HyperX is initially known to be a headphone brand and not your regular headphones but the gaming ones. The ones that deliver high-performance feature a robust, sort of a ‘gamer’ vibe to it and, most importantly, quality. HyperX has been in the game for so long; you might even notice on your favorite streamers stream, probably Shroud, that he is sponsored by HyperX.
They have always made state-of-the-art headphones that may not be the best-looking headsets, but they are definitely the best-performing ones you may ever come across. Some say the design factor is not the best part of HyperX as they have always stuck to their staple design, which resembles the headsets you see a helicopter pilot wear. It looks cool to some, but for gamers, not RGB enough.
HyperX comfortable ear pads and headband design
HyperX specializes in performance, and they do a great job at it but, where they really excel is at the comfort department. Since they have always worked with professional Esports players, HyperX knows about the long practice sessions these players go through to be the best of the best, which is why they engineered the most comfortable ear pads in any headphones.
Incorporating memory foam cushions on the ear pads and using leatherette to pad the headbands, so it stays comfortably on your head without causing any interference or discomfort, is what makes the HyperX headphones so soothing to wear. You can have those headphones on for long hours without stressing your head or feeling any discomfort of any sort.
A little about their passive noise canceling:
All HyperX headphones, be it the most basic model, have a closed back over the ear design, which calls for excellent passive noise cancellation. Since you are gaming, you will need to hear the footsteps of your enemies, especially for games like CSGO, PUBG, Fortnite, and Call Of Duty: Warzone. Having a good noise-canceling headset is crucial to a player’s performance, and HyperX makes sure you are getting that.
Other HyperX peripherals that you might know of:
Aside from headphones, HyperX has expanded its horizon into the world of gaming peripherals and PC components. They have started manufacturing gaming keyboards and mice, which now stand head to head against other gaming peripheral giants such as Logitech, SteelSeries, and Corsair.
HyperX gaming keyboards and mice are now one of the most recommended keyboards in the market for their affordable price and various key options for their keyboards. Moreover, on the PC components side, HyperX produces great-looking SSD and RAM sticks which are sure to catch your eyes. Primarily because RGB, the more, the better.
Aside from the gamer looks and, of course, RGB, HyperX did not take the performance lightly for these products. Just like their aggressive approach towards producing the best gaming headphones, HyperX took a similar approach and boosted the performance of their SSD and RAMs. The SSDs deliver great read and write speeds, and the RAMs are optimized with enough room to overclock them.
Back to Headphones
Coming back to the topic at hand, the HyperX Cloud Alpha and the HyperX Cloud II are, without a doubt, two of the best gaming headphones in the market, and you are here to know which one suits you best. Keep on reading; there is much more to learn about these headsets, and by the end of this article, you will have your answer.
Comparisons Table: HyperX Cloud Alpha and Cloud 2
| HyperX Cloud Alpha | HyperX Cloud 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Item Weight | 336 grams | 350 grams |
| Cable Length | 2 meters | 1 meter |
| Frequency Response | 13 Hz to 27 kHz | 15 Hz to 25kHz |
| Impedance | 65 Ohms | 60 Ohms |
| Driver unit size | 50 mm | 53 mm |
| Microphone frequency response | 50 Hz to 18 kHz | 50 Hz to 18 kHz |
| Microphone sensitivity | -43 dB V/Pa | -39 dB V/Pa |
| Number of Microphones | 1 | 1 |
| Wind noise suppression | No suppression present | No suppression present |
| Compatibility with XBOX Live and Playstation | Compatible | Compatible |
| Support for wireless connectivity | No wireless connectivity | No wireless connectivity |
| Type of magnet present in speakers | Neodymium Magnet | Neodymium Magnet |
| Cable type | Detachable | Not detachable |
| Stereo or Surround Sound | Stereo | 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound |
| Ear cushion material | Memory foam + Leatherette | Memory foam + Leatherette |
| Mic type | detachable | detachable |
| Product Dimensions | 9.2 x 8.25 x 4.65 inches | 4.33 x 4.33 x 3.54 inches |
| Product Price | Check price on Amazon | Check price on Amazon |
| Mic Polar Pattern | Noise-canceling | Uni-directional and noise-canceling |
| Mic Element | Electret condenser microphone | Electret condenser microphone |
About the HyperX Cloud Alpha: An Overview
The HyperX Cloud Alpha is one of the best headphones HyperX now produces. The elegant design, the sleek architecture all around the headset, speaks to a gamer both literally and emotionally. You have probably seen this headphone in many Esports events; specifically, the HyperX sponsored CSGO tournaments. This has the robustness of a gamer even without the RGB and the comfort of a lifetime.
From a technical perspective, the HyperX Cloud Alpha gaming headset comprises dual-chamber drivers cocooned by an Aluminium frame. The sturdy built quality of the cloud alphas makes it shock-resistant, and you can rest easy that nothing will be broken if you drop the headphones by any chance.
