Steel batch. HyperX Alloy Elite mechanical keyboard review

A state-of-the-art gaming keyboard with mechanical switches and a light strip along the entire length of the device to provide additional RGB lighting.

HyperX Alloy Elite RGB is a new model of mechanical keyboard that combines many, many advantages, including stylish design, superior technical parameters and more! The device is equipped with a high-end RGB lighting system and a variety of programmable keys, which, as well as the backlighting, can be easily configured using the dedicated HyperX NGenuity software.

The device also boasts a durable steel frame, making the keyboard your reliable gaming weapon even in the most intense and intense combat. Among other advantages of the Alloy Elite RGB model, it is worth highlighting the game mod, as well as the ability to simultaneously press all the keys of the device due to the anti-ghosting effect. Thus, you can instantly carry out even complex in-game combinations and thus over and over again present your opponent with unpleasant surprises.

Among other things, HyperX Alloy Elite RGB is equipped with a set of multimedia keys, a USB 2.0 port and shortcut keys. Your device comes with one of several Cherry MX switches * of your choice. On top of everything else, the device is equipped with built-in memory, which allows you to easily save all your lighting and lighting effects settings directly on the device itself. Another nice feature: a comfortable and ergonomic removable wrist insert for additional comfort during use. Alloy Elite RGB also comes with textured accessory keycaps dedicated to your primary gaming keys, allowing you to instantly find the buttons you want by touch without wasting precious seconds.

A short list of keyboard advantages:
- The expressive stripe along the entire length of the device is another zone for RGB lighting and is capable of displaying both simple colors and dynamic lighting effects.
- Intuitive HyperX NGenuity software allows you to easily configure various parameters of the device.
- State of the art Cherry MX mechanical switches for maximum precision and reliability when pressed.
- The presence of a number of features and modifications aimed at ensuring maximum comfort in management.
- Availability of built-in memory.
- Comfortable and ergonomic wrist insert.
- Additional keycaps with textured surface.

A detailed list of the advantages of the device:

The presence of a unique light strip - a special zone for RGB backlighting will pleasantly surprise every user. In addition, the lighting system is capable of transmitting not only simple colors, but also dynamic lighting effects.

The intuitive HyperX NGenuity application allows you to easily customize the work of your keyboard, namely: customize the game mode, create macros of any complexity, and program the RGB glow individually for each key.

The sturdy steel frame provides the device with enviable durability.

The keyboard is equipped with Cherry MX mechanical switches, which are highly accurate and reliable with every press. In addition, you can choose from the following switch models: Blue, Brown, or Red to suit all your preferences.

A set of multimedia keys and dedicated buttons for adjusting the backlight settings make it easy to control multimedia applications and lighting configurations.

The presence of a USB 2.0 port allows you to connect any device to the keyboard without creating cable clutter.

The keyboard also has an integrated memory that allows you to store up to three different setup profiles.

An ergonomic, removable wrist rest and extra textured keycaps for the main gaming keys provide even more comfort during use.

Technical specifications

Keyboard:
- Switch model: Cherry MX, mechanical.
- Equipped with RGB lighting.

Features of the glow system:
- Number of shades for buttons: 16,777,216.
- Number of shades for a unique luminous strip: 2.5 million
- Number of colors for media buttons: 6 million
- Other advantages of the backlight system: easily adjustable glow ** with four different brightness levels.

The presence of an integrated memory that contains 3 different tuning profiles.
- Connection: USB 2.0 (two USB connectors).
- Equipped with a USB 2.0 port.
- Polling rate indicator: 1 kHz.
- Presence of 100% antighosting effect.
- All keys of the device can be pressed simultaneously, thus eliminating any delays in data transmission.
- Multimedia keys: yes.
- Game mod: yes.
- Compatible operating systems: Windows7, Windows8, Windows8.1, Windows10.

Switches:
- CHERRY MX RGB Blue is extremely responsive with just 50 cN of force.
- CHERRY MX RGB Brown boasts tactile touch. Its strength is 45 cN.
- CHERRY MX RGB Red: Linear switches, 45 cN actuation force.

Cable:
- Type: non-removable, braided.
- Length: 1.8 m.

