The HyperX label, which now belongs to HP, produces gaming peripherals like headsets. The HyperX Cloud III in this review was launched in June 2023 and is supposed to surpass its predecessor. What the headset does and for whom it is suitable, we clarify here in the HyperX Cloud III review!
Specifications
| Type | Closed headphones, circumaural |
| Connectors | combined 3.5mm mini jack, USB-A, USB-C |
| Driver | 53 mm, neodymium, dynamic |
| Microphone | 10 mm electrolytic condenser microphone |
| Frequency response | 10 Hz – 21 kHz |
| Impedance | 64 Ohm |
| Compatibility | PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X / S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Mac, mobile devices |
| Price | € 108.95 * |
Packaging and scope of delivery
- Secure packaging
- Somewhat cluttered design
- In addition to the HyperX Cloud III headphones, the matching microphone and a USB cable are included
The hefty box of the HyperX Cloud III is pretty jam-packed with features and specifications in multiple languages. Since it is a pleasant contrast when you open the box and just look at the headset. It then makes a really good impression. Underneath the molded box that holds the headset, the accessories are in another box. This holds the microphone and the USB adapter cable. A manual is also included, of course.
Connection options
- Connection via combined mini-jack
- Adapter cable to USB-A and USB-C extends the possibilities
The HyperX Cloud III has a combined headset port, which is a 3.5mm mini-jack for the headphone and microphone signals. This is used on most modern smartphones, laptops and many PC cases. But this is not the only option. Because the included USB extension cable allows it to be used directly on a USB-A port. And if you remove the plug adapter, you can also connect the headset directly via USB-C.
On the left side, behind the microphone, which can also be removed if necessary, is the fixed connection cable. Behind it is a button that can be used to mute the microphone without having to go any way via external devices or the Windows settings. On the right side is a volume wheel, which can be used to adjust the volume. Here, you should move the slider to the center for the basic setting, so that you can react to situations that are too loud or too quiet as needed.
Software
- General HyperX software for all kinds of HyperX products
- Enables DTS Spatial Audio
- Equalizer with presets and manual settings
But taking it a step further, one can find the HyperX NGENUITY software on the HyperX website with a download size of just over 200 MB. After the installation, you have to install the selected connected device, in this case “headphone”, the HyperX Cloud III, and restart the computer. Now you can activate DTS Spatial Audio with the software for a more realistic spatial representation of the sound. You can also set an equalizer via this. Either in the form of some presets or via “+New Preset” in a manually adjustable form.
Workmanship and comfort
- Very high quality workmanship
- Robust impression
- Comfortable to wear
In many cases, I have with headphones the problem that my head circumference is rather small and thus often already the smallest setting is still too large. This is not the case with the HyperX Cloud III. This fits well and can of course still be adjusted for larger heads. But this headset should also fit children to some extent. The fit on the ears is well solved. The closed, circumaural HyperX Cloud III headset fits tightly without pressing particularly hard. Even when we passed it on briefly, the reaction was “Oh, it’s comfortable”. When testing the HyperX Cloud III, I sometimes had it on my ears for a few hours a day and have to say that it never particularly bothered me. Wearing it for a long time at a stretch: check.
One small caveat: As closed headphones, there can be – especially at higher room temperatures in the summer – but sometimes warm ears. However, this is rather concept-related and not a special HyperX problem.
Adjusting the size of the headband feels good and robust. Speaking of robust, this is how the HyperX Cloud III feel overall. No cracking, no crunching. The metal content is quite high and the headband is soft and flexible, yet feels sturdy. The positive build impression is also continued by the jacketed cable. Here, the HyperX Cloud III leaves a very good impression throughout.
Gaming
- Spatial audio brings a more spacious sound on the PC
- Sound is optimized for gaming
- Clear sound for speech, but decent bass for music and sound effects
When tested in gaming, the HyperX Cloud III shows its best side. Especially with DTS Spatial Sound enabled, you get a much more spacious feeling than simply in “normal” stereo. It’s also convenient here that the closed design helps to fade out high-revving fans well in terms of sound.
The same is true for movies / Youtube / Twitch. Here you can partially benefit from the more flat sound and the combination of voices, sounds and background music works well.
Music
- Basic sound is not neutral
- Partial definition can be lacking
- Overall, however, good impression
The HyperX Cloud III is not a studio headphone with a neutral sound, but set to represent speech well audible, but otherwise emphasizes bass in particular, which sounds very imposing. For example, to get electric guitars in the rock and metal range a bit more defined, it’s worth boosting the 250 – 500 Hz range a bit in the equalizer.
Overall, it is a lot of fun to listen to music with the HyperX Cloud III; only fast, hectic music – keyword anime – lacks definition from time to time. Oh, and by the way: since music is usually stereo, you should urgently avoid using spatial sound here.
Microphone of the HyperX Cloud III
- Good sound
- No problems with sibilance or plosives
- Enough headroom for loud voices
Sure – on a headset, you don’t expect the sound quality of a large-diaphragm condenser microphone. Overall, however, that of the HyperX Cloud III can also largely convince in this test. This electrolytic condenser microphone does not bite in the highs and sounds reasonably balanced. This is also confirmed in the frequency analysis of a recording:
In the following recording, I had it very close to my mouth:
Still, there are no real problems with sibilants or plosives, and ambient noise is reasonably contained. In the following recording, you can hear me writing a text and occasionally grabbing the microphone and breathing a little heavier. Ergo, the usual background noise that can be heard when the microphone is not muted:
The ambient noise can be heard a bit, especially the heavy breathing. But overall, the muting of the ambient noise is effective enough and even the touching of the microphone, while audible, is far quieter than I would have initially expected. Both of the HyperX Cloud III’s microphone recordings were saved without any processing, and the volume is also unchanged in both cases. Enough headroom is also present – the recordings were far from clipping. Thus, there is enough room for when things heat up in the game.
Conclusion
The HyperX Cloud III offers a well-rounded overall concept of a good microphone, decent sound, and excellent build quality. This is joined by the good wearing comfort even over longer periods of time. Of course, the whole thing is not really cheap and thus rather a headset for enthusiasts than for beginners or casual gamers. But on the other hand, you don’t exactly pay little for branded headphones from other manufacturers.
In summary: I was convinced by the HyperX Cloud III and it offers little room for criticism.
HyperX Cloud III
Workmanship
Comfort
Sound quality
Recording quality
Features
Value for money
90/100
The HyperX Cloud III is a good gaming headset with an excellent build quality, a sound optimized for gaming and it comes with a very balanced microphone.
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