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HyperX Alloy Elite 2 mechanical gaming keyboard review

  • Matt Sayer's headshot
HyperX Alloy Elite 2
3.0
★★★★★
Finder score

Review

  • Steel frame provides impressive stability and durability
  • Pudding keycaps enhance the potency of RGB lighting
  • USB pass-through is always a welcome feature
  • Feedback from key presses is weak and ambiguous
  • Highly-sensitive switches are prone to registering unintended inputs
  • Expensive for a gaming keyboard best suited to non-gaming applications

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I was quite keen to get my hands on the HyperX Alloy Elite 2. As the follow-up to the HyperX Alloy Elite RGB – one of my favourite keyboards from recent years – it had the potential to elevate HyperX to the top of the field alongside brands like Razer and Logitech G.

Unfortunately, the Alloy Elite 2 takes two steps back for its one step forward. Gone are the well-established Cherry MX switches in favour of custom HyperX technology, a decision that dramatically impacts precision and performance. The result is a gaming keyboard that doesn't game particularly well, and its versatility outside of games isn't quite enough to justify its price tag.

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Design

Design

  • Looks virtually identical to the HyperX Alloy Elite RGB
  • Solid steel frame provides stability and durability
  • The lack of a wrist rest is disappointing
HyperX Alloy Elite 2 on desk at angle

Performance

Performance

  • The HyperX Red switches are unquestionably fast...
  • ...but they lack the clear feedback necessary to support their speed
HyperX Alloy Elite 2 keycaps close up

Features

Features

  • Robust RGB customisation with a user-friendly interface
  • USB pass-through is always a plus
  • PS4 and Xbox One support is a nice addition
HyperX Alloy Elite 2 on desk close up

Should you buy the HyperX Alloy Elite 2?

  • Buy it if you're happy to sacrifice precision for ultra-fast switches.
  • Don't buy it if you want clear and firm feedback from each key press.

As a gaming keyboard, the HyperX Alloy Elite 2 is, frankly, mediocre. Its switches are mushy and overly sensitive, and its feedback is too ambiguous to deliver the precision necessary for high-level gaming.

However, as a general-purpose keyboard, the Alloy Elite 2 fares a lot better. Its pliable keys facilitate high-speed, low-impact typing, its dedicated media controls simplify the process of watching videos or listening to music and its USB pass-through turns it into a convenient hub for other USB devices. At $289, though, it's a steep investment for a solid yet unremarkable keyboard with disappointing gaming performance.


Pricing and availability

HyperX Alloy Elite 2

Specifications

HyperX Alloy Elite 2

Build

Keyboard Type
Mechanical
Build Material
Steel
Depth
174mm
Width
444mm
Height
37.4mm
Weight
1,530g
Cable Length
1.8m
Colours
Black

Connectivity

Wired/Wireless
Wired
Connection Type
USB

Features

RGB
Yes
N-key Rollover
Yes
USB Passthrough
Yes
Dedicated Media Controls
Yes
On-board Memory
3 profiles

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