The new HyperX Cloud Flight S headphone is one of the first gaming headsets to feature wireless Qi charging.
What’s new with the HyperX Cloud Flight S?
Setting the left ear cup down on a wireless charging mat starts the charging process. Headphones with wireless charging are the future in gaming – no more dead cans in the middle of a match.
HyperX is hoping you’ve already adopted the Qi charging standard, though. They don’t include a Qi charging mat in the box for the $159 price tag. If you don’t already have a Qi charging mat for the headset, HyperX conveniently sells one for $59.
Qi charging mats have dropped in price over the last few years as Apple adopted the standard. You can snag a wireless charging pad for much cheaper online. Hopefully, HyperX makes it very clear on the packaging that the charging mat isn’t included. Otherwise, users will have to use the micro USB port to keep the ‘wireless’ headset charged.
One thing to note about the Cloud Flight S is it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack. It does not support wired playback of any kind.
The headset is marketed toward PC and PS4 gamers, but the included USB receiver also works with the Nintendo Switch dock.
The Cloud Flight S headset doesn’t feature any garish LEDs that most gaming headsets have.
Instead, there is a small one on the left ear cup to indicate when the headset is in-use. Customizable LEDs may look cool, but they are a severe battery drain. Not to mention, you can’t see them when you’re using headphones.
HyperX says these cans have a 30-hour battery life per charge. Using the Qi charging feature should negate the worry about charging these headphones. It’s nice to know they can make it through a solid day without needing to be topped up, though.
One new feature on these headphones compared to last year’s model are new remappable buttons. There are four of them on the left ear cup that can be customized with the NGenuity software.
These buttons can be used to mute the mic, skip songs, adjust game and chat audio, and a host of other customization options.
