CONCLUSION

   To effectively test the latest Cloud Alpha S Gaming Headset by HyperX we used it for a total of 6 days with numerous game titles like Borderlands 3 (thank you Gearbox), the Outer Worlds, Red Dead Redemption 2 and Star Citizen. The reason we focused primarily on FPS games is because positioning audio tends to matter more here and even though at first, we weren't very impressed with the performance of the USB mixer after updating the firmware with the latest available version things improved considerably. Positioning audio became far more accurate, highs and mids crisper and bass levels deeper (3.5mm performance without the USB sound card is also identical to that of the Alpha Pro). Once again don’t expect miracles from the detachable boom microphone (it’s slightly more sensitive than the one found in the Cloud Alpha Pro however) but for online gaming it proved ok with no complaints from people on the other end. As for comfort the Cloud line by HyperX and the Arctis line by SteelSeries are clearly our favourite ones in that regard and the same applies for the Cloud Alpha S. The single drawback we did find with the Cloud Alpha S was with the cable of the USB mixer since due to its length (and also because it’s braided) not only does it tend to move around uncontrollably but it’s also not easy to route.

   Almost 2 months after it was officially released (first announced in Computex earlier this year) the Cloud Alpha S Gaming Headset by HyperX currently retails for around USD130 inside the USA (weren’t able to locate it online however) and for 129.90Euros inside the EU (Amazon.de) a price tag which is certainly balanced when compared to that of the Cloud Alpha Pro model and its direct competition, the Arctis 5 by SteelSeries. All said and done the latest Cloud Alpha S is certainly a worthy addition to the growing Cloud family of gaming headsets by HyperX and so if its color theme matches your taste then you should really put it on your Christmas to buy list (which is also why it deserves our Golden Award).

PROS

- Build Quality
- Comfort Levels (Large Earpads / Memory Foam Padding)
- Spare Fabric Earpads
- Crisp Mids & Highs
- Good Bass Levels (Sliders With 3 Levels)
- Accurate 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound
- Detachable Boom Microphone (Discord Certified & Easier To Replace)

CONS

- USB Mixer Cable (Inconvenient)
- Current USA Availability
- Price (For Some)