HyperX Cloud Alpha Air Brings Big Bass To Open-Back Gaming

The Cloud Alpha Air defers from previous HyperX offerings by opening up the earcups with an exterior mesh frame, thus creating a wider, more open soundstage akin to listening to studio monitors. This expanded spatial audio can allow players to pinpoint directional cues like distant footsteps more accurately while benefiting from improved airflow during those long gaming sessions.

Now, regular open-back designs suffer from significant bass leakage, which can lead to thin low-end performance in explosive action scenes. Headphone makers are able to counter this with bass channels, but these models usually cost quite a lot more. Somehow HyperX has been able to do the same for $150 with its proprietary Bass Tube setup. Visible through the outer grille as a striking red component, the Bass Tube routes air directly through the center of the 40mm dynamic drivers to preserve punchy low-end frequencies without muddying the mids and highs. Of course, these claims will only be confirmed (or denied) if we're able to get one in for a full test.

Functionally, the headset wisely focuses on uncompromising wired audio to prioritize signal fidelity. It connects via a 3.5mm headphone cable and ships with an assortment of box accessories, including USB-A and USB-C adapters as well as an audio/mic PC splitter. The physical design is rounded out by Ultrasuede earpads, an integrated volume wheel, a mic mute toggle, and a detachable noise-canceling microphone boom.

Alongside the Cloud Alpha Air, the HP-owned brand introduced the ultra-lightweight Pulsefire Haste 3 Pro wireless mouse that features a carbon-infused shell weighing just 47 grams plus the SoloCast 2 Pro microphone.