.com (Jasmine Mannan) — Mon, 20 Jun 2022 16:01:26 +0000

The HyperX Clutch is a wireless controller which is mobile ready and can also be used with a PC. It is asymmetrical, with a standard Xbox controller style layout. This genuinely one of the best controllers I have ever used and I would even go as far to say that it has earnt its place among the best PC controllers available right now.

This is genuinely one of the best value for money products you'll find when on the lookout for a controller. It works wirelessly via Bluetooth with any Android mobile device and is also compatible with PC via a 2.4ghz connector or wired play. It comes in at just $50 and often goes on sale for $40, making it amazing value given some of the features. These include a removable mobile clip, rechargeable battery and a textured ergonomic design.

Design

(Image credit: Future)

The HyperX Clutch Wireless is slightly smaller than other standard controllers which definitely contributes to the portability. One thing that I'm not the biggest fan of is how light the controller feels - this isn't necessarily a negative as, again, this contributes to the portability. However, when using the controller the lack of weight can make it feel like a cheap product.

There are four buttons and a home button in the center of the controller and above these are four lights which can indicate what player you are or your battery level if you are playing single player. This is super handy to know at a glance. A small slider at the bottom of the controller allows you to switch between different connections to make it easier to use. The options are Bluetooth, 2.4G or wired.

The actual shape of the gamepad is standard but feels so much more comfortable than a normal Xbox controller. This may be because it's slightly smaller, and so fits in my hands better. However, this could also be down to the ergonomic grips on the side. These are very soft and pleasant and prevent as it from slipping out of your hands. Although a small addition, these grips are great.

(Image credit: Future)

Now to the greatest design feature of this controller; the removable mobile clip. This additional extra feels more durable than others I've tested and can be used as a phone stand on its own as well. It slots straight into the gamepad very easily with no tools or any extras needed. Not only that, but there's still space to charge while using the clip - something missing from other models.

The included 2m USB-C charging cable can also be used to wire up your connection to PC. The battery life is meant to come in at around 19 hours and this does ring true through playtesting.

Although relatively simple in design, this is to be expected from a controller at this price point.

(Image credit: Future)

Features

While you won't find too many additional features in the HyperX Clutch Wireless, the ones that are on offer are outstanding considering the value for money they provide.

The main feature of this product is the fact that it is compatible with both Android mobile phones and PCs and can be switched between the two very easily making it amazing for cloud gaming. It works with Bluetooth making it very simple to connect to your phone. Included in the box is a 2.4G receiver which allows you to use the controller wirelessly with PC too. It's worth noting that you cannot use the Bluetooth functionality with any Bluetooth ready device - my PC has a Bluetooth adaptor but it wouldn't connect.

(Image credit: Future)

The fact a controller this cheap can be used wirelessly on both mobile and PC is a great step forward when compared to other models at this price point. For example the SteelSeries Stratus+, which comes in at $/£60, allows for wireless play with mobile but then has to be used wired if being used with PC. The Clutch Wireless, however, still isn't compatible with Apple products meaning us iPhone users are really missing out - this is such a great product and I wish I could use it at my main mobile controller.

Battery life is significantly lower than the SteelSeries Stratus+, which is closer to 90 hours. However, for wireless controllers in general, 19 hours is pretty good - the DualSense is around four to eight hours. It charges relatively quickly but it doesn't state anywhere that it actually is a 'fast-charger'.

You'll also find clickable joysticks. This is industry standard for console and PC controllers but is something which can be harder to find with mobile controllers. This is great for people who are already familiar with console as it allows for you to continue playing the games you know and love with the same inputs.

(Image credit: Future)

Performance

The buttons, D-pad, joysticks and triggers all feel very familiar as they are the same as the Xbox wireless controller. Although nothing special, they get the job done well. They don't feel particularly tactile, just like standard buttons.

The clickable joysticks mean I don't feel restricted and can transition from playing on console to mobile much easier. The actuation point of the joysticks was very satisfying, there was no way to accidentally push them in but if you wanted to use them you could do so with ease. The process of connecting the controller is super easy, sometimes when using Bluetooth or wireless capabilities you can run into some issues but nothing of the sort was present with the HyperX Clutch.

The mobile clip was extremely sturdy, even when moving around there was no wobbling. The fact that it is very easily removable means you can transition from mobile to PC gaming super easily. It also means you can very quickly pack the controller away if you are on the go.

I performed just as well in games with this controller as I do when using my regular controller on PC which goes to show that having a controller really does make a difference when playing games on mobile. This controller will not hold you back in any way but if you're looking for some more advanced features, it may be worth looking elsewhere.

There were absolutely no downsides when I was using this controller, it performed amazingly and all of the features worked well and as-intended.

(Image credit: Future)

Should you buy the HyperX Clutch?

Overall, this is an amazing controller, which works wirelessly with both mobile and PC and still provides you with the familiarity and comfort of playing on console. If you are looking for a controller for either mobile or PC then this could be a great option, if you need one that works with both then you absolutely have to consider this. For just $50 you get a controller with a decent battery life and wireless capabilities. That's perfect for anyone just dipping in and out of both mobile and PC play, though we would recommend something with more specialist features if you're going pro.

The only thing holding me back from giving this controller full marks is the fact that it is not compatible with Apple's iPhone which excludes a massive market of gamers. I hope this is something that HyperX will take into account when designing any future mobile controllers.

How we tested the HyperX Clutch Wireless controller

I tested all the features with the HyperX Clutch on both mobile and PC to ensure I was able to understand how it worked with both. I tried multiple different games from different genres to understand how the controller worked with each of them. I also paid close attention to the durability of each of the inputs, from triggers to the switch to change the connectivity, for an understanding of how the Clutch Wireless will hold up in the long term.