Device dimensions:
- Length: 44.4 cm
- Width (including wrist rest): 22.68 cm
- Thickness: 3.74 cm

* Switch models may be available depending on your country and region.
** Customize RGB lighting using HyperX NGenuity app.

Kingston, represented by the HyperX gaming division, was one of the last to join the fight for the gaming keyboards segment. The first mechanic was introduced in 2016. Two years later, the brand has grown to a full-fledged flagship with additional function buttons, software and spectacular RGB lighting. The model was named Alloy Elite RGB.

General and technical information

General information

• Device type: gaming mechanical keyboard
• Manufacturer: HyperX (Kingston)
• Model Name: Alloy Elite RGB
• Product Code: HX-KB2RD2-RU / R1
• Country of origin: China
• Warranty: 2 years

Specifications

• Number of keys: 111 + volume control
• Switches: Cherry MX Red (MX Brown and MX Blue versions available)
• Switch resource: at least 50 million clicks
• Connection interface: USB 2.0
• Key Illumination: RGB (16.8 million colors)
• Cable: braided, length 183 cm
• Weight with wire: 1460 g
• Weight without wire: 1350 g (measured by the author)

Package dimensions and weight

• Length: 475mm
• Depth: 260 mm
• Height: 63mm
• Weight (gross): 2092 g (measured by the author)

Packaging and equipment

The packaging of the HyperX Alloy Elite RGB keyboard is made in black and red corporate colors.

When examining the front side, the following can be distinguished: the keyboard is assembled on Cherry MX switches, has RGB backlighting and is equipped with a light panel along the entire length of the case.

The key features of the keyboard are listed on the back in 9 languages:

• USB pass-through;
• shortcut buttons for adjusting brightness, changing backlight modes and locking Windows buttons;
• additional replaceable caps included;
• the top panel is a steel frame.

The last point is not a constructive advantage, since an open mounting metal plate is typical for all skeleton keyboards.

Looking ahead, it is worth noting an inaccuracy in the description: the second additional button is responsible not for changing backlight modes, but for switching profiles, which is much more functional.

The end faces indicate system requirements, package contents, barcode, product code (HX-KB2RD2-RU / R1) and country of origin (China).

The packaging is protected from opening on both sides by round transparent stickers.

The content is a black corrugated cardboard box, inside which the keyboard is wrapped in a dense plastic bag. There are no dampers - the device is tightly clamped between the side walls of the package.

A set of additional caps and a wrist rest wrapped in transparent polyethylene are placed under the base of the device.

Thus, the scope of delivery consists of the following items:

• HyperX Alloy Elite RGB mechanical keyboard;
• a set of 8 additional caps;
• cap puller;
• wrist rest;
• a short user manual with translation into 12 languages, including Russian;
• card with congratulations from the HyperX team;
• a card with the address of technical support.

Appearance

The HyperX Alloy Elite RGB mechanical keyboard has a 104-key US layout: left shift - long, Enter - single-level.

The F1 key is located above the 5th row number 2 button. The distance between Esc and the first F-block is 25 millimeters along the top edges of the caps.

The keyboard is made in skeleton format - the mounting metal plate is the upper panel of the case, its thickness is 1.6 millimeters. The rest of the parts are made of plastic. The construction is strong: it does not lend itself to twisting and punching.

The caps of the Ctrl, Windows and Alt buttons are made in the same size. The space bar is decorated with a compact version of the HyperX logo.

The indicator area is almost entirely used for the HyperX logo. There are three indicators: Caps Lock, Num Lock and Game Mode, which shows the activity of the Windows key lock mode - Scroll Lock is excluded from the standard set.

This decision on the part of the designers is quite understandable, since the button is rarely used. But, according to the author, in the top segment it is more correct to expand the standard set of features, rather than replace or cut it.

The indicators themselves are placed vertically along the right edge of the keyboard, their designations are printed on the device's body and are not backlit, which, in our opinion, should be attributed to disadvantages.

The main distinguishing features of the Alloy Elite RGB keyboard are two things: a top panel with additional buttons and a full-length LED strip that visually separates this functional block from the main layout.

