As I write this, new lighting patterns have appeared following new patches over the last couple of weeks.
NGenuity's approach makes it harder to figure out how to make and use macros unless you think about them in a specific way. As mentioned, the Alloy Origins represents HyperX's first foray into making its own mechanical switches. I've also encountered some mild connectivity issues—the software occasionally failed to detect the keyboard even though my PC did. The full-size board's aluminum-coated base and black keys look sleek, without feeling showy (until you turn on the RGB light show, of course).The Alloy can store up to three keyboard profiles onboard, which is a little on the low side, but normal for this tier of keyboard. The HyperX Alloy Origins is a compact, sturdy keyboard featuring custom HyperX mechanical switches designed to give gamers the best blend of style, performance, and reliability. (This always cleared up once I disconnected and reconnected the keyboard. It feels like the best of both worlds.Its compact frame—1.4 by 17.4 by 5.2 inches—and metal-coated base make it look dense, and at 2.3 pounds it feels slightly heavy for its size. And, because of the 3.8mm total travel distance, when I bottom out a key, it can pop back up to its starting position that much quicker. You can preview, for example, on the onscreen display just how lighting changes will look.PCMag.com is a leading authority on technology, delivering Labs-based, independent reviews of the latest products and services. These key switches have exposed LEDs for stunning lighting with an actuation force and travel distance elegantly balanced for responsiveness and accuracy. HyperX Alloy Origins Review This many features in a keyboard that costs just over $100 is enticing By Marshall Honorof 04 November 2019
)PCMag, PCMag.com and PC Magazine are among the federally registered trademarks of Ziff Davis, LLC and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. (Full disclosure: That may be because, lately, I've been using a lot of keyboard and mouse hardware designed for esports, and that stuff is built to be extra light.
First, it connects to your PC using a detachable USB Type-C cable, which is nice for players who travel with their gear and want to avoid stressing the joint between keyboard and cable.
It has the same 45-gram actuation force as those switches as well. But, the star of the show it HyperX’s new key switch, which is a linear type similar to the ever-popular Cherry MX Red. (This requires a slightly deeper push than Razer's hair-trigger Yellow switch, which actuates at 1.2mm and sinks to 3.5mm at a full press. Our expert industry analysis and practical solutions help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.Some parts of NGenuity feel like a work in progress, however. HyperX’s custom key switches for the Alloy Origins are as good as any Cherry MX Red switches I’ve used, and in some ways they may be even better. (You make your macro, then go assign it.)
If you click an affiliate link and buy a product or service, we may be paid a fee by that merchant.Like most HyperX gear, the Alloy Origins has a subtle, understated quality to it. If premium features aren't what you're after, HyperX's Alloy Origins may be the nicest no-nonsense midrange mechanical keyboard around. (A tenkeyless board lacks a number pad. In everyday typing on the Alloy Origins, I rarely noticed the shorter travel, which makes it a comfortable all-around keyboard, even while trimming a little distance off every stroke. Meet the HyperX Alloy Origins, twin to the HyperX Alloy FPS—at least on the surface.
This compares to the 2mm actuation point and 4mm travel of a Cherry MX Red switch.Rubber feet on the bottom help keep it steady on a desk. But, it has a shorter, 1.8mm actuation point and 3.8mm travel distance. Visually, the switches are nearly indistinguishable from Cherry’s, even using the same stem style. I did note some less-than-stellar UI decisions. While I personally find linear, red-style switches unfavorable for typing, they are easier to love when my fingers are at home on WASD. Quick peeks side to side in PUBG are that much more reliable.