For serious gamers, having responsive, durable gear can make the difference between victory and defeat. That‘s why I took an in-depth look at HyperX‘s Alloy Elite 2 mechanical gaming keyboard to see if it fits the bill. This high-performance keyboard promises slick RGB lighting, robust software controls, and speedy linear switches aimed at competitive players.
But does the Alloy Elite 2 deliver smooth, uncompromising speed? Can it withstand hours of intense gaming? Does it have the customization options that gaming enthusiasts need?
After testing and evaluating the ins and outs of this board, I‘m ready to guide you through everything it has to offer. Read on for a comprehensive look at whether the HyperX Alloy Elite 2 has what it takes for both casual and hardcore gamers.
Overview: Taking Stock of the HyperX Alloy Elite 2‘s Capabilities
HyperX built the Alloy Elite 2 gaming keyboard with competitive gameplay in mind, evident in the vivid RGB effects, rigid steel frame, and linear Red mechanical switches. Before digging into the review, let‘s run through a high-level overview of the keyboard‘s core capabilities:
Dimensions & Weight: 17.5 x 6.9 x 1.5 inches, 3.37 lbs with steel frame
Switch Type: HyperX Linear Red (45g force, 80 million click rating)
Connectivity: Fixed 5.9ft braided USB 2.0 cable
Key Rollover: N-key (presses register when multiple keys pressed)
Backlighting: Per-key RGB with 16.7 million color options
Onboard Storage: 3 profile/lighting setups
Extras: Detachable ABS pudding keycaps, RGB lightbar
The keyboard originally retailed for $129 when it launched in 2020. But two years later, you can now find it on sale between $100-130. That still puts it at the higher end of gaming keyboards, but lower than some other high-performance options like the $200+ Corsair K100.
For the price tag, the Alloy Elite 2 brings robust lighting customization powered by HyperX‘s NGENUITY software. It forgoes some bonus features like USB passthrough or a volume wheel to focus solely on speed, accuracy, and smoothness for gaming.
But words only say so much. Next I‘ll walk you through exactly how the Alloy Elite 2 performs in real world testing.
The Design Prioritizes Rigidity and Tactile Responsiveness
Right out of the box, you‘ll notice the Alloy Elite 2 has some heft to it thanks to a thick stamped steel frame. This rigid foundation prevents keyboard flex and wobble for optimal gaming accuracy. The keycaps and switch housings also clip securely into the steel backplate with very minimal side-to-side movement when gaming.
The keycaps themselves are made from ABS plastic with translucent sides to allow RGB lighting to shine through brightly. They withstand averages force during gaming, but extreme pressure can cause them to warp slightly or develop shine spots over time.
For connectivity, an fixed 5.9ft braided cable emerges from the center of the frame ends in a USB 2.0 Type-A connector. The cable provides ample length to reach your computer but unfortunately isn‘t removable.
Overall, the Alloy Elite 2 feels extremely solidly built. The sturdy steel construction gives it a very premium, responsive feel when gaming. Just don‘t expect an indestructible tank; the keycaps and exterior trim still feature basic plastic.
Snappy, Smooth Linear Switches Enhance Speed and Accuracy
The Alloy Elite 2 uses HyperX‘s own Red linear mechanical switches for fast, fluid key input. These switches activate at just 45 grams of force, allowing you to tap keys quickly and repetitively with minimal fatigue. They also use contact leaves instead of metal contact points, so each press feels smooth and stable without wobble.
Thanks to a short 3.8mm travel distance from top to bottom, inputs also register extremely quickly. This allows faster reactions during competitive multiplayer games where split second responsiveness gains an edge. The Alloy Elite 2 exhibits virtually zero keyboard chatter or input errors even when entering complex combinations.
The smooth linear feel also lent itself well to rapid movements during fast-paced first person shooter gameplay. Switch presses activate cleanly without obstruction, and keys rebound swiftly for repeated taps. Compared to tactile, clicky switches that provide feedback mid-press, the linear Red‘s uniform response enhances accuracy.
Customize Away With Extensive RGB Backlighting Effects
With vivid RGB lighting covering the base, keys, and light bar, the Alloy Elite 2 offers extensive custom aesthetic options. Using the NGENUITY software, you can program sophisticated animations, link colors to stats, and build game-specific themes. Presets like breathing or wave effects are also available if you don‘t want to customize everything manually.
The translucency on the ABS keycaps allows RGB colors to shine through evenly across the entire board. This uniformity looks fantastic when waving, rippling or blinking between different hues. Brighter tones like red, green, cyan and magenta appear particularly bold and saturated as well.
For those obsessed with matching their rig‘s style, the lighting possibilities are nearly endless. The Alloy Elite 2 usually defaults to a rainbow wave pattern out of the box, but downloading NGENUITY gives you way more options.
Onboard Profile Storage Adds Major Convenience
Dedicated gamers need their equipment configured precisely for each title they play. But it‘s a hassle having to reinstall software and recreate settings when moving computers. Fortunately, the Alloy Elite 2 sidesteps this nuisance by letting you directly save up to 3 profiles with custom keybinds, macros, and lighting presets right on the keyboard.
This onboard storage means performance remains perfectly tuned no matter where you plug in. Once your profiles are dialed in, the Alloy Elite 2 transforms into a highly personalized portable rig ready for LAN tournaments or gaming on the go.
The only limitation is adjusting settings without NGENUITY requires using key combinations, which lacks the intuitive graphical interface. But the profiles at least retain all your hard work regardless of what device you connect to later on.
