HyperX Alloy Origins Core

HyperX Alloy Origins Core – Gaming Keyboard

In the beginning, let me write that I have owned a HyperX Pulsefire Surge mouse for half a year, with which I am delighted. Guided by positive impressions, I decided to get a gaming keyboard from the same manufacturer. The choice fell first on the HyperX FPS Pro, but since this model doesn’t have RGB lighting (to pair with a mouse), the second choice is the more expensive HyperX Alloy Origins Core.

So, am I satisfied? Can I recommend you buy HyperX Alloy Origins Core? Read my impressions below.

Subjectively, I’m not too fond of typing noise, so I watched the keyboard version with Hyperx Red mechanical switches. These are linear switches designed by HyperX. In addition to Red switches, HyperX has its Aqua (tactile) and Blue (clicky).

HyperX Alloy Origins Core

Design & Build

The retail packaging is relatively modest, where in addition to the keyboard, you also get a USB-C cable and a short guide. The keyboard is quite heavy. It can serve as a cold weapon in self-defense with no consequences.

The heavier weight isn’t strange because the body is made from quality aircraft-grade aluminum in matte black. Although heavy, the keyboard is easily portable, thanks to its compact TKL design.

The base has four rubber pads, and over the front legs, you can choose three different inclinations according to your affinities when typing. The three angles at which you can place the keyboard are 3 degrees (flat), 7 degrees, and 11 degrees.

Symbols and letters are engraved with laser and look very sharp and clean. The space bar has the simple HyperX logo without exaggerating the details. The keyboard has a floating keycaps design; some may or may not like it. The advantage is easy maintenance and better RGB brightness.

The RGB glows nicely on the table, and you can see the switches and easily remove the keycaps without the need for special tools. The USB-C cable is braided, sturdy, and easy to fold.

Keycaps

When we talk about the material for making keycaps, it can be; ABS or PBT plastic. HyperX and many other manufacturers use ABS material in cheaper versions of their keyboards, which offers a brighter and smoother look of keycaps.

PBT keycaps are of firmer construction, look matte, and have a uniform texture. PBT plastic prevents keycaps from wearing out quickly and developing shine, and plastic is also slightly more robust.

ABS keycaps are magnets for fingerprints and dirt, and in the long run, they start to look worn out and faded. Double-shot PBT means that the keycaps are coated with another layer of plastic, so the letters and characters last much longer.

The keycaps on HyperX Alloy Origins Core are quality ABS plastic made with a double profile, but they have the disadvantage of quickly picking up dirt from your fingers. Fortunately, you can easily replace keycaps because HyperX offers its line of PBT double-shot keycaps in black or white. In addition to being better, PBT keycaps make RGB lighting stand out even more.

Hyper X Mechanical Switches

The variant I bought has red linear switches designed by HyperX. According to official data from the HyperX site, the total movement distance is 3.8 mm, and the activation distance is 1.8 mm. Activation power is 45g, and the estimated lifespan is 80 million keystrokes.

According to the specification, it’s pretty similar to Cherry MX Red switches. Compared to Cherry MX Red switches, I like these more because they are light and fast. The total distance and activation distance are less than Cherry MX Red.

In addition to red linear switches, HyperX also produces Aqua (tactile) and Blue (clicky) switches for everyone’s taste and needs. Since I am an FPS gamer, Red switches suit me the most. Among other things, I appreciate the minimal level of noise they create.

In this particular case, the Alloy Origins Core is much stronger and better made so that the sounds of the switch sound even more muffled.

Impression

Alloy Origins Core is a gaming keyboard. Gaming mode prevents you from accidentally pressing the Win key and exiting your favorite game. There are three profiles available in the onboard memory. You can set up and save settings on one computer, take your keyboard to another computer, and have your favorite profiles ready to use.

The keys are 100% anti-ghosting N-key rollover. Stabilizers on larger buttons (space bar, shift) are slightly louder, but it’s all within tolerance.

The build quality is excellent, and I would venture to say at the level of much more expensive keyboards. So, this is a TKL keyboard that will take up less valuable space on your gaming table. If you are looking for an even smaller keyboard, pay attention to Alloy Origins 60 from the same manufacturer or Razer Huntsman Mini. TKL is quite the right size without using a numeric part.

You can change the built-in profiles with F1, F2, and F3 via the FN key. Also, You can adjust the keyboard brightness in 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% increments via the FN and the arrow keys.

Support

You need to install the Hyperx NGENUITY software through the Microsoft Store for a more advanced setup. Installation and use of dedicated software aren’t complicated. I recommend using HyperX software, especially if you want to pair the keyboard and mouse, as in my case. You can also save your favorite macros and lighting effects as profiles in onboard memory.

As I mentioned, red linear mechanical switches suit me, and I enjoy using them. There’s no unnecessary noise and vibration of the keyboard when gaming or typing. The subjective feeling is excellent.

The only drawback I have already mentioned concerns ABS keycaps. Their use is comfortable and feels great under my fingers. The only problem is that they are a magnet for dirt and fingerprints, which is also a subjective impression. In any case, you can replace keycaps over time with higher-quality Hyperx PBTs.

Conclusion

So, am I happy with HyperX Alloy Origins Core? Yes, because a keyboard of such a high-quality build and ease of use is hard to find for under $ 100. HyperX Red switches are similar to Chery MX red but are slightly shorter and faster. You can always choose Aqua Tactile or Blue Clicky if you don’t like Red switches.

ABS keycaps are quality and sprayed with matte black, but they are still dirt magnets, and this is the only personal flaw I have noticed. For a modest amount, you can order quality PBT double-shot keycaps directly from HyperX.

Can I recommend this keyboard to you? Of course, you will not regret it because, in addition to the comfort of use, the used aluminum in the construction, strength, and reliability in use also delights.

I recommend pairing this great keyboard with a HyperX mouse and headphones because this manufacturer knows how to make great gaming peripherals.

The HyperX Alloy Origins Core is excellent, but check out other good keyboards under $ 100.