Still very active in the video game keyboard market, HyperX has decided to offer one of its big hits in all sizes. First released in standard format then TKL, Alloy Origins was recently distributed in a so-called “60%” version, the most compact possible. Today, HyperX is therefore expanding things a little bit with a “65%” version. Not enough to change the face of the world.
This last comment should not be taken as a criticism of the policy of HyperX which, on the contrary, does very well to offer its favorite keyboard in different formats to suit all audiences. No, it’s above all that this change in dimensions – especially when we’re talking about going from 60% to 65% – hardly allows for fantasy. In fact, we do not expect major differences between the two versions, which are based on a fairly similar philosophy.
“65%” for an ultra-compact model
A so-called “60%” model is a keyboard that is approximately 60% of the width of a standard model. Logically, a “65%” model will therefore be a little wider and will be closer to the TKL format which simply removes the numeric keypad. Apart from this width to which we will have the opportunity to come back, the different versions of the Alloy Origins are very similar to each other. We see that HyperX has really sought to reach all audiences by offering such close design, style and functionality.
At first glance on an Alloy Origins, it is this very trendy open structure that we notice at the same time as the dark, uniformly black dress and this very discreet design. A thousand leagues from the old guns of the gaming peripheral, HyperX is among those who, among the first, have given up on aggressive, angular shapes. The result is a sober product that ultimately stands out very little from an office that is also black. The open structure still gives the impression that the keys are levitating above the chassis. Alloy Origins is no exception to the rule.
The chassis rests on a solid aluminum “bottom” plate which gives the whole a good rigidity. It is also a guarantee of robustness and it allows you to weight a little bit a keyboard which does not weigh very heavy, barely 450 grams. This lightness will be an asset for anyone who wants to take the keyboard with them, but keep in mind that it is an exclusively wired model. The connection is USB-C on the keyboard, but USB-A on the PC by means of a nice detachable 1.8 meter braided cable. It joins the list of small accessories delivered by HyperX.
Indeed, at the bottom of the box, there is – in addition to the keyboard and the cable therefore – a tool to detach the keycaps and two decorated keycaps. The idea here is to bring a bit of fantasy to the Alloy Origins, but also to show how easy it is to remove / replace keycaps. This is a real asset even if HyperX had already taken care to integrate quality keycaps: instead of the ABS used by many competitors, the manufacturer turned to double injection PBT plastic. The keys are thus more solid and the markings last longer.
The downside of PBT is that it’s significantly more expensive and rather than produce keycaps for all keyboard layouts, HyperX has resolved to only distribute – anywhere in the world – a QWERTY model of its Alloy Origins. Too bad for us. It’s all the more unfortunate that the manufacturer has looked into most of the details with a perfectly designed backlight to be visible without being annoying and tilting feet on two levels for a total of three levels of inclination: 0° , 6° and 9°.
Slight “echo” effect which disturbs a little
This triple inclination is probably the reason why HyperX does not ship any wrist rest with its keyboard or as an option. This may disappoint some, but it’s not that annoying in use. This is part of the limitations generally noted on the least bulky models which also make a cross on USB pass-through ports for example or on all the “additional” functionalities: no macro keys, multimedia keys or multifunction wheel like it can be found on bulkier products.
On such a model, the most important remains the accessibility of the keys, comfort when typing and qualities that we will qualify as more “technical” such as the responsiveness of the switches, their travel or the latency of the electronics. . In a nutshell, HyperX succeeded here practically without fault, but let’s detail things a little. First, the width gained on the 65% version seems to allow slightly larger keys. One thing is in any case certain: the entry on the Alloy Origins 65% does not pose any problem.
We move the fingers very quickly without ever making a bad manipulation. Perhaps particularly “stubby” fingers could have problems, but nothing to report for us. Better, the keys are pleasant and react very well to our requests thanks, in particular, to the use of these HyperX Red switches which are very reminiscent of the Cherry MX. They are linear, unobtrusive and remarkably responsive. However, the manufacturer offers a second version, HyperX Aqua, which is more like Cherry MX Blue.
Of course, video game orientation obliges, HyperX has also arranged for anti-ghosting to be complete here and for key rollover to concern all the keys: to put it simply, you can rest easy, the keyboard never will activate another key than the selected one and it will never hang because you pressed too many keys at the same time. Last but not least, even if we tend to forget it on a wired model: the latency is virtually zero thanks to electronics that we will qualify as “perfect”.
Before concluding, a last word to discuss the software part, undoubtedly a point on which HyperX can still make progress. The NGENUITY program is not the bad bugger, but it could offer a slightly more polished interface with a few additional options. Fortunately, the essentials are there with the possibility of managing the RGB lighting key by key or the possibility of defining up to two functions for each key. A video game mode is also on the menu to block certain commands.
Technical sheet
- Price : about 110 euros
- Weight : about 450 grams
- Dimensions : 315 x 105 x 37 millimeters
- Login : wired (1.8 meter braided USB-A cable)
- Arrangement : QWERTY, 67 keys
- Special orders : none, various shortcuts (+FN)
- Anti ghosting : Yes, complete
- Rollover : N-key
- contactors : HyperX Red, linear
- Backlight : RGB per key
- Guarantee : 2 years