For more on how we test controllers at GamesRadar+ check out our full article, and for something more representative of our holistic approach to the latest gear, check out our Hardware Policy.

If you're on the look out for the best controller for you then take a look at our best PS4 controllers or our best Xbox one controllers where you can find the right one to suit your needs.

HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless review: "Superb audio & a magic battery spoiled by a bad mic"

rob.dwiar@futurenet.com (Rob Dwiar) — Wed, 25 May 2022 12:45:01 +0000

We all know that HyperX makes some of the best gaming headsets by now; its Cloud Alpha wired headset has long been a top performer for PC particularly and is as reliable in providing top audio performance as ever. Now, the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless enters the market with some big claims - one in particular.

That biggest claim is a battery life of up to 300-hours. This is extraordinary, and huge if true - especially so if it still offers that HyperX pedigree, audio brilliance, and solidity that we've come to expect. The Cloud Alpha Wireless almost sounds like it could be trying to provide that 'one headset you'll ever need' kind of solution - particularly for PC and PlayStation users - but how does it really stack up after a few weeks of rigorous use and testing?

Design and features

At first glance, the Cloud Alpha Wireless could be mistaken for the ever-popular Cloud headset. It looks identical. The same black and red design is applied, with the red metal arcs holding each cup inspiring confidence as well as looking pretty cool. The red is then also picked up on by some neat stitching in the headband and the HyperX logo on each cup. Simple.

The mic is detachable (more on that later), and joining it on the left cup are the USB-C charging port, the mic mute button, and the power button. The mic button is convex in shape and the power button is concave meaning that I instantly knew which one was which by feel alone when using the headset the first time, which was a handy touch. This is a small detail but one that others could learn from. On the right-hand cup there is an easy to use volume wheel, which also has a good amount of resistance to it too.

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)

Inside the cups lie HyperX's Dual-Chamber 50mm neodymium magnet drivers which are some of the best in the business. The dual-chamber approach works to ensure everything from highs, to mids, to lows are crisp and clear.

The drivers, controls, and overall structure of the headset combine into something which is not too heavy and not too light, and, more importantly, is incredibly comfortable. This is a headset that I wore for hours and hours for gaming, and for whole days at work. The ratchet for the size of the headband is good but could be a little stiffer to fight against unwanted slips - this is a small gripe, however. Otherwise, this is a typically comfortable headset from HyperX. Again.

Performance

The big USP of the headset here is the battery life. And I can confirm that it is powered by magic, witchcraft, and the mysteries of the universe. I charged it once when I got it out of the box and haven't done so again, weeks after that first use. I gave up counting/had to move on with my life once it got to the 110-hour mark at which the man in the earcups told me it was still 70%. It really is excellent, and if battery life is of paramount importance for you then seriously take note of the Cloud Alpha Wireless.

Cutting to the chase for actual audio performance, the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless is easily one of the best sounding headsets I've used and can handle anything that's thrown at it.

On PC and PS5, the headset excelled in whatever game I was playing. From the chaotic combat noises of a mad skirmish in Red Alert Remastered to the expansive landscape and world of games like Red Dead 2 and Assassin's Creed Valhalla, and Spider-Man Miles Morales, every detail was presented beautifully. Weapon and enemy audio in Outriders and Sniper Ghost Warrior 3 was excellent as I carved my way through Alien-infested expeditions and the Georgian countryside respectively.

I was also incredibly pleased as to how the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless presents music and TV to me, as well as how clearly and crisply co-workers came across in work calls. It really is a headset that is great at all audio.

However, for a gaming headset, all that excellent audio performance is let down by the device's 'main' adjacent feature for gaming - the mic.

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)

Saying that the microphone wouldn't bother those on our best microphones for gaming list would be a great, great understatement. And that's because the microphone is so, so disappointing. It's a boom mic, and HyperX has a record of making really solid - maybe not exceptional - mics so I am very surprised that this made it out the door really.

Frequently, my teammates couldn't hear me, then I was crackly and muffled, and then I was too loud - all the things you don't want from a mic. The only 'stable' position was incredibly close to one's mouth and by upping the sensitivity levels of whatever machine I was using. I was basically having to eat it at points for my work colleagues to hear me on calls, or for my teammates to know what the hell I was saying or suggesting. Yes, the altering of the mic level helped, but this is No Muy Bien.

Unfortunately, this made it worse than the in-built mics on the likes of the Pulse 3D headset, and comparing it to the boomer on my Arctis 7P+ was like night and day.

Should you buy the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless?

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)

As a result of the really poor microphone performance, it's hard to really recommend for everyone. Are you after a great-sounding, long-lasting gaming headset for mostly (entirely?) single-player gaming? Then it's an easy recommendation and one of the best wireless gaming headsets money can buy right now.

If you thought this might be the next 'do everything' headset for work and play, extending to multiplayer action too, then I would probably steer you away. Or at least make sure you are absolutely aware of the failings of the mic. Unfortunately, the microphone really does ruin it for me. Especially when you're spending this much - the HyperX is the best part of $200 / £200.

However, even the mega battery life has a 'but' to it. And that is that we are all now very accustomed to charging devices in 2022. From phones to controllers to headsets, we all have our eye in on when to juice up and not allowing ourselves to get caught out. As a result, I'd wager that almost everyone could find a really great headset in those that offer even 30 hours or so - something like a Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2, or even the official PlayStation and Xbox Wireless headset - all of which come in at a far lower price.

In a nutshell, it's a story of a headset having superb audio &nd a magic battery that are spoiled by a terrible mic. However, in truth, it is very convenient to have a headset you'll only need to charge every 4, 6, or even 8 weeks, and the audio quality is of a very high standard. If you ignore the mic or don't need one, then the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless is definitely one to consider.

