HyperX Alloy Origins PBT Gaming Keyboard Review
Gaming keyboards have come a long way since they first hit the market in the early 2010s. Now, there’s an abundance of choices available to consumers. Everything from switch type to RGB zones, anti-ghosting technology, and keyboard frame quality have become major selling points in modern gaming keyboard setups. This can easily become overwhelming for consumers.
There are key brands that have etched themselves a solid reputation in the PC accessory space. Enter HyperX, a well-known company that built a reputation for providing solid PC and home console accessories. Now, let’s take a look at one of their gaming keyboards, the HyperX Alloy Origins. Spoiler alert, it’s a solid and safe choice.
The HyperX Alloy Origins is a mechanical gaming keyboard that offers customers a variety of features and a solid durable build for long-lasting use. Let’s check out some of the keyboard’s prominent features and give our take on them.
HyperX Alloy Origins Mechanical Switches
The keyboard we reviewed came with HyperX’s red mechanical switches. They are linear switches with a response rate of 45g actuation force. The switches have a lifespan of 80 million keystrokes. In other words, each key felt easy to press and felt actuated, and responsive. Key presses produced an audible grounded “click” sound, which felt satisfying to use. The larger keys (i.e., the shift, spacebar, and delete keys) have a more muted tone compared to the rest of the keys.
Using the HyperX Alloy Origins was a satisfying and comfortable experience. I’m certain that even season typists will enjoy using the keyboard as well. But if you prefer a louder keyboard experience, HyperX Alloy Origins is also available in blue and aqua switches.
N-Key Rollover
The HyperX Alloy Origins offers technology that should abate any concern about missed inputs. Since the keyboard features N-key rollover technology, this means that every key input is guaranteed to register. Even if you press simultaneous keys at the same time, every key press will be scanned and registered. Of course, that’s very important for gaming because you’ll regularly be pressing multiple keys during games. I didn’t experience any input issues as I tried different types of games on the keyboard including Halo Infinite, Fortnite, Lost Epoch, and The Elder Scrolls Online. Every input was on point as expected.
100% Anti-Ghosting Tech
To add, the HyperX Alloy Origins also features anti-ghosting tech. Now, in laymen’s terms, that means this tech prevents keystrokes from being lost/mixed up while gaming. So, no excuses if you said you didn’t press the correct key. Again it’s difficult to test this without professional technical equipment. But from my experience with the keyboard, there were no issues to report.
Double-Shot PBT Keycaps
The HyperX Alloy Origins features double-shot PBT materials for its keycaps. There are a couple of advantages of using PBT. First, PBT keycaps are far more durable compared to ABS keycaps. In addition, PBT material provides a better grip, so your fingers are less likely to slip when your fingers are resting on the keyboard. Second, PBT keycaps are generally quieter than ABS keycaps, which suits me well because I prefer quieter keyboards in general. But overall, the keycaps felt premium and very easy to use. Each keycap was slightly texturized which proved to be quite grippy, while also being comfortable as well.
Sleek and Minimalist Design
Let’s not beat around the bush, the HyperX Alloy Origins Alloy has a sleek and minimalist design that really speaks to me. Too often, we see gaming keyboards go a little crazy on the design. They will fill them with extra buttons and macros that gamers can program to their heart’s content. But for me, I enjoy a clean setup, and any of the additional programming buttons are accessed with the function key. It’s a simple yet effective design and functionality choice that helps maintain the minimalist look.
On the flip side, the minimalist design does means that there’s no real estate for other controls. In other words, the keyboard doesn’t feature dedicated media controls or macro buttons. Most of these functions can be programmed via the HyperX NGENUITY app. The commands are then toggled using the function key. This boils down to personal preference and how you like to set up your keyboard. For me, I don’t mind using a function key to access certain features like adjusting volume, muting, and other playback commands.
On another note, above the number pad has a sleek-looking and minimalist LED that indicates CAPS Lock, Number Pad, and Game Mode. I love its distinctive look and prefer it over the typical LED light commonly found on other gaming keyboards.
HyperX Alloy Origins Solid and Durable Frame
The frame of the HyperX Alloy Origins is made from aluminum. Now, HyperX claims it’s aircraft-grade material. It’s difficult to verify this claim, but one thing for certain is that the keyboard has some heft to it. The keyboard itself weighs 1.07 kg (2.36 lbs) and a lot of that weight will naturally come from the frame. This means that the keyboard sits in its place and you won’t likely accidentally knock it during intense gaming sessions. On top of the frame is a rubberized texture that feels premium. It’s a nice subtle touch that adds class to the build material of the keyboard.
The HyperX Origins Alloy also provides 3 different angles to adjust your keyboard (3°, 7°, or 11°). As someone who’s quickly approaching their 40s, taking care of your body and posture is important. So, having more control to adjust the keyboard angles really made a difference in wrist comfort. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come packaged with a wrist rest, which could have made a difference in additional wrist comfort.
RGB
The keycaps sit above the RGB lights and it creates a nice illuminating effect. Luckily, it isn’t overdone, as some gaming keyboards just go overboard with their RGB setup. Luckily, it seems that HyperX has tuned to accommodate RGB fans, without it being too overbearing. There are also multiple RGB zone layouts on the keyboard. This creates a premium-looking layout.
The HyperX Alloy Origins allows users to save up to 3 different onboard RGB profiles. This allows you to switch on the fly directly from the keyboard itself. Some might consider this number as limited, as other competitors offer more profile sharing. But for my personal use, I just set it in rainbow/multi-color mode and get on with my day.
HyperX Alloy Origin Packaging and Cable Work
The HyperX Alloy Origins comes packaged with a keycap remover, additional stylized escape and space keys, and a 1.79m (5.9ft) detachable and braided USB-C to USB-A cable.
The cable feels premium and I was surprised that the detachable cable was more useful than it initially appeared. Especially if you’re moving the keyboard around.
The additional keys are a nice touch if you want to spruce up your keyboard style. The keyboard also has a 2-year warranty to put your mind at ease.
Console Compatibility
The HyperX Alloy Origins is also compatible with PlayStation and Xbox platforms. With more and more console games supporting keyboard and mouse setups, it’s nice to see reputable PC accessory makers jump on the train and provide products for home console users. This compatibility only adds versatility that will create more value for customers.
Final Thoughts on the HyperX Alloy Origins Keyboard
HyperX Alloy Origins is a versatile premium mechanical gaming keyboard. The keyboard is constructed from top-notch materials and has texturized and comfortable-to-use keycaps that should last for a long time. The minimalist design is much welcomed despite not featuring additional media controls and a wrist rest. The adjustable keyboard angles mean that you can find the perfect setup to ensure your comfort.
The Alloy Origins comes packed with all the expected tech to make sure nothing gets in the way of your gaming session. The keyboard is compatible with consoles and also comes in a variety of switch options and sizes so you can choose what’s best for you. The Alloy Origins keyboard is another feather in HyperX’s impressive cap.
The HyperX Alloy Origins is available now with an MSRP of $109.99. You can find it on the official HyperX website or through Amazon.
Note – the full-size red switch version of the keyboard was provided by HyperX for the purpose of this review.
