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Is It Worth It?
Review Summary
The HyperX Cloud Flight S is a premium wireless gaming headset with a refined design and a 30-hour battery life. Its key features include wireless Qi charging, customizable controls through the HyperX Ngenuity software, and 7.1 surround sound for an excellent gaming experience. However, its lack of Bluetooth and wired connectivity limits its usage experience. It can be suitable for gamers looking for comfort and functionality but less suited for those needing a headset for multiple-device connectivity.
Hours Tested: 1 Week
Overall
-
Design - 8.5/10
8.5/10
-
Build Quality - 8.5/10
8.5/10
-
Comfort - 8.5/10
8.5/10
-
Software - 7.5/10
7.5/10
-
Value - 7.5/10
7.5/10
Pros
- Premium, Subtle Design
- Wireless Qi Charging
- Long Battery Life
- Customizable Controls
- Comfortable Fit
Cons
- Lacks Bluetooth and Wired Connectivity
- Microphone Performance
- Portability Issues
- Limited Software Features
HyperX has been a reliable brand in the gaming headset industry for years. The Cloud Flight S is a premium product. Replacing the original Cloud Flight’s bright red accents and stripped wiring gave it a more subdued, professional appearance. Since the RGB lighting is just used for the mic indication, the look is subtle and not as flashy as other recent gaming products. Its various functions are all ones that users would find helpful. To test it, I used the Cloud Flight S for a week.
Key Takeaways
- The HyperX Cloud Flight S is a premium wireless gaming headset with a refined design, 30-hour battery life, and wireless Qi charging capability. It offers an outstanding experience with 7.1 surround sound and customizable controls through the HyperX Ngenuity software.
- You should buy the HyperX Cloud Flight S if you value a premium, subtle design, need wireless convenience, long battery life, and appreciate customizable controls and good audio quality.
- You should not buy the HyperX Cloud Flight S if you require Bluetooth and wired connectivity, need an exceptional microphone for professional use, and require extensive software features.
Here are the specifications:
| Driver | Dynamic, 50mm with neodymium magnets |
| Form Factor | Over-ear, circumaural, closed back |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz–22kHz |
| Impedance | 32 Ω |
| Nominal SPL | 99.5dBSPL/mW at 1kHz |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | < 1% |
| Weight | 0.68lb |
| Cable Length (imperial) and type | USB charge cable |
| Element | Electret condenser microphone |
| Polar Pattern | Bi-directional, Noise-canceling type |
| Sensitivity (Mic) | -51dBV (0dB=1V/Pa,1kHz) |
| Battery Life | 30 hours |
| Wireless Range | Up to 20 meters |
| Audio Controls | Onboard audio controls |
| Frame Type | Steel |
| Ear Cushions | Memory foam and premium leatherette |
How Is The HyperX Cloud Flight S Different?
The HyperX Cloud Flight S represents a significant upgrade over its predecessor and sets itself apart in a competitive market for wireless Qi charging, which, although somewhat finicky, offers convenience. In terms of functionality, the Cloud Flight S features four programmable buttons on the left earcup, which is an improvement from the basic controls on the original Cloud Flight. It also supports 7.1 surround sound, providing a richer audio experience for gaming and media consumption.
Design
The HyperX Cloud Flight’s flexibility is its most distinctive feature. Its design is a little more refined and high-end than its predecessor. With the detachable boom microphone removed, they have a more understated and casual appearance without being bothersome. Compared to competitors with changeable RGB lighting around the ear cups, these all-black headphones don’t seem as flashy or gamer-centric.
The HyperX Cloud Flight S headphones aren’t the most portable, just like other over-ear headphones. Still, thanks to the swiveling ear cups, you can fold the headphones flat and store them in a bag. There is now less chance of the ear cups swiveling back since they snap into position when lying flat.
Comfort
Compared to their predecessors, the HyperX Cloud Flight S provides somewhat better comfort. In terms of comfort, they’re a cut above with higher-quality padding on each ear cup. Headsets with leatherette-covered memory foam ear cushions are simple to get a good seal on. Additionally, the headband has a memory foam cushion for added comfort and provides a snug but not too tight fit.
The extra weight and fatigue on the head aren’t very uncomfortable, and most users shouldn’t have any problems wearing them for hours while gaming. Various head sizes shouldn’t be problematic since the headphones’ hinges allow for considerable tilt and rotation. Regarding stability, the HyperX Cloud Flight S is just enough.
They have a secure enough fit to wear comfortably when gaming at home, and they won’t come off easily. People who wear glasses may have trouble getting a good seal, which might reduce bass. Moreover, if the treble range is inconsistent, you may have to reposition them around your head to achieve the same sound every time.
Build Quality
The HyperX Cloud Flight S is noticeably better built than its predecessor. It has a plastic base and one metal strip that runs the length of the headband for stability. It doesn’t feel cheap, as well, compared to many all-plastic gaming headphones. The high-quality materials and cushioning give the whole headset a little premium feel. There are no annoying creaking sounds when you adjust the headset, and it’s easy to get it to fit properly.
Control Scheme
It has sufficient controls for muting the microphone, sound volume, surround sound, and game/chat mix. You won’t have trouble locating the volume control or the reasonably prominent surround sound button. On the other hand, the additional controls, which appear as low-profile buttons on the left side of the headset, are not apparent. Although they could be difficult to push, the four mappable buttons on the left ear cup are well-spaced and straightforward.
You can hear some beeps from most of the controls, but there aren’t any voice prompts, and the 7.1 mode button doesn’t do anything to let you know whether it’s on or off, so it can be a bit of a mystery to identify. Compared to its predecessor, the new volume wheel is firmer and has a higher-end feel. The scrolling continues indefinitely until you hit the maximum or minimum volume, which is a shame, but at least it beeps to let you know when it’s there.
