Having seen new headsets come out at a reasonably brisk tempo over time, it would be truthful to marvel what the fuss is about from iteration to iteration when taking a look at a brand new choice just like the HyperX Cloud III. It’s normally a handful of minor enhancements between every mannequin, and generally that is sufficient for firms to justify a refresh of tried-and-true merchandise (as was the case after I reviewed the Logitech G Pro X 2 wi-fi gaming headset not too long ago). Although it has been about eight years since its predecessor got here out, that is kind of the place the HyperX Cloud III lands, the just-released follow-up to the long-revered Cloud II. It’s a testomony to how well-designed the older headset was, however the refinements make this revision a worthy successor and successfully the most effective wired headsets out there.Changes comparable to the marginally plushier cushions, angular earcups, and higher balanced audio are welcome. However, I discovered essentially the most notable improve to be within the spectacular microphone high quality, which is top-notch, particularly for a headset. And the mixture of flexibility, sturdiness, and minimal clamp pressure stay key options to make the Cloud III impressively designed from a consolation and ergonomic standpoint. It’s not flashy, and it isn’t going to blow you away with an array of options or customizability, however at a normal retail worth of $100 USD, you get an outstanding headset–nothing extra, nothing much less.Packaging and OptionsThe HyperX Cloud III comes with the headset (after all), the removable microphone, a 3.5mm auxiliary enter to USB-C cable, and a USB-C to USB type-A adapter. The headset itself has the 3.5mm audio cable connected to it and measures about 4 toes, which is not that lengthy. If you are utilizing this in a PC gaming state of affairs, although, the aux-to-USB cable additionally acts as an extension twine. The Cloud III nonetheless makes use of 53mm drivers however at the moment are set at an angle which is alleged to present a extra correct audio expertise, and as we’ll get into later, they’re sufficient to pack a punch.One design change from the Cloud II is that quantity management and the mic mute toggle are on the headset itself as an alternative of a management card connected to the USB connection cable. The factor to notice right here is that the amount management wheel on the Cloud III adjusts the headset quantity independently of the platform you are utilizing it on. For instance, my Windows PC system quantity doesn’t change when utilizing the amount wheel and it as an alternative acts as an analog threshold, which I desire because it’s extra responsive and circumvents any hang-ups Windows might current.You can twist the HyperX Cloud III right into a pretzel and it will be effective, however you most likely do not wish to do that.If you want to customise equalization settings, modify microphone acquire, or use the newly carried out DTS Headphone:X digital encompass sound, you will must obtain HyperX’s Ngenuity software program and driver. It’s a reasonably bare-bones suite and is not solely essential except you have to tweak EQ for different use-cases.Last, and definitely not least, the construct high quality of the HyperX Cloud III makes it stand out among the many sea of gaming headsets. The metal band and aluminum forks give it a premium really feel, and it offers a ton of flexibility–you can twist and switch the headset all you need, bend it as a lot as you have to put it in your massive ol’ dome, and drop it onto your desk in frustration after being referred to as a scrub spherical after spherical, however this headset is not going to disintegrate. It’s not nearly structural integrity both; the flexibleness additionally ensures it would not put an excessive amount of stress in your head, which is paramount for consolation, so let’s discuss that.ComfortComfort is the important thing space the place HyperX exceeds most different headset makers, and the Cloud III improves on an already-great design. The earpads are a bit thicker this time round and are nonetheless made with a delicate foam wrapped in a leather-like materials, which offers greater than sufficient cushion for lengthy periods. As with any headset that makes use of leatherette upholstery, nevertheless, issues can get sweaty round your ears–while the fabric does create a greater seal to dam out noise and let the audio high quality sing, I are likely to desire a velour-style materials for the breathability.But the factor that makes the Cloud III probably the most comfy headsets out there is that minimal clamp pressure talked about earlier. My go-to headphones, the Sennheiser HD 599, are very mild on stress round my ears, however different headsets just like the Sony Pulse 3D I exploit on PS5 clamp just a bit too laborious for longer periods. The Logitech G Pro X 2 I simply reviewed undoubtedly improved on this side