The HyperX Alloy Elite 2 is an outstanding mechanical gaming keyboard. It has features most gamers are looking for, such as macro-programmable keys and customizable RGB backlighting. The proprietary HyperX Red switches provide a good typing experience and have a low actuation force. The dedicated NGENUITY software offers excellent customization options, but it's only available on Windows. It feels well-built with a steel plate on top, but the ABS keycaps feel like they're a bit cheap. It has dedicated media keys, great if you listen to music while gaming, and it has a USB passthrough, allowing you to connect your mouse or to charge your phone. Unfortunately, it doesn't come with a wrist rest and you may feel tired typing on it for long periods.
Our Verdict
The HyperX Alloy Elite 2 is an outstanding gaming keyboard. It features proprietary HyperX Red switches, which have a low actuation force. It has full RGB backlighting and every key is macro-programmable. Sadly, using it may feel tiring for long gaming sessions and it doesn't come with a wrist rest.
- Macro-programmable keys.
- RGB backlighting.
- Linear switches are light to press.
- Onboard memory.
- Doesn't offer much in terms of ergonomics.
- ABS keycaps feel a bit cheap.
The HyperX Alloy Elite 2 is a wired keyboard that can't be used with mobile devices.
The HyperX Alloy Elite 2 is decent for office use. The proprietary HyperX Red switches don't offer tactile feedback, so it's more difficult to know if you've actuated a key. However, the keys are well-spaced and they're very easy to actuate. Unfortunately, it doesn't have a wrist rest and you may feel tired using it for long periods.
- Good typing quality.
- Linear switches are light to press.
- Doesn't offer much in terms of ergonomics.
- ABS keycaps feel a bit cheap.
Good for programming. The HyperX Alloy Elite 2 offers good typing quality with well-spaced keys. It has full RGB backlighting, and you can set macros to virtually any key. Unfortunately, the linear switches don't offer any feedback, and it may feel fatiguing typing on this keyboard for long periods without a wrist rest.
- Macro-programmable keys.
- RGB backlighting.
- Good typing quality.
- Doesn't offer much in terms of ergonomics.
- ABS keycaps feel a bit cheap.
- Doesn't offer much in terms of ergonomics.
- ABS keycaps feel a bit cheap.
Changelog
- Updated May 12, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.2. This update introduces new Backlight Features and Backlight Clarity test boxes. We've also added a new Switches test box, added additional test comparisons to our Hardware Customizability test box that we introduced with our last Test Bench. For an in-depth look at our changes, you can see our full changelog here.
- Updated Apr 26, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.1. This update adds several new tests addressing Hardware Customization, Macro Keys And Programming, and Wireless Mobile Compatibility. We've also added new objective evaluations to the Typing Noise test, and we've simplified several tests and removed several others that were no longer relevant. For an in-depth look at all our changes, you can see our full changelog here.
- Updated Apr 26, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
- Updated Sep 21, 2020: Review published.
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Popular Keyboard Comparisons
The HyperX Alloy Elite 2 is an outstanding full-sized gaming keyboard. It has more features than some other mechanical keyboards, such as a USB passthrough and dedicated media keys. Unfortunately, you can't get it in a variety of switches, like the similarly-priced Corsair K70 RGB MK.2, and the proprietary linear switches aren't ideal for office use because they don't offer tactile feedback. Also see our recommendations for the best gaming keyboards, the best mechanical keyboards, and the best RGB keyboards.
The Corsair K70 RAPIDFIRE is a bit better than the HyperX Alloy Elite 2. The Corsair comes with a wrist rest, the switches have a much lower pre-travel distance, and it offers better typing quality. However, the HyperX has onboard memory and full RGB backlighting.
The Razer Huntsman is slightly better than the HyperX Alloy Elite 2. The Razer comes with proprietary Razer Optical switches, which are easier to press and offer a low pre-travel distance, but they're loud. On the other hand, the HyperX has a USB passthrough, dedicated media keys, and the HyperX Red switches are quiet.
The HyperX Alloy Origins is better than the HyperX Alloy Elite 2. The Origins feels better-built, the linear switches have a lower pre-travel distance, and the typing quality is better. However, the Elite 2 has dedicated media keys and a USB passthrough.
The SteelSeries Apex Pro is much better than the HyperX Alloy Elite 2. The SteelSeries has unique optical switches that you can customize the pre-travel distance, and at its lowest, they offer a quick gaming experience. Its software is also compatible with macOS and it has better ergonomics. However, the HyperX has a Windows Key Lock.
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