Connectivity
Most surround-sound gaming headsets need additional software, but this one handles everything hardware-wise, so it’s just plug-and-play. The only way to use these headphones is to use the provided USB receiver. Unfortunately, they do not support Bluetooth connectivity. Because it doesn’t drain the battery as quickly and doesn’t cause any latency, this is a preferable connection alternative to Bluetooth. Notably, these headphones have exceptional wireless performance.
Because of their minimal latency, your audio and video should remain in sync. The inability to use these headphones with a wire connection is a major letdown compared to their predecessor. According to HyperX, the headset supposedly stays connected for up to 20 meters. That was accurate for me. Although there were many locked doors in my apartment, it still seemed like a fairly constant connection between the two ends.
Software
These headsets come with adequate accompanying software, which can be found on the Microsoft Store. Four programmable buttons, missing in the prior release, are now present on these headphones. The HyperX Ngenuity software lets you remap these side buttons, which isn’t essential but is handy.
You can assign them many functions inside the app, such as media controls and app start. Plus, you can store several profiles and seamlessly move between them. It is somewhat unfortunate that there are no EQ choices or presets. No software is required to operate the headset’s most basic features. Although the program functions well, skipping it won’t leave you empty-handed.
Battery Life
They offer an impressive 33 hours of playing duration on a single charge, which is significantly more than HyperX’s claimed 30 hours. Running at a steady output even louder than most people’s liking, it outperforms almost every gaming headset battery. In addition, they come with an auto-off feature that, if activated, will switch them off after a certain period of inactivity.
Their micro-USB charging connector and compatibility with Qi-enabled wireless charging make them a breeze to charge when paired with a wireless charging station. You can charge it by placing it on any base compatible with Qi. It’s a good thing the headset lasts quite a while at full charge. Charging it fully should take a few hours, wirelessly or through the provided micro USB connection.
Audio Performance
With a pleasant focus on bass range sound, the HyperX Cloud Flight S provides fairly precise sound quality for a gaming headset.
It has a highly balanced and accurate sound profile, with just a little bass and midrange dip here and there. The HyperX Cloud Flight S offers decent mid-range accuracy.
These headphones have passable treble accuracies. However, vocals may sound flat and unremarkable because much of the range is somewhat recessed. In terms of music, this implies that the headset shouldn’t have any major issues with any particular sound or genre. Still, bass-heavy tracks may struggle to keep up with other, subtler sounds.
Gaming Performance
Playing games on the HyperX Cloud Flight S is fantastic. The padding is soft and supportive, and I had zero discomfort from the pressure or heat even after many hours of use. The headset’s built-in surround sound performed great in titles like Valorant and Fortnite. It has no trouble processing the many audible signals used in Fortnite’s more intense moments.
There will be a noticeable increase in the thud of explosions and gunshots. Specifically, the HyperX Cloud Flight S has remarkable bass accuracy. They shouldn’t sound too thumpy or overbearing, but the bump will give them a little more thump and kick. It is an excellent choice for almost any kind of video game because it combines functionality and convenience.
Microphone
The boom microphone on these headphones is removable. It was simple to set up since it rests on a solid wire arm. Regarding the HyperX Cloud Flight S, the microphone is the only real letdown. There isn’t a huge problem with clarity, but the sound isn’t very precise, and the bass and midrange are severely underemphasized.
In terms of noise, the microphone performs well. Your fellow gaming pals will be able to hear you properly, even in somewhat loud surroundings. This is ideal for Discord. Your voice should have a full, distinct tone and be easy to understand. But don’t fool yourself into thinking you can use this headset for anything of good quality.
Should You Buy It or Not?
Buy It If
✅ You Value a Premium, Subtle Design: The HyperX Cloud Flight S features a refined, professional look with subdued aesthetics, removing the red accents and exposed cables seen in its predecessor.
✅ You Need Wireless Convenience and Long Battery Life: This headset supports wireless Qi charging and boasts an impressive 30-hour battery life, outperforming many competitors.
✅ You Appreciate Customizable Controls and Good Audio Quality: The four programmable buttons and 7.1 surround sound feature provide a tailored gaming experience. The Cloud Flight S offers a balanced audio performance focusing on bass.
Don’t Buy It If
❌ You Require Bluetooth or Wired Connectivity: The HyperX Cloud Flight S lacks Bluetooth and wired connectivity options, limiting its versatility.
❌ You Need an Exceptional Microphone for Professional Use: While the microphone is adequate for casual gaming and communication, it falls short in clarity and precision compared to high-end headsets.
❌ You require Extensive Software Features: The HyperX Ngenuity software offers basic customization but lacks equalization options or presets.
My Thoughts
This wireless gaming headset might suit you if you’re seeking a sturdy one with a wide range of functions. Finding a gaming headset that supports surround sound without requiring additional software is unusual. It’s very unlikely that the HyperX Cloud Flight S will let you down. What could go wrong with this wireless gaming headset?
It’s versatile, comfortable, and has a longer battery life than most competitors. If you’re looking for a comfortable and functional headset from the Cloud series that offers wireless charging but isn’t concerned about its costs, the Flight S is a great option.
Coming Next: HyperX Cloud 2 Wireless Review
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[Hardware Reviewer]
After many years of exploiting various pieces of hardware, Abdul Hannan now serves as an editor at Tech4Gamers. He’s been in the PC hardware reviewing industry for almost a decade, and his staff of passionate geeks and reviewers is second to none.
Abdul Hannan is constantly seeking new methods, you will always see him running into New Computer Courses to improve the performance of his computer components since he is an ardent overclocker. He is well-known for providing the most extensive and unbiased analysis of the newest and greatest hardware for PC gaming, including everything from GPUs to PSUs.
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