Additional function panel

All additional functions are implemented as separate buttons - which is very convenient. Due to this, there was no need to make keys with a dual purpose and, therefore, there is no Fn button in the layout.

The functional block is made of plastic, like most of the keyboard, and is a full-fledged part of the body, despite the fact that it is visually designed as a separate hinged element. This is done due to the narrowing in the area of ​​the LED strip at the bottom and top of the body, which gives lightness to the design. By the way, the lower constriction is only the decor of one and a half centimeters of the base.

On the right side of the panel, there is a block for managing sound and multimedia. It consists of a drum-type volume control, a mute button, two rewind keys and a start / pause button. The buttons are membrane and are made in the form of half-cylinders; they do not protrude beyond the boundaries of the body in height. The designations are laser engraved and backlit.

On the left side of the panel there are three membrane buttons: brightness adjustment, profile switching and activation (deactivation) of the Windows key lock mode. The designations are printed on the buttons in white and are not highlighted.

Keyboard base

The base has three concave areas, which, in addition to the decor, act as stiffeners. There are four millimeter-thick rubber legs along the perimeter - they are glued well, there is no leg in the center of the lower edge.

To change the angle of inclination, there are two folding rubberized stands. They are made correctly, as they have a flat base, which gives a larger area of ​​contact with the placement surface than angular stands.

In the center of the base there is an identification sticker on which the product codes, voltage (5 volts) and maximum current consumption (1000 milliamperes), manufacturer's details, country of assembly (China) are indicated.

Keyboard without extendable legs:

• body height at the top point - 20 mm,
• the height of the keys of the sixth row - 36 mm,
• the height of the keys of the first row - 28 mm,
• surface inclination: 3.5 °.

Keyboard with unfolded legs:

• body height at the top point - 28 mm,
• body height at the lowest point - 12 mm,
• the height of the keys of the sixth row - 43 mm,
• the height of the keys of the first row - 29 mm,
• surface inclination: 6.9 °.

Wrist rest

The keyboard comes with a removable wrist rest. It is made of plastic and weighs 97 grams.

The front part is covered with soft-touch material. The HyperX logo is located in the lower right corner. Two thirds of the surface from the left edge is decorated with a corrugated metal look.

This is exactly the area where the palms are located when typing. The drawing is made in the form of concavities, therefore, in our opinion, dust will clog into the recesses over time.

The textured part ends with a dividing line, which in width exactly corresponds to the indentation between the character block of keys and the block of cursor buttons.

Thus, the stand neatly complements the design of the device. It would be great if the dividing line was played on the upper function panel as well.

On the base along the front edge there are three rubber feet: two short ones at the edges and a long one in the center.

The connection to the keyboard is made by two plastic protruding elements, which are fixed in two grooves on the device body. The mounting method is typical, but far from the most elegant. In the top segment, I would like to see a magnetic fixation of the stand.

Connection wire and USB port

The USB 2.0 connector is located 5 centimeters to the right of the base of the wire (relative to the user). At the port location, the body has a 6 mm recess, the width at its narrowest point is 2.5 centimeters.

This design, firstly, partially hides the plugs of the connected devices, and secondly, due to the angular bevels, without looking, it allows you to find the port and unmistakably connect the device connector.

It is also worth noting that there will be no problems with dimensional compatibility when connecting bulk USB devices. For example, a wide Transcend RDF5 card reader was connected to the port.

The cable outlet of the device is located in the center of the end face and is framed by a 6 mm rubber insert to protect it from kinking. The seal is short, but it fulfills its function. Such a design with limited space allows you to organize the working area more competently, for example, to take the wire to the side, you will need a minimum of space behind the keyboard case.

The braided cable has a total length of 183 centimeters. The wire is thick, its diameter is 7 millimeters, while it is flexible enough and fits well.

A splitter block is located 150 centimeters from the base of the wire, from which two wires with a diameter of 4 millimeters with USB plugs come out. One of them is required for the functioning of the keyboard itself, the second is responsible for the operation of the built-in USB port.

The bases of the plugs are rectangular, small in length - 17.5 millimeters. The designations on them are identical: on the one side the HyperX logo, and on the other - the USB interface icon.

