HyperX has become one of the most well-known and trusted brands in gaming peripherals and accessories in just under 20 years. Starting out as a division focused on high-performance memory at Kingston Technology in 2002, HyperX has since expanded into headsets, keyboards, mice, mousepads and more to meet the needs of gamers at all levels.
In February 2021, HyperX was acquired by HP Inc. for $425 million, allowing the company to leverage HP‘s technology and global reach to continue evolving its product portfolio. As part of the HP family, the future looks bright for HyperX to bring new and innovative gaming gear to the market.
This guide will give you a comprehensive overview of HyperX‘s history, top products, technology, partnerships and what you can expect from them in the future.
A Brief History of HyperX
HyperX originated in 2002 under parent company Kingston Technology, which manufactures memory products and storage devices. Based in Fountain Valley, California, Kingston saw an opportunity to cater to gamers who wanted high-performance, overclockable memory to get the most out of their systems.
The HyperX brand was born with a focus on shipping memory modules, flash drives and solid-state drives specifically for the gaming market. HyperX quickly developed a reputation for speed, reliability and compatibility, cementing itself as a top choice for gamers building new rigs.
Over a decade later in 2014, HyperX expanded into headsets with the HyperX Cloud line. The Cloud headsets again focused on the core needs of gamers: comfort, sound quality and affordability. Other hit products would soon follow, like the Pulsefire gaming mice, Alloy keyboards and customizable mouse pads.
As HyperX grew its catalog of gaming gear, it also began high-profile partnerships with esports teams like the NBA‘s 76ers and popular streamers like Pokimane. These collaborations paired HyperX with relevant brands in the gaming industry and strengthened their credibility with core customers.
The HP acquisition in 2021 has provided additional resources for HyperX to become a top gaming accessories brand globally. While already popular throughout North America and Europe, HP plans to expand HyperX‘s reach particularly in countries like China which are still emerging gaming markets.
Why Gamers Love HyperX
HyperX gear stands out for getting the gaming essentials right. While products vary, HyperX maintains focus on:
Comfort: Long gaming sessions can be hard on the head, eyes and hands. HyperX headsets use breathable memory foam, keyboards have wrist rests and mice contour to hand size/grip.
Quality construction: From headband sliders and aluminum frames on headsets to mechanical keyboard switches rated for 80 million clicks, durability and longevity are built-in.
Affordable pricing: Products range from budget to high-end, but HyperX avoids overpricing. Competitive pricing makes excellent gear accessible for gamers of all levels.
Understated style: While RGB lighting has its place, HyperX caters to gamers who prefer gear without flashy aesthetics. Clean, professional looks fit a variety of gaming setups.
Sound: With audio engineers on staff, sound quality is never compromised. Virtual 7.1 surround and noise-canceling mics enhance immersion and communication.
Customization: From swappable headband pads to NGENUITY software for tailoring mouse DPI presets, lighting and macros, HyperX enables personalization.
No matter your budget or needs, HyperX likely has a headset, keyboard, mouse or other accessory to give you an edge and keep you comfortable.
Top HyperX Gaming Headsets
HyperX‘s gaming headset collection has easily earned them recognition as one of the premier audio brands for esports and general gaming. Their over-ear and on-ear models strike an ideal balance between high-fidelity sound, long-lasting comfort and affordable pricing.
Here are 5 top HyperX gaming headset picks:
HyperX Cloud Alpha: The wired Cloud Alpha headset is widely considered one of the best gaming headsets ever constructed. Dual chamber drivers separate bass from mids/highs for incredible audio clarity not found in most sub-$100 headsets.
HyperX Cloud II: This wired option has racked up over 20K reviews on Amazon, with praise for the comfort from its memory foam, clear mic quality and auditory positioning from virtual 7.1 surround sound. It remains a top choice for budget-conscious gamers.
HyperX Cloud Flight: As HyperX‘s sole wireless gaming headset, the long-lasting Cloud Flight gives you up to 30 hours per charge. It still retains signature HyperX comfort and durable aluminum construction perfect for transport in its detachable design.
HyperX Cloud Stinger: For console gaming, the HyperX Cloud Stinger lineup now includes reliable wireless models compatible with PS4/PS5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles (plus Switch/Mobile). Whichever platform you game on, the signature memory foam and 40mm drivers provide comfort and quality sound.
HyperX Cloud Mix: This versatile wired/Bluetooth headset doubles as a great pair of headphones for gaming and music/media on the go. Changeable ear cups suit you whether you’re at your battlestation or jamming playlists from your phone.
Beyond these models, HyperX enables personalization and platform support with interchangeable headbands and mics for different consoles. Various special editions also partner with gaming personalities like Pokimane and Gordon Hayward.
Top HyperX Gaming Mice & Mousepads
HyperX offers a strong and still growing range of gaming mice to match the speed and precision needs of fast-paced competitive gamers. In contrast to heavier MMO or FPS-focused mice from some brands, HyperX focuses on producing lightweight and ergonomic designs optimized for responsiveness.
Pulsefire Haste: This honeycomb shell gaming mouse first debuted in both wired and wireless versions, letting gamers shed excess weight for quicker aim in titles like CS:GO and Overwatch. At under 60g, it’s one of the lightest on the market.
Pulsefire Dart: Taking cues from the Cloud Flight headset, this wireless mouse delivers up to 50 hours per charge while still offering RGB lighting and macro customization via HyperX’s NGENUITY software. The contoured shape and 6 programmable buttons are perfect for multiplayer battles.
Pulsefire Raid: With 11 responsive buttons all within easy reach, the Pulsefire Raid mouse equips gamers whose playstyles demand extensive hotkey and macro usage in games like League of Legends or DOTA 2.
