The HyperX Cloud Alpha Air takes one of the company’s most familiar gaming headset formulas and makes a fairly significant change to it: the earcups on this one are open rather than sealed. That immediately changes the character of the headset, giving game audio more room to breathe and allowing the player to remain more aware of their surroundings. It also makes the Cloud Alpha Air an interesting proposition for anyone who has found conventional gaming headsets too enclosed, although the change comes with some predictable compromises. Most notably, this is a wired headset, and while HyperX has clearly put effort into making the transition between different devices as painless as possible, players who have grown accustomed to wireless freedom will have to adjust. Continue reading “HyperX Cloud Alpha Air review”
Category: Hardware
Razer Prio review
The Razer Prio is an unusual mobile gaming controller because its biggest selling point is something that most competitors tend to overlook: actually being small enough to carry everywhere. Rather than offering another telescopic controller that effectively turns a smartphone into a larger handheld, Razer has designed the Prio to fold in on itself, creating a remarkably compact package that can disappear into a pocket or small bag. At just 101 grams, it is considerably lighter than many conventional mobile controllers, while still retaining the sticks, D-pad, face buttons, bumpers, triggers and system controls expected from a full gamepad. That makes the Prio an interesting proposition for anyone who wants proper controls for mobile gaming, cloud streaming or remote play without having to plan around carrying a controller. The catch, however, is that almost every decision made to achieve that portability has consequences elsewhere. Continue reading “Razer Prio review”
HyperX Pulsefire Fuse Wireless review
The HyperX Pulsefire Fuse Wireless is a gaming mouse that takes a relatively straightforward approach to wireless gaming. Rather than chasing the extreme weight reductions, elaborate shapes or premium features found on more expensive models, HyperX has put together a lightweight plastic mouse with a replaceable AAA battery, dual wireless connectivity and a PixArt sensor capable of up to 12,000 DPI. On paper, that makes it an accessible all-rounder for both gaming and everyday use, and after spending time with it, that assessment largely holds true. The Fuse gets the fundamentals right, but its deliberately compact and low-profile shape, somewhat basic materials and a few questionable control placements prevent it from feeling quite as universally comfortable as its symmetrical design initially suggests. Continue reading “HyperX Pulsefire Fuse Wireless review”
HyperX Cloud Earbuds III S review
The HyperX Cloud Earbuds III S take a somewhat different approach to gaming audio than the increasingly common wireless headsets and earbuds. Rather than chasing maximum versatility, HyperX has designed these wired earbuds primarily around gaming, with a USB-C connection, integrated controls, a microphone and virtual surround sound built into a compact package. That focus makes sense, especially for players who want something lighter and easier to carry than a traditional headset, although it also means there are some compromises that become more apparent outside of gaming. Continue reading “HyperX Cloud Earbuds III S review”
EPOMAKER TH108 V2 Pro review
The EPOMAKER TH108 V2 Pro continues the company’s push into affordable enthusiast mechanical keyboards, pairing a traditional full-size layout with features that until recently were largely reserved for more expensive custom boards. A gasket-mounted design, hot-swappable switches, tri-mode wireless connectivity and a customizable display give it plenty of appeal on paper, while its sub-$100/€100 price positions it as an attractive option for gamers and productivity users alike. The question is whether those premium ambitions translate into everyday use. Continue reading “EPOMAKER TH108 V2 Pro review”