The manufacturer did not provide for explicit notes on the purpose of the plugs. The shortcut on one of the wires only contains a link to download the HyperX NGenuity software.

At the same time, the connectors have a visual difference in the color of the plastic of the central part. The wiring diagram in the user manual takes this into account. A plug with a white core is responsible for the operation of the device, with a black core is needed to power the onboard USB connector.

Caps and symbols

The caps are made of translucent plastic and are evenly colored black. The symbols are laser engraved, both layouts are technologically identical, and, most likely, they were applied in one pass.

The outline of the symbols and their arrangement is done correctly:

• For alphabets, a font with dense strokes has been chosen, from which the shapes of the letters are not lost.
• When placing the symbols, it was immediately taken into account that there will be two layouts. An equal place is allocated for each alphabet. The Cyrillic alphabet is slightly smaller in size and is shifted lower - this allows you to easily visually isolate the desired layout when working, while there is no dominant accent on any alphabet.
• Both layouts are located in the upper part of the cap, which will have a positive effect on the uniformity of the illumination.

The caps are cast from the inner end face: there are no burrs or sagging at the edges. Their design is interesting. Typically, the caps are reinforced from the inside with four stiffeners. In this case, there is no top rib that is located above the switch LED. Thus, the luminous flux is not blocked, and the appearance of a vertical stripe on the symbols is excluded.

The set of additional caps consists of eight pieces: four for the WASD unit and four for buttons 1, 2, 3, 4.

Digital caps are completely identical in design to standard ones, only they are painted gray, and it is more difficult to install (remove) them.

Additional WASD caps are also painted in gray, but in addition to this, they are interesting in that the upper part of them has a corrugated metal texture. Consequently, such buttons are easy to tactilely distinguish from others.

Usually, the second layout is not applied on additional caps, which is wrong, here the manufacturer has carefully considered this issue. All eight caps have both layouts, while the font and character arrangement are completely identical to the standard caps.

Key mechanism

HyperX Alloy Elite RGB keyboard is built on Cherry MX switches. There are three options for the user to choose: linear MX Red, tactile MX Brown and tactile with click MX Blue. The resource is 50 million clicks.

At the top of the switch is an RGB LED. The switch body is transparent, which will have a positive effect on the illumination of the peripheral zones.

Cherry stabilizers are installed under the long keys. Their mounts are tightly mounted into the metal plate: they do not dangle or play.

The keyboard supports unlimited simultaneous keystrokes (NKRO).

Software

To configure the keyboard, the HyperX NGenuity software is used, which can be downloaded from the manufacturer's website. The description of the capabilities will be based on version 5.2.1.0.

Firmware upgrade

Immediately upon the first launch, the program suggested updating the keyboard firmware.

Program settings

The application settings provide information about the firmware version and the version of the software itself.

There is a choice of interface language from 12 translations. You can work with the localized version, but there are typos, inaccuracies and untranslated phrases.

Software profiles

The left part of the main application window is reserved for profiles. The vertical list is "software" profiles. To activate, select the desired one and click the "Apply" button.

Profiles can be created, deleted, edited, customized, imported, exported.

"Edit" and "Customize" - oddly enough, but these are two different functions. When editing (or creating) a profile, you can specify a name, assign an icon, link applications and choose one of 29 ready-made static lighting schemes for various popular games. It should be noted that there is no access to the selection of these schemes in the highlight editor.

Onboard profiles

The horizontal cells under the list of profiles are a display of the device's on-board memory, into which up to three profiles can be transferred. They are switched using the second left button on the function panel.

Profiles are copied into memory by simple drag and drop.

Profiles saved in the device memory cannot be edited. If there is no original in the list of “software” profiles, then for setting it is necessary to copy the profile to the list, edit it and upload it to the cell again.

There must be at least one profile in the on-board memory.

Profile settings

Profile settings are divided into three groups: Lighting, Game Mode, Macros.

The "Game Mode" tab allows you to designate those buttons that will be locked when the corresponding mode is activated by pressing the button on the top panel. By default, both Windows buttons are disabled.

In addition, it is possible to disable the Alt + Tab, Alt + F4, Shift + Tab, Ctrl + Esc combinations.