from its earlier mannequin, however the HyperX Cloud III is the actual winner on this particular class. The stability between flexibility and sturdiness is spectacular, and the result’s a headset that feels mild across the ears whereas staying agency in place in your head.The flexibility of the Cloud III is wild.The improved headband additionally helps alleviate stress on the highest of your head–the Cloud II was already effective on this regard, however the added padding on the headscarf is definitely welcome. One characteristic I want the Cloud III had can be swiveling earcups–although there’s sufficient wiggle room for the earcups to type a strong seal round my ears, the added ease-of-use when resting them round my neck may’ve been a nice-to-have. However, the modern unibody design philosophy takes precedent right here, and I’m not mad at it.Sound QualityComfort is just half the equation with regards to an incredible headset, and the Cloud III is not any slouch with regards to audio high quality. Even on the worth of $100, you possibly can nonetheless get a headset that gives the look of high-end gear whenever you’re enjoying video games with daring, booming bass or delicate sound cues. As I do with different current audio gear, I put the Cloud III via its paces with matches in Valorant and raids in Final Fantasy XIV to get an thought of how the headset performs in aggressive environments and in video games with busy audio experiences.FFXIV might be an awesome sport audio-wise, so the angle right here is not about gaining a bonus by way of positional audio for example–rather, it is concerning the readability through which the music and numerous sound results come via. While I can inform how seemingly discordant sounds are smoother and extra distinct with fancier, dearer headphones, the Cloud III nonetheless provided a pleasing listening expertise. Mids and highs might be only a tad harsh at tremendous excessive volumes in comparison with top-end audio setups, however for a mid-range headset, you will get full and detailed sound with decently balanced bass to spherical it out. Between sound cues to telegraph boss mechanics, the battle cries and sound results of your celebration’s characters going HAM, and the detailed soundtrack blasting, it may be intense, but the Cloud III handles all that splendidly.It’s raid night time baybee and we’re about to wipe!You must also count on respectable positional audio from any $100 headset for all these delicate however essential sound results in a sport like Valorant. Enemy footsteps, Agent talents going off, and particular weapons firing are all essential audio cues that inform moment-to-moment ways and with the ability to decipher the place they’re coming from was simple with the Cloud III headset. This is a type of conditions the place audio alone is not going to up your sport since you continue to must intention and make the precise selections in-game, you simply do not wish to be left on an audio setup that is not able to feeding you that info. And belief me, you will be lined with the Cloud III.The Ngenuity software program permits entry to DTS Headphone:X spatial audio, which is a kind of digital encompass sound that tries to emulate that full, immersive audio expertise. It’s a characteristic that comes all the way down to desire, however it is not one thing I’m notably keen on because it feels slightly too synthetic for gaming or music.Now, as I discussed earlier, the microphone could be essentially the most spectacular factor concerning the Cloud III. It’s usually an afterthought with regards to headsets; so long as you might be heard clearly, that tends to be adequate. However, with its 10mm mic with a built-in mesh pop filter, the Cloud III is the closest I’ve heard a headset mic come to a standalone USB mic. I recorded myself via Audacity and I used to be greatly surprised after I performed it back–I’d by no means advocate recording a podcast with a headset mic, however that is one case the place you would most likely get away with it.VerdictWe’ve reached some extent the place it is powerful to consider the place headsets and new audio gear can go from right here, particularly with one thing just like the HyperX Cloud III. It’s laborious to pick any flaws contemplating it sits within the mid-range, so figuring out if it is the precise headset for you actually comes all the way down to desire with its characteristic set. Because with strong all-around audio high quality for gaming and music together with best-in-class consolation, the HyperX Cloud III is a straightforward selection.For these taking a look at new wired headsets to both improve from budget-level gear or to switch mid-range setups that could be worn out, the Cloud III must be in your radar. At a normal retail worth of $100, I’d say that is greater than truthful contemplating you get a headset that punches above its weight.

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