HyperX Alloy Origins Gaming Keyboard Overview
Taking a first look at the HyperX Alloy Origins we can see that it is a full-size keyboard so we have a full compliment of keys as well as a full numberpad. One thing that I like about this keyboard is the footprint is not all that big, something we’ve seen from HyperX keyboards in the past.
While most gaming keyboard have a metal top plate, the entire chassis or casing of the HyperX Alloy Origins is made of aircraft-grade aluminum. This gives the keyboard some good weight to it and a solid feel.
The only real “extra” space on the keyboard is in the top right where you have a HyperX logo and a small screen to indicate number lock, caps lock, and game mode. Unlike the HyperX Alloy FPS where these were simple LEDs you’ll now be able to see the Game Mode logo, a “1” for number lock, and an “A” for caps lock.
There are not any extra keys on the keyboard, but many of the keys have alternate functions. F1-F3 are used to switch between profiles, F6-F11 are for multimedia controls, F12 is used to enter game mode, where certain keys are disabled so you don’t accidentally exit your game. The up and down arrow keys are used to adjust the brightness of the RGB LEDs.
HyperX is using standard single-shot keycaps on this keyboard, which allows light to pass through them easily. They have a concave design, which should make typing and gaming comfortable. As we mentioned earlier this keyboard features HyperX’s newer Aqua mechanical switches. These are much like a Cherry MX brown switch, except these have a shorter travel distance (3.8 mm vs 4.0 mm), reduced actuation (1.8 mm vs 2.0 mm), as well as a lighter actuation force (45g vs 55g). HyperX also offers the Alloy Origins in their Red linear switches.
Unlike most keyboards that have two adjustable keyboard angles, the Alloy Origins has three. The default is 3-degrees, if you pop out the smaller feet you are at 7-degrees, and if you pop out the larger feet you are at 11 degrees. This makes it so the keyboard will be comfortable for many different people. I personally prefer the 7-degree setting.
At the top edge of the keyboard you’ll find a USB-C connection. Not all that often we see a detachable USB cable on a full-size keyboard, but it is nice to see here and makes travelling with the Alloy Origins less of a hassle. The included cable is nicely braided and is 1.8m long.
Flipping the keyboard over we have four rubber feet, which will keep it in place on your desk.
