HyperX has further cemented its place in the gaming accessories market, after picking up a 2018 iF Design Award for its well-praised Cloud Flight Wireless Headset and new Alloy Elite RBG Keyboard.
The recognition comes just days after the Australian launch of its new Alloy Elite RBG Keyboard (A$259) on March 9th.
HyperX’s pro-grade keyboard claims to be its newest flagship model, and competes with the likes of Razer’s BlackWidow Chroma V2.
Offering “complete colour customisation” the new device is also HyperX’s first full-featured RBG mechanical keyboard.
Design
The moment you lay eyes on the new Alloy Elite RBG Keyboard it’s clear this is a ‘flagship’ product. The device feels sturdy to hold, and distills a robust, quality-assuring weight.
The keyboard remains well-balanced – even when the legs are up – making for comfortable usability.
Featuring a metal frame and raised mechanical keys, the keyboard is well designed and portrays and no-nonsense [yet striking] aesthetic.
Both the deck and keys incorporate a soft touch finish, which feels especially luxe.
I’d describe the keyboard’s design as very unisex, without compromising on style. It’s clearly well crafted, and oozes ‘good quality’.
No matter your sex, this is a keyboard which casts a striking impression on your desk.
As someone with limited desk space, I appreciated the comparatively compact size of the Alloy Elite RGB Keyboard. Though definitely full sized, the device is not as chunky as other gaming keyboards, even with its detachable wrist-rest afixed.
Complimenting a full QWERTY keyboard, users also benefit from dedicated media buttons – including a nifty wheel for volume adjustment – plus three ‘setting buttons’ on the top left (prompting gamemode, changing lighting profiles and adjusting brightness).
Overall, it’s a well thought out design and caters to a vast array of comupting and gaming requirements.
A keycap puller is also included, plus eight textured silver keycaps for ‘high use’ gaming buttons (e.g. W, A, S, D, 1, 2, 3, 4).
Separating itself from the likes of Razer and Logitech, HyperX has opted for renowned Cherry MXs, in lieu of developing its own key switches.
Consumers can choose between Cherry X Blue, Red or Brown models. Those who prefered less of a ‘clicking’ noise can opt for Cherry MX Red or Blue, depending on preference.
Enhancing ease of use, the device’s keys have an ergonomic and concave upper. The previously mentioned soft-touch finish makes for comfortable typing and an overall pleasant experience.
As a writer, it’s a requirement all keyboards [gaming or not] deliver smooth, quick and effiicent typing – an area I found the Alloy Elite RBG Keyboad largely delivered.
Word of warning – while ergonimcally designed, the keys do feature a slightly tapered top, which requires some getting used to, especially for extensive word processing. However, after some inital teething it’s largely smooth sailing.
Taking on the likes of other gaming brands, each key on the Alloy Elite RGB keyboard features its own customisable coloured backlight, and supports the renowned “16 million colours” mantra.
It follows HyperX’s former Alloy Elite mechanical keyboard which dellivered a red backlight. Per-key colour customisation is a natural factor for the its RGB keyboard’s comparative high price.
As a highly visual person, and someone who craves aesthetic beauty in most of my belongings, the colour customisation of the Alloy Elite RGB Keyboard is an enjoyable addition.
I was thrilled to watch the keyboard light up in a darkened room, and see it cascade through a rainbow of colours.
As an extra touch, the keyboard features a complimentary horizontal light bar on its upper section.
HyperX’s Alloy Elite RGB Keyboard connects to a user’s PC via a sturdy braided cord, which splits into two USB plugs.
Unfortunately, there is no dedicated macro keys.
Making for an easy connection to a gaming headset or mouse, the keyboard also embeds a USB 2.0 port.
Software
To set-up and control the keyboard’s colourful backlight, consumers are required to download HyperX’s new ‘Ngenuity’ software.
Unfortunately, the program’s name is a bit of misnomer, as it’s a touch tricky to navigate and get a handle of.
That being said, it is HyperX’s first keyboard to require such software, and it’s likely the company will improve the program with time.
As I’m the type of person who really appreciates great product aesthetics, I’m occasionally willing to look past slight funtional hiccups.
As the lighting set-up software isn’t a major factor of the of the keyboard’s day-to-day performance, I’m not tremendously irked that it’s initally a little frustrating.
Upon first use, consumers will note the software comes pre-loaded with three colour profiles, however, these are all stock standard ‘red lights’ amd require you to edit or create new ones.
That’s an endeavour which is easier in theory, than practise.
If you’re not a particularly computer savvy person, you will likely struggle here. That being said, this is a gaming keyboard, and one can assume computer literacy is relitively high within the target demographic.
Feel free to follow the associated instructions – I’ll just say there was a lot of flipping back-and-forth from the main menu, as I tried to make/save profiles.
After customising lighting, you can apply a suite of standard effects – e.g. breathing, wave or static lighting.
You can register three lighting configurations per profile to the main menu.
Consumers can assign customised colour lighting setups to ‘zones’, or individual keys in the ‘Free Style’ menu.
Macro recording is possible, however, as mentioned there are no dedicated macro keys – i.e. you may have to assign these to the number pad.
Users also benefit from a notable list of game-specific lighting setups – e.g. for Destiny 2. It casts a great effect.
Performance
I’ll keep it short and sweet – the Alloy Elite’s RBG Gaming Keyboard features keys which are [clearly] specifically designed for gaming. It’s smooth, easy to use, and if you get the Cherry MX Brown model will deliver a tactile feel.
As mentioned, for extensive typing the keys’ concave top does require a bit of initial getting used to, however, renders itself great for gaming.
The textured silver keycaps are a also a great addition for FPS (first person shooter) games.
Concerning in-game performance, keys are highly responsive and accurate.
For someone with petite hands, I appreciated the keyboard’s comparatively compact size. It was comfortable and overall ergonomic. All in all, the more comfortable I am, the longer I can work/play.
Overall
HyperX is clearly making a name for itself in the gaming accesories market, and its new Alloy Elite RGB Keyboard proves an excellent addition to its expanding product range.
The keyboard is comfortable and easy to use, and is complimented with striking aesthetics.
It’s a robust and well-built gaming keyboard which portrays its ‘flagship’ and premium nature.
Whilst software is initally tricky, and typing requires some getting used to, HyperX’s Alloy Elite RGB Keyboard is primarily a delight to use, and makes a striking gaming periphery.
The device incorporates a suite of features most users would desire in a mechanical gaming keyboard.
HyperX’s Alloy Elite RGB Gaming Keyboard is available to purchase from authorised Australian retailers for A$259.
Technical Specifications:
