HyperX Alloy Elite RGB
A robust but costly upgrade to a solid gaming ‘board.
Nigh on 12 months ago, we took a look at the Alloy Elite and noted that this gaming keyboard’s “feature innovation” rested solely on single-colour LEDs, media controls and a snap-on palmrest.
Zoom to now and we’re cranking out this review on what is essentially the exact same board, but with flashier rainbow colours. And we’re perfectly OK with that, thanks to how bloody well the Alloy Elite RGB is built. Weighing almost three packs of mince (1.47kg), the RGB’s solid steel frame is fully up to the task of just sitting in the one spot on your desk. There’s a generously large wrist rest that clips on the fore edge and keeps the overall ramp angle and typing position comfy. Just like the Elite before it, there’s a trio of buttons on the upper left which gives you quick access to keyboard brightness, in-built lighting modes and a game mode which (as always) disables the Windows key and can save up to three custom profile settings. Over on the upper right is the traditional media bank including a deliciously ribbed volume scroller.
Apart from the rainbow of lighting colours now available, the second-most exciting new feature is the NGenuity software suite. It’s light on system resource use and your go-to for personalising lighting zones and effects, creating key macros and assigning game presets and profiles. Our review unit was decked out in clicky Cherry MX Blue switches and is also available in speedy Red, tactile Brown and clacky Blue. Maybe next iteration we’ll see our new favourite — Silver.