HyperX Cloud Orbit S
AFFORDABLE FOR AUDIOPHILE GAMERS, BUT NOT FOR ALL.
THERE’S A NEAR-ENDLESS availability of gaming headsets in the $100-200 price range, likely because products here fall in a sweet spot that balances decent audio quality, affordability, and simple, yet practical functionality. The premium market that the HyperX Cloud Orbit S finds itself in is comparatively rather sparse, so is the jump worth it?
The major reason for the increased cost is the use of planar driver technology rather than typical coils. This promises significantly lower distortion (particularly at loud levels) and increased overall clarity, and it achieves this stunningly – the separation of sound sources within the mix is phenomenal, whether it’s a game, movie or music. These are some of – if not the – most affordable planar headphones on the market, so it’s tempting to consider anything else they offer as a neat bonus.
The included Waves Nx 3D tech offers a fairly convincing emulation of surround sound for sources that support it, but the way it transforms stereo signals into a pseudoimmersive soundscape can be fairly hit or miss. When listening to music, for instance, it can add a muddiness that doesn’t sit well in softer, more minimalistic tracks – even when trying out the various music-centric EQ presets – but it can do well to add depth to louder, more active songs.
The only factor distinguishing the ‘S’ model from the regular Cloud Orbit is the inclusion of a head-tracking feature that adjusts the perceived location of the sound source based on where your head is physically facing. We found the novelty of this wears off rather quickly and its usefulness is questionable, even when gaming on wider displays, so we’d recommend saving the extra $50 by going for the regular headset.
The included microphone is rather average, unfortunately, with a tinny, scratchy quality reported by many users. All the unit’s controls are located on the left earcup, and there’s definitely no shortage – you’ve got individual rollers for headphone and microphone volumes (the former of which allows you to cycle through EQ presets as well), a button to change head-tracking and 3D modes, a dedicated mute switch, and a power button. On the subject of power, the Orbit S can plug into your device via its USB-C port (with either the USB-A or C type cable included) in order to pass audio and power the headset, but if you’ll like to use the 3.5mm connection, you’ll see a battery life of up to ten hours.
The Cloud series is known for its cushiony comfort, and the Orbit S is no slouch on this front either, with a nice degree of firmness to both the earcup and headband padding. Although they’re primarily plastic, they feel relatively sturdy and hefty, and this weight is well distributed, avoiding the sensation of weighing you down.
The most considerable feature lacking with the Cloud Orbit S is Bluetooth connectivity, which would have made for a great inclusion for those seeking to use them as their everyday cans as well. As a dedicated gaming headset, however, these are truly exceptional for clarity, immersion, comfort, and control, it’s just a matter of how much dosh you’re willing to drop on these luxuries.