Mechanical keyswitches play an important role in most of the best gaming keyboards we've encountered. Especially if they are on sale, like the Alloy FPS RGB from HyperX.

This keyboard typically bounces back and forth between an MSRP of $109.99 and a slightly reduced $99.99; CamelCamelCamel, which tracks Amazon's price history, shows that it has only approached this sale price once, during Black Friday period, when it dropped to $74. Even accounting for that brief drop, the average price is still just below $95.

HyperX used Kailh Silver Speed keyswitches for this model, which have the shortest actuation point of any HyperX switch at 1.1 mm and an actuation force of only 40 g. These switches are comparable to the Cherry MX Speed Silver (actuation point 1.2 mm, actuation force 45g), but is slightly faster and lighter.

What this essentially means is that the effort and force required to press the keys is minimized, resulting in smooth key action and making it a good choice for competitive gaming.

Notable features include a detachable cable for easier packing when traveling, a game mode that disables the Windows key, N-key rollover, and a USB 2.0 pass-through port with charging capabilities.

RGB backlighting is also part of the package, as is onboard memory for storing lighting and macro settings (up to three profiles).

While we have not tested this particular model (we are very fond of HyperX's Alloy Elite RGB), the overwhelming majority of user reviews on the web are positive; our friends at GamesRadar are also very impressed with this keyboard.