Review of the HyperX Alloy Elite RGB gaming keyboard. Review and testing of the HyperX Alloy Elite gaming keyboard: a modern classic Keyboard from HyperX Alloy Elite

Kingston Technology and its HyperX brand need little introduction. Under their banner, they offer the widest range of accessories and components for gamers and enthusiasts. 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 guests of our test laboratory more than once and left the most positive impressions. But what about mice and keyboards - the main tools of gamers? To date, only one manipulator (HyperX Pulsefire FPS) and two keyboards have been presented - and the one that fell into our hands HyperXAlloyElite.

In essence, the new product is an improved and more functional version of the model we previously tested with the “FPS” prefix. What changed? How successful was the product? We will try to give comprehensive answers to these and other questions below. By tradition, we begin the story by considering the technical characteristics.

Specification

	HyperXAlloyElite
Connection	Wired (USB)
Switch type	Mechanical (Cherry MX Red)
Service life, million clicks
Polling frequency, Hz
Supports 100% Anti-Ghosting and Full N-Key Rollover technologies
Built-in memory
Ability to record macros
Cord length, m
Additional features	Red LED button illumination; sound and multimedia control keys; quick access buttons; removable relief 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 warranty, months
Products webpage

Delivery and configuration

The gaming keyboard is offered in a medium-sized box made of thick cardboard and decorated with high-quality printing in traditional black and red colors. The information content is good. In addition to images of the accessory, on both sides of the packaging you can find a list of its key advantages.

The HyperX Alloy Elite comes with a removable wrist rest, a set of replacement caps and plastic tweezers for removing them, as well as user documentation.

Appearance, arrangement of elements and operating impressions

The similarity of HyperX Alloy Elite is clearly visible in appearance and design. This is a mechanical keyboard of the skeleton type, that is, the key mechanism protrudes quite high above the body. Due to this, the thickness of the latter differs little from its membrane or scissor counterparts, but its affiliation is revealed by the high profile of the caps. As for the visual component, we have a completely classic and strict design, without unnecessary decorative elements and colorful 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 practical matte plastic with a slightly rough texture. The upper part is presented in the form of a thick steel plate of matte black color, 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. During active use, the keyboard does not press at all, and there are no unnecessary 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 its predecessor.

A nice feature of the new product is the presence of a comfortable wrist rest, which is designed to relieve hand fatigue while working or playing. 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 using two latches.

The base has seven large rubberized feet, including three on a wrist rest, as well as two folding ones with rubber pads, 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. There is no drainage system, which means there is no protection from spilled liquids.

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

The HyperX Alloy Elite keyboard contains a standard set of full-size keys with trapezoidal keycaps. They are covered with a thin layer of soft-touch, which easily collects traces of use. The layout is presented in the classic American version (US ANSI), which eliminates the need for getting used to and allows you to immediately effectively interact with the device (both in gameplay and when typing). The symbols are laser-applied - the Latin alphabet is in the upper left corner of the cap, and the Cyrillic alphabet is slightly to the right and lower. Additional buttons include two blocks, 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 “dropouts from the game” during heated gaming battles. On the opposite side there is a place for the multimedia control unit: “Back”, “Play” / “Pause”, “Forward”, “Mute” and a volume wheel. Previously, all of these controls were available through a feature to maximize the size savings of the HyperX Alloy FPS. Now it has become much more convenient. But, as before, support for macros and proprietary software is not provided.

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

The buttons themselves of the HyperX Alloy Elite model are based on the most popular and reliable Cherry MX mechanical switches of different versions. Our sample is built on the basis of Cherry MX Red, which are reminiscent of Cherry MX Black, but with even less force to operate (45 g versus 60 g), without click and tactile sensations. The actuation and release moments are at 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 adaptation time. But it is precisely because of the very easy actuation that many users do not like this type of switches. In any case, we recommend that you try them out yourself and only then make your final choice. Let's remember that Cherry MX Blue switches have a tactile response and a loud click when activated (reminiscent of a typewriter) halfway through the travel - great for typing, somewhat worse for games. But Cherry MX Brown is a cross between the two previously mentioned options - they are quite quiet, the actuation 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 delivery package includes a set of replaceable silver caps (in HyperX Alloy FPS they are red) - the WASD block is embossed, and the keys have a regular 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 with a peripheral glance.

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

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 special problems, and everything looks quite nice.

Demonstration of different key backlight modes in a gaming keyboardHyperX Alloy Elite

Results

Summarizing 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 contained in. While its 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 during 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 you not only to charge gadgets, but also to connect any other peripherals.

Otherwise, we have classic mechanics, which is characterized by a strict appearance using high-quality construction materials. 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 full anti-ghosting, replaceable caps for the main gaming keys and bright red backlighting, and soon the manufacturer promises an RGB version will be available for sale.

Features of HyperX Alloy Elite include the lack of support for macros and any software for setting 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 attention, at least to add it to the list of likely candidates for purchase. By the way, the start of sales of the new product 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;
• high-quality materials of construction;
• high quality workmanship;
• standard layout of the main keys;
• comfortable wrist rest;
• Cherry MX mechanical switches;
• presence of multimedia control keys and additional functions;

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A modern gaming keyboard with mechanical switches and a special light strip located along the entire length of the device, which is an additional area for RGB backlighting.

HyperX Alloy Elite RGB is a new model of mechanical keyboard that combines many, many advantages, including stylish design, excellent technical parameters and more! The device is equipped with a high-quality RGB lighting system and many programmable keys, which, as well as the backlight, can be easily customized using special 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 battles. Among other advantages of the Alloy Elite RGB model, it is worth highlighting the gaming mod, as well as the ability to simultaneously press all keys of the device thanks to the anti-ghosting effect. This way you can instantly carry out even complex in-game combinations and thereby present your opponent with unpleasant surprises over and over again.

Among other things, HyperX Alloy Elite RGB is equipped with a set of multimedia keys, a USB 2.0 port and shortcut keys. The device comes with your choice of several Cherry MX* switch models. On top of everything else, the device is equipped with built-in memory, which allows you to easily save all your backlight settings and lighting effects directly on the device itself. Another nice feature: a convenient and ergonomic detachable wrist insert that provides additional comfort during use. The Alloy Elite RGB also comes with additional textured keycaps designed for key gaming keys, allowing you to instantly find the keys you need by touch without wasting precious seconds.

A short list of the advantages of the keyboard:
- An expressive strip located along the entire length of the device is another zone for RGB lighting to work 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.
- Modern Cherry MX mechanical switches that provide maximum accuracy and reliability when pressed.
- The presence of a number of features and modifications aimed at ensuring maximum operating comfort.
- Availability of built-in memory.
- Comfortable and ergonomic wrist rest.
- Additional keycaps with a textured surface.

Detailed list of device advantages:

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 operation of your keyboard, namely: set up a game mod, create macros of any complexity, and program RGB lighting individually for each key.

The durable steel frame provides the device with enviable durability.

The keyboard features Cherry MX mechanical switches that deliver precision and reliability with every keystroke. Plus, you can choose from Blue, Brown, or Red switches to perfectly match your preferences.

A set of multimedia keys and special buttons for adjusting the backlight parameters make it possible to easily manage 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 features integrated memory that allows you to save up to three different customization profiles.

An ergonomic removable wrist rest and additional keycaps for the main gaming keys with a textured surface provide even more comfort during use.

