Among the top gaming headphones you can buy today, the HyperX Cloud Alpha S and Cloud II are some of the best in the market. Take a look as we review them to find which is the most suitable for you.
A good gaming headset makes all the difference in your gaming experience. It ensures that you are comfortable during a marathon gaming session with your friends and provides excellent audio when playing multiplayer or competitive games. The HyperX Cloud Alpha S and Cloud 2 are two widely compared headphones due to their design, performance, and audio quality. In the following table, we shall compare them and highlight their differences and similarities.
What is the difference between HyperX Cloud Alpha S and Cloud 2?
[wpdatatable id=14]HyperX Cloud Alpha S vs. Cloud 2- How do they compare?
Design/look:
Both the Alpha S and Cloud 2 come with a closed-back and over-ear design. However, they possess some differences when it comes to their overall look. Available in all black and black/blue, the Cloud Alpha s features large Y-shaped metal arms that connect the oval ear cups to the headbands. The black/blue design contains gorgeous blue stitching on its headband, which is quite impressive. Additionally, this kit comes with a retractable microphone, a 3.5mm cable, and a bass slider under both ear cups.
On the other hand, Cloud 2 features a simple and sleek design as it comes with a leatherette-coated headband and adjustable metal ear cups. Available in gunmetal/black and red/black, this headset also comes with a detachable boom mic and a small rubber plug to cover the port when you unplug the microphone.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha S has a better look than the Cloud 2.
Build quality:
Measuring 5.3 by 3.6 by 7.8 inches and weighing about 0.68 pounds, the Cloud Alpha S consists of a faux padded leather headband, a durable plastic chassis, and a metal frame that holds everything together. It also comes with two replaceable ear pads made from plush leather-like material for proper ventilation and better noise isolation.
Alternatively, Cloud 2 measures 6.7 by 4.8 by 2.3 inches and has a mass weight of 9.7 ounces. Like the Alpha S, this headphone consists of ear pads and a headband made from leather-like material and memory foam for optimum comfort. The ear cups are well built and dense, meaning they can withstand a couple of accidental drops without any significant damage. However, its shiny backplates have the brand’s logo, which could get scratched up and expose the audio cable linking in the ear cups.
Cloud 2 is more compact and lightweight than the Cloud Alpha S.
Performance/sound quality:
The audio quality of the HyperX Cloud Alpha S is quite impressive and has plenty of basses as it has a frequency response range of 13 Hz-27 kHz and an impedance of 65Ω. It comes with 50mm dual separate chambers as one is for highs and mids while the other is for bass, ensuring the sound delivery is crisp, accurate, and powerful, even at high volumes. Furthermore, this well-built headphone also features 7.1 surround sound, which I found sounded a bit too shrill while in-game. As I was playing GreedFall, the dialogue was crisp and clear, and the directional audio helped me gauge the distance of my enemies in Overwatch.
On the other hand, Cloud 2 features a frequency response range of 15Hz-25 kHz and an impedance rating of 30Ω, delivering stellar and directional audio quality, which is perfect for online games. By double-pressing the power button, users can trigger the 7.1 virtual surround sound mode of this headset for a more immersive gaming experience. When playing Serious Sam 3: BFE with the 7.1 virtual surround sound mode, the audio was loud instead of an increased sound field.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha S features better sound quality/performance than Cloud 2.
Microphone sound quality:
The Cloud Alpha S comes with a noise-canceling, bi-directional, and detachable microphone that delivers high-quality and accurate audio. The sound quality is adequate enough for casual online gaming as well as voice calls and chats. However, if you are looking for a microphone to use for recording or streaming, it is best to use a dedicated USB microphone.
With Cloud 2, users get a detachable electric condenser boom mic that delivers punchy and vibrant audio quality. Attached to a 3.5 mm port, its boom mic features excellent recording quality as it provides detailed and present sound, making it very easy and clear to understand. The microphone also has impressive noise handling capabilities, making it perfect for use even in the most demanding and noisiest environments.
Cloud 2 has a slightly better microphone sound quality than the Cloud Alpha S.
Comfort:
In terms of comfort, the HyperX Cloud 2 is more comfortable than the Alpha S as it has less weight and consists of soft cortex-filled earmuffs that fit more snuggly than those of the Alpha S. It also comes with a long braided cable that allows users to move freely.
The Cloud Alpha S comes with a headband and ear cushions that contain super-comfortable padding of either foam or fake leather. It is slightly heavier than the Cloud 2 with a weight of 0.68 pounds. However, it is a snug fit for users of various head sizes as it does not press on your head too tight.
HyperX Cloud Alpha S vs. Cloud 2 – A comparison review
HyperX Cloud Alpha S review:
The HyperX Cloud Alpha S is a perfect and solidly built headphone with an impressive set of features. It comes with an elegant and sleek black and blue design with nice-looking blue stitching on its headband. Not only does this headset look gorgeous, but it also has a premium touch.
Additionally, the Cloud Alpha S has a lightweight construction and comes with an included selection of ear cups made from breathable fabric and leather. It has an aluminum frame and a detachable microphone attached to a 3.5mm audio cable. They also feature bass sliders on each ear cup, allowing users to adjust the amount of bass up to three levels.
When it comes to audio quality, the Alpha S has a frequency response range of 13 Hz-27 kHz and comes with dual chambers that are separate to ensure the sound does not get jumbled up. As a result, you can enjoy the punchy lows without sacrificing the mids and highs’ clarity and consistency. Likewise, this headphone features bass sliders and 7.1 virtual surround sound that offers positional awareness when playing games.
- Robust and well-balanced sound quality
- Comes with two sets of interchangeable ear pads
- Durable build with elegant design
- Comfortable
- Compact and lightweight
- Surround sound is not very compelling
HyperX Cloud 2 review:
The Cloud 2 gaming headset is a reliable piece of equipment for any gamer. Available in red or grey, it comes with a lightweight aluminum frame and well-padded ear muffs to provide a comfortable experience when gaming for long hours on end.
This headset also comes with a sensitive noise-canceling microphone that is easy to operate and allows you to communicate with your teammates or answer voice calls or chats effectively. It is best to position the microphone away from your mouth as teammates can hear your breathing if it is too close. These headphones also come with easy-to-understand and operate controls to ensure easy handling by the user.
In addition to its stellar sound delivery, this headset also comes with a 7.1 virtual surround sound mode that provides an intense listening experience when playing competitive games or watching movies. In gaming performance, it gives you a slight edge over your competitors since you can hear footsteps, gunshots, and explosions clearly.
- Removable microphone
- Impressive audio quality
- Excellent and durable build quality
- Portable
- Comes with 7.1 surround sound
- Muffled mic sound at high volume.
Final verdict: So, which is better, HyperX Cloud Alpha S or Cloud 2?
Depending on the user’s preference, both of these gaming headphones are excellent options. However, we prefer the HyperX Cloud Alpha S to Cloud 2 as it has better sound quality with a broader sound range and bass sliders, and a more attractive design. However, Cloud 2 headphones are well-built, comfortable, have excellent sound quality, and also come with an optional USB sound card.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can the Cloud 2 close up or fold?
No. However, its headband and earmuffs can be slightly adjusted to fit your head size.
Does the Cloud Alpha S packaging include a USB adapter for PC?
No. It comes with a detachable headset cable with a 3.5mm plug and PC extension cable with mic and 3.5 stereo plugs.