How I tested the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless

The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless has been my everyday headset for weeks now, using it for all work and play. I have been wearing it at my desk for a full 8 or so hours of work listening to music, using it for calls, and occasionally watching video and TV too to put it through its paces. I had them on all day listening to music at the very least.

It also became my go-to gaming headset on PC and PS5, in all single-player and multiplayer games. I played games like Red Alert Remastered, Control, and Red Dead Redemption on PC to cover the bases for chaotic action, detailed audio design, and beautifully subtle environmental noises respectively, while also playing Outriders for hours at a time with my friends, F1 2021 with a pal, and continuing a playthrough of Sniper Ghost Warrior 3 in my personal time.

You can read more about how we test gaming headsets as well as how we make all our recommendations in the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

On the search for your next headset? Then check out our guides to the best PC headset for gaming, best PS5 headset, and best Xbox Series X headset.

Reviewed with a Razer Blade 15 laptop supplied by Razer.

HyperX's new wireless gaming headset boasts a 300 hour battery life

Tabitha Baker — Wed, 05 Jan 2022 13:21:14 +0000

HyperX's biggest announcement at CES 2022 may be this massive 300 hour wireless headset. The Cloud Alpha Wireless is a cordless version of the already hugely popular headset, but in its latest iteration HyperX boasts these cups will last far longer than any other on the market on a single charge. Many of the best gaming headsets these days manage to pack just 30 hours of juice.

“As producers of professional gaming-grade accessories, HyperX is committed to outfitting the gaming and esports communities with the best products for extended gaming sessions, esports tournaments or casual gaming with friends," states Kevin Hague, vice president and general manager of HyperX.

(Image credit: HyperX)

Aside from that week-long battery life, though, the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless also promises the same comfortable form factor that many have come to trust in. Of course, with such a massive battery strapped in, the results are yet to be tested but considering the pedigree HyperX is building in its wireless repertoire it's going to be interesting to get our hands on this new wunderkind. We can already see that the new wireless model clocks in at 322g, just 20g heavier than the wired model at 298g.

Of course, you're still getting the Cloud Alpha experience here, with DTS:X immersion and an improved Dual Chamber design. HyperX may be shaving some of the weight with the new lightweight 50mm drivers, designed to slim down the profile of the headset itself while still offering up the performance that many expect from the Cloud Alpha range.

(Image credit: HyperX)

The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless will bring its incredible battery life to market in February, priced at $199.99.

However, HyperX is also adding two new sets of cups to its roster this year. CES 2022 also saw the announcement of a new white and pink HyperX Cloud II colorway and a new HyperX Cloud Core model. The latter will feature DTS:X3 audio for boosted 3D audio, and will hit shelves this month at $69.99.

The HyperX Clutch wireless controller, Pulsefire Haste wireless gaming mouse, and HyperX Alloy Origins 65 gaming keyboard were also on show, all launching in the first few months of 2022.

We're rounding up all the best wireless gaming headsets available right now. Or, if you're looking beyond PC gaming headsets, check out the best PS5 headsets and best Xbox Series X headsets.

HyperX Alloy Elite 2 review: Bright and bold with a super smooth finish

Tabitha Baker — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 08:52:30 +0000

HyperX is bringing some new toys to its refresh of the Alloy Elite gaming keyboard. We're seeing the Kingston brand's own red linear mechanical switches in the latest release and it's also the first time the HyperX pudding ABS keycaps have been baked straight into the deck from the off. The result is bright and bold, with a smooth finish that easily makes it one of the best gaming keyboard options on the market right now.

The full, heavy, deck sports a strong range of features, though the Ngenuity software still doesn't quite keep up with the customization options of some of the competitors, and overall offers up an excellent typing feel and facilitates speedy in-game reactions. While some quality of life drops do let the board down, a lower price point than the previous entry may just help you forget about the lack of wrist rest and cable management difficulties.

Features

Essential info

(Image credit: HyperX)

Average price: $129.99 / £139.99
Type: Mechanical
Size: Full sized
Connectivity: Wired
Switches: HyperX Red
Keycaps: ABS double-shot pudding
Media keys: Dedicated
Wrist rest: None
USB passthrough: Yes

Those proprietary switches are certainly a departure from the Cherry MX found in previous models. There's far less travel time in each key press which means you're getting both the speed of a far more sensitive deck while also keeping the breathing room that many prefer in a red switch. The result is extremely comfortable and nicely responsive for both typing and faster action games, however it should be noted that you're getting far fewer switch options this time around, with just the reds available at the moment.

That means those relying on twitch reflex actuation bumps will feel a little sluggish here still, though you're getting a faster, smoother response than higher Cherry reds without the clacky sound of a speed-focused blue switch, for example.

With dedicated media keys, each with their own satisfying clicks, and a less tactile volume scroll wheel you're getting plenty of additional functionality along the top row. That feature set hasn't evolved much from the original Alloy Elite, but it was never broken in the first place. You are, however, losing the wrist rest that originally accompanied the previous model which does make for some tough longer sessions.

There's also USB passthrough packed in here, and while that does require an additional USB port to be freed up it's handy to free up space on your main machine. Plus, if you're running USB 3.0 ports you won't need to plug both USB connectors in.

(Image credit: Future)

Design

It's impossible to look at the HyperX Alloy Elite 2 and not notice the incredible RGB lighting erupting from each key. The whole deck is bathed in bold, bright colors, with all-encompassing LEDs shining straight through those proprietary ABS keycaps. With translucent sides, each key is free to beam light across the full deck, supported by double-shot legends offering just as much illumination up top as well.

It certainly sets the Alloy Elite 2 apart from weedier RGB competitors, but if you find those flashes too distracting they can be toned down in the Ngenuity software.

Supporting all that light and speed is a durable steel frame with a plastic underside. That means no bend and no sliding during more heated moments, but you are sacrificing a little ease of use here. This certainly isn't the gaming keyboard for throwing into a backpack and taking on the go. A full solid steel base means considerable weight, and add a chunky cable into the mix and this is definitely one you'll be keeping firmly in place on the desk.

It's a shame that such a premium, durable chassis is let down by fairly cheap feeling keycaps. The ABS plastic here is comfortable enough, but after two weeks of heavy use we're already seeing some shine on regularly tapped keys, and there's very little grip texture here as well.

Performance

The HyperX Alloy Elite 2 performs just as well in an everyday setting as it does in the middle of the battlefield. Typing speed and feel is still incredibly smooth, while also facilitating the sensitivity required during heavier gaming moments. That lower travel time means there's little actuation force required to register here, but the linear switch design still keeps things feeling tight. That means you're still getting the speed required to compete but without the need to learn your board as quickly to avoid accidental presses.

(Image credit: HyperX)

Everything feels slick and precise, even in the messiest Fall Guys runs and the most desperate Rocket League goal attempts. Plus, with a full-sized deck and three onboard profiles to store your own macro customizations, there's plenty of flexibility across the whole deck here.

Longer gaming sessions were somewhat hampered by the lack of wrist rest, though the deck isn't set too high which means you won't be arching your wrists too far to comfortable travel across the deck.

Overall - should you buy it?

The HyperX Alloy Elite 2 inhabits a hybrid space on the market right now. You're not getting the fastest keyboard in the game here, but you are picking up a rare middle ground that is difficult to parallel in its responsive actuations and smooth, snappy travel times.

There are plenty of keyboards vying at this popular $129.99 / £139.99 upper mid-range price point (the Razer BlackWidow Elite is also competing in this space thanks to regular discounts these days, as is the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT), but very few offer this particular experience. HyperX's proprietary switches and pudding keycaps are certainly carving out their own space within the industry, and the responsive feel, solid case, trimmed down chassis, and USB-passthrough add extra value to that proposition that you may miss in other models.

There are a few quality-of-life quirks here, like the lack of wrist rest and heavy form factor, and HyperX's Ngenuity software is still very much a work in progress, but this is certainly an impressive deck at this price point.

HyperX Cloud II Wireless review: "an affordable wireless headset that offers a sweet audio quality"

Tabitha Baker — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 15:30:49 +0000

The HyperX Cloud II wireless builds on the already strong foundations of its wired predecessor. While differences between the two HyperX headsets aren't immediately apparent (apart from the lack of cable on this newest release), fine tuning under the hood and a strong wireless performance further develop a winning formula to offer one of the overall best wireless gaming headsets available.

With a $150 price tag, the wireless revamp of the classic HyperX Cloud II is already quite competitively priced. Add virtual 7.1 surround sound, crisp and clear sound detail and quality, and a reliable wireless connection and you've got an impressive proposition - albeit one that could still offer a little more in the way of software considering you're breaking the $100 ceiling.

Design

There are a few design choices separating this wireless model from the original HyperX Cloud II. The choice between thick memory foam and a soft plush cup cover is gone, with the new model only shipping with the leatherette material. That's a little disappointing, especially seeing as this material tends to degrade over time. However, the overall effect is still just as luxuriously comfortable to wear every day.

Pulling on a pair of HyperX headphones has always felt deeply satisfying. The same is still true today. Kingston and HyperX haven't messed with a good thing, and you'll still find the same cushioned headband, sizeable ear cups, and an even lighter profile than before. Plus, with that premium red stitching, these headphones look just as good as they feel.

(Image credit: Kingston)

There's still a little wiggle room in those red aluminium hinges which, while offering a slightly more tailored fit, sparks a little anxiety that they may snap at some point. While the overall build feels as durable as ever, these hinges do feel a little too fragile to feel comfortable throwing this headset around too much.

Features

You'll find a number of features rarely seen at this price point sitting inside the HyperX Cloud II Wireless headset. Virtual 7.1 surround sound, a range of customization options available through the Ngenuity software, a terrific 30-hour battery life, and a noise-cancelling bi-directional mic.

That's a strong spec sheet - one that would rival some of those contending for the title of best gaming headset - for a headset coming in under $150, and while many of these features (battery life aside) may not hold up in quality when compared to more premium cups, the everyday player will likely find excellent value in them.

Balanced across the left and right cups you'll find a volume slider, power button, and mic mute switch. Keeping these controls separate makes it incredibly easy to build the headset's control scheme into instinct, so much so that even after an hour or so, it felt natural and easy to reach up to switch the mic off or adjust the volume.

(Image credit: Kingston)

PC players can also make use of Kingston's Ngenuity software to adjust mic volume, sidetone, enable that virtual surround sound, and assign power-saving settings as well. It's a stripped-back suite of controls that may feel a little lacking in 2021, especially considering the game and chat channels aren't separated. However, if you're simply looking for an easy plug-and-play headset you might struggle to find the need for more granular controls. It depends on what kind of PC headset for gaming you're looking for.

It is worth noting that the 3.5mm port on the side of the headset is purely for plugging in the noise-canceling mic. It's unfortunate that there's no audio input from this port which means you won't be able to plug in for Xbox or undocked Nintendo Switch play.

Performance

The HyperX Cloud II Wireless certainly hasn't traded its audio performance for wireless connectivity features. You're still getting a rich, strong sound profile here, with a nice attention to detailing for added effect. Swinging through the streets of New York City in Spider-Man Miles Morales, I could hear individual webs being shot towards the skyscrapers around me and a clear, textured profile when at street level as well.

The surround sound is still a little vague, so it's not going to give you the pinpoint accuracy that you might find in more expensive sets like Razer headsets or the very best PS5 headsets, and we did notice a definite snap point when panning across dialogue in particular. However, you'll be able to rely on it in split-second decisions, and there are plenty of headsets sitting at this price point that don't offer the feature at all.

(Image credit: HyperX)

While those bass tones are still lacking a little too much to compete with headsets in the higher price ranges, there's still an excellent, general audio quality here. A shot won't cause your heart to shudder, but you'll still feel its power against a full-bodied backdrop of noise.

Lastly, you'll have confidence in the headset's reliability as the headset's incredibly strong connection - thanks to the slightly large, USB receiver - means there's a Bluetooth connection that can be trusted, even when you have to stretch your legs a little bit from your setup.

Overall - should you buy it?

If you're looking for an affordable wireless headset that offers a sweet audio quality, a durable connection, and hours of comfort without breaking past $150, the HyperX Cloud II Wireless more than fits the bill. You're getting plenty of features squeezed into such an affordable price tag here - but if you are after some top-line surround sound, a more powerful bass line, and a larger set of EQ customization controls, it might be worth investing a little more in your next set of cups.

Hyperx Cloud Flight Wireless review

Ford James — Sat, 07 Nov 2020 09:01:20 +0000

There are a lot of HyperX headsets to choose from, and if you're looking for a new headset to wrap around your ears while gaming then HyperX is a great place to start looking. The Cloud Flight wireless gaming headset sits firmly in the (upper) middle of the range when it comes to price, as it will set you back £120/$140 and is marketed as having a "solid, gaming-grade wireless connection with signature HyperX comfort", but how does it fare when put through the paces, especially when compared to the best gaming headsets?

Design

(Image credit: HyperX)

First off, the Cloud Flight Wireless is a great looking headset. The red LEDs on the outside of either ear cup match the exposed bright red cabling, while the rest of the headset is a sleek black. It's a small piece of kit too, so don't worry about having a humongous, chunky beast atop your head.

Cushioning on the ear cups consists of a soft faux-leather that fits perfectly around my ears, though the fit is very secure and might pinch on some folk's heads at the ears; it's one of the downsides of having smaller earcups. The cushion along the underside of the headband is immensely comfortable too; the Cloud Flight Wireless certainly is one of the comfiest headsets I've used for prolonged periods.

Along the underside of the left ear cup is where you'll find most of the buttons, including the power, 3.5mm audio jack, micro-USB charging port, and the detachable boom mic slot. The left panel on the ear cup can also be pushed down for a quick mic toggle which is always handy given the lack of cable, while the underside of the right ear cup has the volume wheel. This doesn't have much resistance so it's easy to alter the volume by mistake by brushing your shoulder against it by accident, so that will take some getting used to. That's just nitpicking though; it's annoying when it happens but is hardly a huge drawback.

Performance

(Image credit: HyperX)

In terms of sheer performance, there's nothing wrong with the Cloud Flight Wireless; it's Literally FIne, though a bit underwhelming for a HyperX headset. It has no flagship features whatsoever. It's only got 2.0 channel audio which isn't anything of note since you can get 5.1 and even 7.1 surround sound headsets for a similar price from other brands, as I found in my Alienware AW510H review, for example. It doesn't sound bad, but identifying footstep locations in games like Valorant and Rainbow Six Siege is not as easy as it can be nowadays, and certainly on contemporary competitors to this headset.

On the product page, it proudly boasts up to 30-hour battery life, with the LEDs off and at 50% volume. In my experience, that has been wildly exaggerated; I needed to charge it after just half that time, from listening to music while working during the day then playing some games in the evening.

A word needs to be said about the microphone too because it's a little below what you'd expect from a premium gaming headset. It's usable but just sounds a little flat compared to others on the market. It's also only detachable; being able to either flip the mic up or push it back would be a lovely quality of life feature here.

Overall - should you buy it?

At the end of the day, the HyperX Cloud Flight Wireless is not a bad headset, but there's nothing to shout about either, especially at that price tag. Other gaming headsets offer more features at a cheaper price and while the Cloud Flight is well-built and comfy, it's another average headset in an ocean full of them. You probably won't be disappointed if you're in dire need of a new headset and want a HyperX one - this is not a contender for best PS4 headset or best pc headset for gaming, for example - but at least wait till a sale when it inevitably goes below triple digits.

HyperX Cloud II review

Tabitha Baker — Fri, 06 Nov 2020 13:45:54 +0000

The HyperX Cloud II gaming headset doesn't look like your stereotypical gaming headset - in fact, it looks much better. But get them on your head and that stylish design isn't the most important factor pushing these sub-$100 headphones off the shelves. With the second generation comes 7.1 surround sound, two choices of cushion, and a noise-cancelling microphone. While some of these features don't live up to expectations, you're still getting that HyperX sound profile and a supremely comfortable fit.

Design

(Image credit: HyperX)

The design of the HyperX Cloud II is possibly its biggest selling point. Metal-brushed prongs hold each swivel-able cup, with a particularly pleasing red tint no less. Those cups themselves are surprisingly comfortable considering we've tested far more expensive headphones that don't reach the same level of comfort. That's because of a fairly roomy size that still keeps each ear snug in your choice of leather or velour cushion.

That choice is more welcome than you might think: if you prefer a softer finish the velour will offer up a plush but firm experience, but the leather version keeps things cool but don't risk sitting too hard against the head (or the tops of your ears).

These cups, as well as the cushioned leather headband, will see you through particularly long sessions with ease, and the red accents with slick black profile look sophisticated on any desk. And we mean any desk - even if you're just picking up a pair of new headphones that will also serve you well for gaming. There's no glaring LEDs, no garish color patterns, and an easily recognizable structure that make these headphones look good no matter how they're used.

