Choosing a perfect gaming headset for your needs is indeed a challenging task. There’s too much to think about, and there are many models from different manufacturers scattered in the market. Also, there’s a problem with the pricing. Modern headsets are priced high because of their features. These days, manufacturers always want to be on the edge of the competition.
If you’re having a hard time choosing your next gaming peripheral, then perhaps this article might be of help.
We plan to narrow down your choices, so we only decided on two models from HyperX, a trusted brand when it comes to gaming headsets. The products that we will be looking at in this article are Cloud 2 and Alpha.
Which among the two are the best when it comes to sound quality? Which has the best microphone? Or better yet, who has the better comfort? Each of these questions will be answered as we progress through the article, and if you want to know which headset is an overall good purchase, then stick through us until the end as we give our final verdict.
Main Differences
- The Cloud ALpha has a speaker frequency of up to 27,000 Hz and the Cloud II only up to 25,000 Hz.
- The impedance of the Cloud ALpha is 65 Ohms, 5 Ohms higher than the Cloud II.
- Unlike the CLoud II, the Cloud Alpha does not have Wind Noise Reduction.
Comparison – HyperX Cloud II vs Cloud Alpha
HyperX Cloud II | HyperX Cloud Alpha | |
 |  | |
Headset Type | over-ear headset | over-ear headset |
Ear Cushion | comfortable memory foam ear cushions and padded leatherette | synthetic leather with foam cushioning |
7.1 Sourround Sound Speaker | ||
Speaker Frequency | 15 Hz to 25,000 Hz | 13 Hz to 27,000 Hz |
Driver Unit Size | 53 mm with Neodymium Magnets | 50 mm |
Impendance | 60 Ohms | 65 Ohms |
Microphone Type | Removable Capacitor (Back-Electret) Microphone | Detachable electrolytic capacitor Microphone |
Microphone Frequency | 50 Hz to 18,000 Hz | 50 Hz to 18,000 Hz |
Removable Microphone | ||
Wind Noise Reduction | ||
Mute Function | ||
Control Panel | placed in cable | placed on audio cord |
RGB Lighting | ||
3.5 mm Connection | ||
USB Connection | ||
Wireless Connection | ||
Battery Runtime | cable operation only | cable operation only |
Changeable Cable | ||
Cable Length | 3.28 ft. / 1 m + 6.56 ft. / 2 m extension cable | 4.40 ft. / 1.34 m |
Windows | ||
PlayStation | ||
Xbox | ||
Mobile Device | ||
Dimensions | 6.69" x 4.72" x 2.76"/ 17.0 x 12.0 x 7.0 cm | 7.3" x 6.0" x 3.2"/ 18.5 x 15.2 x 8.1 cm |
Weight | 0.77 lbs / 0.350 kg | 0.7 lbs / 0.317 kg |
Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
HyperX Cloud II | HyperX Cloud Alpha |
| | |
Headset Type over-ear headset | Headset Type over-ear headset |
Ear Cushion Comfortable memory foam ear cushions and padded leatherette | Ear Cushion synthetic leather with foam cushioning |
7.1 Sourround Sound Speaker | 7.1 Sourround Sound Speaker |
Speaker Frequency 15 Hz to 25,000 Hz | Speaker Frequency 13 Hz to 27,000 Hz |
Driver Unit Size 53 mm with Neodymium Magnets | Driver Unit Size 50 mm |
Impendance 60 Ohms | Impendance 65 Ohms |
Microphone Type Removable Capacitor (Back-Electret) Microphone | Microphone Type Detachable electrolytic capacitor Microphone |
Microphone Frequency 50 Hz to 18,000 Hz | Microphone Frequency 50 Hz to 18,000 Hz |
Removable Microphone | Removable Microphone |
Wind Noise Reduction | Wind Noise Reduction |
Mute Function | Mute Function |
Control Panel Placed in cable | Control Panel Placed on audio cord |
RGB Lighting | RGB Lighting |
3.5 mm Connection | 3.5 mm Connection |
USB Connection | USB Connection |
Wireless Connection | Wireless Connection |
Battery Runtime Cable operation only | Battery Runtime Cable operation only |
Changeable Cable | Changeable Cable |
Cable Length 3.28 ft. / 1 m + 6.56 ft. / 2 m extension cable | Cable Length 4.40 ft. / 1.34 m |
Windows | Windows |
PlayStation | PlayStation |
Xbox | Xbox |
Mobile Device | Mobile Device |
Dimensions 6.69" x 4.72" x 2.76"/ 17.0 x 12.0 x 7.0 cm | Dimensions 7.3" x 6.0" x 3.2"/ 18.5 x 15.2 x 8.1 cm |
Weight 0.77 lbs / 0.350 kg | Weight 0.7 lbs / 0.317 kg |
Warranty 2 years | Warranty 2 years |
Connectivity
HyperX’s offerings are wired gaming headsets and are currently the best type to get if you want to get the best latency. Wireless peripherals are still good, but if you’re always competitive, then you should stick with the likes of Cloud 2 and Alpha. They also feature a detachable cable with varying lengths from one another.
