Clear everything off your desk with a big swipe-left of your arm. That HyperX Alloy FPS Keyboard you were eyeing is last season now – its successor is more your type. The HyperX Alloy Elite delivers the same excellent response that all “PC master race” gamers expect, but also manages to include some much welcome creature comforts.
But before we target those, let's explain why a new buyer ought to tap into the joy of mechanical keyboards. Gamers who require precision movement for their murder are obviously the main target audience with these products; however, the high durability of these units is also desirable for folks who don't so much type as they do stab at the keys in an accusatory fashion. Do too much of that on a regular butterfly-style keyboard and you'll kill it in no time, innocent or not.
Last year's HyperX Alloy FPS was Kingston's first foray into the crowded mechanical keyboard space. It was a solid statement of intent, though not without a few downsides; we personally had issues with the noise of the thing, the USB charge-only nature of its ports, and the redundancy of some of its backlighting modes. Not insurmountable flaws, but definitely things we looked out for when testing this new kid on the block.
The HyperX Alloy Elite Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is what it says on the tin: a device best suited for gamers. It differs from its predecessor in that it hasn't been built with much portability in mind and the additional money you're spending above the Alloy FPS only nets you a few more features, most notably a superior USB port and a handy media bar. Be that as it may, you're still looking at a very respectable mid-level mechanical keyboard that may not satisfy every gamer, but is still a pleasure to have at your fingertips.
HyperX sells the Alloy Elite Mechanical Gaming Keyboard directly through its web site for $149 outright. Otherwise, you can buy it from a range of sellers at online retailers like eBay.
With built-in USB ports, dedicated media controls and detachable wrist rest, the HyperX Alloy Elite mechanical keyboard has plenty to offer keen gamers.
Build |
Connections |
Features |
| Type | Mechanical |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | Full-size |
| Supported Switches | Cherry MX |
| Build Material | Steel |
| Depth | 169mm |
| Width | 444mm |
| Height | 38mm |
| Weight | 1.5g |
| Colours | Black |
| Wired/Wireless | Wired |
|---|
| RGB Lighting | No |
|---|---|
| N-key Rollover | Yes |
| USB Passthrough | Yes |
| Dedicated Media Controls | Yes |
| On-board Memory | 3 profiles |
