SteelSeries Arctis 5 VS HyperX Cloud Alpha
SteelSeries Arctis 5 vs HyperX Cloud Alpha are now some of the best, most recommended gaming headsets. However, they offer different perks and advantages. Continue reading below to find out which one between SteelSeries Arctis 5 and HyperX Cloud Alpha is best for you.
After reading this article, you will understand better all about:
- Why the design of SteelSeries Arctis 5 is better than HyperX Cloud Alpha
- How SteelSeries Arctis 5 offers excellent comfort suitable for long gaming sessions
- The plug-and-play simplicity and features of HyperX Cloud Alpha
- The software functionality of SteelSeries Arctis 5 vs HyperX Cloud Alpha
- The comparison of the sound quality between SteelSeries Arctis 5 and HyperX Cloud Alpha
- Whether you should get SteelSeries Arctis 5 or HyperX Cloud Alpha
Design & Comfort
SteelSeries Arctis 5 has an elegant, modern appearance. It is available in two variants, black and white, both of which feature RGB lighting around the edges of the earcups. The design is really well done. The backlit ring on the back of each earcup adds a cool, stylish touch without being over-the-top.
If we compare the design of SteelSeries Arctis 5 vs HyperX Cloud Alpha, this headset is not only superior in aesthetics but also in comfort. SteelSeries Arctis 5 is very light and comfy. It is equipped with an adjustable strap on the headband for a personalized fit. Meanwhile, the earcups’ pads are made from the SteelSeries Airweave material. They provide a decent grip so that the headset won’t slip or fall off easily, but they are also soft and highly breathable. The earcups can swivel flat for easy storage.
The integrated mic of SteelSeries Arctis 5 can be pushed into the left earcup when not in use, resulting in a neat and minimalistic look. It is easy to pull out and flexible enough to position precisely. For control, there is an on-board volume wheel and mute button.
HyperX Cloud Alpha comes with a different approach. It has an aviation-style design, which looks attractive in its own way, with thick memory foam padding. HyperX Cloud Alpha also has a detachable microphone and an in-line control panel on the cable. The construction feels very robust and durable.
The memory foam padding is actually quite comfy. It provides good cushioning, and is effective to some degree in blocking ambient noise. Unfortunately, HyperX Cloud Alpha can get really warm and uncomfortable after a few hours of continuous gaming. This headset is also a bit heavy. Some people say it causes them headaches due to the built-up pressure. Read also: JBL Quantum 100 Vs 200 here.
| SteelSeries Arctis 5 | HyperX Cloud Alpha | |
|---|---|---|
  |   |
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| Product Dimensions | 7.93 x 7.08 x 3.58 inches | 9.2 x 8.25 x 4.65 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 12.8 ounces | 12 ounces |
| Best Offer | click here | click here |
Features
SteelSeries Arctis 5 vs HyperX Cloud Alpha are very different in terms of features. In addition to the RGB lighting and pull-out mic, SteelSeries Arctis 5 also comes with virtual 7.1 surround sound, a ChatMix dial that controls the volume balance between in-game sound and voice conversation, and two different audio cables.
The main cable is designed to plug into the ChatMix dial, which then uses USB Type-A to connect to a PC, Mac, or gaming console. There is plenty of length to allow you to sit a distance away from the monitor and have great mobility despite being tethered. Alternatively, you can use the 3.5mm cable to use the headset on a mobile device.
By default, the RGB lighting of SteelSeries Arctis 5 will change its color every 10 seconds. But you can customize it to suit your liking via the SteelSeries Engine 3 software. By the way, this headset has a plug-and-play functionality, so you don’t really need the software to get started. That said, the software is necessary for enabling the ChatMix dial.
HyperX Cloud Alpha also comes with two different cables. Firstly, there is a 1.32-meter cable with in-line controls that you can use with a mobile device. Secondly, there is a 2.0-meter extension cable that also serves as a splitter with separate jacks for audio input and output. Both cables are braided and tough.
Other than that, HyperX Cloud Alpha is more focused on its core functionality and performance. It does not have any lighting. It has stereo sound. It is totally plug-and-play, in the sense that you can use all of its functions without requiring any software, although it is technically compatible with Ngenuity.
Software
If we compare the software of SteelSeries Arctis 5 vs HyperX Cloud Alpha, SteelSeries Arctis 5 is easily the winner. Besides providing more features and functions, the software is also much more robust and user-friendly.
SteelSeries Arctis 5 works with the SteelSeries Engine 3. In this software, you can find various customization settings, such as stereo and surround configurations, EQ, dialogue enhancement, bass enhancement, and dynamic range compression. Of course, you can also change the RGB light color, effect, and timing. The PrismSync feature can sync the lighting if you have a compatible keyboard and mouse, too.
More importantly, you can create custom setting profiles that are tied to specific applications. This will allow you to fine-tune SteelSeries Arctis 5 for every game in your library. Also, SteelSeries Arctis 5 supports virtual 7.1 surround sound by using DTS Headphone: X 2.0 for enhanced 3D experience.
HyperX Cloud Alpha does not require any software to work, and perhaps it should remain without one. While it can work with the Ngenuity software, there is almost no additional feature there. This is perhaps a good thing for people who don’t want to spend time tweaking RGB lighting or adjusting an equalizer. However, having at least a five-band EQ would definitely be beneficial.
The only reason to use the Ngenuity software is if you want to monitor the mic’s voice in the headphones. The software will allow you to hear your own voice so that you can avoid talking too loudly.
Performance
Sound quality is the only aspect where HyperX Cloud Alpha comes out with a better edge. When comparing the performance of SteelSeries Arctis 5 vs HyperX Cloud Alpha, we can notice that the latter model generally delivers more accurate and detailed sound.
SteelSeries Arctis 5 actually has decent performance. With the virtual 7.1 surround sound, it is able to give fairly accurate directional impressions. You can distinguish sounds coming from the front, left, right, or rear. The sound is not incredibly detailed, but it is clear and enjoyable.
However, due to the lack of detail, SteelSeries Arctis 5 has a tendency to make you turn up the volume wheel. This is especially true in games that require heavy environmental awareness. You want to hear every subtle audio cue. But, for other types of games, SteelSeries Arctis 5 sounds fine. It is also great for listening to music and watching movies.
HyperX Cloud Alpha offers superior sound with fantastic articulation and zero distortion. The sound is clear and accurate across all frequencies. Lows come out with very good definition, mids are solid, and highs have nice crispness. As a result, HyperX Cloud Alpha can produce very good immersion, even though it only has stereo sound, and it can highlight every audio cue in your game.
HyperX Cloud Alpha is a great gaming headset, but it can also do well for music. It has a balanced sound suitable for pretty much any genre. Meanwhile, for movies, this headset is also great due to the same reason as it is great for gaming, which is the excellent sound detail.
Conclusion
Choosing between these two may be difficult because they offer different strengths. However, in the end, SteelSeries Arctis 5 gets a better total score and thus is more recommended. SteelSeries Arctis 5 is lighter and much more comfortable. It also has a more stylish and modern appearance. The software provides nice features, and the overall performance is good enough for an enjoyable, immersive experience.
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