In the world of gaming peripherals, few names carry as much weight as HyperX. The brand, a subsidiary of Kingston Technology, has built a reputation for delivering high-quality, reliable products that don‘t break the bank. Their latest offering in the wireless gaming headset space, the Cloud Core Wireless, seeks to continue that tradition. But in an increasingly crowded market, does it do enough to stand out? Let‘s find out.
Wireless Gaming Headsets: A Booming Market
Before we dive into the specifics of the Cloud Core Wireless, it‘s worth taking a step back to look at the bigger picture. Wireless gaming headsets have seen explosive growth in recent years. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global gaming headset market size was valued at USD 2.15 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.7% from 2022 to 2030.
Source: Grand View Research
A significant chunk of that growth is being driven by the increasing popularity of wireless models. The convenience of cutting the cord, coupled with advancements in wireless technology that have minimized latency and connectivity issues, has made wireless gaming headsets a more viable option than ever before.
It‘s against this backdrop that HyperX has launched the Cloud Core Wireless. At an MSRP of $99.99 (though frequently available for less), it‘s positioned as a mid-range option, undercutting premium models from the likes of SteelSeries and Logitech while offering a step up from entry-level wireless headsets.
Design and Comfort: If It Ain‘t Broke, Don‘t Fix It
One area where HyperX has consistently excelled is in the design and comfort of their headsets, and the Cloud Core Wireless is no exception. If you‘ve used a HyperX headset before, the look and feel will be immediately familiar. The frame is made of lightweight aluminum, with generously padded leatherette earcups and headband. The overall aesthetic is understated, with an all-black color scheme accented only by a tasteful red HyperX logo on each earcup.
In terms of comfort, the Cloud Core Wireless is top-notch. The memory foam earcups are soft and spacious, with a good depth that allows room for most ear sizes and shapes. They create a solid seal around the ears without feeling too tight or causing the dreaded "earmuff effect" of trapping heat.
The clamping force of the headset is also well-judged, striking a balance between being secure enough to stay in place during intense gaming sessions and not feeling like it‘s crushing your skull. At just 294 grams, it‘s also relatively lightweight for a wireless headset, thanks in part to the aluminum frame. For comparison, the popular SteelSeries Arctis 7 weighs in at 354 grams, while the Razer Blackshark V2 Pro is a hefty 320 grams.
Sound Quality: DTS Headphone:X Steals the Show
Of course, all the comfort in the world doesn‘t matter if the sound quality isn‘t up to par. Fortunately, the Cloud Core Wireless delivers on this front too. The 53mm dynamic drivers provide a rich, detailed soundscape with a good balance of highs, mids, and lows. Bass is punchy without being overpowering, and the overall sound signature feels well-tuned for gaming.
But the real standout feature here is the inclusion of DTS Headphone:X Spatial Audio. This 3D audio technology has been gaining traction in recent years as more and more games support object-based audio mixing. Rather than just delivering stereo left and right channels, DTS Headphone:X uses complex algorithms to create a virtual surround sound environment, placing audio cues with pinpoint accuracy in a 3D space around the listener.
The effect is stunning when it works well. In first-person shooters like Apex Legends or Call of Duty, you can pinpoint the direction of enemy footsteps or gunfire with eerie precision. Atmospheric games like Red Dead Redemption 2 or Hellblade: Senua‘s Sacrifice become even more immersive, enveloping you in the game world in a way traditional stereo audio simply can‘t match.
It‘s worth noting that DTS Headphone:X support varies by game, and the quality of the implementation can vary as well. When it‘s good, it‘s really good, but some games see less dramatic benefits than others. Still, it‘s an impressive inclusion at this price point. Many competing headsets in this range, like the Corsair HS70 Pro Wireless or Razer Barracuda X, don‘t offer any sort of virtual surround sound.
