HyperX has introduced its first mechanical switch to the world and has implemented it into a new low profile keyboard. The HyperX Alloy Origins Mechanical Keyboard is focused on minimalism while providing the linear switch feel for gamers. The red linear switch that HyperX has introduced are named based on color, with the linear being red, tactile being aqua and clicky being blue. There are other Cherry switches, as well, but we were sent a review unit that included the red linear switches. These switches feature no feedback and while I do prefer some feedback, there's no denying the speed and consistency this keyboard and switch bring to the table.

The HyperX Alloy Origins is a brand new keyboard that is more than just a new way to introduce a new line of mechanical switches. First off, the Alloy Origins includes RGB that can be customized via the NGENUITY app in Windows. HyperX has consistently featured keyboards that are bright in the RGB department and that continues here. The keys have enough height that the under lighting illuminates the entire keyboard. The keyboard can be customized to include three color profiles. The NGENUITY app isn't as deep as its competition when it comes to customization but does include just over a handful of color profiles. These cannot be shared or downloaded by others as it ties to the individual person. It also features a game mode that can be designed to disable certain key presses during gaming.

While I haven't been the biggest fan of keyboard designs by HyperX in the past, the Alloy Origins is no doubt the best looking keyboard they have offered to date. With smooth matte plastic being the makeup of the keys to help with grip, the entire design is just sleek. In the upper right hand corner sits the HyperX logo along with a small black strip that includes three LED light indicators for Num Lock, Caps Lock and Game Mode. The entire body of the Alloy Origins is comprised of aircraft-grade aluminum which makes the naming convention of the keyboard fit. This isn't just the top either as the entire body is wrapped in this slick aluminum that also helps reflect the colors of the RGB.

While the Alloy Origins isn't ridiculous light, it doesn't strive to be. But it is sturdy thanks to the chassis and does feel light in comparison to some of the other keyboards HyperX offers. We recently reviewed the Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition and that one is striving for portability and light weight. The Alloy Origins gets these two as a bonus as it includes a detachable USB-C cable and it isn't bulky. It weighs in at 1075 g and its dimensions measured in millimeters is 442.5 x 132.5 x 36.39. It also includes three different height adjustments to suit the players' needs. HyperX trimmed every bit of fat that it could to make this a truly low-profile keyboard. It includes a number pad where as the Huntsman TE didn't and that's a big bonus for general use. The speed of the actuation is the underlying draw with the Alloy Origins. Playing games such as Gears V, The Division 2 and Apex Legends provided various results due to the speed of the input. A weighty feeling game such as Gears V and The Division 2 might have you trying to do too much at once for the game to catch up. Responsive games such as Apex and Fortnite, however, will really allow for quick and sound controls in the heat of battle. RTS games and RPGs may see a bonus to the gameplay experience, as well, due to the speed for selection purposes.

Keyboards are used for more than just gaming and as I type this review using the Alloy Origins, I can honestly say this is one of the best keyboard and mechanical switch combinations I have ever used to type documents. The speed and fluidity is insane from the Alloy Origins. Using the linear switches is just so fast and precise. The keyboard does include 100% anti-ghosting and N-Key rollover and with the speed of the actuation and depending on the person, you feel like you're testing that. The key design sits slightly high on the bottom of the key layout as it flows into a valley and finishes out high where the F-keys sit. It almost feels like the Alloy Origins layers keys to help separate usage.

Closing Comments:

There's no doubt that the HyperX Alloy Origins is the best-looking keyboard that the company has ever offered. It's also one of the faster actuation keyboards on the market using the linear red switches that HyperX recently introduced. The flow and design of the keyboard are outstanding as the aluminum body looks and feels the part. The RGB truly shines with the keyboard thanks to the body. While not as portable as some competitors, the Alloy Origins is portable for a full size keyboard. The only real knocks on the unit is that the aluminum body does its fair share of attracting dust and that the keyboard lacks a deep customization option that its competitors have. The competitors' keyboards, however, can cost a third more and for just over $100, making the Alloy Origins is a steal for gamers. I might prefer a bump and some more feedback in gaming, but it's going to be difficult to pull this away from daily usage. The other switches that HyperX offers will provide the feedback, it just depends on the type of gamer you are.