HyperX Cloud II vs Cloud III
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Similarities
Differences
Comfort and Build Quality
Headphone Audio Quality
Microphone Audio Quality
Verdict
Similarities
HyperX retained and refined many aspects of the Cloud II for the newer Cloud III. While the latter is an overall improvement, there’s still a lot that’s similar about the two headsets:
Both the Cloud II and Cloud III are wired with non-detachable 3.5 mm cables and they include a USB dongle for extra functionality.
The two headsets work with any device that uses a 3.5 mm connection such as PS5, Switch, Xbox, and PC. However, the USB connection does NOT work on Xbox.
Both have similar builds including pleather ear cushions with memory foam and aluminum adjustment forks on the frame.
Differences
Cloud II with the velour ear pads attached.
The Cloud III has its controls on the headset itself. There's a mute button and a finite scroll volume wheel. The Cloud II's controls are on the control box on the USB dongle.
The Cloud III is compatible with NGENUITY which has a full 10-band equalizer.
The drivers, while still 53 mm, have been re-tuned on the Cloud III. The bass has more detail, but it loses some impact and the treble isn’t as exaggerated.
The microphone on the Cloud III is far superior and it's the best sounding mic I've heard on any gaming headset. Even better than the Corsair HS80 Wireless.
The Cloud III’s pads are slightly thicker and the headset has a bit more clamping force than the Cloud II.
The Cloud II (at least the Kingston model) comes with a mesh bag and also secondary velour ear pads.
Cloud II USB controller.
Mic mute button and volume wheel on the Cloud III.
Comfort and Build Quality
Minor adjustments have been made to the already comfortable and durable Cloud II. The faux leather ear cushions are similar on both, but there’s thicker memory foam padding inside the Cloud III. The Cloud III’s pads are also larger overall. These are both S tier devices when it comes to all-day use with no pain or irritation.
However, I prefer the Cloud III even more because of the slightly increased clamping force and thicker pads. It’s not as tight as the Cloud Alpha, so not enough to be problematic; it just make the headset fit more snugly.
Neither device has swivel, so they can’t be rested around your shoulders. Still, they have sturdy aluminum forks that can be adjusted to change the length of the device.
These two headsets are almost perfect in terms of their build for both, but I wish the braided 3.5 mm cables were detachable. Slight win for the Cloud III in terms of comfort.
Headphone Audio Quality
In short, both the Cloud II and Cloud III are incredible for FPS games, but the Cloud III’s tuning makes footsteps even more prominent than the II. However, for music and immersive experiences, I prefer the EQ potential of the Cloud II which has stronger bass even though it’s a little less detailed.
Modern Warfare II with the Cloud III.
HyperX went hard optimizing the Cloud III’s tuning for performance in FPS games. Playing Modern Warfare II has been excellent with this headset. The Cloud II has overly sharp treble and while the lows aren’t muddy, they don’t really wow with the detail down there.
With the Cloud III, the treble is clear but not shrill. The 1-3 KHz midrange is open and airy, just like the Cloud II, to give that sense of space. The biggest difference is the change in texture of the bass and sub-bass. The Cloud III’s low end trades away power from extra detail.
As a basshead, when I listen to music I honestly prefer the subtle boom and rumble of the Cloud II when it's EQ'd. The Cloud III won't give you that, but it makes explosions and vehicle engines come through clean without lingering around too long.
Consequently, footsteps are crisp in the Cloud III. They don't have that thump to them like devices with more bass such as the PC38X and the Astro A40. Instead, like I said in my original Cloud II review, they make footsteps sound more like people running around with dress shoes or high heels. They're quick, and a bit unnaturally high pitched, but it makes them stand out so well.
Resident Evil Village on the Cloud II.
For music and single player games, I like the Cloud Alpha better. The highs are even more tamed, the lows hit a little more too. For over $100, I’d definitely take the PC38X for its warmer sound and open soundstage due to it being open back.
However, for footstep awareness and pinpointing weapon fire and other subtle audio cues, the Cloud III's tuning makes them stand out better than any headset I've tested aside from the Audeze Maxwell and Penrose.
Microphone Audio Quality
LED mic mute indicator on the Cloud III.
The Cloud II’s microphone has very strong background noise rejection.
That’s about all the good I can say about it. Otherwise, it’s muffled while still being sibilant, and the detail is severely lacking. In sharp contrast, the Cloud III has an even better mic than my previous favorite mic the Corsair HS80 Wireless.
The Cloud III mic is still slightly nasally, but the 10 mm capsule performs admirably for its size. As of its launch, it’s the new best gaming headset microphone.
Software (NGENUITY)
The Cloud III is compatible with NGENUITY and it has great potential. You can choose between several EQ presets and make your own with a 10-band equalizer. There’s no dB notches, but it’s still useful. Even with heavy EQ, the Cloud III couldn’t deliver the level of rumble that I was looking for.
In NGENUITY, you can also control the mic and headset volume. DTS Spatial Sound is included with the Cloud III which is way better than the 7.1 effect from the Cloud II's dongle… but still not something I enjoy.
Sadly, NGENUITY was incredibly buggy on my PC. Sometimes the Cloud III wouldn’t play audio at all and the mic wouldn’t work despite it being detected. It also caused lots of other random conflicts with my other audio peripherals until I just uninstalled it completely. When HyperX gets their software working properly, I might revisit this section.
Verdict
Cloud III (left) and Cloud II.
For under $100, the HyperX Cloud III cannot be beaten. It’s an excellent improvement over the already great Cloud II when it comes to the plush padding and clear sound for FPS performance.
If you want something with more bass and you have some extra money, consider the Drop + EPOS PC38X. It’s my favorite sounding headset out the box with a wide soundstage and full, warm sound.
