HyperX HX-KB1SS2-UK Alloy FPS RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, Kailh Silver Speed Switches (UK Layout)

Product Information

The back of the box highlight four things in images, as well as text, explain the dynamic RGB backlit keys and the effects, solid steel frame, onboard memory to cover three profiles, and an informative diagram of what the Silver Speed switches are capable of. In as many configurations, this being the fifth now, as HyperX has offered in the Alloy mechanical keyboards series, we have seen many attempts to put forth the perfect device. On the plus side, it comes with nice extra features like macro-programmable keys, full RGB backlighting, and superb companion software offering plenty of customization options.

Paperwork can be found under it, and the cable is found in the section of cardboard with the hole to lift it out. The only drawback is that the Freestyle tab doesn’t let you choose any of the preset animations like Corsair’s CUE does. These last two screws are not countersunk, so they are easy enough to distinguish from the other thirteen when putting things back together. There's also an extra USB charging port on the top right side, right next to where you plug in the mini-USB cable.There are multi-media controls offered, there is a Game Mode button, and the Alloy FPS RGB works with any Windows OS since and including Windows 7. HyperX recently outfitted their award winning Alloy FPS Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with RGB switches and after spending two weeks with it our review is now complete. The key switches are custom-designed to be a balance of responsiveness and accuracy, featuring a short travel time and low actuation force.

This keyboard also gets bonus points for actually producing a quality white that doesn’t wind up as a light pink. A huge help to many, the software highlights what can be done, such as in this instance, we can select an image rather than the HyperX logo, there is an option to like to a specific program, or, if you'd like, you can scroll through the list of predefined lighting effects for various games.I still wish we’d see something more daring out of HyperX, using more of the approach that’s allowed them to dominate the headset market. The keyboard also has onboard memory with space for up to three profiles, and you can easily carry those to another device that doesn't have access to the software, like a macOS computer. The Logitech has better ergonomics thanks to its detachable wrist rest, and it comes with dedicated macro keys and a USB passthrough to plug in other peripherals.

The layout is also completely standard, with ISO (UK, Europe) and ANSI (US, China) variants available. The sleek tenkeyless form factor gives you more space for rapid mouse movements, especially in desktop setups that are too tight for a full-sized keyboard. In fact, companies like Kailh are forging the way forward in the world of keyswitches, trying new ideas and innovating while Cherry seems content to take a much slower approach to product development. Of course, RGB lighting is not really the same between models (different effects, light intensity, keycaps) but that's not all since consumers also need to know which type of switch they would like (mechanical, membrane or hybrid), brand name (the most well-known of which are Cherry, OMRON, Kailh/Kaihua, Gateron, Outemu, Greetech and Matias - brand also equals quality in most cases) and also what characteristics they want those switches to have (defined by their color when it comes to mechanical switches).It uses linear Kailh Silver Speed switches that don’t require much force to actuate and provide a very responsive feel. The HyperX Alloy FPS RGB™ is a great-looking, high-performance keyboard designed to make sure that both your skills and style are on full display. On the other hand, there was a side-effect from this effective speed increase as I made more typos than usual when using this for writing – sloppy strikes that brushed other keys actually caused them to actuate sometimes, and I would type both keys at once.