HyperX Cloud MIX Review – The Best Cloud Headset Ever?

A Closer Look and Performance

My first impressions of the new Cloud headset are overwhelmingly positive. For one, it still looks and feels like the previous cloud headsets to a certain degree. However, it has clearly been tweaked and improved. For one, the gaudy silver, blue or red text, stitching and metalwork are now all toned down. The bulk of the headset is blacked out, and there’s not a single spot of RGB lighting. It’s sleek, professional, and you wouldn’t look like a muppet wearing it out in public either.

Built-in Controls

Around the edges of the ear cups, the Cloud Mix features a few built-in controls. Nothing too complicated though, just volume and power on this side. However, there’s also a small charge/Bluetooth status LED, as well as a micro-USB to charge the internal battery, which you only need for Bluetooth mode. The headset runs fully passive while in 3.5mm mode.

The other side has a single button for Bluetooth functions. Just like many mobile headsets, you can use this to pause/play music, answer/end calls, wake Google Assistant. It’s all contextual as you would expect. Below that, there’s a small jack for the detachable microphone too, handy if you’re like me and rarely use your microphone these days.

Closed Back Design

The smart design choices just keep on coming too. The large ear cups are closed back design. This both helps to lock in the sound from the drivers, and also passively block external noise too. Of course, that means you can get more focused on your game and are less likely to bother others with your higher volume listening too.

Those with younger gamers in the family, you’ll be happy to hear the headset adjusts down in size to be suitable for pre-teen gamers. However, most headsets don’t extend far enough to cover my ears, which is frustrating. Fortunately, the Cloud Mix extends even further than I would need, so a big thumbs up from me for that one!

Comfortable Fit

The deep soft-leather ear padding is pretty luxurious too. The headset is designed to sit around the ear, not on it, so it really helps things stay comfortable and balanced while gaming.

It’s pretty easy going on the side of your head too. Cloud headsets have a solid reputation for comfort, and the Cloud Mix certainly doesn’t break that combo.

The headset has a nicely padded headband too, helping better distribute its weight on your head. Overall, one of the more comfortable headsets on the market today.

Detachable Microphone

The detachable microphone is fantastic too. Overall, it’s not too obtrusive when installed, and even then, the flexible boom allows you to move it as required. It’s a good quality microphone too, and I should hope so give the MSRP of the headset. Nothing groundbreaking in regards to quality, but there’s certainly nothing to complain about either.

The Cloud series has long had a solid reputation for fantastic sound quality. I’m happy to report that holds true for their latest model too, and if anything, this is by far their best sounding to date. The drivers are their own custom dynamic 40mm design with a dual-chamber design. This means they can deliver crystal clear mid and treble, which maintaining a much deeper and powerful bass note. Not that I think the old ones sounded muddy, but there’s a more defined clarity now and a much bigger range on offer.

Hi-Res Audio

The drivers are hi-res too, offerings a frequency response of 10Hz to 40,000Hz. That’s way below and beyond the range of human hearing. If anything that gets more into the sounds you “feel” as well as covering the full spectrum of what you hear; typically from 20Hz to 20kHz. For high-resolution audio playback, they sound phenomenal, however, even standard streaming music, games and movies are all strongly represented too. For music, they provide plenty of low-end punch on heavier EDM and metal music. However, there’s all the mid-range you want for a more natural and open sound. The high-end is responsive too, you could hear a pin drop even in bass heavy scenarios.

Versatile Drivers

When it comes to gaming, movies, music, Skype calls, or anything else you throw at them, they come out shining. Easily one of the best sounded headsets on the market right now. Not the best, but easily competitive with anything else in this price range for sure. While the “Hi-Res” is limited in Bluetooth mode by the limitations of the BT bandwidth, you wouldn’t really know it. It all still sounds fantastic, and the battery life is good for 20 hours on a full charge. From gaming to your daily commute, it seems the Cloud Mix tick all the right boxes for a versatile lifestyle.