HyperX Alloy Origins Mechanical
Update 10/5/2020: After its initial launch with HyperX Red switches and follow-up update with HyperX Aqua tactile switches, HyperX today announced a version of this keyboard debuting its HyperX Blue clicky switches. We’ve updated the switch section below with our experience and thoughts about the keyboard with this switch, which is most similar to Cherry MX Blues. The Blue version of the Allow Origins is now available via HyperX's website.
What do you want from your best gaming keyboard, a truckload of features that you’ll want to futz around with for hours, or a sleek, solid, compact and colorful package that feels great while letting you get down to gaming? If the latter sounds like you, HyperX’s $110 Alloy Origins is well worth considering. Its metal shell is compact, sleek and solid. HyperX’s in-house linear switches feel familiar, in a good way. And the RGB backlighting looks about as vivid as any I’ve seen on a mechanical clacker.
HyperX Alloy Origins Specs
| Switches | HyperX Blue (clicky), HyperX Red (linear) or HyperX Aqua (tactile) |
| Lighting | RGB LED |
| Onboard Storage | Yes |
| Media Keys | With FN |
| Game Mode | Yes |
| Interface | 1x USB Type-C port |
| Cable | 5.9 feet (1.8m), braided, detachable |
| Additional Ports | None |
| Key Caps | ABS plastic |
| Construction | Aluminum top and bottom plate |
| Software | NGenuity lighting and macro software |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 17.4 x 5.2 x 1.4 inches (442.5 x 132.5 x 36.4mm) |
| Weight | 2.4 pounds (1,075g) |
| Warranty | 2-year limited |
| Price | $109.99 |
Typing and Gaming Experience
This keyboard comes with your choice of HyperX-branded Red linear switches, Aqua tactiles or Blue Clicky ones.
The HyperX Red switches to my fingers feel about the same as the Cherry MX Reds in the Corsair keyboard I use for gaming at home. According to HyperX, the HyperX Red switches have the same 45g actuation force as Cherry MX Reds. But HyperX has cut both the actuation distance (1.8mm) and total travel distance (3.8mm) down by 0.2mm. Cherry MX Reds have rated distances of 2mm and 4mm, respectively.
Design
Measuring 1.4 x 17.4 x 5.2 inches (36.4 x 442.5 x 132.5mm) and weighing 2.4 pounds (1,075g), the Alloy Origins is pretty compact for a full-size mechanical keyboard. And a removable braided USB-C cable (that’s nearly 6 feet long) helps make the keyboard more travel-friendly. The slim, aluminum shell looks attractive and feels solid, while giving the exposed switches and keys a nice surface to reflect off of, resulting in bright, attractive lighting effects.