In my assessment, a quality pair of gaming headphones should excel in two key areas: sustained comfort and excellent audio fidelity. Upon unboxing the new Cloud III gaming headphones from HyperX, I immediately noted their lightweight design, coupled with a reassuringly solid build quality.
The initial fit was impressive. The lightweight construction and breathable cushions ensured comfort even after extended use, preventing overheating and discomfort. A common issue I encounter with over-ear headphones is a design that caters to smaller head sizes, resulting in excessive pressure and eventual pain. Fortunately, the HyperX Cloud III avoids this problem.
The detachable microphone features a convenient mute button and offers a wide range of adjustability to accommodate various face shapes and sizes. Volume controls are readily accessible on the opposite side. HyperX has achieved a high level of comfort with the Cloud III, but the critical question remains: how is the sound quality?
The answer is nuanced. I initiated testing by connecting the headphones to my computer and playing The Last of Us, a game with familiar sound design that serves as a reliable benchmark. The inclusion of DTS X Spatial Audio is a significant advantage, creating an immersive surround sound experience that accurately conveys the position of in-game threats. The audio clarity is excellent across the spectrum, from dialogue to environmental ambience and special effects. However, the bass response, while present, could be more pronounced. Furthermore, the headphones exhibited a noticeable resistance, resulting in a relatively low maximum volume even when the on-headphone control was set to maximum. Achieving higher volume levels required adjusting the in-game audio settings.
I also evaluated the headphones with the Playstation 5, Nintendo Switch and Xbox Series S. Across all three platforms, I observed a similar characteristic: a somewhat subdued sound output. Increasing the in-game volume resolved this issue, and the soundstage proved to be well-defined, although the bass remained slightly lacking.
The microphone’s performance is exceptionally strong. In a test call conducted from a busy café, my voice was transmitted clearly and without issue.
In conclusion, I can confidently recommend the Cloud III from HyperX. Their exceptional comfort and ease of use set a high standard for gaming headsets. The overall sound quality is commendable, and the slightly understated bass response is a minor compromise in light of its other strengths.
HyperX provided a test sample for this review. The provision of review materials does not influence our editorial objectivity.