Pulsefire Core: This RGB-lit budget mouse has a high-accuracy sensor, Omron switches rated for 20 million clicks and easy customization through NGENUITY.
FURY Ultra: For precision and textile comfort, the FURY Ultra gaming mousepad utilizes a smooth, micro-textured surface that’s optimized for both optical and laser gaming mice. The anti-slip rubber base holds steady through quick movements and reflex shots.
For additional control over your aim, pairing any HyperX gaming mouse with one of their desktop mouse pads can give you stability and consistency unmatched by uneven tabletops.
Top HyperX Gaming Keyboards
HyperX mechanical gaming keyboards are sturdy and loaded with features tailored specifically for today‘s competitive PC gamers:
Aircraft-grade aluminum frames hold up to key-slamming rage.
Customizable per-key RGB lighting makes your setup shine with or without rainbow effects.
100% anti-ghosting ensures every keystroke registers correctly, even when frantically twitch reacting.
Detachable USB cables and durable steel frames allow safe transport to LAN events and tournaments.
Here are 4 top options from HyperX‘s keyboard lineup:
HyperX Alloy Elite 2: As their flagship keyboard, the Elite 2 equips serious gamers with robust media controls, USB passthrough charging, a plush wrist rest and durable keys promising 80 million clicks per switch.
HyperX Alloy Origins: Back to basics – a strong steel frame and aircraft grade aluminum body, responsive HyperX switches and double shot pudding keycaps for translucent shine make this a sleek option.
HyperX Alloy FPS Pro: Travel-ready and geared for FPS gamers, this compact keyboard minimizes bezels for more room on your mousepad.
HyperX Alloy Origins 60: Compact like a 60% keyboard popular for off-the-desk rigs, but still equipped with arrows, media cluster and software customization keys.
HyperX Microphones
HyperX also manufactures some great standalone USB microphones. In gaming, clear voice chat is a must for coordinating with teammates. For aspiring streamers, quality audio makes a big difference in production value to better engage your audience.
Here are two mics that have earned the praise of content creators:
HyperX QuadCast: With high-quality tap-to-mute functionality, multi-pattern select that adapts to different recording scenarios and a built in pop filter, the HyperX QuadCast is an ideal desktop mic for game streamers as well as podcasters.
HyperX Solocast: As a recent release, this ultra-compact USB mic solves the pain point of limited desk space for PC gamers wanting to upgrade their audio input. The jaw-droppingly small Solocast still produces full, broadcast-quality sound in a package that easily mounts out of the way.
HyperX Software Customization
Many HyperX gaming mice, keyboards and headsets can connect to NGENUITY software for personalizing settings and enabling immersive RGB lighting effects. Through this software, functionality expands:
Program shortcuts, macros and combo inputs to streamline key gaming actions
Sync lighting colors and effects across all HyperX hardware
Adjust audio profiles for clearer microphone communication and positional game audio
Optimize mouse sensitivity (DPI) in presets for different use cases
Customize or dim RGB brightness to match your setup‘s aesthetics
For gamers who prefer a plug-and-play experience, RGB and macros can still be used without running the NGENUITY software constantly in the background. But unlocking a device‘s full potential is as simple as installing this free HyperX utility.
HyperX Partnerships, Special Editions & Accessories
No gaming brand has forged partnerships and collaborations as successfully as HyperX in recent years. Beyond sponsoring popular esports organizations like Dallas Empire and Complexity Gaming, they‘ve facilitated exciting product partnerships individual influencers and celebrities too:
TimTheTatman Collection: This tongue-in-cheek product line dreamed up by popular Twitch streamer Tim "TimTheTatMan" Betar includes the HyperX Pudding Keycaps and various headsets and keyboards sporting Tim‘s signature style and colors.
Gordon Hayward HyperX Collection: Designed hand-in-hand with NBA star Gordon Hayward, this lineup aimed to meet the comfort needs of taller gamers with breathable leatherette head cushions, improved memory foam, and amply spaced keyboards with wrist rests.
Ducky One 2 HyperX: A special collaboration saw HyperX provide signature-red keycaps and co-branding on an edition of Ducky‘s acclaimed One 2 line of mechanical keyboards.
Beyond these special versions of existing products, HyperX also innovates practical gaming accessories:
- Dockable charging stations for easily keeping Xbox and PlayStation gamepads fully juiced.
- Clutch wireless controller brings console-style control schemes over to Windows 10 PCs.
- Pulsefire Mat RGB LED mousepads that sync dynamic effects with other HyperX gear.
- Magnetic and customizable microfiber wrist rests providing ergonomic support.
The Future of HyperX with HP
With the HP gaming division‘s acquisition of HyperX for $425 million in early 2021, the future of the brand should involve capitalizing on HP‘s substantial resources to expand into growing markets and reach new customers globally.
HP CEO Enrique Lores has stated that HyperX will operate as its own division retaining the brand, products, and personnel under the massive HP umbrella. If anything, the move should strengthen HyperX‘s high standards of quality and customer service with the injection of additional research and development budgets.
While unconfirmed, we could see HyperX tap into HP‘s expertise in hardware and software to pioneer new innovations in:
- Wireless charging technology
- Haptics and sensors for responsive feedback
- Next-generation virtual reality integrations
- Partnerships with game publishers and developers on custom branded cross-promotions
- Integrating HyperX hardware monitoring and control into HP‘s Omen command center software ecosystem
For 20 years gamers have come to expect high quality, comfortable and affordable gear from HyperX built specifically with their needs in mind. The HP alignment should expand HyperX‘s reach globally while keeping intact the core spirit of why it has long been a fan favorite.
