HyperX Alloy Elite Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Review

Gone is the detachable cable found on the Alloy FPS, sadly.  HyperX has gone with a braded 1.8 meter cable nicely covered by a black sleeving.  The cable and connections are the most common fail points on most keyboards in this category.  The cable looks sharp and very well built but I will always prefer a replaceable option.

For those that find the lower profile uncomfortable two small feet can be extended to give your Alloy Elite an additional half inch or so of tilt.

HyperX provides a set of gun metal keycaps to replace your typical FPS keys and the 1-4 keys.  This adds an accent to the keys that looks pretty cool even with the lights off.  These keys even have a unique texture that immediately identifies them to the touch.  They even include a tool to make swapping simple.  I do love this trend as a FPS gamer!

The HyperX Alloy Elite Mechanical Gaming Keyboard just looks and feels great.  The design changes add a nice extra dash of color without turning gaudy. I love the accent stripe across the top!  As with the entire Alloy line, the use of a steel frame and Cherry MX keys means you will be gaming on the Alloy Elite for quite some time.  Choosing your Cherry MX key style is a definite plus that will elevate a good keyboard to greatness over time.

Some compromises place the Alloy Elite in a more budget friendly range when compared with some other top tier RGB boards. No programmable macros may take the Alloy FPS off the list for some gamers for example.  I find I rarely need them myself and most FPS purists will probably agree (or program them to the mouse).  The addition of dedicated media controls and the USB 2.0 pass-through add additional value and functionality. Now if I can just get them to add a removable cable back into the mix! 

It’s hard to go wrong paring the award winning solid steel frame with Cherry MX switches.  I can’t help but smile at the subtle use of red LED lighting and the feel of the textured keys should be an industry standard.  HyperX has another solid competitor on their hands.

Solid steel construction
Cherry MX switches
Tactile gun metal FPS keys
USB 2.0 pass-through
Attractive red LED lighting

No detachable cable
Simple plastic wrist support
No software/macro support