The HyperX Alloy Elite RGB Mechanical Keyboard Review: A New High-End Challenger
by E. Fylladitakis on January 24, 2019 8:00 AM ESTSoftware
HyperX baptized their new keyboard control software “NGenuity”. Although HyperX advertises it as a “programmable RGB LED software”, NGenuity is not limited to lighting programming. Instead, it makes the Alloy Elite RGB a fully programmable keyboard, allowing the individual remapping/reprogramming of every key. It can hold up to three profiles into its onboard memory but more may be present locally.
The layout of the software initially appears clean and simple. There is more to it than what initially meets the eye though, with several submenus and numerous options. Fortunately, the software has in-built tutorial screens that are helpful and can be brought up at any time by clicking the icon at the top of the interface.
The first screen of the software is very simple, allowing the selection of a local or hard-programmed profile, or its creation. When a new profile is created, the user received a rather long list of pre-programmed lighting profiles to choose from. Note that the lighting profiles are accurate in terms of highlighting the default keys of each game but they are not dynamic, i.e. the key lighting will not change according to any in-game parameters. Each profile can be linked to one or more applications but, obviously, only one icon can be chosen for each profile.
After a profile has been created, users can click the “Customize” button to edit it. This brings up a new set of menus, allowing per-key input and lighting programming. The lighting programming can be either done with the keyboard as a whole, where users can select one pre-programmed lighting effect or color, in zones, where users can define zones to apply effects and colors to, or in “freestyle” mode, where each key must be individually programmed. The lighting programming controls are very versatile and should satisfy any kind of user.
The Macro programming screen holds much more than what its title suggests. From this screen users can manually reassign (or even disable) each single key. There is a wide range of options to choose from, from simple layout changes to multiple concurrent keystrokes. The software has an in-built macro programmer but is very simple, allowing only the capture of keyboard keystrokes and the manipulation of delays, with no repeat settings or the ability to insert mouse movements or clicks. Advanced commands also include the launching of third-party software, allowing the use of advanced third-party macro programmers if the need arises.
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jtd871 - Thursday, January 24, 2019 - link
Shame about the obtrusive branding...nathanddrews - Thursday, January 24, 2019 - link
You mean the single HyperX logo above the 10-key and the small symbol on the spacebar? Yeah, WAY over the top!jtd871 - Thursday, January 24, 2019 - link
It could have been yet more subdued is all.sonny73n - Friday, January 25, 2019 - link
Nath are you being sarcastic? That obtrusive logo should be much less noticeable than the rest of the characters. It should not be a distraction for novice typers. That’s a deal breaker for me, unless it’s $20 and come with some black tape.Orange_Swan - Thursday, January 24, 2019 - link
meh, I'm not that bothered. guess its personal opinionDigitalFreak - Thursday, January 24, 2019 - link
I've never understood why these types of keyboards are so expensive.sarcasm9 - Thursday, January 24, 2019 - link
Because people will pay it without looking around for better deals. I bought a Redragon on Amazon that's very similar to this keyboard for half the price.PeachNCream - Thursday, January 24, 2019 - link
I bought a Model M still new in packaging at a computer show in 2001 for $5. However now that mechanical keyboards are marketed as premium products, they gain product features that add cost (LEDs, value-added software, advertising cost, etc.) and the OEM adds a considerable markup since people will endure the higher price for what they fell is an improvement or added prestige. I hate to use a "compare-everything-to-a-car" thing, but pickup trucks were really inexpensive to manufacture and produce until they were accepted as a status symbol. Its hard to blame companies for taking advantage of that sort of situation or actively working to create a product category like this through marketing efforts. As a shareholder, I'd want heads to roll at the C-level if easy profits were left on the table because the company had an attack of ethics and didn't fabricate a need for a high margin product since those profits translate into share price and dividends.Carmen00 - Thursday, January 24, 2019 - link
It's interesting how culture and geographic location affects values. I'd want heads to roll at C-level if profits were made at the cost of ethics. Sustainable business, especially in a lower-income country, can't rely on a fabricated need. I'd have concerns as a shareholder that the business foundations aren't solid.sonny73n - Friday, January 25, 2019 - link
We just have to stop buying what we don’t need. But most Americans are materialistic. It’s impossible for those to distinguish between “need” and “want”.