Macros

You can record macros without delays, with fixed delays, or with delays that are received during input. Keystrokes on the keyboard outside the standard layout are not logged. When recording, mouse clicks and wheel scrolls are recorded.

Macros can be edited, exported, imported, copied, deleted. On-the-fly recording is not available.

Key remapping

Key remapping is included in the Macros tab. All keys of the standard layout are available for customization, that is, 104 pieces.

You can choose from the following options:

• keyboard functions;
• mouse functions;
• multimedia;
• macro;
• Windows functions;
• open a file, program, folder or site;
• disable button.

If in the "Game Mode" tab the buttons are blocked only when the mode is active, then here the keys are disabled completely at the profile level.

When assigning a macro, one of four playback methods is specified.

Backlight

Brightness adjustment. The first left button of the function panel is responsible for adjusting the backlight. There are only four positions that, when pressed, change cyclically: three levels of brightness and a position for turning off the illumination.

Symbols. All symbols on the keys of the standard layout are illuminated. Both alphabets are located at the top of the cap, so the letters of both layouts are highlighted evenly and equally well read.

Functional panel. The pictograms of the four buttons of the multimedia unit are illuminated by RGB LEDs. Drum for dimming without illumination, although it would be nice to make the end sides translucent and highlight them. An approximate implementation can be seen from any mouse with a backlit scroll wheel.

The buttons for adjusting the brightness, switching profiles and activating (deactivating) the game mode are not highlighted - the symbols are applied to the buttons in white paint. This is the most noticeable mistake engineers have made when implementing a keyboard exterior. The author cannot find a reasonable explanation for this.

The total number of keys is 111, and only three of them are without backlighting, and these are exactly the buttons that significantly expand the functionality of the device.

Indicators. The indicator LEDs are bright enough and covered with transparent plastic that does not scatter light. The color of the diodes is white, the backlight brightness adjustment has no effect.

Backlight setting. Lighting control is performed in the Lighting section of HyperX NGenuity. The editor has three tabs: Effects, Zones, Free Style. This is not to say that this separation greatly simplifies setup or expands the possibilities.

What common? Illumination selection consists of 5 dynamic effects and static illumination. The LED strip is used in all schemes and consists of 18 LEDs, for each of which, if necessary, you can select the desired color.

Dynamic effects are applied to the entire layout, whichever tab you choose. The effect color can be one, two, or change with each trigger. For certain patterns, the speed and direction can be adjusted.

What's the difference between tabs?

Effects tab. Static lighting applies only to the entire layout. However, in this mode, two dynamic effects can be overlaid with one of the other three effects. That is, only in this tab you can combine two dynamic illumination schemes.

Zones tab. The keys are grouped into zones, and the color is selected for the entire zone at once. There are several prepared templates for keyblocks. Zones can be created, edited, renamed, deleted.

Free style tab. The difference from the "Zones" tab is that you work not with groups, but with individual keys, while you can select any number of them and change the color. There are no fundamental differences.

Impressions from work

Construction and appearance. The keyboard stands tenaciously on the placement surface with or without spread legs. It should be noted the low profile of the keyboard, which is a rarity for the skeleton format.

The mounting metal plate is smooth - without any texture - pleasant to tactile sensations, but not very practical , at the same time, you cannot call it a brand. One or two prints are inconspicuous and easy to remove, but over time, in places of frequent contact with fingers, the surface becomes darker. It will take time to remove these stains.

The vertical arrangement of the indicators has a drawback: the minus button of the digital block completely blocks the Caps Lock diode - you have to bend over to check the indicator.

Wrist rest. Soft-touch is almost not felt on the textured area. The stand is more convenient to use with unfolded keyboard legs, but at the same time there are no fundamental changes in ergonomics. And it's not about any design flaws in the stand - the implementation is quite typical - just the low profile of the keyboard allows you to work comfortably without the stand.

Additional caps. The gray numeric keycaps 1-4 appear to have a slightly smoother surface than the black ones, but blind testing has not been able to determine which one. To a greater extent, they play a decorative role.

