GoKawiilHP might not be ready to bring any new gaming laptops or desktop computers into the fray just yet, but it debuted a healthy heaping of new peripherals under its HyperX gaming brand to keep casuals, hard-core gamers and streamers happy.
HyperX announced its first open-back headphones and most lightweight mouse, along with a few other goodies that might upgrade your gaming experience. HyperX keeps the focus on gamers, but there are a few pieces of tech here, like the SoloCast 2 Pro mic, that I think will function best in the hands of content creators. There’s a little something for everyone, with products featured at variable prices throughout the lineup.
These open-back headphones might provide more situational awareness, if you can wrest them from the dragon’s maw. Josh Goldman/CNET
The Cloud Air Alpha is HyperX’s first open-back gaming headset
Any parent struggling to get their kid’s attention while they’re crushing a Fortnite lobby will probably be happy about new open-back headphones because they allow more outside noise to filter. And gamers themselves will be happy that the Cloud Air Alphas don’t sacrifice game audio quality.
I tried out HyperX’s first open-back headphones in a dedicated testing room at a press event in New York, and I’ll attest to the fact that it’s easier to hear people in the real-world than when I was wearing the Cloud 3 headset. My colleagues’ voices still sounded a bit too quiet for my liking, even when I was trying to focus on what they were saying, but my awareness was cranked up: With the Cloud Air Alphas on, I have no doubt that it’s easier for someone to get your attention.
I couldn’t shake the urge to remove one of the headphones when I wanted to engage with the conversation, but maybe that’s something that can only be remedied with time, patience and muscle memory as one grows used to the Cloud Air Alpha headphones.
First HyperX headset with open earcup design
Integrated bass tube to boost low-end audio
USB-C, USB-A, 3.5mm audio jack and USB dongle connectivity
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