The HyperX Cloud 2 has a long wire that measures 10.10 ft., while the Alpha only measures 4.40 ft. Both models also use the 1/8″ TRRS connection protocol, which is essential for cross-platform availability, which we will discuss later.
One of the best things about HyperX headsets is that they genuinely plug and play, meaning that no software is mandatory for them to operate. While this puts them in a rough spot for customization, it still is a big win, especially for buyers who care less about app integration and those who want a headset that they could use right away.
The HyperX Cloud 2 has two wired functionality; one is through the analog, and the other uses a USB-Type A port. These functionalities can be used for the PS4 console, but the consoles in the Xbox umbrella, you’re only limited to the analog option.
However, the Alpha model acts differently and only has the analog feature, which also applies if you use the headset on a PS4 or Xbox console.
Sound quality
Regarding frequency response consistency, both of the devices we are reviewing don’t have that much going on, and at best, they are considered sub-par.
Here are some more essential data to understand if you want to know how each model performs.
HyperX Cloud II
Bass Accuracy
- Low-Bass – 0.92 dB
- Mid-Bass – 2.97 dB
- High-Bass – 4.05 dB
Mid Accuracy
- Low-Mid – 0.73 dB
- Mid-Mid – -0.03 dB
- High-Mid – -0.01 dB
Treble Accuracy
- Low-Treble – -2.68 dB
- Mid-Treble – 3.58 dB
- High-Treble – -3.15 dB
Peaks/Dips
- Peaks – 1.83 dB
- Dips – 2.52 dB
HyperX Cloud Alpha
Bass Accuracy
- Low-Bass – -0.62 dB
- Mid-Bass – 0.39 dB
- High-Bass – 2.79 dB
Mid Accuracy
- Low-Mid – 1.44 dB
- Mid-Mid – -0.93 dB
- High-Mid – 0.43 dB
Treble Accuracy
- Low-Treble – -2.72 dB
- Mid-Treble – -1.16 dB
- High-Treble – -7.07 dB
Peaks/Dips
- Peaks – 1.65 dB
- Dips – 1.8 dB
HyperX Cloud 2 and Alpha perform very poorly regarding noise cancellation. It is thoroughly understandable, though, since they aren’t marketed as devices that could block ambient noises that well. The Cloud 2, however, displays some good results when tested in an environment with soft noises. Anything that would become disturbing to an ordinary person would be too much for Cloud 2 to handle.
The Cloud 2 model is equipped with Dolby 7.1, responsible for the product’s virtual surround. The HyperX Alpha doesn’t have anything that could much its opposite in this department.
Microphone
Cloud 2 and Alpha are equipped with good detachable boom microphones. They also share the same structure and flexibility. To get to know more about their differences in sound quality, here are some data that you may analyze.
HyperX Cloud II
- LFE – 84.76 Hz
- FR Std. Dev. – 2.11 dB
- HFE – 7,136.96 Hz
- Weighted THD – 0.322
- Gain – 24.35 dB
HyperX Cloud Alpha
- LFE – 359.19 Hz
- FR Std. Dev. – 3.04 dB
- HFE – 10,540.06 Hz
- Weighted THD – 0.459
- Gain – 30.13 dB
Boom microphones are known as great noise handlers, so for both products, you can expect any to perform when it comes to reducing noise from your environment. However, since they are still considered gaming headsets, you might have to consider using them outside, especially in a busy environment. Other than that, microphones will work well and will help deliver clear messages to your friends and families.
Comfort
HyperX Cloud 2 boasts an impressive design, and much of it is all thanks to its materials and build. The earcups are all big and comfortable. However, the HyperX Cloud 2 isn’t that much recommended for long gaming sessions as it would start to give you fatigue, especially on your ear regions. It has a clamping force of 1lbs, which may be why most people would not withstand using it for hours.
When you want the best comfort, the Alpha is genuinely the headset perfect for you. With a clamping force of 0.9 lbs, it makes some differences. It may also be because of the fit that the Alpha is better than Cloud 2. It’s also worth noting that both peripherals weigh strictly at 0.7 lbs.
There’s not much breathability with HyperX’s builds, which is one of the main problems both models face. If you’re planning a very long gaming session, it’s better to take some time off the headset to allow it to cool off for some time. It applies to both peripherals since they have a lousy build around the ear.
Price
There’s only a slight price difference between these two models. The Cloud 2 has a price tag of $89.00 and is available on the HyperX official website and other leading online stores. The same goes with the Alpha model; however, you might have difficulty finding stocks. If ever you get to buy some, expect to pay $99.00 retail price.
Conclusion – HyperX Cloud II vs Cloud Alpha
There are many things to consider here, but it would only cause confusion on the buyer’s part, so we would like to simplify things as much as we can. For a clear winner, it’s hard to decide at first because both are virtually similar and advantages with one another are only minor that you can overlook some of them.
However, one thing that is hard to forget is HyperX Alpha’s detachable cord, which is a big deal for people who prefer portability more than anything else. The Alpha also has better sound data and evidence, so it’s safe to declare that the Alpha is the clear winner in this matchup.
You might still be able to consider the Cloud 2 for its fantastic microphone. Other than that, it’s much better to save a couple of bucks and buy the Alpha instead.