Technical specifications

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

Features of the lighting system:
- Number of shades for buttons: 16,777,216.
- Number of shades for the 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 integrated memory, which accommodates 3 different configuration profiles.
- Connection: USB 2.0 (two USB connectors).
- Equipped with a USB 2.0 port.
- Polling rate indicator: 1 kHz.
- Availability of 100% antighosting effect.
- All keys of the device can be pressed simultaneously, thereby 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 distinguished by extreme clarity when pressed, the force of which is only 50 cN.
- CHERRY MX RGB Brown boasts tactile feedback. Its force is 45 cN.
- CHERRY MX RGB Red: linear switches, actuation force: 45 cN.

Cable:
- Type: fixed, wicker.
- Length: 1.8 m.

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

*Depending on your country and region, different switch models may be available.
**Customize RGB lighting using the HyperX NGenuity app.

Since HyperX is a fairly young brand in the modern gaming peripherals market, its product range is still not very wide. So, until recently, the only mechanical keyboard of this brand was Alloy FPS, and the Pulsefire FPS mouse was only in its first month. However, everything indicates that Kingston Technology is going to quickly fill the gaps in the lineup, and we will see a lot of interesting things in the near future. But away with the preamble, let's get straight to the subject of this review - the HyperX Alloy Elite mechanical keyboard.

Specifications

Model
Product page	hyperxgaming.com
Connection	Wired
Interface	USB 2.0
Polling frequency, Hz	1000
Type	Gaming
Number of keys	104
Additional buttons	7
Keystroke resource, million.	50
Key type	Mechanical
Switch type	Cherry MX Red
Changing the body angle	+
Built-in memory, KB	-
Ability to record macros	-
Handling rollovers	NKRO
Backlight	+ (Red)
USB cable length, m	1,8
Braid material	Nylon braid
Availability of built-in display	-
Material	Metal / Plastic
Color	Black
Software	-
Removable palm rest	+
External interfaces	1 x USB 2.0
Dimensions (L x W x H), mm	444 x 227 (170 without stand) x 36
Weight, g	1467
OS Compatibility	Windows 7/8/8.1/10
Peculiarities	Lighting effects, audio volume wheel, additional buttons including dedicated media, USB 2.0 pass-through, replaceable WASD and 1234 keycaps, button removal key
Average cost, $	135

Contents of delivery

The packaging of the keyboard looks attractive and lively. In front there is an image of the product itself, in the back there is a description of its advantages, with pictures and in several languages. However, what is decisively missing here is at least some technical information.

The package includes brief instructions on how to use the product, a congratulations note on your purchase, eight replacement keycaps and a key for removing them. In principle, nothing more is required here.

Appearance and Design

HyperX Alloy Elite, in terms of its case design, belongs to the “skeleton” class, that is, the button mechanisms protrude half outward. The entire top panel under the key block is a solid sheet of 1 mm thick smooth metal. It is this part that provides the keyboard with extremely high torsional strength and a large overall weight. All other elements are made of matte black plastic. The device comes with a convenient removable palm rest. The surface of the stand is made of soft-touch plastic, and opposite the block of main buttons there is a rubber stop insert with a relief in the form of triple stripes, the same as on the sides of the Pulsefire FPS mouse.

On the reverse side, the palm rest is hollow, although with a sufficient set of stiffening ribs. Fastens on two hooks. There are three massive rubber feet at the front to prevent slipping.

When assembled with the keyboard, the palm rest is located quite high, taking into account the low profile of the keyboard, and this has a very positive effect on the convenience of typing and long-term work in general.

The main keyboard block has a standard key layout with long Shift and single-level Enter buttons. It doesn't take time to get used to. The set does not have the Fn button, which has already become familiar to many laptop users; instead, the Win button is duplicated on the right. The switch caps are painted matte black. Latin and Cyrillic engravings are lasered close together on the top half of the button. The caps themselves have an ergonomic cylindrical recess in the middle.

If desired, the user can replace the standard button caps with alternative ones, gray in color and with a textured surface. They also have both engraving options, so there won’t be much difference in printing. But for games, such a replacement really makes sense, because these are the most used buttons that are usually worn out to holes first.