Features

Essential info

Type: Wired
Sound output: Virtual 7.1 surround sound
Compatibility: PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
Drivers: 53mm Neodymium
Frequency response: 15 - 25000Hz

(Image credit: HyperX)

There are a few features that separate the HyperX Cloud II headset from others in its price range. Under the hood you'll find 53mm Neodymium drivers, a slightly wider frequency response range, and virtual 7.1 surround sound. While some of these features pull through more than others, having them there certainly fills the final result with value.

As a wired headset, you're not getting some of the 'walk away' functionality here, though there is a USB dongle included - an additional accessory more commonly found in more expensive wireless headsets. This PC plugin will allow you to toggle virtual 7.1 surround sound and control mic and audio volume.

Not only that, but there's a pleasantly long cable attached to this control panel, meaning it's easy to wire into your existing setup and place around your desk as you please.

There's no audio customization options, however, which may put those looking for a PC-first experience off. Instead, you're left with the native EQ here.

Performance

You're getting excellent design and some nice features at this price point, which is why it's a little disappointing that the performance doesn't always follow through.

We struggled to make the 7.1 surround sound pop, with directional audio coming through in vague patches rather than the precise information you might expect from a headset toting this fairly premium feature. Drips and creaks from Resident Evil 7 come through more as waves from a general direction, which means you won't exactly be able to pinpoint a location. It's disappointing, but this is a cheap headset. That said, we wouldn't recommend picking this up if you're looking to make the most of PC-only features - this headset is a great shout if you're looking to pick up a value-busting contender for best PS4 headset or best Xbox One headset at the end fo the current generation cycle.

As we mentioned before, there are no separate EQ customization options here. That may be a little limiting considering the muddy lower range straight out the box. However, you're getting a solid (if a little flat) soundscape here that, while prioritizing power over detailing.

(Image credit: HyperX)

The bass range suffers from this lack of detail more than the mid and highs, which is to be expected in a gaming headset but may prove annoying if you're looking to listen to music with these as well. Doom Eternal offered up an excellent full-bodied sound, but a muddy bass did sometimes threaten to overwhelm.

Jumping into Crash Bandicoot 4, however, and higher frequencies come into their own, with a rich and powerful audio quality that fills the ears with all the delights of intricate box smashes and the whirl of a well-timed spin.

New to the Cloud II headset is the noise-cancelling microphone. It's a nice mic, for sure, but if you're after a PC headset with a good one, there are better headsets out there, and ones that will also offer audio customization and effective 7.1 surround sound. You might be paying a little more for these, but it's not worth prioritizing this microphone - you'll get a nice quality but the noise cancellation here isn't leading in that department.

Overall - should you buy it?

The HyperX Cloud II offers up a strong audio profile in the mid and high ranges, and a powerful bass effect whether you love it or hate it. With little customization options, a very limited surround sound that never felt like it reached 7.1 channel levels in our testing, and a wired connection, however, this isn't a gaming headset that will go into best PC headset for gaming guides and thus isn't for PC players - you'll want to stick to the famous HyperX Cloud Alpha, which is probably the best HyperX headset still. The Cloud II suffers a little from being in the shadow of the Alpha, too. However, though the additional USB dongle will allow you to control audio and mic volume on the fly on PC, this is very much a better buy if you're after a cheap everyday console headset.

HyperX Alloy FPS RGB review: "Primed to give you an edge in shooters"

benjamin.abbott@futurenet.com (Benjamin Abbott) — Tue, 08 Oct 2019 14:19:39 +0000

The HyperX Alloy FPS RGB gaming keyboard isn't messing around. While it may seem simple - sparse, even - at first glance, that modest shell hides what is comfortably one of the best gaming keyboards I've used for a long time. With a recommended price of $109.99 / £99.99, it's more affordable than a lot of the competition as well.

Features

Essential info

(Image credit: HyperX)

Price: $109.99 / £99.99
Type: Mechanical
Size: Full
Switches: Kailh Silver Speed
Keycaps: Unknown
Media keys: Integrated
Wrist rest: None
USB passthrough: USB 2.0 (phones only)

As its name would suggest, the HyperX Alloy FPS RGB is primed to give you an edge in shooters like Apex Legends, Fortnite, or Call of Duty: Modern Warfare when combined with the best gaming mouse. To do this, it's got a more compact design than you might be used to. Although it has tenkeys, it does away with dedicated media controls and macro buttons. Instead, all of its keys are programmable. It can store three on-board profiles, too.

Love it or hate it, this portable design is complimented by a solid-steel frame that's lit up like Christmas by exposed, extra-bright RGB lights. And yes, it's true that there's no wrist rest. However, the Alloy FPS RGB makes up for that with USB passthrough for charging your devices. It also plays host to Kailh Silver Speed mechanical switches that provide an audible and satisfying 'click' when used, and they've got low actuation (i.e they don't need much force to be pressed down).

Design

You probably wouldn't be able to tell that the HyperX Alloy FPS RGB's got all those tricks up its sleeve by looking at it, though. As I mentioned before, this is a plank without many bells and whistles to speak of. That won't be to everyone's taste.

(Image credit: HyperX)

Nevertheless, this makes it flexible - it's ideal for office work or gaming at home, mostly because it's not too distracting. You can't fault the RGB lighting, either. It's gorgeous and quite tasteful.

Performance

Where the HyperX Alloy FPS RGB excels is performance. Its space-saving sensibilities mean that everything is within easy reach. The Kailh Silver Speed switches are every bit as reactive as they promise to be, too. It doesn't take much to push them down, yet there's still a satisfying 'clack' noise when you do.

