HyperX Alloy Elite 2 – Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, Software-Controlled Light & Macro Customization, ABS Pudding Keycaps, Media Controls, RGB LED Backlit, Linear Switch, HyperX Red,Black

First, one major thing out of the way before I explain this review. I am disabled, in 2017 in my mid 40's I had to retire. Luckily enough for me, I was able to do that. One of my major problems is swelling, and yes in my hands. So here I was retired, and unable to do many of the things I enjoyed. So I decided for my creative outlet I would start writing again. This started my long journey to find the right keyboard. Now to the review.I have been looking and yes spending way too much money in my search for the right keyboard for me. I am not a gamer. I primarily write and utilize graphics applications.I found out quickly that "chiclet" style keyboards weren't going to work. They are hard due to bottoming out against the backplate. This would cause physical issues for me if I used them for more than an hour or so at a time. So after some pain, and no less than 4 different "high-end" keyboards I had to keep searching. These keyboards are now part of my keyboard drawer of demise.Next came the mechanicals, okay this was a nightmare! I started with Razor and Corsair. My first switch was blue, and quickly that was not going to work. The actuation length was just way too long so in order for me to actually know I engaged the key I had to bottom it out. Remember I am disabled so I have a lack of fine feeling in my fingers. They aren't 100% numb but enough so that I get no tactile queues from the switch. So the Huntsman, and MK2 visited the drawer to be entombed.Next, I moved on looking for a low profile thinking maybe the actuation length was the issue. I even experimented with membrane keyboards again. The Ornata was a no go the same issue with bottoming out and hitting the backplate to hard. MK2 Low Profile in a red switch and that was a hard no. The actuation wasn't so bad as it is the pressure needed to engage the switch felt off to me and I was hitting the backplate. I tried some off brands as well like a Redragon low profile, and 3 other keyboards with brown switches. Before you judge me this process took a little over 2 years. I would try different wrist rests and form factors. All in all, I bought and now have in my drawer 11 keyboards, probably $1,200 or so in the hole.Now up to this point how I have been surviving and writing is what I call keyboard merry-go-round. I use a keyboard and when I start to hurt I switch to another. So daily I switch at least once, but usually twice. Now, mind you I write and use my graphics applications a lot. Usually, 4 to 6 hours a day and some days 12 since my pain doesn't let me sleep much.I ran across the Elite 2 earlier this week. So I ordered it and it arrived yesterday early afternoon. The first impression was this was a beast. Well built, and heavy which I like because I have had keyboards slide around on me because I am bottoming them out so much.Got this plugged in and turned it on. The lighting was beautiful. See the RGB really adds nothing to a typing experience physically of course. But it does add something more important. I find it adds sunshine and more importantly inspiration. There is something to color science in the face it can help with creativity and help relax you. So I was very pleased with the excellent lighting of the board. Hands down the best I have seen so far.Now the most important part. These switches are like butter to my fingers they are smooth and soft enough that I felt no pain. The keys are a bit more spread out so that is going to take some time, but man does it feel nice. They are simply perfect for me. I used the keyboard for almost 10 hours on day one. and didn't feel any pain from bottoming out the keys. The response was amazing and the travel distance perfect. The pressure needed to actuate the switch was light and the resistance was balanced perfectly with excellent backpressure. Honestly, for me, this was the most pleasurable experience I have had typing since I fell ill.HyperX you won me over with this product, and I want to thank you. This keyboard felt like it was made for me, and this is about all I have to say...I paired this purchase with the HyperX wrist rest, and that was an excellent choice. Combined the experience was even better. The rest perfectly fit the board height and width and was supportive but not to firm, excellent product as well.

exactly what I ordered as I expected it - Thanks!

but man this keyboard is epic! I saw many people on youtube saying the keys rattle but they obvious have never typed on a Corsair K70. I am replacing my K70 with this. My K70 still works, good condition, but this looks nicer and feels way better to type on. They keycaps are also good looking. Was going to replace em with G Skill Crystal keycaps but no way, I'm loving these already.Volume knob is perfect, way better than K70, but as good as Logitech's G815 volume scroller. Which to me is the best I have ever used. All around, G815 is my favorite keyboard, but it is not good all the time since I used the end of my palm to hit CTRL for crouching in FPS games. Therefore I use non low profile for FPS games where CTRL is commonly used. The Media Keys are also smooth and solid.The RGB is super bright, 4 brightness channels. Num lock, caps, windows button lights are off to the side. which is a good thing since the white lights are super bright. and the rgb light bar that goes across the keyboard is really nice too.The surface of the keyboard is metal and feels nice and doesn't have the brushed surface like the K70 does, which to me is a way better because sometimes dust just refuses to move on brush surfaces with an airpump keyboard cleaner.This keyboard is not overdone and doesn't have that edgy "gamer" look. Which the K70 also doesn't have. So that's a win. I have spent 6 hours with it now, typing and gaming and it feels really good and an improvement over the K70 when it comes to the feel of pressing down on the keys. As for the RGB software, I have not messed with it and do not plan on it since rgb software is garbo, no matter who makes it. Unicorn puke is just fine for me. The only negative I have about this keyboard is the USB passthrough. I wish it were turned the other way around so I can see my Xbox Bluetooth dongle light. The light blinks if something is wrong with it but with this keyboard, the passthrough has it facing downward so I would have to lift up the keyboard. Other than that, perfectly fine and glad I bought it for $90. When this came out, it was going for $130. Would I have paid that much for it then? without trying it, no. But if I did try it and it felt as good as it does now, I would easily ask em to wrap it up and take my money.Overall, my favorite non low profile mechanical keyboard I have ever used. 10/10and it is too early to write a review on this, but I normally forget to write a review on anything I like. So If anything happens from here on and if it one of the LED lights goes out, I will update this review. The K70 and G815 AND Logitech Orion, which I have owned for a long time, have never had an issue with any of the LED lights dying out. I used to own a K70 from back in the day and those LED lights were dying every other week. So if it happens here, I will be updating. Other than that, it's going good.