HyperX Alloy Origins

[testman78]

Introduction

The HyperX brand needs no further introduction. The line of gaming peripherals from this manufacturer is very popular among gamers and has a huge number of models. But the company does not plan to be satisfied with what has already been achieved and regularly presents more and more new devices to the market. Today we're going to talk about another product from HyperX - the HyperX Alloy Origins mechanical gaming keyboard. Past HyperX keyboards have been using mechanical switches from Cherry MX and Kailh. Now, the Alloy Origins keyboard, features their very own branded switches. The Alloy Origins Core sports Kingston's own "HyperX Red" switches on the model we'll be reviewing. There is also a model of switch called the "HyperX Aqua", but we will not be taking a look at those today. It has an minimalistic design and per-key RGB lighting.



As always, let's take a look at the technical specs of the Alloy Origins before we get to review.






Packaging & Contents

The exterior of the box is nice and colorful with HyperX red and white. We're greeted with the nice HyperX logo. The box also shows us that this particular variant of the keyboard is using the HyperX Red linear switches and that the keyboard is full-spectrum RGB.



The back of the packaging showcases the switches, adjustable feet, cable, and the thickness of the keyboard base.



The side panel affords up the package system necessities, deal contents, and necessities to acquire and run NGenuity software program.



Inside of the keyboard box you'll find the HyperX Alloy Origins, 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.





A Closer Look

The HyperX Alloy Origins is a sleek looking mechanical keyboard. The Alloy Origins is a full-sized 104 keys keyboard, with a width of 44.25 cm and a depth of 13.25 cm. The Alloy Origins is pretty thick. It weighs in at around 1075 grams. The thickness doesn't feel too extreme though because the case of the keyboard has small curves on the edges. Cosmetically, this keyboard is very pretty. There are a full row of function keys and a number pad besides the arrow keys. The HyperX logo is proudly displayed on the spacebar as well. Another area the HyperX Alloy Origins impresses though is with its sturdy build quality made from "aircraft-grade aluminium" - translation, metal. Like its little-brother there aren't any detachable wrist rest. They do sell an optional wrist rest.



On the left fringe of this Alloy Origins, we see each halves of the aluminum body coming collectively, sporting a textured black end, with a slight angle supplied out of the field. The entire switches above the keyboard are uncovered, and with clear our bodies, it helps the LEDs to shine brighter, however presently, the keycaps within the first few rows are angled away from the person. 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.



The keyboard also comes with a detachable braided USB C to USB A Cable which is extremely good for portability.



Here is the place the connection is made by USB Kind-C connector. It has a recessed hole that fits the braided cable that comes with it perfectly.



The keycaps on the AOC are made of ABS-plastic. The HyperX Pudding Keycaps are a good pick as it is white at the bottom allowing for more light to shine through which will give your keyboard a different look. Each key cap can be easily removed so cleaning and dusting should be an issue either. The HyperX Red switches are linear switches and have no tactile bump with each keypress. These can be compared to Cherry MX Reds. They operate at 45g of force. These switches are extremely smooth, with no resistance or friction being felt within the switches themselves. The spring force is perfect for gaming, but not allowing too many misclicks or mistakes.



Its lower part follows the excellent level of finish keeping the aluminum plate with rounded bevels, further helping in the perception of a premium product. A sticker at the back shows the model number, serial number and power consumption (5V/500mA) of the keyboard. There are also four long rubber pads at the bottom to prevent slippage on your desk during those intense situations.



This keyboard has adjustable plastic feet that allow the keyboard to be set at three different heights, roughly flat, 7 and 11 degrees. This is nice for those who need a certain level of incline while they're typing.




Performance

The Alloy Origins 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 customise 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. No dedicated media controls or macro keys.







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, forgoing 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. Its activation point is 1.8mm while the total pressing distance is 3.8mm, in addition to being tested for up to 80 million pressures, something that is very difficult to test in real life. The first thing I notice is the weight, that even though it is the same according to the manufacturers there is a clear difference, in my view in favor HyperX switch. Its slightly larger weight gives me more comfort and safety when typing, not being too light to press a switch when resting a finger on the key, which is the case with Cherry Red. Another thing is its silence, which comes in part due to its good lubrication that gives great smoothness when pressing the key. The light comes in the perfect measure of the keys. There is not too much lighting to the point of hurting your eyes but there is also not enough to not be able to see the LEDs in well-lit environments. All the keys are extremely well lit and I can only see a little fading in characters printed on the bottom of the keycap while the central ones are perfectly lit.





Final Thoughts

HyperX has always delivered solid products that aim to help gamers get the best experience while gaming. The HyperX Alloy Origins isn't any different. The quality of the Hyper X Alloy Origins is top-notch. It feels so durable and high quality. I'm a big fan of things that I can care for and keep a long time and this keyboard feels like it's going to hold up well. Plus, it give the keyboard a nice weight. The keys themselves are high quality dense plastic, and the switches have a very solid nice feel. I also like that it has a detachable cord so you don't have to worry about bending it too far when packing it away. It plugs into the keyboard with a nice USB-C cord, so it's forward compatible. The included cable has a good looking, and feeling braiding to it. This keyboard has adjustable plastic feet that allow the keyboard to be set at three different heights, roughly flat, 7 and 11 degrees. The RGB lights shine through brightly and with high contrast, so you don't have to worry about not being able to see your keys at night. There is onboard memory for up to 3 separate profiles on the Alloy Origins. 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 keyboard has amazing red linear switches designed by HyperX themselves. 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, it's what they've left out that could be a problem. There's no USB pass-thru, replacement keycaps or a keycap puller and dedicated media controls or macro keys. Sure, the lack of dedicated media buttons hurt, but HyperX has made good use of the Fn key to pair up the function row with media controls, and dedicated media keys were undoubtedly dropped for portability concerns.



I don't think there is anything out there with this much quality build and function for the price($89.99). You can go cheaper, but you get what you pay for.

https://www.hyperxgaming.com/us/keyboards/alloy-origins-mechanical-gaming-keyboard