Introduction
Over the last few years, HyperX has really stepped up their accessory game.The Alloy Origins Core is one of their newest entries into the keyboard market. HyperX has been making quality gaming keyboards for years with the Alloy line, and the product name keeps getting longer as they pack more features in. The new Alloy Origins Core features a compact design (no number pad here) made from aircraft grade aluminum. Standout features include the adjustable angle, software-controllable RGB lighting, and HyperX's Red or Aqua mechanical switches.
For a bit of a hint, let's take a look at those all important Technical Specifications shall we.
Packaging & Contents
The brand new Alloy Origins Core model is inside a white and red box that has a product picture at the front along with its main features, layout, switches used and of course the company logo.
This continues on the back and sides with more illustrations, features, and specifications.
Inside of the keyboard box you'll find the HyperX Alloy Origins Core, a braided USB cable, a quick start guide and a small product catalog. What disappoints is the absence of tool to remove the key covers and extra keycaps.
A Closer Look
In terms of actual look, the HyperX Alloy Origins Core is of the compact tenkeyless variety. It comes without a NumPad. The body/frame of the keyboard is made milled using aircraft-grade aluminum, which makes the product light and sturdy at the same time. The keyboard is black in color, which gives this keyboard a stealth look. Even if a wrist-rest has a positive effect on handling, HyperX has not used one due to the slim construction. However they do sell an optional wrist rest. The only hints that this is a gaming keyboard are the HyperX logos found on the space bar and above the arrow keys.
The matte finish paint on the keyboard also helps hide fingerprints and smudges.
The switches are half transparent with a large RGB LED which ensures an intense backlight.
A look at the new HyperX Red Linear switches.
The caps are made of ABS plastic and using laser engraving.
Because of its compact design, there are no dedicated media or macro keys. The individual keys are placed directly on the top of the keyboard housing. The media playback controls are integrated within the function keys, but I would have loved to see a dedicated volume dial on the top right-hand side of the keyboard. You also get a game mode built into the F12 key, which locks the Windows key so that you don't accidentally jump into the desktop when you're gaming, and the F1, F2 and F3 keys are also profile switching buttons. If you want to switch between three different profiles, that's the way to do it without the help of software.
I really liked the three adjustable keyboard tilt angles, especially since they add rubber feet below each level.
It uses a detachable cable, and we get one with a USB Type-A connector on one end and a Type-C connector on the other. The cable uses black sleeving and housing for the connectors. It's length is 182 cm and thickness is 4 mm.
Performance
The Alloy Origins Core was automatically recognized by our Windows. A driver or software installation is not necessary to use the normal functions. However, if you want to use the full range of functions, you have to install the HyperX NGenuity software. Adding RGB lights to the mix sounds like a simple task to carry out, but manufacturers who want to do it right need to consider a companion app that can control and customise the illumination to the desired effect. NGenuity is free to download and covers most of the basics without pushing the boat out in any one regard. HyperX's NGenuity software has been designed to work with their range of peripherals and headsets. NGenuity has an interesting aesthetic that works very well for the brand and is quite easy to use once you've familiarised yourself with it. NGenuity has all the features you'd expect from a modern bit of software, and with it, you can customize the lighting, add macros, change a keys function by adding a new assignment and also tailor the game mode to your preference. The keyboard can store up to three different RGB profiles. Besides controlling 16 million colors, the keyboard also offers four different levels of brightness.
I’ll start the physical test by saying that I’ve never actually used HyperX Red linear switches before. Alloy Origins obviously has a Game mode with 100% Anti-Ghosting and Rollover N-key functions to ensure that every single pressure is received. HyperX has gone with custom switches for this board, forgeting the standard Cherry MX switches that you see on so many mechanical gaming keyboards. The Red switches are comparable to Cherry Mx reds they are a linear switch which means they have a smooth linear stroke when pressed. The HyperX mechanical switches have an actuation force of 45g and a traveling distance of 1.8mm. The feedback from each keystroke is solid and responsive. It has just the right amount of weight and resistance. They are rated for 80 million keystrokes, so you can rest knowing this keyboard will retain this impressive performance for countless years to come. The keys certainly feel light and effortless to press, making double taps and even triple ones easy to execute. The linear switches provide a light and responsive typing experience and shouldn't cause any fatigue, even during long gaming sessions. Typing noise is quiet and shouldn't be bothersome, even in a quiet office environment.
Final Thoughts
This Core version is smaller and more compact due to the tenkeyless layout and is priced at $89. This is tenkeyless keyboard built for gamers that prefer compact design, but at the same time want all the tech and features of the original Alloy Origins. HyperX listened and the Core model comes with Game Mode, 100% anti-ghosting and N-key rollover functionalities. This little guy feels like a tank, showcasing impressive weight and tremendous build quality. It also features keyboard feet that let you choose from three different tilt levels. Its compact TKL design frees up space for mouse movement in desktop setups where space is at a premium, and it also features a detachable USB Type-C cable for supreme portability. Plug and play worked perfectly with my Windows 10? but the fun really kicked off when I grabbed the configuration software. There is onboard memory for up to 3 separate profiles on the Core. This is extremely handy as you can customize the look and effects through the recently updated HyperX NGenuity Software. You can customize your lighting, craft macros, and adjust Game Mode with HyperX NGenuity Software. This powerful, yet easy-to-use program lets you set per-key lighting, layer dazzling lighting effects, and add scores of other personalized touches to your NGenuity-compatible products. The new red switches designed by HyperX feel excellent. Coming from Cherry MX Red switches, the HyperX Red linear Switches didn’t take too much time to get used. These key switches have exposed LEDs for stunning lighting with an actuation force and travel distance elegantly balanced for responsiveness and accuracy. In comparison to the CHERRY MX switches, the switches trip a little faster and therefore enable you to react faster. There's not much wrong with what's in the Alloy Origins Core- it's what they've left out that could be a problem. There's no USB pass-thru, replacement keycaps/keycap puller and dedicated media controls.
HyperX Alloy Origins Core is a mechanical keyboard that focuses primarily on minimal design and construction without costing a lot ($89.99). It's uncommon to see a full aluminum frame on a keyboard at this price point. The HyperX Red linear switches mechanical switches are able to offer good performance and reliability, managing to keep up with the most famous Cherry MX.
https://www.hyperxgaming.com/us/keyboards/alloy-origins-core-tenkeyless-mechanical-gaming-keyboard
https://www.amazon.com/HyperX-Alloy-Origins-Core-Customization/dp/B07YMHGP86
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