There are three buttons in the upper left corner. The first of them adjusts the brightness of the background lighting of the keys, the second switches the available lighting effects, the third turns on the game mode, in which the Win buttons become inactive (to avoid accidentally exiting the application).

The location of the number pad buttons, arrows and editor keys is also standard. There is no rubber palm rest on this side.

In the upper right corner there is a knurled metal wheel for adjusting the system sound volume. To the left of it there are three more buttons responsible for controlling the player, and one that turns off the sound completely. White Lock indicators are located to the right of the HyperX logo. If you look from top to bottom, there are LEDs for game mode, number pad and Caps mode.

For mechanical switches, HyperX Alloy Elite uses classic Cherry MX Red with built-in red LEDs. These are linear and fairly quiet mechanisms when activated, with a low pressing force of 45 grams. In addition, there are keyboard options with ringing MX Blue and tactile MX Brown. The stabilizers of the long keys are recessed into the backing; only their contact latches stick out. Thanks to this, all buttons are well stabilized in the horizontal and vertical plane, and can be easily removed for cleaning if necessary.

In profile, the keyboard has a sophisticated design, visually consisting of two parts - a wedge-shaped body and a taller, trapezoidal bar at the back. The rows of keys have slightly pronounced ergonomic slopes, without the first two rows sharply falling back. The unfolded legs add no more than 11 mm to the height of the body, so there is not much difference between the flat and inclined position. Convenient in both the first and second options.

A thick braided signal cord enters the keyboard body exactly in the middle. The kink protection looks small compared to the cross-section of the cord.

To the right of the cord, in a special recess, there is a connector for a full-fledged pass-through USB 2.0 port, to which you can connect a mouse, headphones or a flash drive. This is already noticeable progress, taking into account the fact that such a port was also in Alloy FPS, but there it only served to recharge mobile devices.

The braided signal cable is of medium rigidity and does not tend to straighten under its own weight. 30 cm before the connectors, it is divided into two parts, which form two thinner, but no less rigid wires, ending in small USB connectors. There are no separate markings on them, and the purpose can be distinguished only by color. The connector with a white insert is the keyboard power cable, and the one with a black insert is responsible for the USB pass-through port and its connection is optional.

The back of the keyboard is made of plastic and has three large raised indentations in the center and on the sides. They give the base not only a stylish appearance, but also additional strength. Four rubber feet are in place and provide good grip between the case and the table. The keyboard practically does not slip.

Folding legs also have rubber stickers and only one fixation position.

The keyboard is lit exclusively by red backlighting, but it looks very good. The light between the keys is minimal, all characters are perfectly readable. There are three brightness levels available and the ability to turn off the backlight completely. In addition, the strip at the top above the main block and the four media buttons at the top right are illuminated. The white lock indicators are very bright and blinding, but only if you look at them directly. In normal use, they are always at an angle and therefore do not cause much discomfort.

Functionality

The HyperX Alloy Elite keyboard does not have software and does not have the ability to record macro commands. But this is difficult to classify as a disadvantage, if only because the general concept of this device is simplicity, standardization and minimalism. However, the keyboard does have some features implemented in hardware that are worth talking about.

The user has access to six lighting effects, which are switched by the second key on the left. Among these effects are: 1) constant lighting of all buttons; 2) breathing mode; 3) fading backlight of the last activated keys; 4) a light wave spreading from the pressed button; 5) a burst of light passing from left to right; 6) backlighting only certain keys.

In order to set the buttons required for backlighting in the sixth mode, you need to simultaneously hold down the first and third buttons on the left (backlight brightness + game mode). After this, the red stripe will begin to glow in a wave from left to right and all Lock indicators will flash. Now it’s enough to click on the buttons needed for illumination and, at the end of the operation, press the same combination of the first and third buttons once again.

The game mode button blocks both Win keys from being activated. The white indicator at the top right reminds you of its activation.

