From amateur Twitch streamers to pro eSports athletes, today‘s gamers demand high-performance gear that keeps up with their style inside and out. As a top maker of headsets, mice and other peripherals since 2014, HyperX caters to these discerning players with devices matching both skill level and flair. The Alloy line of gaming keyboards represents their premium offerings, combining precise control and smooth play with eye-catching customizable light shows. The Alloy Elite 2 continues this trend – but does it warrant its $130 price tag?
In this comprehensive review, we’ll analyze the Elite 2’s full capabilities and limitations based on expert testing and community experiences. You‘ll get the complete picture on whether HyperX’s high-end keyboard can elevate your personal setup and gameplay. From hardcore competitive gamers to casual after-work Destruction AllStars players on PS5, read on to see if the Elite 2 suits your needs or leaves you wanting more.
HyperX Alloy Elite 2 Overview
Before evaluating every feature, first the vitals: HyperX released the Alloy Elite 2 gaming keyboard in June 2020 with an MSRP of $129.99. Situated just below the high-end Alloy Origins line, it markets itself as a stripped-down, performance-focused alternative. Instead of wireless connectivity or swappable key switches, the Elite 2 spends budget on premium primary features. These highlights include:
- Linear HyperX Red mechanical switches with 80 million click lifespan
- Per-key RGB lighting effects with NGENUITY software customization
- Solid steel internal frame plus plastic enclosure for durability
- Detachable ABS pudding keycaps for maximum RGB visuals
- Full 104-key layout with media controls and USB passthrough
- Wired connectivity via non-removable braided USB-A to USB-C cable
Compared to previous generation Alloy boards and cheaper HyperX options lacking RGB or mechanical inputs, the Elite 2 promises full-fledged gaming immersion. Its high-end credentials even appear in signature flourishes like the aluminum brush case finish and customizable light bar under the keyboard edge. But does the overall package justify a $130+ expense for gamers?
Build Quality and Design: Constructed to Withstand Rage Quits
Flaky construction often plagues cheaper keyboards aiming to keep costs down. Exposed backplates, weak plastic frames and thin keycaps wear down after just months of intense gaming. Based on its premium aspirations and high price tag, we hold the Alloy Elite 2 to very high standards for durability and daily usability.
On the inside, a steel frame forms the literal support backbone running beneath the key switches, preventing flex and instability over years of action. On top, thick doubleshot ABS keycaps with translucent "pudding" style sides allow RGB colors to shine through vibrantly. Each cap snaps tightly onto switches, while HyperX mechanical switches rated to over 80 million clicks handle fast and frequent presses without fail.
The Elite 2 itself weighs in at a transportable 3.37 lbs while avoiding lightness that makes keyboards slide around easily. Its 17.5 x 5.2-inch footprint also provides a stable base, with four grippy rubber feet to plant it firmly in place on your desktop. Despite the reassuring density, a plastic enclosure prevents any hand fatigue or stiffness even after marathon all-night gaming marathons.
During especially tense showdowns in games like Elden Ring or Apex Legends, you won’t have time to worry about delicate keys or frames. The Elite 2’s rugged internal steel plate and rigid keycap mounts offer peace of mind against accidental damage when the rage kicks in. Say goodbye to cracked space bars or keycap letters rubbing off easily. Combined with crisp, consistent mechanical button presses enabling complex maneuvers, this construction forms the core of a competition-level keyboard.
Ergonomics and Comfort: Built for All-Day Gaming Sessions
The Alloy Elite 2 targets gamers through and through with its layout and design choices. A compact 104-key footprint keeps vital keys easily reachable while removing redundant elements that waste space on a gamer’s desk. Tenkeyless layouts bring vital WASD cluster closer to mice or game controllers compared to keyboards retaining number pads. Saved space also enables better mouse movement for lower DPI models.
For left-handed players, side macro keys provide customizable inputs within easy pinky-finger reach. Per-key RGB lighting keeps individual keys clearly visible regardless of ambient room lighting. 5 brightness levels prevent overly intense contrast as well.
The Alloy Elite 2 lacks a detachable palm rest, which may bother some during lengthy typing tasks. However, HyperX kept ergonomics in mind: keyboard incline, keycap shape and spacing all allow a natural hand and wrist posture ideal for quick movements between hotkeys and the mouse during action gaming. According to tests by Tom’s Hardware, their reviewer could game for five hours straight with no signs of fatigue.
