The HyperX Alloy Elite RGB Mechanical Keyboard Review: A New High-End Challenger
by E. Fylladitakis on January 24, 2019 8:00 AM ESTConclusion
HyperX takes a step forward every time they release a new keyboard, adding more features as they go. Their first keyboard, the Alloy FPS, was a simple and compact mechanical keyboard, meant to be easily transportable. Then the Alloy Elite came out, a full-sized keyboard with backlighting and some extra features, yet no programmability. The Alloy Elite RGB, in turn, is essentially a greatly upgraded version of the Alloy Elite, adding RGB lighting, per-key programmability, and local and hard-programmed individual profiles.
The build quality of HyperX's Alloy Elite RGB is excellent and as expected from a top-tier keyboard. There is no argument that Cherry’s switches are still the best currently used on consumer-level mechanical keyboards and HyperX did an excellent job implementing them on their latest keyboard. The plastic top part of the keyboard is very sturdy and, although it cannot really compare to solid metal, it will definitely take a lot of force to cause real damage. Virtually only a very hard hit or a strong fall on a hard surface should be enough to cause damage but an all-metal design would endure even that kind of abuse.
In terms of comfort, the version of the Alloy Elite RGB with the Cherry MX RGB Red switches definitely ranks very high. Whether it is used for long gaming hours or for professional use, the Cherry MX Red switches will place the least possible stress to the muscles and tendons, increasing the user’s comfort and reducing the chance of health-related issues in the long run. Professional typists may not approve of the particular switch due to the lack of tactile and audible feedback and HyperX has them covered, as the Alloy Elite RGB is also available with tactile (MX Brown) and audible tactile (MX Blue) switches as well.
HyperX ’s latest addition to their gaming peripherals is, by all means, an exceptional mechanical keyboard and its current retail price of $140 is rather average for a top-tier keyboard. On the other hand, with an average price it really does not stand out amongst the very tough competition in the mechanical keyboard space, and as a result HyperX is relying more on their brand name and aesthetics than they are tangible superiority. As an added bonus, the very presence of the Alloy Elite RGB in the market though was enough to bring down the price of several other products – including that of HyperX’s own Alloy Elite – so there's been a knock-on effect that has seen simpler mechanical keyboards become more affordable as well.
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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”.