Introduction and First Impressions
We check out the first wireless headset from HyperX
HyperX announced the Cloud Flight at CES, marking the first wireless headset offering from the gaming division of Kingston. HyperX already enjoyed a reputation for quality sound and build quality, so we'll see how that translates into a wireless product which boasts some pretty incredible battery life (up to 30 hours without LED lighting).
The HyperX Cloud Flight with a closed-cup design that looks like a pair of studio headphones, and in addition to the 2.4 GHz wireless connection it offers the option of a 3.5 mm connection, making it compatibile with anything that supports traditional wired audio. The lighting effects are understated and adjustable, and the detachable noise-cancelling mic is certified by TeamSpeak and Discord.
The big questions to answer in this review: how does it sound, how comfortable is it, and how well does the wireless mode work? Let's get started!
Specifications from HyperX:
Headphone
- Driver: Dynamic, 50mm with neodymium magnets
- Type: Circumaural, Closed back
- Frequency response:
- Wireless: 20Hz–20,000Hz
- Analog: 15Hz–23,000Hz
- Impedance: 32 Ω
- Sound pressure level: 106dBSPL/mW at 1kHz
- T.H.D.: < 2%
- Weight: 300g; 315g with mic
- Cable length and type: USB charge cable (1m) + Detachable 3.5mm headphone cable (1.3m)
- Wireless Range: Up to 20 meters
Microphone
- Element: Electret condenser microphone
- Polar pattern: Noise-cancelling
- Frequency response: 100Hz-7,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: -45dBV (0dB=1V/Pa,1kHz)
Battery life:
- LED off: 30 hours
- Breathing LED: 18 hours
- Solid LED: 13 hours
Thanks to HyperX for supplying the Cloud Flight wireless headset for our review!
- HyperX Cloud Flight: $159.99 – Amazon.com
First Impressions
Out of the box this looks and feels like a premium product. The accessories include the 2.4 GHz wireless USB dongle, a detachable boom mic, and optional 3.5 mm analog cable.
The HyperX Cloud Flight looks like a pair of stereo headphones more than a typical flashy gaming headset, and I personally like this understated, Sony-like styling.
The lighting effects are limited to a simple logo illumination on each earcup, and this can be adjusted from solid to a breathing effect, or simply turned off.
On the next page we'll take a closer look at the design and then see how it performed!
| Review Terms and Disclosure All Information as of the Date of Publication |
|
|---|---|
| How product was obtained: | The product is on loan from Kingston for the purpose of this review. |
| What happens to product after review: | The product remains the property of Kingston but is on extended loan for future testing and product comparisons. |
| Company involvement: | Kingston had no control over the content of the review and was not consulted prior to publication. |
| PC Perspective Compensation: | Neither PC Perspective nor any of its staff were paid or compensated in any way by Kingston for this review. |
| Advertising Disclosure: | Kingston has not purchased advertising at PC Perspective during the past twelve months. |
| Affiliate links: | This article contains affiliate links to online retailers. PC Perspective may receive compensation for purchases through those links. |
| Consulting Disclosure: | Kingston is not a current client of Shrout Research for products or services related to this review. |
I bought these headphones
I bought these headphones recently after trying several others and returning them and I’m finally happy with a headset.
Most drawbacks can be adressed with third party software. For instance, with Equalizer APO and Peace GUI you can tweak equalizer, filters and such for the sound and microphone to your hearts content. The sound is very well tuned out of the box though so I only used it to up the pre amplifying on the microphone a bit.
I’ve tried Arctis 7 which a lot of people recommend over these, but you should know that the sound in Arctis 7 is worse than in the Cloud Flight. Arctis 7 also has a loose fit on the ears and a really bad headband (that didn’t fit my head and is not adjustable). I tried GSP 600 from Sennheiser as a wired option but returned it due to them being too heavy and painful to wear.
I needed a comfortable headset that had good sound and also preferably wireless, so Cloud Flight was the perfect choice!
The only thing I’m personally missing is a battery indicator and surround software. Sure a lot of games these days have a built-in surround mixer, but far from all games have that.