TimTheTatman, one of gaming‘s most popular streamers and content creators, recently collaborated with top peripherals brand HyperX to launch a special limited edition collection of gear. Comprising a high-end mechanical keyboard, lightweight gaming mouse, extra large mousepad, and premium headset, the TimTheTatman x HyperX lineup promises to meet the needs of even the most discerning gamers and fans.
As someone who has used HyperX equipment extensively over the years and being familiar with TimTheTatman‘s gaming preferences, I set out to review each product in the collection and provide potential buyers with an expert‘s take on what the collaboration has to offer.
A Primer on TimTheTatman and HyperX
For the uninitiated, TimTheTatman is one of the biggest names when it comes to online gaming content creation. With over 4 million followers across Twitch, YouTube and other social media platforms, he has built his reputation on high-energy Fortnite streams as well as playing and commentating on major esports tournaments.
Known for his signature mullet hairstyle and fun-loving personality, Tim is hugely popular not just for his gaming skills but also as an online entertainer who keeps his fans engaged with constant enthusiasm and humor. Brands recognize his marketing appeal, leading to collaborations like the one with gaming gear specialist HyperX.
Part of HP Inc. since its 2021 acquisition, HyperX has been a steadfast provider of gaming headsets, keyboards, mice and other equipment for over 15 years. It has a track record of sponsoring both amateur and professional gaming tournaments globally. HyperX peripherals stand out for their signature black and red aesthetic along with premium build quality – making the brand extremely popular among esports athletes and casual gamers alike.
This combined pedigree between creator and hardware manufacturer set high expectations for quality and performance from the TimTheTatman HyperX lineup. I put each of them through their paces to see if they lived up to the hype.
Rating the TimTheTatman x HyperX Collection
The collection is comprised of four main products that cover the most important gaming peripherals – namely the Alloy Elite 2 mechanical RGB gaming keyboard, Pulsefire Haste gaming mouse, Pulsefire mousepad and Cloud Alpha gaming headset. Here is an in-depth evaluation of each component:
Best Overall – Alloy Elite 2 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
"The keyboard is the crown jewel of this collaboration and well worth the $$"
Key Specs
- HyperX red linear mechanical switches (80 million stroke lifespan)
- Detachable USB Type-C braided cable
- Per key RGB lighting and effects
- Dedicated media keys and oversized volume wheel
- Aircraft grade aluminum alloy frame
- Limited edition TimTheTatman yellow accents
Donning Tim‘s signature Triple T logo across a bronze top plate, the Alloy Elite 2 oozes premium appeal from the moment you unbox it. Beyond looks, the keyboard backs it up with the absolute top notch quality that HyperX is renowned for.
The red linear mechanical key switches deliver a satisfying tactile click with each key press while maintaining just the right amount of resistance and minimizing typing fatigue over long sessions. Key cap stems have an exposed LED design to brightly illuminate the special translucent ‘pudding style‘ caps and customized yellow WASD keys. Gamers will also appreciate dedicated keys for lighting and profile control along with the signature dynamic HyperX RGB effects.
With a solid aluminum frame, detachable USB-C connection and 100% anti-ghosting, it adds up to a robust pro-grade keyboard fitting for Tim‘s popularity and suited even for tournament level gameplay. The premium price is fully justified for those looking to up their setup.
Verdict: ★★★★★
Most Lightweight Mouse – Pulsefire Haste
"Looks great and disappears in your hands with its feathery weight"
Key Specs:
- Honeycomb shell (59g weight)
- TTC Golden Micro Dustproof switches
- 100% virgin grade PTFE feet
- Paracord-quality flexible cable
- Six programmable buttons
The Pulsefire Haste gaming mouse maintains HyperX‘s signature black and red color scheme while incorporating design elements from Tim‘s brand – such as the triple T logo on the rear and custom yellow stripes on the main keys and wheel scroll.
True to its lightweight focus, the mouse features a hexagonal honeycomb shell to pare down the overall heft to just 59 grams. This allows for quicker, more precise movements and reduced fatigue. The cable and mouse feet use flexible high-grade materials for a slick glide across mousepads.
