What the difference between HyperX Cloud II vs Alpha?
The big difference between the HyperX Cloud II and HyperX Alpha is that the Alpha has a removable mic and cable, which is more suitable for travel. The Cloud II includes a USB sound card together with extra earpads, which is not included with the Alpha. Finally, the HyperX Cloud II has a slightly lower price than the HyperX Alpha headset, and both headsets come with noise cancellation.
If you are in the market for a new gaming headset that is well-made, performs well and looks good then HyperX has some great options.
The Cloud II and the Cloud Alpha are some of the best gaming headsets on the market that you can buy that are not too expensive. Here we are going to look into both of these headsets and tell you which one you should pick.
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HyperX Cloud II vs HyperX Cloud Alpha Comparison
The following are some of the basic features of the Cloud 2 and the Cloud Alpha that you might be interested in learning about.
| Headset | HyperX Cloud II | HyperX Cloud Alpha |
|---|---|---|
| Driver Type | 53mm Drivers Neodymium Magnets | Dual Chamber Drivers |
| 7.1 Surround Sound | Yes | Optional |
| Noise Cancellation | Yes | Yes |
| Compatibility | PC, PS4, PS4 PRO, Xbox One, Xbox One S, Mac | PC, PS4, PS4 PRO, Xbox One, Xbox One S, Mac |
Now that we have got the basic specifications out of the way, we can go into the details. Here is what you need to know about both these headsets.
HyperX Cloud II
The HyperX Cloud II by Kingston is an updated version of the original Cloud headset that comes with a USB dongle for 7.1 surround sound. The original is available for sale as well and if you do not want then included dongle then you can opt for the older model.
The new model has a Red color coating on the aluminum supports on the sides. The original version has Black supports. You can also get a Grey version with the new model. The new model has a single jack for audio out and input. Other than that, the formula is pretty much the same and that is a good thing because the original Cloud is an impressive product that is already very popular and you should not fix what is not broken.
Great Audio Quality for the Price
The HyperX Cloud II is very well-built. It is adjustable and the padding on the earcups are comfortable, even when gaming for long durations of time. The headset is fairly compact and light. The mic comes off and you can use it for other devices for listening to music or consuming content.
The HyperX Cloud II features noise cancellation and mutes background noise well. The mic is sensitive so be sure to adjust it away from your mouth so that your teammates do not hear the sound of your breathing.
There are some buttons that you can use to increase or decrease the audio and the microphone and there is a mute button as well. In the center, you have the 7.1 surround sound button which lights up when it is on. The 7.1 surround sound simply works and is very immersive when playing intense games such as Battlefield 1. You will be able to hear gunfire in the background and will also be able to hear enemies approach you. This can give you a slight edge in competitive games, like when you’re looking for a headset for Apex Legends.
The microphone is a bit muffled but you can still use it for voice chat in games. You might not want to use the mic for streaming but it is fine for talking to your buddies in games.
All things considered, the HyperX Cloud II are great headphones. They are well-built and light. They are comfortable to wear and are versatile.
Pros
- Removable mic
- Great audio quality
- Impressive build quality
- Aluminum frame
- Lightweight
- 7.1 surround sound
Cons
- Mic sound is muffled
HyperX Cloud Alpha
The design of the Cloud Alpha is similar to the Cloud II but the Alpha is available in the regular Black and Red theme along with the special edition Cloud 9 version that is Blue and the White and Purple versions as well. The standard model does not come with 7.1 Surround Sound but you do have the option if you are interested in the feature.
The frame is made of aluminum and you get leather on the sides and the top. The Hyperx Cloud Alpha is well made and is comfortable to use even when gaming for long periods of time. The headset is fairly compact and light. The mic comes off and you can use it for other devices for listening to music or consuming content.
Detachable Mic & Audio Cable
- HyperX Dual Chamber Drivers
- Extra Lightweight
- Noise Cancellation Microphone
If you are looking for a pair of headphones that can do everything then this is an option that you should consider, as it is compatible with pretty much any device including PC, PS4, PS4 PRO, Xbox One, Xbox One S and Mac. Not only does the mic come off but the headphone cable comes off as well. So if you travel a lot and need to take your headset with you then this is an option that will suit your needs.
All things considered, the Hyperx Cloud Alpha is impressive value for money keeping in mind the build quality that you are getting. This pair of headphones is going to last you a pretty long time and is highly recommended.
Pros
- Removable mic
- Great audio quality
- Impressive build quality
- Aluminum frame
- Lightweight
- Removable cable
Cons
- Sound is not loud when using on PS4
Cloud II or Cloud Alpha: Which One Should You Get?
Both the Cloud II and Cloud Alpha are very similar to one another. The Cloud Alpha does have very cool colors but other than that, on paper, both are similar to one another. So which one should you get?
If you are interested in using your headset at your desk then the Cloud II is a great option to consider. It is going to work well with other devices as well.
If you find yourself on the move and need something to take with you then the Cloud Alpha is an even better option because not only does the mic come off but the cable itself is removable. That can be a major convenience for people that travel a lot.
Read also: Astro A40 vs A50
Should You Consider Wireless Headphones?
When you are in the market for a new pair of headphones you must wonder whether you should go with a wired headset or wireless one. Both options have their pros and cons. Wired headphones come with a cable which is either has a 3.5mm headphone jack or USB depending on the model and features.
The wireless versions do not have a cord but they often a base station or USB receiver that plugs into a USB port. A truly wireless headset does not need anything and connects wirelessly via Bluetooth.
You can easily use them in the day and charge them at night. Until that one time when you forget to charge them and need to use them. That is going to be a major bummer and it happens to all of us whether or not we like to admit it.
Size also plays an important role here. The general rule of thumb is that bigger headphones are able to hold bigger batteries. You need to keep in mind that wireless headphones use signals and that these signals can be interfered with.
Interference is common when using wireless headphones and this is something that you need to keep in mind if you are in the market for a new pair of headphones. It is also worth noting that older devices might not work with modern headphones. New devices might not work with older headphones. This is a major issue. Again this is something that you will need to check before you buy.
The bottom line here is that in order to get a decent pair of wireless headphones that work and do not have interference, you will need to pay a premium. If you are not interested in paying a lot of money then you will find a decent wired headset that suits your needs and falls in your budget.
Conclusion
To sum things up, the HyperX Cloud II and HyperX Cloud Alpha are both great options to consider if you are in the market for a good pair of headphones.
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