HyperX targets bass retention with first open-back gaming headset
The $150 Cloud Alpha Air introduces a proprietary Bass Tube design to preserve low-end response, joining a broader refresh of HyperX’s audio and input lineup.
HyperX has entered the open-back headset market with the launch of the Cloud Alpha Air, a device priced at $150 that marks a significant expansion for the gaming peripheral manufacturer. After more than a decade of producing accessories ranging from RAM to SSDs, the company has addressed a common limitation in open-back designs: the tendency to lose low-end audio fidelity compared to closed-back rivals. The headset is engineered to deliver the same deep response found in closed-back models, aiming to help gamers distinguish critical sound effects such as footsteps and explosions.
To achieve this, HyperX incorporated a feature known as the Bass Tube, which is designed to maintain low-end thump without overpowering the mids and highs. The headset features plush foam earpads covered in ultrasuede and a sturdy metal headband, with 40mm dynamic drivers hidden behind metallic grilles. The device has an impedance of 34 ohms, a relatively low specification that may require the use of the included USB adapter or a dedicated DAC for optimal volume levels when connected via a standard 3.5mm cable.
The control layout remains minimal, featuring only a volume wheel and a mute button for the detachable microphone. Users can further customise their audio experience through HyperX’s free NGENUITY application, which allows for EQ adjustments and sound profile tweaks. The package includes a comprehensive set of connectivity options, comprising a 3.5mm cord, a PC extension cable with separate audio and mic jacks, and a USB adapter with both USB-A and USB-C connectors, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices.
Alongside the new headset, HyperX has announced the Pulsefire Haste 3 Pro, its lightest gaming mouse to date. Weighing just 47 grams with a carbon fibre shell, the device is priced at $130 and features a new Performance Sensor capable of up to 42,000 DPI. In wireless mode at 1K polling, the mouse offers up to 150 hours of battery life. For those seeking a lower price point, a Pro Model with a plastic shell is available for $90, while a wired version is priced at $40.
The company has also introduced new colour combinations for existing products, including the HyperX Cloud III S, Cloud III Wired, and Cloud Flight 2. While HyperX has updated AMD-based configurations for the Omen 35L desktop, it has not yet announced new gaming laptops or desktops. The Cloud Alpha Air is currently available only as a wired option, though the company has not ruled out a future wireless version.
All new devices and colour variations are scheduled to go on sale sometime in September. The launch provides an immediate option for gamers looking to upgrade their peripherals, particularly those seeking an open-back experience that does not sacrifice bass performance.