DPI can be set from 400 to 16,000 through the HyperX NGenuity software which also enables custom RGB colors, macro programming and button assignments. The mouse is versatile for both FPS tactical play and mass clickfest MOBAs. Right handers will find great ergonomics while lefties might be left wanting a bit more.
Verdict: ★★★★✩
Best Value Accessory – Pulsefire Mousepad
"The price makes it easy to add to your collection"
Key Details:
- Cloth fabric gaming surface
- Anti-fray stitched edges
- Non-slip rubber base
- Large size – 450 mm x 400 mm x 2 mm
Every gaming setup needs an equally capable mousepad to realize the full potential of the mouse itself. The TimTheTatman Pulsefire edition pad offers excellent tracking precision with its densely woven surface that‘s been finely tuned for optimal performance with the HyperX‘s mice.
The textured anti-slip rubber base ensures solid adhesion and prevents annoying slippage mid-game. And unlike cheap pads, the surface doesn‘t get affected due to sweat or humidity and provides a smooth controlled glide every single time. It might seem simple but the large size gives ample real estate for quick large sweeps with low DPI settings. Again, Tim‘s colors make an appearance to round out the collector‘s edition merchandise.
At just around $25, it supplements any existing HyperX collection at a palatable price point without sacrificing quality.
Verdict: ★★★★✩
Best for Audio Immersion – Cloud Alpha Gaming Headset
"Provides an aural edge to take your gameplay into another realm "
Key Highlights:
- Signature Dual Chamber Drivers
- Advanced audio control mixer
- Detachable noise cancellation microphone
- Memory foam ear cushions
- Compatible across PC, consoles and mobile
Audio is often overlooked by gamers but can provide critical in-game advantages – be it hearing enemy footsteps or that slight reload sound indicating the best time to charge in the room blasting away. Which is why the Cloud Alpha headset rounds off the HyperX x Tim the Tatman collection nicely.
It features HyperX‘s proprietary dual driver chamber separated into high and low frequencies to minimize distortion. This produces clearer audio with vocals that cut through the myriad background sounds better. The unidirectional mic sticks out just enough to deliver your voice loudly to teammates without getting in the way during tense gameplay.
Signature HyperX comfort makes longer sessions enjoyable thanks to the memory foam cups and rotating earpieces to find that sweet spot. And universal 3.5mm connectivity opens compatibility across computers and consoles. The bold yellow cables and mic give off that collector‘s edition vibe gamers dig.
Verdict: ★★★★✩
Some Solid Alternatives
Those looking for more affordable alternatives without the TimTheTatman bling can consider the regular HyperX Alloy Elite 2 keyboard, Pulsefire Haste gaming mouse and Cloud Alpha S headset which offer nearly the identical performance at lower prices. I would still recommend splurging a bit on the Pulsefire mousepad as cloth surfaces fare far better for gaming compared to regular plastic varieties.
Buying Considerations for The HyperX x TimTheTatman Collection
Budget – The limited editions carry a premium over regular HyperX gear but the collaboration and customization adds collectible value
Performance – You can expect best-in-class quality – after all HyperX is the choice of esports pros and Tim himself relies on these peripherals for gameplay
Compatibility – The entire lineup features plug-and-play compatibility with PC. Most are also Xbox/PlayStation ready out of the box except for the keyboard which might need a $10 adapter
Longevity – Only premium quality components used so you can expect daily abuse for years without any degradation in performance
Availability – As exclusive limited edition merchandise, they usually sell out fast and need to be pre-ordered as soon as available
The Bottom Line
The TimTheTatman HyperX Collection is a showcase collaboration between one of gaming‘s most popular online personas and a top peripherals manufacturer reputed for its quality gear targeted at pro gamers. The hefty price tags limit them from being impulse purchases but customers get to share the exclusive merchandise chosen by Tim himself for his daily gaming needs.
Both brands complement each other well and come together to deliver high-end gear that looks and feels premium while standing up to punishing daily use thanks to sturdy construction – exactly what fans would expect. Each component has been designed to slot perfectly alongside the other for buyers looking to revamp their entire setup with cohesive products.
Casual gamers might prefer cheaper mass-market accessories that fit within more limited budgets. But for intermediate to professional level players as well as streaming enthusiasts and TimTheTatman fans, the HyperX x TimTheTatman collection delivers money‘s worth given the perfect balance of desirability and performance.
