This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:24:59
The video is a comparative review of two upper mid-tier wireless headsets: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 and HyperX Cloud 3 Wireless. Priced at $130-$140, these headsets offer distinct features tailored to different user preferences. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 boasts superior versatility with Bluetooth functionality, a retractable microphone, and robust customization via the SteelSeries GG software. The HyperX Cloud 3, featuring a more comfortable fit and superior audio quality due to its 53mm drivers, still lacks some of the advanced features of the Arctis Nova 7. While the Cloud 3's simpler design and use of leather cushions appeal to comfort-focused users, the Arctis Nova 7's extensive connectivity options and superior build make it the preferred choice for multitasking and more comprehensive functionality. Overall, the speaker appreciates both headsets but prefers the Arctis Nova 7 for its better value and broad feature set, despite some personal comfort preferences for the Cloud 3.
00:00:00
In this segment of the video, Matt briefly introduces two upper mid-tier wireless headsets: the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 and the HyperX Cloud 3 Wireless, both priced between $170 and $180 MSRP, but currently available for $130 and $140 respectively. He suggests that the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 is the better choice due to its superior feature set and quality, mentioning that it balances audio quality and functionality without sacrificing comfort. However, he notes the HyperX Cloud 3 is slightly more comfortable and offers a more immersive audio experience due to its 53mm drivers compared to the Arctis Nova 7’s 40mm drivers. Matt emphasizes the importance of Bluetooth functionality in the Arctis Nova 7, sharing personal anecdotes about how it enhances multitasking during gaming sessions.
00:03:00
In this part of the video, the speaker describes a scenario where answering a phone call automatically mutes your voice in Discord and lowers game volume to facilitate a clearer phone conversation. They share their appreciation for this feature and its absence in the Cloud 3s headset, which influenced their preference. They then outline their review plan, focusing on the differences between two headsets: Arcus Nova 7 and HyperX Cloud 3s. The Arcus Nova 7 includes a retractable microphone, two long USB cables, a wireless receiver, and a 3.5mm cable. The HyperX Cloud 3s features a detachable microphone, a wireless dongle with an adapter, a carrying bag, and a long USB-C charging cable. The speaker notes the minimal price difference and the additional items included with each headset.
00:06:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the SteelSeries headset focusing on its build quality, comfort, and features. They highlight the headset’s good build with a thin metal band in the headband and mention the suspension style, which the speaker isn’t a fan of but finds comfortable after adjustment. The headset has been used for eight months, emphasizing its comfort. Adjustability of the ear cups and the user-friendly retractable microphone with a mute button and LED indicator are noted. Volume control and connectivity options, including separate buttons for Bluetooth and overall power, are described. Other features include a game-chat mixer dial, USBC charging port, customizable ear plates, and rotatable air weave fabric ear cups. Despite smaller 40 mm drivers compared to some other headsets, the speaker finds the headset offers a good value for its $140 price.
00:09:00
In this part of the video, the reviewer discusses their experience with a pair of headphones they bought for $170, which now retail for $140. They find that the headphones still hold good value. They describe the Cloud 3s as more of an iteration on the previous model rather than a full successor. The headset features a comfortable leather headband, metal arms with adjustable clicks, and non-rotating ear cups, which the reviewer finds disappointing for a $130 headset. Key features include a detachable microphone, power and mute buttons, a USBC charging port, and a volume dial that controls the overall Windows volume. The reviewer notes the headset’s comfortable leatherette ear cups, although they prefer mesh air weave cushions for breathability. They conclude that the Cloud 3s maintain a very comfortable fit and express a wish for a perfect headset combining these features.
00:12:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker evaluates the comfort and audio quality of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 wireless headset compared to the HyperX Cloud 3s. They express a preference for the comfort of the Cloud 3s, criticizing SteelSeries’ suspension-style headbands as less comfortable than traditional cushioned ones. Despite personal satisfaction with the Cloud 3s’ fit and larger ear cups, the speaker acknowledges the Arcus Nova 7’s greater overall value due to its versatility. They also note that while the 53mm drivers in the Cloud 3s offer slightly superior sound quality compared to the 40mm drivers in the Arcus Nova 7, this may not be a decisive factor for all buyers.
00:15:00
In this segment, the speaker concludes their discussion on audio quality and comfort, noting that closed-back wireless headsets generally sound similar and might not appeal to audiophiles, who typically prefer wired, open-back headsets. They express a preference for the HyperX Cloud 3 over the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 based on audio alone. The speaker then conducts microphone tests for the HyperX Cloud 3, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7, and PC 38X, observing that listeners in Discord couldn’t distinguish between the wireless mics, but noting a significant difference with the wired PC 38X. Finally, the speaker provides a brief software demo of HyperX Ingenuity, mentioning its simplicity and controls for volume, mic muting, and monitoring, along with an optional Dolby spatial sound feature that they avoid due to latency issues.
00:18:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the benefits and drawbacks of not enabling the equalizer for their audio device. They mention that the default audio quality is excellent, which negates the need for customizing presets. They appreciate simplicity, noting that complex software isn’t necessary to achieve good performance. The speaker then transitions into discussing the SteelSeries GG software, highlighting various customization options available under the engine tab. These include general settings like auto turn-off, Bluetooth defaults, and phone call handling, with preferences for game volume adjustments during calls. They also touch on adjusting mic volume, side tone levels, volume limiter, and using the sonar feature for managing different sound inputs. The speaker expresses a desire for more equalizer presets given the headset’s robust features but finds the existing options adequate.
00:21:00
In this segment, the reviewer discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the Arctis Nova 7 and HyperX Cloud 3 headsets. They find the extensive sound options for the Arctis Nova 7 a bit cumbersome but are overall impressed with its features, performance, and reliability, calling it their second favorite headset after the PC 38X. They contrast this with the HyperX Cloud 3, which, despite being good, feels more like a minor update rather than a significant improvement over the Cloud 2. While the Cloud 3 lacks Bluetooth integration and the advanced features of the Arctis Nova 7, it might still be an appealing choice for users who don’t need those additional functionalities.
00:24:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses plans to spend time on Discord and play Halo before bed using the Cloud 3s headset. They compare the Cloud 3s to the Arctis Nova 7s, noting that both headsets are worth their price but the Arctis Nova 7s offer better value. The speaker mentions they tried making the video previously and it was longer, suggesting they might upload the extended version for those interested. Finally, they express gratitude to viewers, wishing them well for Thanksgiving and upcoming sales events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and promise to talk again in the next video.