Designed to play, type and surprise all viewers, HyperX Alloy Elite RGB does an exceptional job on all three. The main sensation is a high resistance of this luxurious and expensive gaming keyboard; HyperX offers this keyboard in three different Cherry key options. The model analyzed here is equipped with Cherry MX Brown switches, an almost silent alternative to the Cherry MX Red (light touch) and MX Blue (clicky, tactile) versions that are also available. This is our HyperX Alloy Elite RGB test.
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Last updated on March 15, 2020 12:02 PM
Together with a smooth volume scroll, dedicated media keys and RGB per key lighting, HyperX Alloy Elite RGB is a valuable alternative to the most important gaming keyboard names, even if the software is not erased. This is our HyperX Alloy Elite RGB review.
This is our review HyperX Alloy Elite RGB: Features
The Cherry MX Brown switches on my HyperX Alloy Elite RGB review unit have their usual tactile feel, which means that there is a tactile increase when each key is pressed all the way down. As soon as you press, the keyboard registers a keystroke, so you don’t necessarily need to type. Typists and players with light fingers can train their fingers to push only to the point of activation, which triggers their rapid typing or rapid contraction actions. Unlike Cherry MX Blue switches, which also have a tactile feel, Cherry MX Browns do not produce the same clackety racket, so they are a better choice for an office environment with listening colleagues.
Cherry MX Red key switches, the third type you can get with this keyboard, are most commonly associated with games. Known for their linear feel (in other words, the same downward pressure, without bumps), these switches work with less energy. With low actuation force, users with a light finger can theoretically execute commands more quickly, a crucial feature for first-person shooters and fast esports jigs.
I will not say that one key is better than the other; the comfort of the keyboard and the types of keys are personal choices and everything you are used to. That said, it takes longer to get to the 2 mm Cherry MX Browns trigger point than with Logitech’s 1.5 mm Romer-G switches that I use on the keyboard I work on most days. However, the LiveChat speed test rated my typing at the same 75 words per minute and 98% accuracy, using the HyperX Alloy Elite RGB or the Logitech G513 Carbon equipped with Romer-G.
Project
Measuring 1.47 x 17.48 x 8.93 inches (HWD), the HyperX The Alloy Elite RGB is not a small keyboard, but the black steel frame makes good use of its footprint. In addition to a full-sized numeric keypad on the right, it includes separate media keys above the normal keyboard layout. Despite taking up a lot of space on my monitor table, the Alloy Elite RGB is not as comprehensive as some of its competitors, including the slightly larger Corsair K95 RGB Platinum (2 x 18 by 7 inches) and the Razer BlackWidow Chroma V2 (1 , 25 x 18.5 x 7.25 inches).
The dimensions of the Alloy Elite RGB are fixed without the textured palm rest, an accessory that makes it about 10 cm deeper. You can attach and disconnect the palm rest by pressing two pairs of teeth under the left and right sides of the keyboard lip. On the surface of the palm rest, a few notch patterns on the plastic surface help keep your wrists in place while you type or play. While not as soft as the leather mounts that come with the Razer BlackWidow Chroma V2 and Logitech G513 Carbon, comfort, again, is always a matter of personal preference. Some people will find that a hard surface hits a soft surface every day of the week.
On the left, there is a button that allows you to choose between four levels of brightness of the button illumination, and on the right, a button that switches between the lighting presets. The default settings cannot be changed in HyperX’s associated software program, NGenuity. It is still possible to create profiles. On the right side of the preset lighting switch, a game mode button disables the Windows key, but it can also be customized in NGenuity to block Alt + Tab, Alt + F4, Shift + Tab or Ctrl + Esc. When disabling these combos, you can prevent accidental activation of Windows features by pressing Ctrl to enter your favorite battle royale sniper.
