Ultimate Guide: HyperX Alloy Elite 2
Gaming keyboards have become an essential component of every gamer’s setup. A quality keyboard with precise switches and customizable options is necessary to get the best out of your gaming experience. The HyperX Alloy Elite 2 is a gaming keyboard that promises to deliver top-notch performance with its mechanical switches and customization options. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the HyperX Alloy Elite 2 and its features to determine whether it lives up to its promises.
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Design and Build
The keyboard boasts a premium build quality and design, with a durable aluminum frame that gives it a solid and sturdy feel. The keyboard’s top plate is made from brushed aluminum, which not only adds to the overall aesthetic appeal but also provides an extra layer of durability. The keyboard also features a detachable wrist rest made of leatherette, which is soft and comfortable for long gaming sessions.
One of the standout design features of the Alloy Elite 2 is the customizable RGB lighting. The keyboard offers a variety of lighting effects, which can be easily controlled through the Ngenuity software. Users can choose from preset lighting profiles or create their own using the software. The HyperX pudding keycaps also add to the overall aesthetic appeal of the keyboard, allowing for more vibrant and brighter RGB lighting to shine through.
In terms of functionality, the keyboard has a few noteworthy design features. The keyboard features dedicated media controls, including a volume wheel, play/pause, and skip buttons, which allow for easy control of music and video playback. Additionally, the keyboard has a convenient USB 2.0 pass-through port, which allows for easy access to plug in other peripherals.
Key Switches
The keyboard features HyperX’s red linear switches, which provide a smooth and consistent keystroke with minimal force required. The keys have an actuation force of 45g, and their 80 million keystroke durability ensures long-lasting performance. The key switches are reliable and responsive, making them suitable for gamers who demand high precision and accuracy.
Customization Options
The HyperX Alloy Elite 2 has a variety of customization options, allowing users to configure the keyboard to their liking. The keyboard has dedicated media controls and a volume wheel, making it easy to adjust the volume or skip tracks without interrupting gameplay. Users can also use the HyperX NGENUITY software to customize the lighting, macros, and profiles to their liking. The software is easy to use and provides a range of customization options, making it a significant selling point for the keyboard.
Performance and Testing
The keyboard uses HyperX Red mechanical switches that provide a fast, linear response and a short actuation point of 1.8mm. During our testing, we found the keyboard to be highly responsive and accurate, with minimal noise and a smooth typing experience. The switches require a low actuation force of 45g, which makes them ideal for gamers and typists who need to type for extended periods without causing any strain on their fingers.
The RGB backlighting system on the keyboard is also highly customizable, thanks to the NGENUITY software that comes with the keyboard. We were able to customize the lighting effects, create macros, and reassign keys for a personalized gaming experience. The software also allowed us to save our settings to the keyboard’s onboard memory, making it easy to switch between devices without losing any of our preferences.
Accessories
The HyperX mechanical gaming keyboard comes with a detachable wrist rest, which is a welcome addition for gamers who spend long hours in front of their computer. The wrist rest is made of soft-touch plastic and has a leatherette surface, providing comfortable support for your wrists. The keyboard also comes with eight textured keycaps, which can be swapped out for the most commonly used gaming keys. This helps the gamer to easily locate the keys they need during gameplay.
In addition to the wrist rest and textured keycaps, the HyperX Alloy Elite 2 also includes a keycap removal tool, making it easy to swap out the keycaps as needed. The keyboard also has a USB pass-through port, which allows the user to connect other USB devices, such as a gaming mouse or a USB headset, directly to the keyboard for easy access.
Connectivity
The HyperX Alloy Elite 2 offers a variety of connectivity options to fit your needs. The keyboard features a detachable USB Type-C cable, allowing for easy cable management and compatibility with a range of devices. It also comes with a USB 2.0 pass-through port, which can be used to connect other peripherals, such as a mouse or headset.
In addition, the HyperX Alloy Elite 2 supports N-key rollover and anti-ghosting, ensuring accurate and responsive keystrokes even during the most intense gaming sessions. The keyboard also features a Game Mode, which disables the Windows key to prevent accidental interruptions during gameplay.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Sturdy and durable build quality with an aluminum frame and solid construction.
- Pudding keycaps provide a visually appealing look and improve keycap visibility.
- Media control keys and volume wheels offer convenient access for audio adjustments.
- Fully customizable RGB lighting with various effects and brightness levels.
- Software-controlled customization options for macros, key assignments, and lighting.
- Smooth and responsive linear switches provide a satisfying typing and gaming experience.
- Includes a detachable wrist rest for added comfort during long sessions.
Cons:
- No USB pass-through for additional peripheral connections.
- Pudding keycaps may not be to everyone’s liking and may cause some smudging with extended use.
- The software can be somewhat complicated for beginners to navigate and customize.
- The linear switches may not be suitable for those who prefer tactile feedback.
- Some users have reported issues with LED lighting malfunctioning after extended use.
Conclusion
The HyperX Alloy Elite 2 is a well-built keyboard that offers a great typing experience. Its customization options, including the HyperX NGENUITY software, provide a range of options to personalize the keyboard to your liking. The linear switches are smooth and responsive, and the dedicated media controls are an added bonus. However, the lack of a USB pass-through port and wrist rest storage might be a deal-breaker for some users. Despite its few limitations, the HyperX Alloy Elite 2 is an excellent choice for gamers who prioritize precise keystrokes and customization options.