Microphone and Connectivity: Reliable but Basic
Moving on to the microphone, the Cloud Core Wireless sports a fairly standard detachable boom mic. It‘s a unidirectional, noise-cancelling mic that does a decent job of isolating your voice and filtering out background noise. In my testing, it consistently provided clear, intelligible voice quality for in-game chat and calls. It‘s not going to replace a dedicated USB or XLR mic for streaming or podcasting, but for the intended use case, it gets the job done.
In terms of connectivity, the Cloud Core Wireless uses a 2.4GHz USB dongle for a low-latency wireless connection. In my experience, the connection was rock-solid, with no noticeable audio dropouts or desync between audio and video. HyperX claims a range of up to 20 meters, and while I didn‘t quite push it that far, I was able to comfortably walk to other rooms in my house without losing the signal.
One area where the Cloud Core Wireless falls a bit short is in its lack of connectivity options. There‘s no Bluetooth support, so you can‘t pair it with a phone or tablet for on-the-go use. There‘s also no option to use it wired with a 3.5mm cable, which means you can‘t fall back to a wired connection if the battery dies mid-session.
Speaking of battery life, HyperX rates the Cloud Core Wireless at up to 20 hours of use on a single charge. In my testing, I found this to be fairly accurate, getting a solid 18-19 hours of mixed use at medium volume before needing to recharge. It‘s not the longest battery life we‘ve seen in a wireless gaming headset (the HyperX Cloud Flight S, for example, boasts up to 30 hours), but it‘s still more than enough to get through multiple long gaming sessions.
Compatibility and Software: Room for Improvement
One of the more disappointing aspects of the Cloud Core Wireless is its limited compatibility. While it works seamlessly with PC, PS4, and PS5 via the USB dongle, there‘s no support for Xbox consoles. This is a shame, as many competing headsets in this price range, like the SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless, offer Xbox compatibility via a separate Xbox-specific dongle.
The lack of a 3.5mm wired option also limits the headset‘s compatibility with other devices like the Nintendo Switch in handheld mode, smartphones, and VR headsets. It‘s not a dealbreaker for everyone, but it does make the Cloud Core Wireless less versatile than some of its competitors.
Another area where the headset falls short is in its software support. Unlike many other HyperX peripherals, the Cloud Core Wireless doesn‘t work with the company‘s Ngenuity software suite. This means there‘s no way to customize EQ settings, adjust mic monitoring levels, or update the firmware. It‘s a barebones plug-and-play experience, which may appeal to some users but will disappoint those who like to tinker with their audio settings.
The lack of Ngenuity support also means you have to use a separate app, DTS Sound Unbound, to enable the spatial audio feature. It‘s not a huge inconvenience, but it‘s an extra step compared to headsets that integrate spatial audio controls directly into their companion software.
The Verdict: Excellent Audio on a Budget
Despite a few shortcomings in features and compatibility, the HyperX Cloud Core Wireless is ultimately a very compelling option for gamers looking for a high-quality wireless headset that won‘t break the bank. The combination of comfort, build quality, and audio performance is impressive for a headset in this price range, and the addition of DTS Headphone:X spatial audio is a legitimate game-changer for immersion.
Here‘s a quick rundown of the key strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality with DTS Headphone:X spatial audio
- Lightweight and comfortable for long gaming sessions
- Solid build quality with aluminum frame
- Good battery life (up to 20 hours)
- Clear, reliable microphone
Cons:
- No Bluetooth or wired 3.5mm connectivity options
- Limited compatibility (no Xbox support)
- No Ngenuity software support for customization
- Spatial audio requires separate app to enable
If you primarily game on PC or PlayStation and don‘t need the versatility of Bluetooth or wired connections, the Cloud Core Wireless is easy to recommend. It nails the core fundamentals of a gaming headset, delivering excellent audio, comfort, and reliability without any major weak points.
That said, if you value features like EQ customization, multi-device pairing, or Xbox compatibility, you may want to look at other options in this price range like the SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless or Razer Barracuda X. But if your main priority is getting the best possible audio experience for around $100, the HyperX Cloud Core Wireless is a terrific choice and further cements HyperX‘s reputation as a leader in the gaming headset market.