In the right corner of the HyperX Alloy Elite RGB, there are four media keys – for the rewind, fast forward, play / pause and mute functions – along with a roller to adjust the volume. These are not standard problems on all gaming keyboards, but we usually see them on boards in this price range, so HyperX hits its mark here. On the other hand, you do not receive customizable macro keys. Many other keyboards north of $ 150 include at least a few. However, these keyboards are also more comprehensive and therefore take up more space than the Alloy Elite RGB. More keys, more table.
With the exception of lighting, the HyperX Alloy Elite RGB is identical to the HyperX Alloy Elite that debuted for. The difference is in “RGB”: the option for 16.8 million colors, attributable to each of the keys through the NGenuity software. Nor is it necessarily “better” than the other, as some people prefer not to make an effort to play with the software. On the other hand, you see a significant price difference between the two keyboards; the extra $ 60 at the Alloy Elite RGB list price gives you the programmable RGB material and the software application. Is the prize worth it? Let’s dive into the software and find out.
This is our RGB HyperX Alloy Elite review: Software
HyperX NGenuity software is impressive in the beginning. At startup, you will be greeted with a red and gray screen. In the center, a striking representation of the Alloy Elite RGB key layout is animated with a rainbow wave effect.
Your first instinct on this screen may be to click on Customize and see for yourself how many effects you can apply to the existing lighting configuration. But first, you need to click on the customizable lighting profile called “Standard”. Unfortunately, neither profile box is labeled in the software; therefore, remember that the column in the upper left corner of the NGenuity window is where the custom lighting profiles are saved and the line below is where you can switch the presets. .
Click on Standard and then on Customize, and you will be taken to a screen divided into three sections: Lighting, Game Mode and Macros. The Lighting section is divided into three subsections: Effects, Zones and Freestyle.
In Effects, you can record up to two animations (one primary and one secondary), including Solid, Breath, Wave, Shot, Explosion, and HyperX Flame. In Zones, you can divide the keyboard lighting into sections. For example, you can ensure that only the WASD keys are backlit or that the arrow keys glow orange while the number keys glow green. Finally, you can harness the power of the RGB backlight per key by programming individual keys in the color of your choice. You can combine your arrangement with one of the six animation effects mentioned above.
In the Lighting category, as I mentioned earlier, in the Game Mode section of the profile customizer, you can decide which keys will be disabled when you press the Game Mode button. Finally, in the Macen section of NGenuity, you can assign any key to a keyboard or mouse function, a multimedia command or a Windows shortcut.
Alternatively, you can disable the key completely or use it to open a file / application, folder or even a website. You can also access the software’s macro library to record its functions and assign them to any key except the four media keys, the two light control buttons, the Game Mode button and the volume scroll.
This is our review HyperX Alloy Elite RGB: Performance
However, my experience was that applying one of these settings generally justified a trip to the Task Manager, so I had a hard time getting out and restarting the software. Not only did I come across long loading screens with NGenuity, but it was also unreliable to apply settings. Sometimes it worked; at other times, it would give me the endless spinning of a load wheel. I tested the software on a total of four systems, two of which showed me this error. The other two do not. The cause of the problem is everyone’s guess.
With the software stability not very good, first assess how much you plan to adjust and how important RGB is to you before shooting for this keyboard. For some players, it may be reason enough to choose the non-RGB version of the Alloy Elite keyboard. Or you can convince him to buy another luxury RGB keyboard, like the Razer BlackWidow Chroma V2, the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum or the Logitech G513 Carbon, just for the most reliable software.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer the clicks and clicks of the Cherry MX Blue key switches, the light linearity of the Cherry MX Reds or the intermediate feel of the Cherry MX Browns, the HyperX Alloy Elite RGB RGB is an attractive gaming keyboard with a lot of hardware appeal. And the RGB backlight per key adds a lot of value to a gaming keyboard. This also adds a lot to the price, and whether it’s worth $ 60 more than the regular HyperX Alloy Elite depends on you and your wallet.
Know that to enjoy the beautiful lights of this RGB keyboard, you will also be in a long-term relationship with NGenuity. For more options, see our list of the best gaming keyboards
