© Antonio Batinic / Shutterstock.com
A reliable keyboard is integral to an exceptional gaming experience. HyperX is one the best manufacturers of keyboards for the gaming industry. The release of the HyperX Alloy Elite 2 in 2020 introduced a superb mechanical gaming keyboard that met (and exceeded) most gamers’s needs.
Thanks to its RGB lighting, users can choose from 16.7 million colors when customizing their keyboards’ lighting. Moreover, the HyperX NGENUITY software further personalizes the customization process while the keyboard’s onboard memory allows users to create up to three separate profiles. The HyperX Alloy Elite 2 also has features that improve the typing experience, including its switches.
Read on for a detailed review of the HyperX Alloy Elite 2 specifications.
Best Deal Today
- HyperX Alloy Elite 2 (NewEgg) – $99.99
- HyperX Alloy Elite 2 (Best Buy) – $101.99
- HyperX Alloy Elite 2 (Amazon) – $68.96
- ABS pudding keycaps
- Mechanical switches
- RGB lighting effects and signature HyperX light bar
- Solid steel frame
HyperX Alloy Elite 2 Overview
The HyperX Alloy Elite 2 offers gamers easier hand movements and quicker key switches than standard keyboards. Below is a detailed overview of everything to know before purchasing the keyboard.
Release Date and Price
HyperX released the Alloy Elite 2 keyboard in July 2020. It is one of the best products in HyperX’s keyboard lineup. It’s not surprising that it is among their most expensive keyboards; its retail price at launch was $129.99.
Different Models
There are two HyperX Alloy Elite 2 models; however, they have the same specs and features. The only difference between the two is their design.
- HyperX Alloy Elite 2
- HyperX Alloy Elite 2 – TimTheTatMan Edition
The TimTheTatMan Edition is slightly costlier than the standard version because of the custom design.
Features
The HyperX Alloy Elite 2 is slightly larger than other keyboards in the HyperX catalog. For instance, it is slightly longer and broader than the HyperX Alloy FPS RGB. Its dimensions are 444mm x 174mm x 37.4mm, which also contributes to the Alloy Elite 2 being heavier than the Alloy FPS RGB, weighing in at 3.37 lbs.
The keyboard has translucent ABS pudding keycaps meant to boost the keyboard’s aesthetic appeal compared to opaque keycaps that limit the keyboard’s design choices. In addition, the translucent keycaps compliment the keyboard’s backlight; you can adjust it to a color of your choice and choose between five brightness choices.
The HyperX Alloy Elite 2 also features the HyperX NGENUITY software meant to help customize game modes, build macros, and set lighting effects. Moreover, the Alloy Elite 2 has HyperX Red mechanical switches that guarantee responsiveness with every key press and a lifetime of 80 million clicks. Plus, the keyboard has a solid steel frame to offer protection against slips and falls.
Specifications
| Dimensions | 444 x 174 x 37.4 mm (17.5 x 6.9 x 1.5 in) |
| Weight | 3.37 lbs. |
| Key Rollover | N-Key |
| Keycap Material | ABS |
| Key Lifespan | 80 million clicks |
| Switches | HyperX Red |
| Lighting | RGB (16.7 million colors) |
| Cable Type | Attached, braided |
| Cable Length | 5.9 ft. |
| Connection | USB 2.0 (Type A) |
| OS Compatibility | Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7 |
| Device Compatibility | PS5, PS4, PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S |
| Software | HyperX NGENUITY |
| Warranty | 2 years |
HyperX Alloy Elite 2 Review
Connectivity
The HyperX Alloy Elite 2 has a 5.9-foot long braided cable with a Type A USB 2.0 end to connect to the computer. The braided cable offers adequate protection against materials that can cut it, thus negating the need for unnecessary replacements. Moreover, the long cable gives users options regarding where they can sit when using the keyboard, which can also help reduce exposure to glare from the screen.
Unfortunately, the cable is not detachable, meaning the keyboard does not support wireless use. That also means you cannot replace the cable if it breaks.
Lighting
The HyperX Alloy Elite 2 has lighting to help users with visibility, for instance, when in a dark room. The backlight on the Alloy Elite 2 also boosts the keyboard’s appearance; users can choose their preferred color and select between five brightness levels depending on preference and factors like time and natural lighting.
You can select a specific color with RGB lighting or adjust the red, green, and blue settings to obtain a unique color. The Alloy Elite 2 also has individual backlighting for each key. Moreover, with the help of RGB programming, you can set up lighting effects like waves.
©Parilov/Shutterstock.com
Build
Most keyboards in the market have plastic builds, which can be fragile. However, you do not have to worry about durability with the HyperX Alloy Elite 2. The keyboard has a solid steel frame which provides the sturdiness to withstand hard knocks after falling to the ground. The steel frame also adds weight to the device, ensuring it does not move around during intense gaming.
