Tech Review Roundup: HyperX Cloud Mini Wireless Gaming Headset & HyperX Alloy Origin 65 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

“HyperX Gon’ Give It to Ya…”

HyperX, the gaming peripherals arm of Hewlett-Packard Inc, has recently celebrated the launch of the OMEN 17 Gaming Laptop earlier this year, and as such have sent over some shiny toys to Game Hype UK to get hands on with; specifically, the HyperX Cloud Mini Wireless Gaming Headset and HyperX Alloy Origin 65 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. As gaming peripherals, both headset and keyboard are available over at HyperX.com for £44.99 and £109.00 respectively (links below); as usual I’ll be going over both pieces of tech and their respective positives and negatives, ultimately discussing whether they’re worth your time and money at their respective asking prices.

Of all gaming mediums, PC gaming is arguably more popular now than it’s ever been before. With Microsoft and Sony constantly at each other’s throats whilst trying to one-up each other every new generation (don’t get me started on mid-generation ‘upgrades’ like the PS5 Pro) PC has humbly remained where it always has, arguably at the top of the food chain (provided your GPU is up to snuff of course). Largely touted as a rich man’s game, the modular nature of building your own PC vs. buying a console has its ups and downs; building your own PC can be costly, but when it comes to replacing parts, it’s arguably cheaper than buying a whole new system like when it comes to replacing a console (I had several 360’s fail on me back a day). In addition is peripherals, of which there are numerous providers of gadgets like the RGB gods Razer, to the more humble, grassroots MadCatz. HyperX have always had a solid lineup of accessories when it comes to PC gaming, but there more recent line has additional functionality with console play also. I’ll be going over two items today, firstly is the HyperX Cloud Mini Wireless Gaming Headset.

Straight out of the gate, I will admit that there was crossed wires regarding this headset, and without myself doing the correct due-diligence (I see shiny, I request shiny) I find myself writing a review for a headset that is intended for younger ears (recommended for ages 8-12). Being cursed with a giant cranium, this headset barely fit my head at all, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that it’s solidly built for a budget headset priced at £44.99. Featuring what is described as ‘immersive audio’ it’s hard to compare to a Razer Kraken or Sony Pulse 3D headset when it’s designed to keep volume levels below 85dB; when I did try to use it to immerse myself into a session of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. GAMMA, I found myself switching almost immediately to my other headset due to the lack of atmospheric audio, but again, this is a fault on my part for not checking the review spec correctly. One thing that I did like about the headset was the tuck-away boom mic that’s built into the headset, where muting functionality is controlled by ‘tucking’ it away which makes it ergonomically seamless without the need for an additional button press. In terms of weight, the headset is lightweight in every sense of the word without skimping on quality; with up to 25 hours battery life, it’ll keep your kids quiet for extended gaming sessions without disturbance on the likes of Minecraft or Fortnite (or whatever else those crazy kids play these days). The headset comes with Bluetooth connectivity as standard, and can easily be synced to any device that allows for a 3.5mm audio jack, so if you’re buying this for PC, mobile, or console, then HyperX has you covered (charging cable and 3.5mm jack are included in the box). Obviously for myself, there’s not much more to say on the headset as I’m not it’s target audience, but if you’re in the market for a solidly built, lightweight, wireless headset for your kids to start out gaming with, where top quality audio isn’t at the top of the list of priorities, then you’ll be hard pushed to find a headset that fits nicely into the quality/price ratio of £44.99, especially in the current cost of living crisis we find ourselves in (the same headset comes in a wired variant which can be found here for £24.98).

HyperX Cloud Mini Wireless Gaming Headset: Available in Black and White for £44.99 at uk.hyperx.com.

Whilst the headset was obviously a mix-up at Game Hype HQ, the HyperX Alloy Origin 65 Mechanical Keyboard is the direct antithesis. As someone who has never really understood the hype surrounding mechanical keyboards (membrane keyboards usually are more affordable) I can safely consider myself a convert due to this keyboard. One of the most striking things straight out of the box is the 65% form factor, opting to lose numerous keys into a tighter, smaller form-factor that arguably makes more sense as someone with limited desk space (I have my computer and consoles all hooked up to the same monitor). The amount of real-estate I’ve gained on my desk whilst using the Alloy Origin cannot be understated, allowing me to use multiple devices with plenty of space, whether that be gaming or working. I’ve always been a fan of backlit keyboards (I’m somewhat of a Razer fanboy) and the Alloy Origin 65 doesn’t disappoint in this regard, offering complete customisation via the HyperX NGENUITY software that can be downloaded from their website; offering multiple lighting effects, as well as the ability to light individual keys to different colours (WASD are important for obvious reasons). Full key reassignment, multiple profiles as well as a gaming mode that disables the windows key all come as standard, making this a perfect choice for those extended gaming sessions. The game mode cannot be understated, being activated with the correct button combination, allowing you to choose which keys can be enabled and disabled as well as assigning macro keys which are stored in the in-software library.

One of the most striking features about the Alloy Origin 65 is the sheer weight of the thing, boasting an extremely premium feeling build with its full aircraft grade aluminium chassis and base plate. In addition to the premium feel are the stellar HyperX key switches that are balanced for smooth action, whether for gaming or typing, delivering that satisfying click whenever the PBT keys are pressed. The keyboard is also wired (detachable) delivering low-latency whilst gaming, and also features adjustable angles on the base to alleviate wrist strain; although if there was an option for a wrist rest/support this would be a 10/10 all-rounder. Whilst looking at it on a webpage, the Alloy Origin 65 might look like a basic mechanical keyboard, but it’s arguably changed my outlook on mechanical keyboards entirely (I was previously a membrane main); boasting a solid build with premium materials, keys that are guaranteed for 80 million presses, and made on durable PBT opposed to cheap ABS plastic. The keyboard comes with a USB-C to USB-A braided cable that feels durable, even if it would be nice to see some wireless options for such a premium feeling keyboard. If you’re in the market for a premium, low-latency gaming keyboard, with that slim 65% form factor that frees up desk space, then you’ll be hard pushed to beat to beat the HyperX Alloy Origin 65 Mechanical Keyboard, as priced at £109.00 it feels like a steal for what you’re getting.