The player keys - start/stop and fast forward/rewind only work if the player application is in the active window. They don't work in the background.

The mute key and adjustment wheel control the system volume level and work in any situation.

The USB 2.0 pass-through port operates normally and without restrictions at speeds compliant with this standard.

Ergonomics and testing

The ergonomics of the HyperX Alloy Elite mechanical keyboard are at a high level. The thin body profile, comfortable palm rest and pleasant-to-touch materials make this device very comfortable for long-term use. Those who find the palm rest inconvenient can easily dismantle it. Moreover, the arrangement of switches in a “skeleton” pattern, the presence of a key for removing the keycaps, and stabilizers hidden behind a metal plate make this keyboard easy and quick to clean. And special replaceable caps will help you quickly find the main gaming block of WASD keys by touch. The mute key and volume wheel are also located so that they can be quickly reached by throwing your hand over the mouse.

From the point of view of using the keyboard for touch typing, it is also good. A completely standard layout, a pleasant non-slip key coating, clear and predictable switches - everything is great not only for games, but also for busy everyday work. The long keys are well stabilized and do not produce any extraneous ringing when pressed. For those who have not mastered touch typing, the beautiful and easy-to-read backlighting of the keys will help.

The only point that causes difficulties is using the USB port. It is located at the back so that it is difficult to find it by touch and quickly connect something there right away; it will take time to train muscle memory.

The Cherry MX Red mechanical switches in this keyboard are original. This means that their pressing force is well selected, and there are no false positives or random activations under the weight of the user’s fingers, which are typical for Chinese copies from other manufacturers. Therefore, this option is the most universal for both printing and gaming use. For fans of other switches, as mentioned earlier, Cherry MX Blue and Brown versions will be available.

The build quality of the keyboard case is high. There are no creaks, backlashes or gaps anywhere. Irritation can only be caused by a signal cord that is too thick, but this is a purely aesthetic quibble.

The backlighting of the keys looks great. It is easy to read in light and in the dark; in most cases, even the minimum first brightness level is enough. The lighting effects certainly look nice, but are generally useless for the average user. However, players will appreciate the ability to turn the key backlighting on and off individually.

The keyboard correctly handles all simultaneous key presses (NKRO) in any combination, as stated by the manufacturer.

Results

The new HyperX Alloy Elite mechanical gaming keyboard is good in all respects. It has a beautiful design, a reliable and durable body, good ergonomics, high-quality Cherry mechanical switches and support for full anti-ghosting of all keys, excellent backlighting, a built-in volume control and a USB port. And, most importantly, this device does not have any critical flaws. And with these keyboards coming to market with three switch options and even RGB backlighting (in the not-too-distant future), they have something to suit every need.

Therefore, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard, be sure to include the HyperX Alloy Elite in your list of candidates. This is a more than worthy offer for its price.

It remains to add that the start of sales of the new product in Ukraine is scheduled for August 21. The manufacturing company promises a new XL gaming surface as a gift to all customers who pre-order before August 20th.

Let's briefly outline what we're dealing with: This is another mechanical keyboard in a skeleton form factor that has a solid steel plate underneath as a body and is built with Cherry switches. And it differs from the Alloy FPS in several key features: more home-oriented use (non-removable cable), convenient media buttons for controlling music and sound, as well as separate keys for controlling the brightness of the backlight and its operating modes. To top it all off, there is a full-fledged USB port, which allows you not only to charge mobile devices, but also to connect a mouse, headset, and so on. Oh, and of course, for greater ease of use, they didn’t forget about the removable palm rest. And lastly: there will be two versions of the keyboard on sale - Alloy Elite and Alloy Elite RGB. The latter, as the name suggests, is distinguished by RGB backlighting (which is also configurable directly from the keyboard), but the first has only a single-color red backlight - this is what we will discuss further.

