Who is TimTheTatman?
Before diving into the gear itself, it helps to understand who TimTheTatman is and why HyperX chose to collaborate with him. TimTheTatman (real name Timothy John Betar) has become one of the most recognizable personalities in gaming today. With over 3.7 million followers on Twitch and millions of loyal subscribers on YouTube, he‘s built an enormous audience around his infectious personality and skilled gameplay across titles like Fortnite, Call of Duty, Overwatch and more (source).
As his popularity grew, Tim began attracting sponsorships from major brands who wanted to leverage his influence with gamers. HyperX – the gaming division of HP – brought him on as an ambassador back in 2021. This long-term partnership led to the eventual development of the TimTheTatman HyperX Collection, featuring Tim‘s signatures on a few of HyperX‘s most popular gaming peripherals.
Overview of HyperX
Before we dive into the specific products, it‘s helpful to understand HyperX and what they‘re best known for. Founded in 2002, HyperX has become the premium gaming brand for parent company HP. They are recognized in the gaming community for building peripherals focused on quality, comfort and durability tailored specifically for gamers. Their headsets, in particular, are regarded as some of the best options on the market in terms of sound quality and comfort for marathon gaming sessions (source).
Beyond headsets, HyperX has also seen tremendous success with their Cloud line of keyboards and mice. The HyperX Alloy keyboard series offers robust customization and responsive key actions preferred by gamers, while the Pulsefire mouse lineup provides both lightweight shells and flawless sensors optimized for fast, precise gameplay across genres. With TimTheTatman‘s stamp, this gear gets even better.
TimTheTatman HyperX Collection Overview
The four primary products included in the collection are:
- HyperX Alloy Elite 2 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard TimTheTatman Edition – updated Alloy Elite 2 keyboard with Tim‘s design accents
- HyperX Pulsefire Haste Gaming Mouse TimTheTatman Edition – Pulsefire mouse with TimTheTatman visual customizations
- HyperX Pulsefire Mat TimTheTatman Edition – Pulsefire XL mousepad with Tim‘s logo
- HyperX Cloud Alpha Gaming Headset TimTheTatman Edition – Cloud Alpha headset with signature TT aesthetics
The collection allows fans to equip their entire setup with TimTheTatman-approved gear. Now let‘s break down each piece.
HyperX Alloy Elite 2 Mechanical Keyboard TimTheTatman Edition Review
The Alloy Elite 2 TimTheTatman Edition takes the well-loved Alloy Elite 2 gaming keyboard and gives it a fresh Triple T look. Visually, you‘ll notice splashes of yellow on the function keys, HyperX key font and RGB lighting accents across the keyboard. The solid steel frame also now brandishes Tim‘s recognizable logo.
Outside of aesthetics though, the underlying functionality remains unchanged. It retains the pre-installed HyperX ABS pudding keycaps for enhanced RGB illumination. The exposed switch design also better enables per key lighting effects. Each key uses a responsive, durable HyperX linear red switch rated for 80 million clicks.
For controls, you get easy access buttons for adjusting lighting and game mode presets. There‘s also a large volume wheel and media keys along the top right. The durable steel frame also prevents unwanted keyboard slippage during intense gaming moments.
If you‘ve used the standard HyperX Alloy Elite 2, comfort and performance should feel identical here. The TT visual tweaks do improve visibility of essential keys and gives your rig a nice themed look. It also retains full compatibility with HyperX‘s NGenuity software for customizing game profiles, macros and RGB effects.
At around $120, it comes in a little higher than the standard Alloy Elite 2 but delivers enough extra TT bling to satisfy his fans.
HyperX Alloy Elite 2 TimTheTatman Edition Review Summary
Pros
- Stellar responsive keys for gaming
- Durable construction with steel frame
- Signature TT aesthetics including colors and logo
- Per-key and RGB lighting effects
- Fully compatible with NGenuity software
Cons
- Higher cost than standard Alloy Elite 2
TimTheTatman HyperX Pulsefire Collection Review
Beyond the keyboard, TimTheTatman‘s collection also includes three other peripherals bearing his logo and design. Let‘s break down how these variants compare to the standard models.
HyperX Pulsefire Haste Gaming Mouse TimTheTatman Edition
Like the keyboard, the biggest change in the Pulsefire Haste TimTheTatman Edition is strictly appearance. The honeycomb shell, flexible cable, pure virgin-grade PTFE skates and grip tape carry over unchanged from the well-loved Pulsefire Haste. The TT variant does get his logo colors though, with eye-catching yellow accenting the left and right click buttons, scroll wheel, and four side buttons.
For performance, I noticed no difference from the standard Haste model. Responsiveness remains stellar thanks to the flexible switches requiring only light 45g actuation force. The low 59g weight also felt extremely nimble for rapid target acquisition and flick shots. Wireless would have been nice for the updated model but the lightweight, flexible cable already minimizes drag well during intense gaming moments.
At around $40, it comes in slightly above the cost of a standard Pulsefire Haste. But hardcore TT fans will appreciate the extra visual flair his signature brings. It retains full compatibility with NGenuity for extensive button remapping, game integrations (with titles like Fortnite and Call of Duty) and RGB effects.