WASD textured caps are much more practical to use. They allow you to accurately define buttons. In addition, due to the grooved surface, the contact area of ​​the fingertips is less than with standard black caps, so your fingers sweat a little less.

Functional panel comfortable. You quickly get used to single clicks without the need to use combinations with the Fn button. The movement of the volume control is smooth, but there is a slight horizontal free play, which is accompanied by a dull click when the extreme position is reached.

Mechanical switches Cherry MX Red on the move and noise characteristics do not differ from each other - there are no questions about the quality. In the operation of Cherry stabilizers under the long keys, the ringing of the staple is noticeable; this effect can be slightly smoothed out with damper rubber rings.

Conclusion

The battle for user attention in the gaming peripherals segment is not easy. A new product needs to break into the top segment either by fundamentally different design solutions, or by revision and improvement of existing implementations.

Kingston has little experience in developing mechanical keyboards. Perhaps that is why, when creating HyperX Alloy Elite RGB, the manufacturer took the second option as a vector.

It is impossible not to notice that in the appearance of HyperX Alloy Elite RGB, the features of the K70 and Strafe keyboards from Corsair are guessed. At the same time, according to the results, it is categorically impossible to call Alloy Elite RGB just a copy. In the design of the device there are both rethought borrowings and the implementation of their own ideas.

The only area HyperX still needs to work in is software. All the declared functions work well, but there are questions about the convenience of the interface and the advanced capabilities of the backlight editor, because as such fine tuning of the keys using dynamic effects is not provided.

But this does not negate the fact that the HyperX Alloy Elite RGB mechanical keyboard is a full-fledged flagship with a full package of basic features and a set of "winning special" features, including a low profile, on-board memory, convenient location of additional buttons, excellent layout design and spectacular expansion illumination due to the light panel.

Advantages:

• The keyboard is based on Cherry MX switches;
• Support for unlimited number of simultaneous keystrokes (NKRO);
• Low profile;
• Sturdy folding legs with wide rubberized bases;
• The presence of a pass-through USB port, which is correctly located on the end face next to the keyboard wire;
• Onboard memory for three profiles;
• Uniform illumination of both alphabets
• All symbols of the basic layout are illuminated.
• Multi-color backlight (RGB)
• The design includes a light panel that effectively complements the key illumination;
• Additional buttons are conveniently located along the edges of the keyboard;
• No need for a Fn button;
• Drum-type volume control;
• Support for macros;
• The ability to reassign the function of any key from the standard layout;
• Includes removable soft-touch wrist rest;
• Includes 8 optional caps for WASD and numeric buttons 1–4;
• Cyrillic is applied on additional caps;
• Two-year warranty period.

Disadvantages:

• The surface of the metal plate in places of frequent contact with fingers becomes darker over time - periodic maintenance is required;
• Three additional buttons (brightness, profile, Win lock) without illumination;
• Small horizontal backlash of the volume control;
• There is no provision for fine-tuning the key illumination using dynamic effects.

Minor bugs

• The plastic frame of the keyboard does not fit snugly against the far edge of the metal plate - there are gaps;
• There are no “easy-to-read” markings on the USB plugs: which is for keyboard operation and which is for pass-through;
• Scroll Lock indicator is missing;
• Indicator designations are painted on the body and are not backlit.

Peculiarities

• The maximum angle of inclination of the keyboard is not large - 7 degrees.

Choose a keyboard with striking looks and advanced functionality. The Alloy Elite RGB keyboard lets you customize each key color using easy-to-use HyperX NGenuity software and save your settings to on-board memory. Featuring a solid steel frame, you have a secure and stable control device even in the heat of battle, while the game mode and N-Key Rollover and Anti-ghosting features ensure accurate keystrokes. A fully functional keyboard designed to meet the needs of all users with dedicated media control keys, USB 2.0 pass-through, quick access buttons and a wide variety of reliable CHERRY key switches. Plus, the keyboard has a comfortable, detachable wrist rest and optional HyperX textured gray keycaps to help you find the keys you want faster.

Kingston Technology and its HyperX brand need no special introduction. The widest range of accessories and components for gamers and enthusiasts is offered under their banners. And this despite the fact that just a few years ago, the American manufacturer successfully debuted on the gaming peripherals market with its headsets, which were more than once guests of our test laboratory and left the most positive impressions. But what about mice and keyboards - the main tools for gamers? To date, only one manipulator (HyperX Pulsefire FPS) and two keyboards have been presented so far - and that fell into our hands HyperXAlloyElite.

In fact, the new product is an improved and more functional version of the previously tested model with the "FPS" prefix. What changed? How successful is the product? We will try to give exhaustive answers to these and other questions below. By tradition, let's start the story with a review of the technical characteristics.

Specification

	HyperXAlloyElite
Connection	Wired (USB)
Switch type	Mechanical (Cherry MX Red)
Service life, million clicks
Polling rate, Hz
Supports 100% Anti-Ghosting and Full N-Key Rollover technologies
Built-in memory
Macro recording capability
Cord length, m
Additional features	Red LED button illumination; sound and multimedia control keys; quick access buttons; removable embossed caps; game mode with key lock function; USB port; fabric braided cable with two USB plugs
Dimensions, mm	444 x 226.8 x 36.30
Software
Supported OS	Windows 7/8/10
Official guarantee, months
Products webpage

Delivery and equipment

The gaming keyboard is housed in a medium box, made of heavy cardboard and adorned with quality prints in traditional black and red colors. The information content is good. In addition to the pictures of the accessory, a list of its key benefits can be found on both sides of the packaging.

The HyperX Alloy Elite package includes a removable wrist rest, a set of replacement caps and plastic tweezers for removing them, and user documentation.

Appearance, layout and work experience

The similarity of HyperX Alloy Elite is clearly visible in appearance and construction. Before us is a skeleton-type mechanical keyboard, that is, the key mechanism protrudes quite high above the body. Due to this, the thickness of the latter is not much different from the membrane or scissor counterparts, but its accessory gives a high profile of the caps. As for the visual component, we have a completely classic and strict design, without unnecessary decorative elements and variegated colors, which will look equally good in an office environment or on a gamer's desk. Among the innovations: a removable wrist rest, a number of additional keys, a USB port with the ability to connect peripherals and a thick connection cable, which is now non-removable. But first things first.

The main material of the HyperX Alloy Elite case is a practical matte plastic with a slightly rough texture. The upper part is presented in the form of a thick steel plate in matte black, but despite this, it is quite easily soiled. Thanks to the use of metal, the structure is characterized by excellent rigidity and even feels monolithic. The build quality is at the highest level, as evidenced by the absence of any sharp edges or gaps. With active use, the keyboard does not squeeze at all, and there are no extra sounds. Dimensions (444 x 226.8 x 36.30 mm) and weight (1467 g) are quite typical for accessories of this class, but noticeably larger than their predecessor.

A pleasant feature of the novelty is the presence of a comfortable wrist rest, which is designed to relieve hand fatigue during work or play. It is plastic, with a relatively non-marking soft-touch coating and an interesting division into two types of textures - tenacious and smooth. Fastening is carried out by means of two latches.

There are seven large rubberized feet on the base, including three on the wrist rest, and two foldable rubberized feet, which provide excellent grip on different types of surfaces and the ability to change the angle of the keyboard. There is also a sticker with technical information and the manufacturer's logo. A drainage system is not provided, which indicates that there is no protection against spilled liquids.

For connection, a thick and not very flexible cable 1.8 m long in a nylon braid is used, which at the output is protected from bending by a stiffener. Unlike the previous model, the cable is now non-removable, and the nearby USB port allows you to connect other peripherals to the keyboard, and not just recharge your gadgets.

The HyperX Alloy Elite keyboard unit contains a standard set of full-size keys with trapezoidal keycaps. They are covered with a thin layer of soft-touch, which collects traces of exploitation well. The layout is presented in the classic American version (US ANSI), which eliminates the need to get used to and allows you to immediately effectively interact with the device (both in the gameplay and when typing). The symbols are applied by a laser method - the Latin alphabet is in the upper left corner of the cap, and the Cyrillic alphabet is slightly to the right and below. Of the additional buttons, two blocks can be distinguished, separated from the main keys by a nice LED strip.