Design and Features
Now, the dual-chamber driver design of the cloud alpha is meant to improve audio clarity by making it more clear and more distinct as well as eliminating all distortions. Additionally, this dual-chamber driver design separates the highs, mids, and lows. This means that your audio will be clear since all of the frequency ranges are separated and transmitted individually.
So, the bass of the headphones is separated from the mids and highs by this dual-chamber which in turn lets you have a clear, distortionless bass while not compromising on the highs and mid ranges which are primarily for vocals and other signals. Therefore, you can now hear your enemy’s footsteps from a mile away as clear as day.
Furthermore, the cloud alpha also features HyperX’s signature award-winning comfort for the comfiest earpads on a headset. The microphone is detachable and the best part of it all, the cable is braided. Meaning, it does not entangle, and handling this cable is much easier; a feature requested by many players and users.
The more you look at it, the cloud alphas look like the more viable option and they are even affordable as well. Being a stereo headset with excellent passive noise canceling and high-efficiency drivers, any other brand would be priced at the high 150s whereas the HyperX commands a more budget-friendly price.
Points for Praise:
- Dual-chamber driver system which increases clarity by separating the bass from the highs and mids.
- Sturdy build quality increasing its longevity.
- New ear cushion material which is comfier than all other previous cushion materials.
- Bigger form factor so it fits the size of any head.
- The light body design helps you keep the headphones longer without discomfort.
Points for Improvement:
- These feature a stereo sound system so no virtualization.
- The multi-directional surround sound is of low quality.
About the HyperX Cloud II: An Overview
The HyperX Cloud II is a remarkable headphone ideal for any and all kinds of gaming. You can fulfill all your audio needs with Cloud 2 and maybe listen to some music as well. These work best with any kind of audio and sound great on any platform be it on a PC, XBOX, Playstation, or even your mobile phone. Cloud 2 has the same signature design as all the other HyperX wired headphones and that is not just it.
The HyperX Cloud II features 7.1 virtual surround sound which is useful when you re competitive gaming. Other cheapskate headphones that feature 7.1 virtual surround sound will have a tinny audio quality which sounds hoarse and disgusting making you switch back to stereo mode, but with the cloud II, that is not the case.
Design and Features
You are getting the pure hardware-driven performance that will aid you in pinpointing in-game audio location and with the addition of HyperX’s already great passive noise canceling, the experience is nothing but phenomenal. Additionally, the large 53 mm drivers only add to the performance making it the best selection of headset in the market.
Furthermore, the HyperX Cloud II is officially certified by TeamSpeak and Discord, so the audio quality is outstanding for voice calls on discord, and the detachable noise reduction microphone adds a whole different taste to the experience. It does not playback any background noise giving your voice clarity so your callouts can be heard more clearly when you are in-game with your team.
Since you will be using these headphones for a long period of time, the Cloud II comprises HyperX’s signature memory foam ear cushions and leatherette headband which does not poke on your head, and wearing them gives you a feeling of comfort like you compressed between the comfiest pillows on the planet.
Aside from comfort and high performance, cloud II is built to last. Meaning the headset is sturdy enough to survive falls and hits without damaging internal components. The aluminum frame of the headset keeps it cool so every time you pick up the Cloud II, you are getting a nice cold headset that rests perfectly on your head. You really become a gamer in comfort with these headphones.
Points for Praise
- Features the 7.1 virtual surround sound, ideal for gaming, and pinpointing the audio location.
- The noise-canceling microphone transmits clear audio which can be heard with great clarity on the other side of the stream.
- The headset is heavier with a sturdy build quality so they do not feel flimsy.
- Has headband stitching which is preferred by many users for its looks and details.
Points for Improvement
- The headband size is too small for certain head sizes.
- The earpads are uncomfortable since new alternatives have come up.
- No dual-chamber system so the sound is sometimes muddy and lacks in the lows even with the aid of the 7.1 virtual surround sound.
HyperX Cloud Alpha vs Cloud 2: In details
The difference between the two does not seem significant enough but when you put them to test, you will notice things only experience can tell. However, lucky for you, all of the differences will be listed down below so you do not have to go over to the store and test out the individual products first hand to know the difference. Follow along!
Sound Quality: HyperX Cloud Alpha vs Cloud 2
The HyperX Cloud Alpha sounds clearer, more dynamic, and pristine than the Cloud II. The dual-chamber driver system of the cloud alpha separates the bass frequencies from the mids and highs. This in turn results in a reduction in distortion and a much flatter frequency response.
Now, in Cloud 2, this dual-chamber driver system is not present and so your ears are getting a jumbled frequency response of high, mid, and low ranges. So if any of the ranges is higher, it will dominate the whole response giving you a muddy sound.
