HyperX Alloy Elite Keyboard Review

1. Introduction2. Unboxing and First Look3. Testing4. Closing Thoughts5. View All Pages

All-in-all, the Alloy Elite is a smart product launch from HyperX that builds on the original Alloy FPS very well.

I am appreciative of the enhanced design as the dedicated media and LED keys are very handy. Having a volume slider is another great feature and I have no idea how I used to live without one.

Those extra features, coupled with the new detachable wrist rest and proper USB 2.0 pass-through port, are what sets the Elite above the Alloy FPS and I definitely think those additions are worth the extra £20.

However, I do think that a product in this price bracket should have RGB lighting. We are still waiting for the Elite RGB model, and it is disappointing that consumers will pay £120 for a keyboard with red-only LEDs.

The mechanical switch situation is also interesting as HyperX is only releasing the Elite with MX Red switches to the UK channel. While these are generally seen as the best for gamers, I always think manufacturers should give consumers the choice as there is no one switch that will please everybody. Even just having two extra models with MX Brown and MX Blue switches would go a long way to widening the keyboard's appeal.

Other than that, the HyperX Alloy Elite proves itself a worthy – if imperfect – successor to the Alloy FPS. It does the basics very well which carries it a long way, and the few extra features definitely justify the increased price. However, we are still waiting for HyperX to release an RGB keyboard – something I would have expected at this price-point, while there is also stiff competition in the high-end keyboard market.

The HyperX Alloy Elite will be on-sale soon for £119.99. We will update this review with a link when we have one.

Pros

• Excellent build quality.
• Cherry MX switches.
• Extra wrist rest and dedicated media/LED keys over the original Alloy FPS.
• USB passthrough port.

Cons

• Lacks RGB lighting – something I would expect at this price.
• Cherry MX Red switches only.

KitGuru says: The HyperX Alloy Elite is a very solid (in every sense of the word) gaming keyboard. It does the basics very well and will not let you down. However, I do think it needs RGB lighting given its price, while it is disappointing to see that it will only be available with Cherry MX Red switches.

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