HyperX made the rest of the keyboard from plastic, which compliments the steel frame by lowering its weight. The plastic material also has a soft feel which most people will appreciate. However, the downside of using plastic is that it makes the keyboard look and feel unnecessarily cheap, primarily the ABS plastic used to make the keyboard caps.
Typing Experience
As noted, the HyperX Alloy Elite 2 is slightly larger than other keyboards in the HyperX catalog, meaning it offers a larger area to space the keys. As a result of the ample spacing of keys, you are unlikely to tap the wrong letters, numbers, or symbols when using the keyboard, increasing typing speed and accuracy. The keys are also sturdy despite their feel and appearance, so you do not have to worry about losing keys after extended use.
On the other hand, having a larger keyboard also increases the travel distance when typing, which could lower your response time when playing a game or reduce your word count per minute when typing. The increased travel distance could also make users get tired faster than usual when typing. It might take some time to get used to, but many users of this keyboard love the size.
Switch Performance
A keyboard switch sends the signal that indicates you have pressed a key, which is crucial to guarantee a smooth and reliable typing experience. The HyperX Alloy Elite 2 uses the HyperX Red switch, a linear switch.
Linear switches do not produce tactile feedback with every keypress, which means you will not experience any physical response from the keyboard during typing. The lack of tactile feedback is ideal for gaming as it does not produce unnecessary distractions that may undermine your gaming experience. However, if you primarily use your keyboard for typing, you might want a keyboard with a switch that offers tactile feedback, as it reduces typing errors.
The linear switch also has consistent keys, meaning the switch will provide constant resistance during the press regardless of the force you use. Therefore, you do not have to worry about how you press the keys; the motion will always be seamless, which makes for reliable gaming. The HyperX Alloy Elite 2 has a decent operating force of 45g which denotes the maximum power you need to use to operate the keys. A higher operating force would have made gaming using the device tiresome, as users would need to expend more energy when playing.
The keyboard also has a travel distance of 3.8mm, which makes the keystrokes short and ideal for gaming. Altogether, the short travel distance and the HyperX Switch make use of the Alloy Elite 2 quiet. Lastly, the HyperX Red switch guarantees 80 million clicks, which is a substantial lifespan that will take a while before the user needs to replace the keyboard.
Software
The Alloy Elite 2 uses the HyperX NGENUITY program, which offers advanced customization options. The software does not require users to create an account which is ideal for people who do not want to give their personal information to third parties. Some of the functions NGENUITY offers include customizing game modes and managing the keyboard’s lighting and effects. NGENUITY also supports macro programming, which involves grouping several instructions to create a single command to execute a specific function mid-game.
The program also supports creating multiple profiles, which is beneficial if you have applications that need different key settings. The keyboard has onboard memory that saves up to three profiles which you can use when you connect the keyboard to a device that does not support the NGENUITY software.
Device Compatibility
The HyperX Alloy Elite 2 is compatible with most gaming devices, including the PS4 and PS5, all PCs, the Xbox One, Xbox Series S, and Xbox Series X. However, the keyboard’s compatibility with PCs has some limitations. All the keyboard’s functions and features, like the media keys and the NGENUITY software, are accessible on PCs using Windows 7, 8, 8.1, or 10. However, the NGENUITY software is not accessible via macOS and Linux computers. Moreover, some media keys do not function when using macOS.
HyperX Alloy Elite 2 Pros and Cons
As with any device, finding a perfect keyboard that will check all your boxes is very challenging. You must compare the pros and cons to determine if the investment would be worthwhile. Below are the pros and cons of the HyperX Alloy Elite 2.
Pros
- RGB lighting
- Setting customization with the NGENUITY software
- Linear switches with no tactile feedback
- Programmable keys
- Steel frame for extra protection and increased durability
- Compatibility with popular gaming consoles
Cons
- Limited compatibility with PC operating systems
- Non-detachable cable
- ABS pudding keycaps
- Mechanical switches
- RGB lighting effects and signature HyperX light bar
- Solid steel frame
HyperX Alloy Elite 2: is it a Buy?
Buying a keyboard is a medium to long-term investment. Therefore, you should consider several factors before buying the HyperX Alloy Elite 2.
Buy it if…
You are looking for a durable and quiet gaming-oriented keyboard with customizable settings to improve your gaming experience.
Don’t Buy It If…
Your PC runs on macOS or Linux operating systems. Gamers using such OS may not have software support; they may also have limited media keys functionality.
You should also consider other options if you are looking for a typing keyboard.