Surround Sound: HyperX Cloud Alpha vs Cloud 2
The HyperX Cloud II features a 7.1 virtual surround sound that is hardware-driven, giving you a more immersive sound experience. With the box of Cloud II, you are getting a USB sound card which is useful for you if you want to experience the 7.1 virtual surround sound.
On the other hand, the HyperX Cloud Alpha features a stereo surround sound. These may not be the best for pinpointing precise audio location in-game because stereo uses only two drivers and simulates the sound by just decreasing the volume depending on the position of the sound. So compared to the Cloud Alpha, the Cloud II has a better virtual surround sound system that you can definitely take advantage of.
In-game Performance: HyperX Cloud Alpha vs Cloud 2
Now, this is an important aspect of gaming which determines a peripheral’s true performance. When using the Cloud Alpha for gaming, the audio is highly immersive. All the aspects of a game starting from the punches to the rustling of leaves are crisp and clear with high clarity. It may have a lower quality in the multi-directional sound but overall, it does not affect a player’s performance in any way.
As for the Cloud II, during testing on different games, it lacks in the low ranges and this is noticeable by a degree. Even if you have the 7.1 surround sound turned on, the difference will be barely noticeable and the issue will still persist. You can control the volume and surround sound but the performance cannot be tweaked, unlike the HyperX Cloud Alpha.
Design: HyperX Cloud Alpha vs Cloud 2
Both of the headsets feature the HyperX standard design so they are similar in the looks department. The materials used for the padding are the same for both. However, The Cloud Alpha is a little lighter than the Cloud II. This is because the Cloud Alpha has a lighter aluminum frame as they cut some chunks out of it.
On the contrary, the Cloud II is heavier and comes with extra ear cushions which are rather uncomfortable to most people. But, Cloud 2 is cheaper by $5 and does not feel flimsy at all. You are getting braided cables and a detachable mic with the box so both of the designs are similar and the functionalities are no different. Except for the Cloud II, it has a dongle with volume controls, a mute button, and a surround-sound switcher.
Comfort: HyperX Cloud Alpha vs Cloud 2
Cloud 2 has one flaw and that is, if you have a rather bigger head, you might have to fully extend the headbands all the way for them to fit. This makes the HyperX Cloud II uncomfortable for the wear as you are uncertain as to whether they will fit your head or not.
In contrast, the Cloud Alpha has a much bigger headband size and longer adjustment forks which in turn, leaves a lot of room for adjustment, giving you a comfier fit. Added with the new earpad material and the same signature HyperX memory foam, the Cloud Alpha dominates the running champion of the most comfortable headset, Cloud 2 by a significant margin.
Alternative Product
Steelseries Arctic Pro
Pros
- The headphones offer excellent audio quality.
- It incorporated DTS surround sound technology.
- The gaming headphones are classy and elegant.
- There are a wide variety of accessories to choose from for the headphones.
- The headphones are comfortable to wear.
- The Steelseries Arctis Pro has removable batteries.
Cons
- The headphones are a bit pricey.
- The Arctis Pro does not have many connectivity options.
- It takes longer to charge.
The final verdict on the two beats
By now, you already know the difference between the Kingston HyperX Cloud Alpha and the HyperX Cloud II. To summarize, the Cloud Alpha is a successor to the Cloud II and so the Cloud Alpha inherited the same features from its predecessor along with its own new additions. The differences are minimalistic but to a gamer, a simple flaw can impact their gaming performance and to some, it may even lose championships.
What you choose is based on your preference. Despite the small price difference of $5 between the two, this should not hamper your decision. Get the one that suits your needs and has the things that are tailored to your use-case. Both of these headphones are great and they sound fantastic. The facts are laid above, so just match your choice and get buying!!
FAQs
Here is the section for the questions with answers if you’re still confused about HyperX Cloud Alpha vs Cloud 2.
Is the HyperX Cloud Alpha a good investment?
Yes, even in 2021, the HyperX Cloud Alpha is well worth your money. The HyperX Cloud Alpha is one of the most platonically perfect gaming headsets of recent times, as it provides a nice balance of great durability, superb sound quality, and exceptional affordability.
Is HyperX a reputable brand?
Because it regularly provides goods that combine dependability, performance, aesthetics, and exceptional comfort, HyperX is regarded as one of the industry’s best brands. Because it satisfies the most demanding product standards, HyperX gear is the preferred choice of overclockers, tech enthusiasts, and pro gamers all over the world.
Is HyperX Cloud 2 the most effective?
The Kingston HyperX Cloud II is a well-made, comfortable, and well-sounding gaming headset that has its own USB sound card. The Sennheiser HD 558 may be obtained for the same price if you only want an audiophile experience and don’t require a mic. However, it lacks any gaming capabilities.
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