The HyperX Alloy Elite keyboard comes in a box made of thick corrugated cardboard, on top of which is stretched an equally impressive colorful “sleeve”, on which all the innovations of the keyboard are painted. Inside there is a very decent set of equipment: a keyboard, a removable palm rest, additional keycaps for various game genres, a tool for removing keycaps and simple but concise instructions for setting up the keyboard and backlight operating modes.

HyperX Alloy Elite is a full-size 104-key mechanical keyboard without macro keys. However, the keyboard has 4 more buttons for controlling multimedia, a kind of analogue volume control roller (on which, due to the smoothness of the adjustment, the volume level is selected purely by ear), and 3 additional keyboard control keys. The keyboard is built on Cherry MX Red switches (there will also be MX Brown and MX Blue), its weight is 1.5 kg, dimensions (in mm) are 444 x 227 x 37. The keyboard has full support for NKRO via USB, and it does not have software software - it is completely customizable on the fly. This has both a plus (install and play - nothing else is needed), and a minus - there is no setting up macros and other things.

The previous HyperX keyboard, represented by the Alloy FPS, proved itself to be a very good design and a well-built frame, and here the Alloy Elite is in no way inferior, and in some places it turned out even nicer than its predecessor. Just as before, a solid steel plate is used, which is the body of the keyboard, therefore, as is typical for gaming devices, the keyboard is made in a frameless style. However, from a visual point of view, the keyboard began to look neater and more concise, although at the same time it grew in size. I would like to separately note the rounded front edge, which creates a smoothly flowing appearance of the keyboard, and besides, it is convenient to place your thumbs on it - I really love this feature. But they did save some money here and there: the upper part, which is separated from the main typing block, is made of plastic (like the rest of the keyboard body), which, in my opinion, slightly loses the sense of integrity in the perception of the keyboard.

The second thing that immediately catches your eye is the ideal layout and location of all the keys on the HyperX Alloy Elite keyboard. This is a standard ANSI layout, the row of F-keys starts exactly above the “two”, in addition, all the keys of the bottom row have the same proportions (except for the spacebar), which allows you to easily install a custom set of keycaps. Long shifts, one-story enter - everything is as it should be. There are no other elements that make the keyboard look heavier. And the company logo is used to highlight the product on the space. I would like to immediately say something about the stand: it is quite simple, but covered with soft-touch plastic, and therefore it is pleasant and velvety to the touch. Of course, it’s a long way from Razer keyboard stands, but it’s still very comfortable to type on. Although, given the fairly low profile of the keyboard, some may not need a stand at all.

The keyboard has a standard Cherry OEM keycap profile, so there are no surprises here - a classic of the genre. It’s all the more pleasant to see that despite the classic execution, everything is done very well and extremely carefully. The same applies to the localization of keycaps - the visibility of the letters is simply excellent, and this is one of the best localizations I have seen on keyboards. Both symbols are located at the top of the keycap and they are slightly different in size, which makes it easy to distinguish the symbols when printed. The caps are made from ABS plastic and are coated with matte black paint that is very smooth but incredibly durable. It is curious that there are LEDs on the right side for all keyboard modifiers, but the company did not consider it necessary to make an LED for Scroll Lock - who even uses this function now?

Each HyperX Alloy Elite switch contains a red LED, which ensures that the backlight operates. Interestingly, in addition to the keys, the keyboard above the main printing block has a long acrylic translucent strip through which light also passes, and at night the backlight looks impressive. Additional multimedia keys are also backlit, but for some reason the keys on the left side, responsible for the brightness and backlight, are not. The keyboard has 3 brightness modes, and the first of them is more than enough for night mode. However, the maximum brightness cannot be called too high, since due to the open body and the absence of a reflective substrate, a uniform and diffuse, but not the brightest, glow is achieved.

