🎧 HyperX Cloud III Wired Gaming Headset Review: A Legend Comfortably Evolved
ELECTRONICS - The HyperX Cloud series has long been synonymous with exceptional comfort, reliable build quality, and solid audio performance in the gaming headset market. The HyperX Cloud III Wired Gaming Headset, an evolution of the legendary Cloud II, aims to uphold this reputation while offering several significant upgrades for the modern multi-platform gamer. This headset combines signature HyperX comfort with new, tuned drivers, an ultra-clear microphone, and extensive connectivity, making it a strong contender in the mid-range wired category.
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| HyperX Cloud III Wired Gaming Headset Review: A Legend Comfortably Evolved |
⭐️ Key Features at a Glance
| Feature | Specification / Detail |
| Driver Type | Angled, Retuned 53mm Dynamic Drivers |
| Comfort | HyperX Signature Memory Foam and Premium Leatherette |
| Frame | Durable Full Metal/Aluminum Frame |
| Microphone | Upgraded 10mm, Detachable, Noise-Cancelling, LED Mute Indicator |
| Spatial Audio | DTS® Headphone:X® Spatial Audio (PC only via USB Dongle) |
| Connectivity | 3.5mm, USB-C (via DAC Dongle), USB-A (via Adapter) |
| Compatibility | PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X |
| Controls | Onboard Earcup Volume Wheel and Mic Mute Button |
☁️ Comfort: The HyperX DNA
HyperX has consistently led the charge on comfort, and the Cloud III is no exception—in fact, it arguably excels here. The headset features generous padding with the brand's signature plush memory foam in both the ear cushions and the headband, wrapped in a soft, premium leatherette.
Marathon Sessions: The clamping force is gentle yet secure, and the over-ear cups are deep enough to prevent the dreaded "ear squish," ensuring the headset remains comfortable even during all-night gaming marathons.
Build & Aesthetics: The design is simple, sleek, and premium, utilizing a full metal/aluminum frame that contributes significantly to its durability and sturdy feel without adding excessive weight. This headset feels built to last, resilient against the inevitable travel and daily wear-and-tear.
🔊 Audio Performance: Tuned for Gaming
The Cloud III features new, retuned 53mm dynamic drivers that are angled to deliver sound directly into the ear for an optimal listening experience.
Gaming Clarity: The audio profile is distinctly tuned for competitive gaming, focusing on clarity and positional accuracy. The headset shines in FPS games, where the emphasis on upper mids and treble makes critical audio cues like footsteps and distant gunfire highly pronounced and easy to pinpoint, giving gamers a noticeable advantage.
A More Neutral Sound: Compared to the Cloud II, the Cloud III shifts towards a more balanced, or some might say, neutral sound profile. This means the bass response is less aggressively boosted—it still has "oomph" for explosions and impactful sounds, but it avoids the overly rumbly, muddy bass that can sometimes obscure important in-game details. While this tuning is excellent for clarity in games, dedicated audiophiles may find the sub-bass a bit lackluster for pure music listening, though it remains more than satisfactory for general entertainment.
DTS Headphone:X Spatial Audio: When connected to a PC via the included USB-C DAC (with a USB-A adapter), users can unlock DTS Headphone:X Spatial Audio. This feature provides a virtual 3D sound stage and helps with precise sound localization, further enhancing immersion and competitive edge on PC. Note that this feature and full EQ customization are handled via the HyperX NGENUITY software on PC.
🎙️ The Microphone: A Standout Feature
The microphone is arguably the most significant and impressive upgrade from its predecessor. The Cloud III comes equipped with an upgraded, larger 10mm electret condenser microphone.
Crystal-Clear Comms: The mic's clarity is exceptional for a gaming headset in this price range, often outperforming mics on more expensive wireless rivals. It captures a clear, natural vocal range, ensuring your voice is heard without distortion.
Noise Management: It's noise-cancelling and features a built-in mesh filter to reduce disruptive plosive sounds and background noise from mechanical keyboards or fans, making for cleaner team communication.
Convenience: The mic is fully detachable, allowing you to convert the Cloud III into a standard pair of headphones for mobile or music use. Crucially, it includes a smart LED mute indicator right on the tip of the boom, eliminating the guesswork of whether or not you're broadcasting your snacking noises to your squad.
🔌 Connectivity and Controls
The Cloud III champions versatility with its comprehensive connectivity options:
Multi-Platform Ready: The base connection is a standard 3.5mm jack, providing immediate plug-and-play compatibility with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices.
PC/Console Flexibility: The included USB-C DAC Dongle offers enhanced audio processing (including DTS Spatial Audio on PC) and extends the cable length. A USB-C to USB-A adapter is also provided, ensuring maximum flexibility across PCs, laptops, and consoles that support USB audio.
Onboard Controls: Simple and quick controls are placed directly on the earcup: a volume dial on the right cup and a mic mute button on the left cup. This prevents fumbling with in-line controls or system menus.
🎯 Verdict: Is the Cloud III Worth It?
The HyperX Cloud III Wired Gaming Headset is a brilliant evolution of a classic, maintaining the core strengths while addressing key areas for improvement.
For gamers who prioritize long-session comfort, crystal-clear team communication, and accurate positional audio for competitive play on multiple platforms, the Cloud III is an excellent value proposition. It is a refinement rather than a revolution, but the refined experience—especially the enhanced microphone and signature comfort—makes it a standout mid-range wired headset.
While the sound signature might not satisfy bass-heavy audiophiles for music listening, its tuning is highly effective for its primary purpose: gaming. The wealth of included connectivity options makes it one of the most versatile wired headsets available today.