(Image credit: HyperX)

What's more, they're bouncy enough that your fingers are able to fly from one key to the next. This comes in very handy when a firefight demands split-second reactions. It saved my butt in Apex Legends more than a few times and was equally useful when manipulating the camera or preparing my troops for an unexpected pincer-movement in Total War: Warhammer 2.

To be honest, the only thing I wasn't keen on was the FPS RGB's tendency to pick up dust. The black frame seemed to be a magnet for it.

Overall - should you buy it?

In short, the FPS RGB really does the business. It's the best shooter-focused keyboard I've tried over the last year (even when pitted against the new Razer BlackWidow and ROG's excellent Strix Scope), and it's also marginally cheaper to boot. What's not to love? If you're looking for a new gaming keyboard that balances cost and performance, you couldn't do much better than this.

HyperX Cloud MIX headset review: "A brilliant gaming-first headset that does it all"

rob.dwiar@futurenet.com (Rob Dwiar) — Wed, 19 Jun 2019 12:02:32 +0000

The HyperX Cloud MIX is a gaming headset first and foremost, but also doubles up as an everyday set of cans, offering Bluetooth connection for media and phone calls. Versatility is often very attractive in gaming peripherals but this headset comes with a hefty $200 / £200 pricetag. Does it do enough to justify that high price of admittance? And where does it rank among the best PS4 headsets and best Xbox One headsets? Well, let’s break it down.

HyperX Cloud MIX - Design and features

The MIX is a symphony in black. An aluminium frame (with cushioning) connects the two memory foam, leatherette-covered earcups which are pleasantly soft and comfortable. Inside these are the 40mm drivers that blast out the hi-res audio. It’s a well-built and sturdy headset with a headband that sticks tightly to whatever size is needed. The fit of the headset is secure and, just by design, exterior noise is cancelled out by the headset’s firm grip on your head. On the earcups, the controls are about right both in terms of positioning and number. You get a volume button, a power button and a multi-function button - the latter two mainly used when the MIX is in Bluetooth mode. There’s a small control box with a mic on/off switch and a volume roller half way down the primary cable. I say primary cable, as it is an audio jack connection for use when wired (straight into your console’s controller or audio port), but also comes with a cable splitter and extension for those using a different audio setup. Microphones are done two ways: a detachable boom mic for gaming; and a built-in one for Bluetooth mode.

Image credit: HyperX

HyperX Cloud MIX - Performance

2016’s DOOM is a tough run around for a headset, but the MIX does not disappoint. From gun sounds, to machinery and mechanics of the mars installation, from Hayden’s low and raspy, yet dulcet, tones, to in-game audio and environment sound details, everything is pitched well and balanced perfectly. Not an irksome spike in tone or lapse in clarity to mention. The Mick Gordon soundtrack is equally smashing, and the weapon noises are some of the most moreish I’ve experienced. To test the headset with a different kind of audio range, I boot up Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. The MIX again does not baulk at the challenge. From the flapping of sails, to the distant chatter of townsfolk, right to the busy hand-to-hand combat noise of baddy on spear and sword, the HyperX presents a very balanced and clear audio experience. Some of the voices don’t come through piercingly clear above other noises but this is a small criticism.

Jumping into Apex Legends, the surround sound is great for identifying audio cues and clues from teammates and enemies. Using it as a constant communicating headset with a human friend in Ghost Recon Wildlands is equally a joy. Even cars’ passing radios were clear and distinct while, again, the surround sound came through exquisitely for identifying the location of pesky enemies who I didn’t have the chance to properly tag. My pal’s voice was lovely and clear in the game and he confirmed I was too. The only slight shortcoming of the Cloud MIX is highlighted in Wildlands (and similar games, I’d wager) as when things really kick off and I still had to communicate with my buddy, everything comes through the headset at the same. This is just too much. A benefit here would be a balancer for in-game and chat audio which could address this - not an outrageous suggestion for a headset of this price.

Using the MIX as a normal headset, both in Bluetooth mode and plugged in for media, is clearly a big selling point. I put this versatility to the test by first turning to some film and TV. The John Wick films were great fun and everything from the dialogue to the crash bang action scenes came through with a consistent intensely. Turning to some of the recent Game of Thrones episodes, all sounds are clear but perhaps the dialogue isn’t as penetrating in busier scenes. Lastly, after listening to lots of different music on commutes and at home, it is evident that the MIX ticks that box too.

Image credit: HyperX

Overall - should you buy it?

If you’re looking to spend big on a premium gaming headset, then the Cloud MIX is definitely one for you. If you’re looking to get a gaming-focussed headset that can also be your go-to set of cans for other media, then the MIX is also a strong contender. The whole package of audio quality, comfort and versatility means that the Cloud MIX does go a long way to justify that high price.

HyperX Alloy Elite RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard review: 'Expensive, but offers brilliant performance'

Shabana Arif — Mon, 30 Jul 2018 09:49:00 +0000

There’s something to be said for a functional piece of kit that spruces the place up a bit, and the HyperX Alloy Elite RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard ticks all the boxes and then some. It’s a sight to behold, with a steel frame, satin matte black finish, and fully customisable RGB profiles. As well as looking slick, the keyboard’s performance isn’t to be sniffed at either, with high profile keys floating above your choice of three Cherry MX switches, like a fleet of tiny plastic ships atop a sea of ever-changing light. It’s superb to look at, is what I’m getting at, and has a relatively small footprint compared to its competitors.

It does have a somewhat hefty price tag just for the addition of RGB, jumping up to $169/ £150 from the $109 / £120 single-colour model that came before it, but it has a robust build, outstanding performance, and will satiate even the most ardent peacocks amongst you. If you want more, here are the best gaming keyboard options for 2018. And if you need it, here are the best gaming mouse options.

