HyperX Cloud Alpha Air Open-Back Gaming Headset Released
HyperX expands its audio lineup with the Cloud Alpha Air, introducing an open-back wired gaming headset designed for comfort, immersion, and a budget-friendly price point.
Radwan AbdulhadiEditor and technology writer
Introduction to HyperX's First Open-Back Headset
HyperX has entered the open-back headset market with the introduction of the Cloud Alpha Air. While the market features various options such as the Corsair Virtuoso Pro and the Turtle Beach Atlas Air, this new release aims to offer a budget-friendly alternative for gamers seeking an open-back design at $149.99.
The headset is designed as a wired over-ear device focused on comfort and environmental immersion. It joins a growing catalog of peripherals evaluated across the industry, including alternative models like the high-end Audeze LCD-GX.
Design, Weight, and Build Quality
The Cloud Alpha Air features large plastic oval-shaped earcups equipped with metal grilles, connected to a padded steel headband. HyperX lists the headset's weight at 9.6 ounces without the boom microphone, while testing indicates it comes in closer to 10 ounces, and just under 10.6 ounces with both the boom microphone and cables attached.
This construction makes it one of the brand's lighter audio accessories, falling slightly below the weight of the HyperX Cloud Stinger 3 Wireless. The earcups feature thick memory foam padding covered in soft ultrasuede, though the inclusion of a reinforced steel headband adds a degree of rigidity compared to standard flexible models.
Audio Performance and Drivers
Equipped with dynamic 40mm neodymium drivers, the headset covers a standard frequency response range of 20 to 20,000 Hz. The acoustic profile delivers bright highs, a full mid-range, and balanced bass supported by a proprietary 'HyperX Bass Tube' built to retain low-end presence despite the open-back architecture.
The open-back configuration expands the sound stage compared to closed-back alternatives, providing clear directional audio and immersive environmental awareness in single-player titles. However, testing suggests users prioritizing competitive first-person shooters might still lean toward traditional closed-back formats.
Connectivity, Controls, and Software
As a wired peripheral, the Cloud Alpha Air limits on-ear controls to a volume wheel on the right earcup and a microphone mute button on the left. The left earcup also houses two 3.5mm jacks dedicated to the primary audio cable and the detachable boom microphone.
The packaging includes a 4-foot primary 3.5mm cable alongside two extension options: a 3.5mm-to-USB-C extension cable with a USB-A converter, and a standard PC extension cable with separate audio and microphone connectors. Notably, initial evaluations indicate the headset does not currently sync with HyperX's Ngenuity peripheral software, which affects default microphone gain adjustments.
Sources
- Tom's HardwareHyperX Cloud Alpha Air Review: Open-back and budget-friendly
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