CONCLUSION

   The first ALLOY Elite mechanical gaming keyboard by HyperX is still one of the highest quality models to ever reach our lab so there’s really not much more we can say about the updated RGB model. Build quality is once again excellent, the dedicated media keys can be very convenient at times, the RGB lighting for the keys is very impressive (brightness levels seem higher compared to the “regular” ALLOY Elite) and the NGenuity software by HyperX is quite easy to navigate and use. Unfortunately the extra keycaps are once again made out of plastic (we’d like aluminum more) and just like with most (if not all) keyboards currently in the market the USB pass-through is not 3.0/3.1 compatible and that’s something we hope to see eventually.

   With a current price tag set at USD169.99 inside the USA (Amazon) and 169Euros inside the EU (Amazon UK) the ALLOY Elite RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard by HyperX is roughly 45-50% more expensive compared to the “regular” ALLOY Elite and that’s the sole serious drawback of this keyboard. We would had understood a 20-25% price increase due to the Cherry MX RGB Red switches used (and let’s’ also say because HyperX developed the NGenuity software for this specific model) but a 45-50% increase is indeed over the top. Bottom line if RGB key illumination is something you just need to have then this could be the keyboard for you (that’s also why it gets our Platinum Award) but if not and you still like the layout and quality of the ALLOY Elite RGB you can save quite a bit of money by getting the single LED color version instead.

PROS

- Excellent Build Quality (Metal Alloy Top)
- Cherry MX RGB Switches (50 Million Actuations)
- 100% Anti Ghosting NKey Rollover
- Dedicated Media And Lighting Buttons
- 6 Illumination Modes & 4 Brightness Levels
- LED Light Bar
- Extra Key Caps
- NGenuity Software
- USB 3.0 Pass Through Port
- Detachable Wrist Rest

CONS

- Price (For Some)
- No Dedicated Macro Keys