The HyperX Alloy Elite RGB Mechanical Keyboard Review: A New High-End Challenger
by E. Fylladitakis on January 24, 2019 8:00 AM ESTConclusion
HyperX takes a step forward every time they release a new keyboard, adding more features as they go. Their first keyboard, the Alloy FPS, was a simple and compact mechanical keyboard, meant to be easily transportable. Then the Alloy Elite came out, a full-sized keyboard with backlighting and some extra features, yet no programmability. The Alloy Elite RGB, in turn, is essentially a greatly upgraded version of the Alloy Elite, adding RGB lighting, per-key programmability, and local and hard-programmed individual profiles.
The build quality of HyperX's Alloy Elite RGB is excellent and as expected from a top-tier keyboard. There is no argument that Cherry’s switches are still the best currently used on consumer-level mechanical keyboards and HyperX did an excellent job implementing them on their latest keyboard. The plastic top part of the keyboard is very sturdy and, although it cannot really compare to solid metal, it will definitely take a lot of force to cause real damage. Virtually only a very hard hit or a strong fall on a hard surface should be enough to cause damage but an all-metal design would endure even that kind of abuse.
In terms of comfort, the version of the Alloy Elite RGB with the Cherry MX RGB Red switches definitely ranks very high. Whether it is used for long gaming hours or for professional use, the Cherry MX Red switches will place the least possible stress to the muscles and tendons, increasing the user’s comfort and reducing the chance of health-related issues in the long run. Professional typists may not approve of the particular switch due to the lack of tactile and audible feedback and HyperX has them covered, as the Alloy Elite RGB is also available with tactile (MX Brown) and audible tactile (MX Blue) switches as well.
HyperX ’s latest addition to their gaming peripherals is, by all means, an exceptional mechanical keyboard and its current retail price of $140 is rather average for a top-tier keyboard. On the other hand, with an average price it really does not stand out amongst the very tough competition in the mechanical keyboard space, and as a result HyperX is relying more on their brand name and aesthetics than they are tangible superiority. As an added bonus, the very presence of the Alloy Elite RGB in the market though was enough to bring down the price of several other products – including that of HyperX’s own Alloy Elite – so there's been a knock-on effect that has seen simpler mechanical keyboards become more affordable as well.
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NoWayMan - Thursday, January 24, 2019 - link
I recently ordered a third Alloy Elite, as I've been very happy with the first one I started using about six months ago. I'm an infrequent gamer, was looking for something better for typing, and based on various articles wanted to give Cherry switches a try. However, an integrated wrist rest was also high on my list, and that alone narrowed the field a hugely! The HyperX Alloy Elite is also a lot tamer in the lighting, with simple red backlighting, as I didn't want RGB configurable LED's. Having this new RGB version push down prices on the original is a plus in my book, the latest regular Alloy Elite I picked up on Amazon was only $60.SkyDiver - Thursday, January 24, 2019 - link
I just got this keyboard a few months ago. It is my first mechanical keyboard since the 1990's. I was using Logitech Wave keyboards for a long time, but the the keys eventually lose their spring. I like the weight of this keyboard. When I would play games with other keyboard, I'd get a little rambunctious and the keyboard slide around and almost fall off my desk.I mainly use it for crunching in spreadsheets. It is nice to get back to a keyboard with real tactile feedback and heft. I forgot that it had the NGenuity software download until I saw this review.
qlum - Friday, January 25, 2019 - link
Owning this keyboard for about half a year I'd say its fine. However the software does have its limitations. Especialy the macro functions are rather useless as they directly replace key functionality and dont work with key combo's. There is also the matter of the caps lock light being hidden the way I use it.notR1CH - Sunday, January 27, 2019 - link
Ordered one after reading this review and I'm noticing the space bar makes an annoying ringing sound from the spring. Anyone else experiencing this or did I get a dud?fvbounty - Sunday, January 27, 2019 - link
I've had this keyboard with MX blues since April of last year, and its has good or better than my Corsair K90, Ducky Legend and My Ducky Shine 5....I use the software for just using static colors and its alright....get it you won't be sorry!sabaali - Monday, January 28, 2019 - link
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Regrads!
inmytaxi - Wednesday, January 30, 2019 - link
I have a HyperX Alloy Red and the keyboard has started freezing up. I tried to access the firmware which is supposed to be a fix but there is nowhere I can find on their site to download it. Supposedly the possibly new possibly not firmware fixes this, but I cannot even get a response from them. this is probably user error, I am just confused why their firmware is not something I can find for a product I purchased from them.mikegray - Thursday, January 31, 2019 - link
I've been using the non-RGB version of this keyboard with Cherry Blue switched for a over a year now. for the most part, it's a dream - but there is one extremely annoying aspect - and it looks like this one has the same problem: The CAPS LOCK key doesn't light up when it's on - and the little light that DOES go on is so well hidden behind the minus key on the number pad that you have to lean waaaay over the keyboard to actually see it. This is EXTREMELY ANNOYING FOR PEOPLE WHO DON'T WANT TO ACCIDENTALLY SHOUT ON THE INTERNET. (Oops.)gertas - Thursday, January 31, 2019 - link
How it can be high-end challanger if it fails in basics?! like backligt leaking all around keys! unacceptable.Xenx - Thursday, January 31, 2019 - link
That's actually a feature when it comes to RGB keyboards. The users want it to do that. That isn't to say all users, but enough.