HyperX Alloy Elite RGB - Design

The HyperX Alloy Elite RGB is, for all intents and purposes, the same as the HyperX Alloy Elite, which features a red backlight, rather than the RGB’s resplendent rainbow of colours that maintain a vibrant, but unobtrusive glow that spills out from beneath the keys.

It has a buttery-smooth solid steel frame that lends a weighty, premium feel to the hardware, without being overly heavy or oversized. The rest of the keyboard is made up of plastic, and while you might expect more metal for your money at the price point, it doesn’t feel flimsy. The high profile, concave, mechanical keys feel great to the touch, although there is an adjustment period if you’re used to a lower profile, but it’s nothing that will deter you.

There’s nothing soft about the design; it’s all angles, but they’re offset against the depth of the keyboard, and once the whole thing lights up, it looks like it’s always belonged on your desk, ready to come alive as you dispense head shots in shooters, or hammer out orders in a RTS.

A sleek light bar separates the steel casing of the main body from the plastic strip above that houses the discrete media controls on the left, and the three buttons on the right that toggle Game Mode, cycle through the three brightness settings, and switch between the three customisable onboard profiles.

A durable, non-removable, braided USB cable connects the Alloy Elite RGB to your PC via two regular USB 2.0 connectors, but you’ll find a USB 2.0 pass-through port on the back of the keyboard to make up for the inconvenience. Tucked away on the underside are two small legs that provided enough of an elevation for my personal preference, but might be somewhat lacking in the size department for others.

You’ll also find a wrist rest in the box, along with eight titanium-coloured gaming keycaps with textured WASD keys, and a keycap removal tool. While the wrist rest isn’t padded, its textured surface is comfortable enough, but could stand to be a mite bigger to provide maximum comfort for those with long fingers or large hands.

HyperX Alloy Elite RGB - Features

HyperX is quick to highlight the Alloy Elite RGB’s 100% anti-ghosting and N-Key rollover functionality, which means that it can register each key pressed, so the ham-handed amongst you should watch what they’re pressing, although the anti-ghosting feature serves to stop any untouched keys getting erroneously registered. Handy when you're playing the fastest, best PC games out there.

The keys sit atop Cherry MX Switches, and you can choose between the red linear, tactile brown, and tactile clicky blue. The keyboard we were sent for review featured the Cherry red switches, which are perfect for gaming with their low actuation, although you might want to opt for brown for a happy medium between work and play, depending on your preference.

The light bar and dynamic, fully customisable lighting effects are the second selling-point, and ultimately, what you’re paying for when stepping up from the Alloy Elite’s $109/£120 price tag to the RGB’s $169/£150.

Settings are managed via the Ngenuity software that comes equipped with a default profile. There are three onboard profiles that can be changed with relative ease - providing you read through the pop-ups as you navigate through the software’s menus - and preset profiles for a decent number of titles, like Fallout 4, Destiny 2, and Overwatch. You can also set up your own macros here.

The three customisable options are lighting, Game Mode, and Macros. The lighting options are worth delving into, considering this is what justifies the extra cost between the single-colour model and the RGB. Freestyle is for the fusspots amongst you; you can assign colours to individual keys, as well as choosing effects like explosion or HyperX’s unique Flame pattern, to create a dazzling light show to accompany your in-game action.

If you’d prefer less faff but still want to keep some measure of personalisation atop your desk, you can assign colours to groups of keys, like the light bar, WASD keys, arrow keys, and so on, with Zones. Effects is the fuss-free option, letting you pick a colour for the entire keyboard, although the wave setting spices things up a bit with a rainbow of soft light that oscillates across the keys in the direction and speed of your choosing.

There’s more to customise than just looks too, thanks to Game Mode. Predominantly a gaming keyboard, this function deactivates certain keys using a dedicated button, so that if you’re in the middle of a keyboard-mashing frenzy, you don’t have to worry about accidentally hitting anything that will boot you out of the action. You can change or add to the default settings for Game Mode in the Ngenuity software.

Despite being a mix of plastic and steel, it’s a sturdy little thing, and at 17.5-inches long, it takes up less space than alternative models from Logitech and Razer, that can hog up to 18-inches.

HyperX Alloy Elite RGB - Performance

With easy to navigate media and keyboard controls, full NKRO support, and the addition of the textured WASD keys, the HyperX Alloy Elite RGB is top notch for both work and play. The keys offer little wobble and you can opt for your choice of Cherry MX Switches to create the perfect storm of tactile feedback for your taste.

The HyperX Ngenuity software is easy enough to use as long as you take the time to read the on-screen instructions, and you can set up and deploy the onboard profiles with ease. Plus, the media controls are great, and while the volume wheel might not provide enough resistance for some, it’s smooth and responsive.

Overall - should you buy it?

Aside from the ability to light up like a Christmas tree, there’s not a lot of difference between the Alloy Elite RGB and the single-colour Alloy Elite, which makes the price difference between the two models difficult to justify if you’re simply after performance. If pretty things aren’t at the top of your priority list, you’re looking to save some cash, or if you’re a big fan of black and red, the HyperX’s single-colour Alloy Elite will be just fine for your needs.

The HyperX Alloy Elite RGB Mechanical Keyboard is beautiful to look at, and despite its £150 price tag, if you have the extra cash to spend, you’ll be easily seduced by the dizzying array of light shows you can conduct at the touch of a button. It’s worth noting that there are cheaper alternatives, like the Corsair K68 RGB, that has the added bonus of being water resistant for just $119/ £119, as well as offering full NKRO support and 100% anti-ghosting. Overall, though, this is a brilliant keyboard and comes highly recommended.

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