It Excels at Competitive Multiplayer Gaming
So how does the HyperX Alloy Elite 2 ultimately perform during chaotic online matches? Extremely well thanks to its emphasis on speed, accuracy and personalization for competitive play.
The smooth linear switches allow rapidly double tapping movement keys for slick strafing maneuvers. They also minimize errors when frantically building structures in Fortnite thanks to the tactile responsiveness. And programmable macros eliminate complicated input sequences, letting you pull off special moves with just one keypress instead.
Meanwhile the rigid structural foundation prevents accidental keypresses by locking everything tightly in place. No matter how aggressively you mash buttons in the heat of battle, the Alloy Elite 2 stays firmly put.
While more casual players may not use all of its high-end gaming features, there‘s no denying the Alloy Elite 2 gives competitive fanatics precise control. Both hardware and software are geared toward tournament-style play for games like CS:GO, Valorant, and Apex Legends.
Key Advantages and Drawbacks Compared to Similar Gaming Keyboards
The HyperX Alloy Elite 2 hits all the right notes for a mechanical gaming keyboard, but how does it compare to popular alternatives like the SteelSeries Apex Pro or Logitech G915 Lightspeed?
HyperX Alloy Elite 2 Pros:
- Extremely rigid and stable for accuracy
- Vibrant per-key RGB backlighting
- Onboard profile storage for customization
- Smooth, fast linear switches
- Affordably priced for the features
Potential Cons:
- Fixed, non-removable USB cable
- No dedicated media keys
- ABS plastic exterior feels cheap compared to metal/aluminum competitors
The Corsair K100 RGB and SteelSeries Apex Pro mechanical gaming keyboards cost over $50 more but offer premium metal builds, OLED smart screens, and wireless connectivity. however, both use louder, clickier switches less suited for rapid key tapping.
The Logitech G915 Lightspeed justifies its staggering $250 MSRP with unmatched slim profile, aircraft-grade aluminum alloy deck, and Bluetooth/wireless support.
So if your top priorities are a perfectly rigid typing experience paired with vivid RGB capability, the HyperX Alloy Elite 2 certainly holds its own even against pricier rivals. It cuts some bonus features to focus strictly on high performance gaming.
Who Should (and Shouldn‘t) Buy the HyperX Alloy Elite 2
Thanks to its rugged build and high-accuracy switches tailored for gaming, I can comfortably recommend the Alloy Elite 2 to:
Competitive Esports Players – The responsive feel and extensive customization give you precise control to match your reflex-dependent playstyle.
FPS Games – The linear switches allow rapidly double tapping movement keys for adept strafing and navigation.
MOBA Gamers – Programmable macros let you execute complex character abilities at lightning speed.
However, if you primarily want a keyboard for office work with occasional gaming, there are more suitable options. And for non-Windows operating systems, you‘ll lose out on some functionality:
Work Typists – The shorter key travel isn‘t ideal long writing sessions. Quieter tactile switches are better suited for an office.
MacOS Users – Some effects and customization need NGENUITY software, which only supports Windows. You still retain onboard profile storage though.
So in summary – PC gamers who crave high end responsiveness will absolutely thrive with the HyperX Alloy Elite 2‘s uncompromising speed and precision. Just expect a very gaming-centric feature set less oriented toward general usage compared to some competitors.
Bottom Line: A Strong Pick for Intermediate & Competitive Player
The HyperX Alloy Elite 2 nails all fundamentals for a high-performance gaming keyboard. It skips extraneous features to deliver exceptionally rigid build quality, vibrant customizable RGBs, and rapid linear switches catered to gameplay accuracy.
While the plastic exterior feels cheaper than premium metal alternatives, everything related to gaming responsiveness and personalization still shines. Extra goodies like a volume wheel or OLED display would be nice too, but the Alloy Elite 2 focuses budget on the gaming experience instead.
For competitive and intermediate players alike seeking speed, the HyperX Alloy Elite 2 is an excellent value gaming keyboard guaranteed to level up your gameplay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the HyperX Alloy Elite 2 work with Xbox/PlayStation consoles?
Yes! It has full compatibility with both Xbox Series X|S and all PlayStation 4 & 5 consoles. You can still utilize the onboard profile storage. But some advanced functions need NGENUITY software, which requires a Windows PC connection.
What switch options are available?
The Alloy Elite 2 currently only comes with linear HyperX Red switches. They have a light 45g actuation force and smooth, rapid response well suited for gaming rather than typing.
How long can I expect the keyboard to last?
Thanks to durable mechanical switches rated for 80 million clicks and rigid structural foundation, the Alloy Elite 2 should easily last over 5 years with regular gaming usage before needing replacement. This longevity matches more expensive keyboards.
Does this model offer wireless connectivity?
Unfortunately no – the Alloy Elite 2 relies on a wired USB connection instead of Bluetooth or a wireless dongle. The braided cable is fixed in place and non-removeable too.
What other Alloy keyboard models does HyperX offer?
Popular alternatives in the Alloy gaming lineup include:
- Alloy Origins 60: Compact 60% form factor
- Alloy Origins Core: Tenkeyless with tactile switches
- Alloy FPS Pro: Minimalist FPS layout
Each caters to different size preferences, but the Alloy Elite 2 remains the most full-featured high-end model for max performance.
I hope this comprehensive overview better demonstrates the HyperX Alloy Elite 2‘s capabilities and value for intensely competitive gamers wanting a responsive, durable, and accurate keyboard. Let me know if you have any other questions!