On the left side of the keyboard there are keys for changing the brightness of the backlight, switching the illumination mode and activating the game mode. The latter blocks the keys in order to avoid accidental "falling out of the game" during hot game battles. On the opposite side there is a place for the multimedia control unit: "Back", "Play" / "Pause", "Forward", "Mute" and the volume wheel. Previously, all of these controls were available through the HyperX Alloy FPS to maximize space savings. Now it has become much more convenient. But, as before, there is no support for macros and proprietary software.

The rule of good form is full support for N-Key Rollover technologies and 100% Anti-Ghosting (the ability to simultaneously press an unlimited number of keys without blocking, for example, when playing four hands). Thanks to this, not only correct recognition of all clicks is ensured, but also accidental ones are excluded. If necessary, the Key Rollover function will work in the "6KRO" mode, that is, it will correctly process only six simultaneously pressed keys.

At the heart of the buttons themselves on the HyperX Alloy Elite model are used the most popular and reliable Cherry MX mechanical switches of different versions. Our copy is built on the basis of Cherry MX Red, which resemble Cherry MX Black, but with even less force to act (45g vs 60g), without click and tactile sensations. Moments of triggering and releasing are on the same level, which is useful in games where you need to make a lot of frequent clicks. This option is great when switching from a membrane keyboard, reducing the adaptation time. But it is through the very light actuation that many users dislike this type of switch. In any case, we recommend that you independently test them in work and only then make the final choice. Recall that Cherry MX Blue switches have a tactile response and a loud click when operated (reminiscent of a typewriter) halfway through - great for typing, slightly worse for games. But Cherry MX Brown is a cross between the two previously mentioned options - they are quite quiet, the trigger moment is in the middle of the stroke, but the tactile response is not as pronounced as in Cherry MX Blue.

It should be noted that the package contains a set of interchangeable silver-colored caps (red in HyperX Alloy FPS) - the WASD block is embossed, and the keys are with a conventional coating. The [F] and [J] buttons are also tactilely highlighted. All this will allow you to quickly distinguish the main gaming keys by touch or by peripheral glance.

As befits a modern gaming device, the novelty is equipped with LED backlighting. In our case, it is red, but at Computex 2017, a version with RGB illumination was shown. The backlight has several gradations and modes of operation.

It is quite bright (three levels), but traditionally not the most uniform due to the close arrangement of the symbols themselves. However, this does not cause any particular problems, and everything looks pretty pretty.

Demonstration of different key illumination modes in the gaming keyboardHyperX Alloy Elite

Outcomes

Summing up all of the above, I would like to note that the gaming keyboard HyperXAlloyElite is not something innovative or revolutionary, but is a completely logical development of the ideas embodied in. If the predecessor focused on mobility, which is important for gamers and e-sportsmen who often have to travel to tournaments and LAN parties, the new product is clearly designed for comfort in stationary use. Here you will find a comfortable wrist rest, and a number of additional keys for controlling the backlight, multimedia and activating the game mode. It is also worth noting that the cable has become non-removable and much thicker, and an additional USB port now allows not only charging gadgets, but also connecting any other peripherals.

Otherwise, we have before us classical mechanics, which is characterized by a strict appearance using solid materials of construction. In terms of equipment, we have the most popular and reliable Cherry MX switches, which are perfect not only for games, but also for work. You should also remember the full anti-ghosting, replaceable caps for the main gaming keys and bright red backlighting, and soon the manufacturer promises to appear on the market and the RGB version.

The peculiarities of HyperX Alloy Elite include the lack of support for macros and any software for configuring basic parameters. Overall, if you are looking for a modern mechanical keyboard for gaming and work, then the HyperX Alloy Elite is definitely worth your consideration, at least to get it on your list of likely purchase candidates. By the way, the start of sales of new items in Ukraine is scheduled for August 21 with an estimated cost of $ 135. And those who have time to do pre-order until August 20, are guaranteed to receive a bonus in the form of an XL format playing surface.

Advantages:

• classic appearance;
• solid materials of construction;
• high quality workmanship;
• standard layout of the main keys;
• comfortable wrist rest;
• Cherry MX mechanical switches;
• the presence of multimedia control keys and additional functions;

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