The HyperX Alloy Elite 2 uses HyperX NGenuity software to control RGB colors

The HyperX Alloy Elite 2 keyboard (often called the Hi75 in shorthand) does not have built-in buttons to change RGB lighting directly on the keyboard itself. Instead, you control all color and lighting effects through HyperX NGenuity, a free software application you install on your computer. Once NGenuity is running, you can change individual key colors, create lighting profiles, and switch between effects without touching the keyboard again.

The keyboard connects to your computer via USB cable, and NGenuity communicates with it through that connection. If NGenuity is not running, your keyboard will display whatever lighting profile was last saved to its onboard memory — but you cannot change it until you open the software again.

Key Takeaways

  • Download HyperX NGenuity from the official HyperX website and install it on your Windows or Mac computer before you can change RGB colors.
  • Connect your HyperX Alloy Elite 2 to your computer with the included USB cable, then launch NGenuity to detect the keyboard automatically.
  • Use the Lighting tab in NGenuity to select from preset effects, adjust brightness, or customize individual key colors one at a time.
  • Save your custom profiles to the keyboard's onboard memory so the lighting persists even when NGenuity is closed or you switch computers.

Download and install HyperX NGenuity

Visit the official HyperX support website and search for "NGenuity" or navigate directly to the NGenuity download page. The software is available for both Windows (version 10 and later) and macOS (version 10.13 and later). Download the installer file for your operating system.

Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts. You will need to agree to the terms of service and choose an installation folder — the default location works fine for most users. Once installation finishes, you can launch NGenuity from your Applications folder (Mac) or Start menu (Windows).

Connect your keyboard and open NGenuity

Plug your HyperX Alloy Elite 2 into an available USB port on your computer using the cable that came in the box. Wait a few seconds for your operating system to recognize the device. Then open HyperX NGenuity.

NGenuity should detect your keyboard automatically and display it in the main window. If it does not appear, try unplugging the keyboard, waiting 10 seconds, and plugging it back in. If the keyboard still does not show up, restart NGenuity or restart your computer. Make sure you are using the USB cable that came with the keyboard — some third-party cables do not carry the data signal needed for communication.

Access the Lighting tab and choose an effect

Once your keyboard appears in NGenuity, click the Lighting tab at the top of the window. You will see a list of preset lighting effects on the left side, such as Static, Breathing, Color Cycle, Spectrum Cycle, and Wave. Each effect has a small preview showing how it will look.

Click any effect name to select it. The keyboard will immediately display that effect so you can see it in real time. Adjust the Brightness slider to make the lighting dimmer or brighter. Some effects also have a Speed slider that controls how fast the colors change or cycle.

Customize individual key colors or create a static profile

If you want to set specific keys to specific colors instead of using a preset effect, select the Static effect first. Then look for an option to customize individual keys — this is usually a keyboard layout diagram where you can click on each key.

Click a key in the diagram, and a color picker will appear. Choose the color you want for that key. Repeat this process for any other keys you want to customize. You can set different keys to different colors, or leave some keys unlit by selecting black or turning off that key's lighting.

If NGenuity does not show a keyboard diagram for individual key customization, your version may only support full-keyboard color changes. In that case, select a color from the main color picker, and it will apply to all keys at once.

Save your profile to the keyboard's memory

Once you have set up the lighting the way you want it, look for a Save or Apply button in NGenuity — this is usually near the bottom of the Lighting tab or in a menu at the top. Click it to save your profile to the keyboard's onboard memory.

Saving to the keyboard means your lighting settings will stay in place even after you close NGenuity, restart your computer, or unplug the keyboard and plug it into a different computer. If you do not save, the lighting will revert to the last saved profile the next time you restart.

Troubleshooting common issues

If NGenuity crashes when you try to change colors, try closing the software completely, waiting 30 seconds, and opening it again. If the keyboard is not detected, make sure the USB cable is plugged firmly into both the keyboard and your computer — try a different USB port if the first one does not work.

If the lighting changes do not appear on the keyboard even though NGenuity shows them, make sure you clicked Save or Apply. Some users find that unplugging the keyboard, closing NGenuity, and plugging the keyboard back in resets the connection. If you are still having trouble, uninstall NGenuity, restart your computer, and reinstall the latest version from the HyperX website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change RGB colors without installing NGenuity?

No. The HyperX Alloy Elite 2 does not have onboard buttons or a menu system for changing colors. NGenuity is the only way to control the lighting. Once you save a profile to the keyboard's memory, the lighting will stay that way until you use NGenuity to change it again.

Will my custom lighting profile stay if I unplug the keyboard?

Yes, as long as you saved the profile to the keyboard's onboard memory before unplugging it. The keyboard stores the last saved profile and will display it automatically when you plug it back in, even on a different computer.

What if NGenuity does not recognize my keyboard?

First, try a different USB port on your computer. If that does not work, unplug the keyboard, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in. Restart NGenuity or your computer if the keyboard still does not appear. Make sure you are using the original USB cable, not a third-party one.

Can I use NGenuity on both Windows and Mac?

Yes. NGenuity is available for Windows 10 and later, and macOS 10.13 and later. Download the version for your operating system from the HyperX website. Your saved profiles will transfer to the keyboard's memory, so you can switch between computers.