HyperX Alloy Elite 2 100% Mechanical Keyboard (639P0AA#ABA) Review

HyperX Alloy Elite 2 100% Mechanical Keyboard (639P0AA#ABA) Review

Table of Contents

Introduction

The HyperX Alloy Elite 2 is a full-sized mechanical keyboard designed for gamers and enthusiasts. It comes with HyperX Red linear switches, known for their smooth and responsive feel. In this review, we’ll take a deep dive into the features, performance, and overall experience of the Alloy Elite 2.

Features

The HyperX Alloy Elite 2 packs a punch in terms of features, including:

  • HyperX Red Linear Switches: These switches offer a smooth, linear feel with a light actuation force, making them ideal for fast-paced gaming.
  • RGB Lighting: The keyboard boasts per-key RGB lighting with a wide range of customizable color options and effects. You can create stunning lighting profiles to personalize your setup.
  • Onboard Memory: Store up to three custom lighting profiles directly on the keyboard for quick access.
  • USB 2.0 Pass-through: A convenient USB pass-through port allows you to connect another device, such as a mouse or a headset.
  • Anti-ghosting: 100% anti-ghosting ensures that every keystroke is registered, even when pressing multiple keys simultaneously.
  • N-key Rollover: This feature allows you to register an unlimited number of keystrokes, preventing any input conflicts during intense gaming sessions.
  • Media Control: Dedicated media keys provide easy access to volume control, playback, and other multimedia functions.
  • Game Mode: Disable the Windows key to prevent accidental interruptions during gameplay.

Specifications

Feature Value
Switch HyperX Switch
Type Mechanical
Backlight RGB (16,777,216 colors)
Light Effects Per key RGB lighting and 5 brightness levels
Onboard Memory 3 profiles
USB 2.0 Pass-through Yes
Anti-ghosting 100% anti-ghosting
Key Rollover N-key mode
LED Indicator Yes
Media Control Yes
Game Mode Yes
OS Compatibility Windows® 10, 8.1, 8, 7
Switch HyperX Red
Operation Style Linear
Operating Force 45 g
Actuation Point 1.8 mm
Total Travel Distance 3.8 mm
Life Span 80 million keystrokes
Type Attached, Braided
Length 1.8 m
Width 444.0 mm
Depth 174.0 mm
Height 37.4 mm
Weight 1530 g (Keyboard and cable)
Material ABS

Performance

The HyperX Alloy Elite 2 delivers a smooth and responsive typing experience. The HyperX Red switches are incredibly smooth, making it a joy to type on. The keyboard also performs flawlessly in gaming, registering every keystroke with no lag or ghosting issues. I found the linear nature of the switches to be particularly advantageous for fast-paced shooters, allowing me to react quickly to enemy movements. The 100% anti-ghosting and N-key rollover features ensure that even during intense gaming sessions, every keystroke is registered without any conflicts.

The RGB lighting is another highlight. The per-key illumination provides vibrant and customizable lighting options. The built-in effects and customizable profiles allow you to personalize the lighting scheme according to your preferences. The brightness levels are adjustable, offering a range of options from subtle to dazzling.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • Smooth and responsive HyperX Red switches
  • Per-key RGB lighting with customization options
  • Onboard memory for storing custom profiles
  • USB 2.0 pass-through for added convenience
  • 100% anti-ghosting and N-key rollover for reliable performance
  • Dedicated media keys for easy access to multimedia functions

Cons:

  • The keyboard can be a bit on the heavier side
  • Some users might find the lack of dedicated macro keys limiting

Final Verdict

The HyperX Alloy Elite 2 is a fantastic mechanical keyboard that offers a blend of performance, features, and affordability. The smooth HyperX Red switches, vibrant RGB lighting, and comprehensive features make it an excellent choice for both gamers and everyday users. While it might not be the most compact keyboard available, its performance and features more than compensate for its size. Overall, I highly recommend the HyperX Alloy Elite 2 to anyone looking for a high-quality mechanical keyboard at a reasonable price.