One of the key video game accessories to equip for a hearty gaming session must be a decent headset. A pair of cans to deliver rich audio and crisp sound effects deep into your ears. With plenty of manufacturers leaping on the gamer headset bandwagon over the years – especially ones with all the bells and whistles – it can be a challenge to pick a solid option for long term use.
HyperX are a veteran of the peripherals space, having tinkered in headsets, keyboards, mouse and microphones – with budget and more premium options available. Nintendo Switch 2 is aiming to bring more players together via GameChat, joining the ranks of Xbox, PlayStation and PC players – so it could be the perfect opportunity to invest in a quality headset.
One of the latest recruits into the audio space is the HyperX Cloud Flight 2, a premium, over-ear wireless headset that boosts rich, punchy sound via its angled 50mm drivers. It’s a revamped, revised model of the previous Cloud Flight – with the brand noting improved connectivity and battery life. Could this be an ideal option for those wanting a high-fidelity audio experience or more of the same?
First impressions and the HyperX Cloud Flight 2 does look the part – a sleek, matt black and contemporary look through a slick headband and large, padded cans that sit comfortably on most ears. It’s also quite a weighty headset – of course not enough to induce neck pain, but there’s a durability and presence to the unit. That said, the headband material itself is a touch on the flimsier side – not as bad as the HyperX Cloud Jet headset, but does feel slightly hollow. It is a shame, though, as the audio components themselves feel far more durable.
Despite concerns over the overarching headband material, it is comfortable to plonk over your noggin’. This reviewer has a large head. Yes, it’s a blessing and a curse. The Cloud Flight 2 does havea decent amount of padding along the top of the band, allowing for comfort during longer sessions. It can reach the point where you become one with the headset. Likewise, the earpieces are propped up with soft, thick padded cups for both comfort and fairly decent sound isolation. It’s not going to remove background sound entirely, of course, but does a great job in surrounding the ears and delivering well-rounded, passive isolation. Essentially, there’s minimal sound bleed, something that HyperX does well.
Comfort? In spades. But the sound – both output and input – is, of course, the most important aspect of a good quality headset. Much like its cheaper siblings, the HyperX Cloud Flight 2 delivers a strong overall sound out the box. Testing a range of different genres and the standard sound profile is more than enough to cater to most users. Rich, clear bass – not muddy or overpowering – is a highlight, as well as distinct layers in sound to let the music thrive. Vocals and voice recordings also come through well, too – not buried within the mix, nor too far removed. It could well act as a daily driver for those wanting to also listen to music, podcasts, video content – all alongside gaming.
The microphone is a surprising highlight with this HyperX model, coming off the back of the abysmal performance of the Cloud Jet headset. The Cloud Flight 2 has a detachable microphone, handy for those who want to use these as headphones, with an excellent recording quality. Vocals are clear, rich and do well to isolate a fair bit of background clutter. It won’t fully isolate but does an exceptionally well to reduce keystrokes when typing on a keyboard and the dead air/the hums of the world. Of course, a dedicated microphone – like the HyperX SoloCast 2 – would be the ideal choice for recording production-ready vocals, but the Cloud Flight 2 is a more than capable alternative.
The strawberry on the top of a strong audio performance comes through the impressive battery life. There are various connectivity options – 2.5Ghz, through an included dongle, or Bluetooth. Either way, it just keeps on going. Up to 150 hours on Bluetooth , especially if disabling the included RGB highlights. Yes, like every other gaming accessory under the sun, this headset also boasts the allure of those neon lights. Syncing to a computer and console is quick and easy, too, with snappy sound delivered within seconds of switching on.
For those wanting to customise the audio and device settings further, HyperX also offer dedicated, but optional, software called NGENUITY. There is a handy equaliser option to allow fine-tuning the mix, but a shame that there aren’t pre-built sound presets to choose from. Additionally, the software – at time of writing – is only available for PC users. Most functionality is built into the unit itself, though, including a nifty volume slider, dedicated mute and connectivity buttons. Neat!