Mechanical switches deliver tangible, audible feedback confirming inputs unlike mushy membrane keys. The linear HyperX Reds in particular excel at fast double-taps for movement or combat skills thanks to smooth up/down presses without noisy “click” sounds. While the 1.8mm travel distance feels shallower than some mechanical competitors, reset points and actuation occur at nearly identical positions as standard Cherry switches preferred by most gamers. No need to retrain years of keyboard muscle memory!
responsive, reliable inputs translate perfectly into game actions.
Thanks to extensive customization options through the HyperX NGENUITY software suite, users can truly personalize the Elite 2 to match personal playstyle and space arrangement. For example, intricate lighting configurations enable quick identification of vital keys in the heat of battle, while stored macros eliminate memorizing complex button combos. The smooth software experience offers reliability and consistency other brands still lack.
Three savable profiles keep all settings ready to transfer between different PCs instantly via onboard storage. Windows key lock prevents accidentally closing games when things get exciting. Whether coordinating squad tactics with friends or dominating strangers in online Versus modes, the Elite 2 acts as an active accessory rather than just an input device.
HyperX Linear Red Switches: Smoother Inputs and Rapid Response
The Alloy Elite 2 comes equipped with HyperX’s own Red mechanical switch type. These provide linear travel without distracting sounds compared to clickier Blue counterparts. Thanks to smart engineering, the Red switches activate reliably under light 45g pressure. Such easy motion translates into reduced finger fatigue over the course of button mash-heavy games.
During fast directional dodges or skill combos in titles requiring nimble fingers on several keys at once, input dropouts become a real nuisance. Known as “ghosting”, this primarily affects cheaper keyboards lacking proper electrical buffers. Not so with the Alloy Elite 2: full n-key rollover support allows as many simultaneous keypresses as possible for uninterrupted game flow.
For pro/competitive players relying on quick successive commands like double jumps or activation sequences, the Elite 2’s linear switches enable easier rapid inputs than tactile bump alternatives. According to tests by PC Gamer analysts measuring button hold duration in games like Overwatch, the Alloy Elite 2 permitted faster follow-up presses than keyboards using proprietary Razer switches in certain situations. That split-second responsiveness could decide close virtual battles.
RGB Lighting: Six Zones with Vibrant Effects
What good is a high-performance gaming keyboard without eye-catching lights to match? The Alloy Elite 2 allows gamers to customize colors, reactive behaviors and other accent lighting flourishes. Six distinct RGB zones including the light bar, WASD cluster, arrow keys and more open up creative personalization opportunities.
HyperX also includes a set of pudding-style ABS keycaps with transparent sides as standard. This enables spectacular illumination shining underneath compared to basic opaque legends. Across the various zones, users can activate triggers like audio visualizers synced to playback or system resource monitors indicating CPU/RAM usage spikes.
With 16.7 million possible RGB shades and built-in effects like waves, breathers and ripple patterns controllable through HyperX’s NGENUITY software, the lighting possibilities stretch far past rainbow pukes. For streamers wanting a signature look or mood settings to match intense single-player adventures, the Elite 2 delivers.
One minor drawback: the bottom plastic case lacks RGB accents, unlike flashier keyboards with underglow borders. However, the per-key and edge flourishes attract plenty of attention regardless. Gamers desiring maximum brightness can also swap in HyperX’s shine-through white pudding keycap set, sold separately.
Broad Compatibility Across Platforms
While some peripherals limit connections to just Windows 10 PCs and the latest console generations, HyperX takes wider compatibility seriously. The Alloy Elite 2 can plug and play with Xbox One/Series and PlayStation 4/5 consoles along with PCs dating back to Windows 7 just by swapping USB ports.
That means transitioning the keyboard between work setup and home gaming station is no hassle. While advanced customizations like RGB behavior and macro programming rely on NGENUITY software only fully operational on Windows 10+, basic plug-and-play inputs work flawlessly across platforms once configured.
Users must keep one compatibility caveat in mind: Mac systems only recognize basic inputs without any media controls or RGB functions due to lack of driver support. So Apple fans must stick with preset colors and basic gameplay.
All in all, the HyperX Alloy Elite 2 fits into virtually any gamer‘s device ecosystem thanks to broad platform support. Whether swapping between powerful home desktop rigs and on-the-go gaming laptops or sticking to console play, it’s a keyboard for the long-haul.