The heart of the keyboard is Cherry MX Red mechanical switches. A classic of its genre for gamers. These are linear and fairly light switches with a uniform actuation force, the actuation force is 45 grams. The total key stroke is 4 mm, operation is at half the total key stroke. The resource of pressing is 50 million times for each key. Cherry stabilizers are located under the long keys, and their implementation is quite good - when pressed, you can only hear a slight metallic sound, which does not interfere with typing at all and does not distract from work. However, for obvious reasons, such a keyboard as a whole cannot be called quiet - to soften the presses and reduce the sound produced, you can try using rubber O-Rings.

From the bottom, the ergonomics of the HyperX Alloy Elite keyboard are more than good: 4 soft rubber pads combined with a large mass make the keyboard as stable as possible on the table. The retractable legs also have rubber pads, so stability is maintained in any position. In addition, the legs extend with a slight, neat click - the esthete soul in me was extremely pleased. With a stand, the keyboard is no less stable, since there are already 3 more rubber pads of impressive size located on the bottom of it.

The rear end of the keyboard is notable for only two details: a cable outlet and the presence of a full-fledged USB port. The cable comes out exactly in the middle, it is quite thick and wrapped in a fabric braid, but at the same time it is very soft and pliable, and there will be no problems with its installation. The cable length is 1.8 meters, at the end there are two USB plugs. One for connecting a keyboard, and the second for a USB port. The only pity is that the USB plugs are not marked in any way, so if you don’t want to use an additional USB port, you have to connect the keyboard blindly.

The first thing I did after connecting the keyboard was to look at the backlighting options, and I was surprised at quite a few modes (this is taking into account just a single color!) Among them are static backlighting, breathing mode, reactive mode (keys light up only when pressed), ripple effect ( when pressing light seems to spread in all directions), wave mode and its own setting of the backlit keys (its setting, by the way, is also described in the instructions). On the one hand, this is quite a sufficient number of modes, but on the other... The possibilities are extremely limited. For example, you cannot set the speed, direction and other things that distinguish advanced lighting. However, for people who do not have such high requirements, this set of effects will be more than enough. Also next to the backlight adjustment keys is a game mode key that disables both Windows keys.

But the greatest pleasure you get from this keyboard is simply typing and playing. Simply put, in everyday use this is a very pleasant keyboard to use. The keys are pressed quickly and easily, responding clearly to even the slightest pressure. Moreover, each press is clearly felt due to the slight roughness that occurs when the key is lowered all the way. In general, a little friction is typical for all Cherry switches, and this time is no exception. Separately, I would like to note not only the excellent implementation of the switches, but also the pleasant sound when the keys hit the substrate. The keys are pressed with a light, neat, quiet and muffled click, which only complements the aesthetic component of the keyboard.

Based on the totality of its characteristics, HyperX Alloy Elite is one of the best mechanics designed for home gaming. Literally everything about it is good - the appearance, the small well-thought-out details, the ergonomics, the capabilities, the lighting, the switches, and the feel. This is a classic keyboard design done at the highest level. Combined with the Cherry switches, this keyboard is a benchmark in gaming mechanics. And therefore we can safely say that this is one of the best and well-built keyboards on the market at the moment. And guess what? There is simply nothing to complain about - this keyboard simply gives the most pleasant and positive experience when working with it. But a couple of additional features, like the same multimedia functions and the presence of a USB port, make communicating with the keyboard even more convenient.

Choose a keyboard with a vibrant look and advanced functionality. The Alloy Elite RGB keyboard lets you customize each key color with easy-to-use HyperX NGenuity software and save your customizations to onboard memory. The model has a solid steel frame, thanks to which you will have a reliable and immovable device to control even in the heat of battle, while the game mode and N-Key Rollover and Anti-ghosting features will ensure precise keypresses. The full-featured keyboard is designed to meet the needs of all users with dedicated media control keys, USB 2.0 pass-through, shortcut buttons, and a wide variety of reliable CHERRY key switches. The keyboards also feature a comfortable, removable wrist rest and optional gray HyperX textured keycaps to help you find the keys you need faster.