STACK #246 April 2025

GAMING FEATURE

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proprietary red linear switches. As well as longevity – they’re rated for up to 80 million key presses - these operate at a speedy 1K polling rate, delivering reliable, rapid key press detection. If you like your keyboards to sound super-clacky then

RISE TO THE OCCASION! A standard sized gaming keyboard isn't always the right fit. If you want to cart one around, or you want something compact to keep by theTV for your consoles, or you just have little in the way of desk space, a keyboard like the HyperX Alloy Rise 75 Wireless is a great solution. Words Amy Flower I f you're trying to save space, yet enjoy a full-size key mechanical keyboard, then this wonderfully compact unit is a brilliant option. That number in its name

these aren't for you, as they get the job done somewhat more subtly noise-wise, but otherwise they offer

great feel and, from our test, reliability. Speaking of the keys, a handy keycap removal tool is included should you wish to swap some custom keys – available separately – in or out. Connectivity is a strong point with the Alloy Rise 75, with three options at your disposal. You can go wireless and switch between three devices via Bluetooth, or you can ditch the cable with the 2.4GHz USB dongle that’s included. Special mention must go to how that dongle is neatly stored by the selection switch at the unit’s rear when not in use and held in place magnetically.

Battery-wise, HyperX promise an impressive 80 hours of charge with the RGB backlighting on, and an incredible 1500 hours with it off. The third option is to keep the keyboard tethered via the included USB-A to USB-C cable, which is handy if you’re not taking your Alloy Rise 75 out and about. If reliability and durability are key deciders in your search for a compact, space-saving yet fully functional keyboard - and some cool good looks don't hurt either - then the HyperX Alloy Rise 75 is a top contender to consider.

represents that it's only 75% the size of a standard keyboard. It's a just-the facts design, and it's an appealing one. The bezels clock in at only a few millimetres each side, surrounding an otherwise full-sized 80-key and volume/ mute knob layout – the main thing missing is a numeric keypad, so it’s much like a typical laptop layout. The Alloy Rise 75 features fully programmable RGB lighting, including neat stripes on the left and right sides, all of which can be tweaked with various patterns from functional to dynamic via the nifty HyperX NGenuity software. There’s also an ambient light sensor built-in that adjusts the intensity to your current environment.

There are ten onboard memory slots so that you can switch between lighting and game macro presets, while the software also allows other tweaks such as turning off that infernal shift lock key. The markings on each of the PBT plastic keycaps - which tend to survive longer than standard ABS ones - are nice and clear. But key caps that will take a pounding aren't the only reassuringly solid part of the Alloy Rise 75, as it’s built like a tank. This solid build lends the unit a decent amount of heft which, combined with rubberised pads underneath, helps prevent it from sliding all over a desktop, knee or anywhere else that you plop it, without falling into the "too heavy!" basket. If used on a flat surface there are also handy plastic feet for extra tilt. As for typing feel, the Alloy Rise 75 is equipped with HyperX's super-speedy

Have it your way! The top plate is easily removable – it’s held on magnetically – so that you can swap in different coloured plates, or if you’re arty then even one that you’ve painted up yourself.

• The HyperX Alloy Rise 75 Wireless Gaming Keyboard is available Apr 18.

50 APRIL 2025

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