HyperX Alloy Origins Keyboard Review: A Gamer’s Delight

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Introduction

If you’re a gamer, you know that the keyboard you use can make or break your gaming experience. After spending some quality time with the HyperX Alloy Origins keyboard, I’m ready to share my experience. This review will take you through all the nooks and crannies of this mechanical keyboard, detailing what makes it a strong contender in the competitive market of gaming peripherals.

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Build Quality and Design

One of the first things you’ll notice about the HyperX Alloy Origins keyboard is its outstanding build quality. This thing is built like a tank. The full aircraft-grade aluminum body not only gives it a sleek and premium look but also ensures that it can withstand the rigors of intense gaming sessions. I’ve banged on this keyboard during some heated moments in Call of Duty, and it barely flinched.

The compact, portable design is another standout feature. It’s not overly large, making it a great fit for most desk setups. Plus, the detachable USB Type-C cable is a godsend for portability. If you’re someone who likes to take their keyboard to LAN parties or just need to pack it away neatly, this feature will come in handy.

RGB Backlighting

Let’s talk about the RGB backlighting because, honestly, what’s a gaming keyboard without some flashy lights? The HyperX Alloy Origins doesn’t disappoint here. The RGB lighting is vibrant and fully customizable. With the HyperX NGENUITY software, you can set per-key lighting, create custom light shows, and even save them to the keyboard’s onboard memory. It’s like having your own little disco party every time you sit down to game. I’ve spent more time than I’d like to admit tweaking my light settings to get them just right.

Key Switches

The heart of any mechanical keyboard lies in its switches, and the HyperX Alloy Origins features HyperX’s own mechanical switches. Specifically, the version I have comes with HyperX Red linear switches. These switches have a short pre-travel distance and are easy to actuate, which means they are incredibly responsive.

For gaming, these switches are a dream. Whether you’re executing rapid keystrokes in a frantic firefight or making precise movements in a strategy game, the HyperX Red switches deliver. Typing on this keyboard is also a pleasant experience. The keys require very little force to actuate, making long typing sessions less tiring. However, if you’re coming from a keyboard with tactile or clicky switches, it might take some getting used to the linear feel of the HyperX Reds.

Customization and Software

Customization is key (pun intended) for many gamers, and the HyperX Alloy Origins offers plenty of it through the HyperX NGENUITY software. This software allows you to program every key on the keyboard, craft macros, and adjust Game Mode settings.

Setting up macros is straightforward, and the software’s interface is user-friendly. You can create complex macros and assign them to any key, which is perfect for games that require repetitive actions. I’ve set up a few macros for building structures in Fortnite, and it’s made a noticeable difference in my gameplay efficiency.

One downside, though, is that the HyperX NGENUITY software is only available for Windows. So, if you’re using a Mac or any other operating system, you’re out of luck. This limitation might be a deal-breaker for some, but for the majority of gamers who use Windows, it’s a non-issue.

Ergonomics and Comfort

When it comes to comfort, the HyperX Alloy Origins offers three adjustable keyboard angles. You can set it to 3°, 7°, or 11° depending on your wrist preference. I found the 7° angle to be the most comfortable for extended gaming sessions. Unfortunately, the keyboard doesn’t come with a wrist rest. If you’re used to having one, you might miss it here. However, I didn’t find it to be a huge issue, but it’s something to consider if wrist support is crucial for you.

Performance in Gaming

Performance-wise, the HyperX Alloy Origins shines. The linear switches are perfect for fast-paced games where every millisecond counts. The 100% anti-ghosting and N-key rollover functionalities ensure that every key press registers accurately, even during the most chaotic moments in-game.

During my time with the keyboard, I tested it with a variety of games including first-person shooters, real-time strategy games, and MMORPGs. The HyperX Alloy Origins handled them all with aplomb. In shooters like Valorant and Apex Legends, the responsiveness of the keys gave me a slight edge. In strategy games like StarCraft II, the ability to set and execute macros efficiently made complex commands easier to handle.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Outstanding Build Quality: The full aluminum body is both durable and stylish.
  • Excellent Typing Experience: The HyperX Red switches are responsive and light.
  • Programmable Keys: Every key can be customized to your liking.
  • Vibrant RGB Backlighting: Fully customizable lighting options.
  • Portability: Compact design with a detachable cable.

Cons

  • Windows-Only Software: HyperX NGENUITY is not available on other operating systems.
  • No Wrist Rest: Some users might miss this feature for added comfort.
  • Lacks Dedicated Macro Keys: While you can program all keys, dedicated macro keys would be a nice addition.

Final Thoughts

After putting the HyperX Alloy Origins keyboard through its paces, I can confidently say that it’s a fantastic choice for gamers looking for a reliable, high-performance keyboard. The build quality is top-notch, the key switches are responsive, and the RGB lighting adds a fun, customizable element to your gaming setup.

While there are a few minor downsides, such as the lack of a wrist rest and the Windows-only software, the overall package is hard to beat. If you’re in the market for a new gaming keyboard, the HyperX Alloy Origins is definitely worth considering.

Recommendation

Would I recommend the HyperX Alloy Origins? Absolutely. Whether you’re a casual gamer or someone who spends hours grinding away at your favorite games, this keyboard delivers on performance and durability. Just be prepared to spend some time playing with the RGB settings – it’s addictive!

If you’re looking for a keyboard that combines a sleek design with powerful functionality, the HyperX Alloy Origins should be at the top of your list. It strikes a great balance between style, performance, and reliability, making it a worthy addition to any gamer’s arsenal.

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