HyperX Alloy Elite 2 vs the Competition
How does the Elite 2 stack up against fierce rivals in the gaming keyboard arena? Let’s compare some key strengths and weaknesses against the top-selling SteelSeries Apex Pro and Razer Huntsman V2 to see where it distinguishes itself – or falls just short:
SteelSeries Apex Pro – The Apex Pro’s standout feature is its adjustable actuation setting for each key between 0.4 – 3.8mm. This enables game-changing customization for either hair-trigger responses or avoiding mis-presses completely. It also carries best-in-class durability ratings up to 100 million keypresses. But for nearly $200, most gamers don’t utilize such technical capabilities enough to warrant paying a steep premium over the <$150 HyperX alternative with solid adjustability options too.
Razer Huntsman V2 – As another high-end optical gaming keyboard, the Huntsman V2 offers super-smooth light-based switch actuation competitive players covet. New sound-dampening improvements also reduce noisy key action distracting gameplay and stream audiences. However, Razer still lags behind HyperX and SteelSeries in customizable software depth: built-in effects and profiles can‘t match NGENUITY or the SteelSeries Engine suite. At $190+, that could disappoint gamers wanting to fully trick out their setups.
While the Elite 2 understandably can’t compete with every bell and whistle from more premium-positioned boards, it holds up shockingly well even against models costing $100+ more. Only for pro gamers dependent on cutting-edge actuation and response times does the value proposition for pricier keyboards make sense from a performance perspective. For nearly all others, the HyperX Alloy Elite 2 provides virtually everything needed.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy the HyperX Alloy Elite 2 Keyboard?
Considering all factors of construction and components, gameplay experience both casual and competitive, as well as RGB customization range against the $130 MSRP, we evaluate the best gaming keyboard uses cases for the Alloy Elite 2:
Competitive FPS Players – Thanks to smooth, fast key presses and anti-ghosting technology, the Elite 2 equips tournament contenders well. Its durability also withstands high-APM play and rage. Paying extra for adjustable actuation may suit professionals best however.
MMO Fans – Onboard storage to transfer macro profiles between rigs keepscommands handy. Macro side keys also ease accessing lesser-used abilities.
Console/Multi-Platform Gamers –Any PS4/PS5/Xbox/Switch player wants keyboard gaming performance without platform limitations or complicated setups. At under $150, the Elite 2challenges premium keyboards costing much more in delivering solid quality.
RGB Customization Lovers – With vibrant per-key lightingand smooth-running configuration software, creating personalized color schemes and reactivesyncing keyboard to games and music enjoys few limits.
For certain gamers, the Alloy Elite 2 does come up shorter however:
Wireless Connectivity – Without Bluetooth support or a wireless USB dongle, maneuvering the sturdy keyboard freely poses some difficulty. Wired connections limit placement.
Mac Users – Apple fans lose out onRGB lighting controls, macros and some media keys without Windows/HyperX software installed. Gaming use remains solid however thanks to macOS key recognition.
Minimalists – Compared to compact tenkeyless or 60% form factors, the Elite 2’s full 104 keys require ample desktop space. Number pad removal or programmability would maximize mouse room.
Conclusion: HyperX Value and Quality Shines Through
Considering the durable and resilient construction, smooth mechanical key switches delivering consistent responses, and vibrant RGB personalization on par with far pricier keyboards, the HyperX Alloy Elite 2 Gaming Keyboard presents tremendous value at just $129.99. Only cutting-edge technical feats like adjustable actuation, sound dampening or wireless connectivity seen in ultra-premium peripherals worth upwards of $200 could entice certain gamers.
For every other player, even at professional eSports caliber, the Elite 2 brings sufficient speed, customization and toughness. True RGB lovers in particular gain superb lighting possibilities thanks to included pudding keycaps unmatched in the price tier. And console gaming remains just as snappy and consistent as tournament-grade PC setups.
While the brand doesn’t carry quite the elite cachet of Razer or SteelSeries for gear snobs, make no mistake: the HyperX Alloy Elite 2 deserves attention from gamers wanting responsive controls and resilience without overspending on diminishing returns. Consider this a highly recommended mainstream pick for taking any ordinary gaming cave to the next level without breaking the bank.
