HyperX Alloy Elite – Hardware Review
Most of you who are following gaming hardware brands a bit might have noticed that HyperX is immensely expanding their assortment. The brand started out with internal hardware, slowly expanding to several different headsets, each having their strengths for their price category. Before we knew it, the first keyboard and mouse also hit the market, and we loved both devices. Now, the Alloy FPS’ big brother has been released, namely the Alloy Elite, which expands the capabilities of the first model, adding some extra value to your purchase. We were wondering what the extras were, and how they would aid us in our gaming quest.
Design
Just like the Alloy FPS, the Alloy Elite has a very simple design, in the most compact size possible, as the device barely has any framework, which is nice. Only the top part shows a bit of frame, as it has a few extra buttons for you to use, with a few useful shortcuts. The metallic plate has a nice matte finish, with the HyperX brand name in the upper right corner, but other than that, there are hardly any whistles and bells, making this a fairly modest, but elegant device.
It’s still cool that the keys appear to be somewhat floating above the metallic frame. This makes it easier for dirt and dust to fall through, making maintenance easier, and it looks quite spiffy and futuristic as well.
You can ‘pimp’ you device further with the added grey ‘metallic looking’ key caps for the W, A, S, D and a few numeric keys. The developers also added a removable palm rest this time, allowing you to opt for a bit of extra comfort if you don’t like the otherwise simple set-up of the keyboard.
Comfort
Comfort-wise the keyboard does whatever you desire of it. The added palm rest is a plus however, as it adds support for those who easily have wrist-pains. Other than that, the keys are still easily removable, allowing you to properly clean the device. You’ll easily see smudges on the device though, so be sure you wash your hands after you eat something greasy.
While the previous model had a detachable cable, this device doesn’t, which is a shame, as a detachable cable adds a lot of comfort if you wish to take your keyboard with you on one of your gaming adventures.
The added media keys, and volume regulator are a very welcome plus, adding some shortcuts to your gaming or media experience. While these buttons might just add a few simple functions, their extra in comfort is not to be underestimated.
Specs
- Cherry MX Red switches
- USB charge port on keyboard
- Steel frame
- Extra media keys, volume regulator and LED lighting keys
- Colored textured keycaps included
- Detachable palm rest
Overview
Just like its predecessor, the Alloy Elite takes up two USB ports, while offering a USB port on the keyboard itself, allowing easy access to charge your phone, or use another USB device. While this doesn’t really add that much value, it at least reduces the impact of having to offer up two USB ports to hook up the device. After plugging it in, you’re good to go, which means there is no additional software that has to be installed, which is certainly a plus. This however means that the functions of the keyboard will be rather simple in terms of customization and extra settings.
HyperX’ Alloy Elite has Red Cherry MX switches, which means you’ll be playing with very sensitive and precise keys, which are certainly great for FPS games that require you to respond within a fraction of a second. You can easily notice the difference of quality compared to other devices that use cheaper switches. The switches also don’t really make a loud or distinct clicking sound as some other colors do.
This device does not use a FN key to add multiple functions to other keys, in combination with the FN key. You’ll have a few extra buttons added to the top of the frame to adjust the LED lighting and to put yourself in ‘gaming mode’ which shuts down the function of the Windows keys on the keyboard. Other than that, there are a few media keys, and a volume regulator, with the latter being a very easy and welcome addition to the device.
Only red lighting is available on this device, albeit in a few different modes (partially lit, breathing, …), which is pretty much a shame, as many high range devices often offer a lot of different lighting modes and colors. While this may only be a minor mishap, it does take away a fair amount of customization options.
Conclusion
The Alloy Elite comes at a slightly higher price than the FPS, but it’s certainly worth the extra money thanks to its minor additions, that eventually make a fair difference in quality, comfort and functionality. If you’re looking for a sturdy and good looking partner for your gaming session, and have a mid/high range budget at your disposal, this one is certainly worth looking into.
HyperX Alloy Elite – Hardware Review,
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