Hands-On With HyperX's First Qi-Enabled Headset, the Cloud Flight S

HyperX today launched its first Qi wireless charging gaming headset, the HyperX Cloud Flight S, for the CES show in Las Vegas this week. It joins the earlier released HyperX Pulsefire Dart Wireless mouse in the brand’s Qi certified line-up. To power its new wireless charging peripherals, HyperX also launched the ChargePlay charging base.

The HyperX Cloud Flight S is largely an iterative update of the older Cloud Flight. The major addition is of course Qi wireless charging at up 3W, enabled simply by placing the left earcup on a charging base. A spokesperson told us that HyperX opted for the left ear, as this is where the wire goes for wired headsets (since most people are right-handed). 

Like its predecessor, the Flight S has a 2.4 GHz wireless connection, 30 hours of battery life and 50mm drivers that were upgraded to support virtual 7.1 surround sound. 

We spent a short amount of time with the headset and can confirm the comfortable feel of its leatherette cushions. Even more impressive is its closed cup design, which made hearing the person speaking next to me nearly impossible, even with the sound at around just 50% max volume. Virtual surround sound also seemed to work decently, as the wind blowing in a forest became more distinct, full-bodied and louder as we toggled the feature on and off. 

There are four extra buttons, which are customizable via HyperX’s NGENUITY software, on the headset’s left earcup. The new controls (which are currently limited to PC and PS4) allow the user to change various settings on-the-fly. The detachable microphone, 90-degree rotatable earcups and memory foam padding (now even thicker) have also been passed down by the Cloud Flight. Unfortunately, this is also true for the older micro-USB charging port.

The ChargePlay charging base enables side-by-side charging of two Qi-compatible devices via dual charging pads, separated by a divider. Each pad supplies up to 15W of power and has its own indicator LED.

The HyperX Cloud Flight S will launch in February for $160, while the ChargePlay base comes in at $60 and is already available.

HyperX Cloud Flight S Specs