HyperX Pulsefire Haste TimTheTatman Edition Review Summary
Pros
- Extremely lightweight honeycomb shell
- Flexible, low friction cable
- TT aesthetics for branding
- Responsive buttons and wheel
- Grip tape for added control
Cons
- No wireless connectivity
HyperX Pulsefire Mat TimTheTatman Edition XL Mousepad
I‘ll be honest, I wasn‘t expecting drastic changes for the Pulsefire Mat TimTheTatman Edition and my expectations were met. Compared to the standard Pulsefire pads, this one predictably adds Tim‘s prominent logo in the bottom right corner.
Its surface remains identical though. The densely woven textile surface provided smooth glide response with both the Pulsefire Haste and my trusty Logitech G Pro Wireless during fast swipes and small adjustments. The rubberized base prevented unwanted slides even during more intense mouse movements.
I‘m happy HyperX chose the XL (17.7 x 16 inches) for Tim‘s collab as I personally find smaller mousepads constraining when playing lower sensitivity. The ample surface area is just what you need for executing wide flick shots in FPS titles. And it still leaves room for positioning my Alloy Elite 2.
At $28, it‘s very affordable and delivers noticeable improvements to gaming control after ditching my cheap $5 pad. The premium stitching also appears like it will withstand daily abuse much better over time. And it makes a great accompanying piece to overlay your other TT collaborations.
HyperX Pulsefire Mat TimTheTatman Review Summary
Pros
- Textured base prevents unwanted slides
- Ample XL surface area for gaming
- Smooth, consistent gliding
Cons
- Unnecessary cost increase over standard Pulsefire Mat
HyperX Cloud Alpha Gaming Headset TimTheTatman Edition Review
Rounding out TimTheTatman‘s branded collection is a Cloud Alpha headset sporting his subtle black and yellow touches. Visually, the differences here are minor. It‘s an all-black design outside of the yellow logo accenting each earcup exterior.
The standard Cloud Alpha already delivers best-in-class sound at this price point. Dual chamber technology separates heavy bass and mids cleanly resulting in accurate audio imaging for positional awareness. Explosions rumbled intensely while nearby weapon reloads popped crisply during my Call of Duty sessions.
Comfort also remains high thanks to the plush leatherette headband and memory foam ear cushions. Its durable aluminum frame stood up well to my frequent bouts of rage quitting in Warzone as well. And the detachable noise isolating mic performed admirably for squad chat.
With no actual component changes over the stock Cloud Alpha, the TimTheTatman visual flair is the only reason to choose this over its equal performing cheaper alternative. At $130, it fetches around a 25% premium that only his true followers may find value in.
HyperX Cloud Alpha TimTheTatman Edition Review Summary
Pros
- Dual chamber drivers provide excellent audio imaging
- Plush memory foam earcups
- Premium quality and construction
- Works across PC, console and mobile
Cons
- Unnecessary cost premium over standard Cloud Alpha
Buying Considerations for the TimTheTatman HyperX Collection
Hopefully by now I‘ve made it clear whether or not ponying up extra for Tim‘s signatures is worthwhile. But let‘s call out a few other factors around buying decisions here.
First, console gamers will be fine with any piece given HyperX gear works across Xbox, PlayStation and Switch. For optimal use of the Alloy Elite 2 keyboard though, I‘d recommend pairing with a gaming PC to customize controls and enable integrations.
Additionally, your available desk space should make mousepad sizing considerations. Again, I found the included XL acreage perfect for my 1080p ultrawide monitor setup while still allowing room for peripherals. But those tight on space could save a few bucks going smaller.
Lastly, for audio the Cloud Alpha headset is plenty capable even for competitive multiplayer gaming. But streamers needing a broadcast mic should save $30 and just grab the regular Alpha. Put funds toward a dedicated streaming mic instead like the HyperX Quadcast S.
Alternatives to the TimTheTatman HyperX Collection
At the end of the day, while Tim‘s collection bestows some nice aesthetic flairs, the premium pricing may still push some buyers away. Luckily there are capable alternatives across HyperX‘s product stack.
The standard HyperX Alloy Elite 2 delivers the same excellent performance and customization around $30 cheaper. For more affordable wireless, the HyperX Alloy Origins 65 costs over $100 less.
The same case applies to the headset and mousepad. The regular HyperX Cloud Alpha or HyperX Pulsefire Mat get you 90% of the way there around 30% cheaper.
And for a lighter mouse with wireless, grab the standard HyperX Pulsefire Haste to save around $15. You‘ll miss out on Tim‘s fingerprints but your wallet will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the TimTheTatman headset have surround sound?
No, unlike more premium HyperX models, the Cloud Alpha headset delivers standard stereo audio. But its dual chamber drivers excel at audio imaging for positional awareness when gaming.
How long will the mouse buttons last on the Pulsefire Haste?
HyperX rates the mouse switches for 60 million clicks which equals multiple years of heavy daily use. I‘ve put mice through far worse abuse without issue.
Can you adjust keyboard switch resistance on the Alloy Elite 2?
No, the keyboard comes with linear red switches from HyperX built for smooth, reliable key presses. You cannot adjust actuation distance or force required.
Does HyperX gear work with Xbox and PlayStation?
Yes all the items in Tim‘s collection, including the Alloy Elite 2 keyboard, will work across Xbox One, Series X|S, PS4 and PS5. The headset also works with Switch in handheld or docked mode.
What is TimTheTatman‘s keyboard switch type?
The Alloy Elite 2 TimTheTatman Edition comes equipped with durable HyperX linear mechanical red switches. They require 45 grams of actuation force and have shorter 3.8mm travel distance.