In the short time that I’ve been gaming on a PC, one of my favourite things about it has been the peripherals. It’s a HUGE market out there, and honestly, I’ve taken a while to find the best for me.
The big daddies, are of course, mice, keyboards and headsets. Who knew this niche world was so broad and complicated?!
So, here’s the first of a few Keyboard reviews. Starting with what I have honestly found to be my favourite. The HyperX Alloy Origins.
Switches
The Alloy Origins is actually using HyperX’s own linear switches here. Instead of the usual Cherry switches that have been massive in the gaming market for a good while.
Little pressure is required to get those keystrokes recognised, and the volume of each key is significantly quieter than my previous SteelSeries Apex 5.
The volume of the Alloy Origins alone makes it a winner for me. But HyperX clearly know how to make a solid, responsive switch, too and I’ve been really surprised. Using Cherry Browns for work and having used Cherry Reds for gaming for a long time, I had doubts.
These switches are fantastic.
Build
The HyperX Alloy Origins is built to last. A cool aluminium chassis, giving it a sturdy and robust feel. Slim, but not so thin it seems to lack adequate heft. I like to feel a bit of weight in a keyboard, feel your money’s worth in your hand.
It isn’t too heavy, not chunky or clunky, either. The Alloy Origins seems to balance the weight/size ratio out perfectly.
Tactile keys on soft mechanical switches. Giving you that mechanical feedback, but without the noises. Keycaps feel like a premium, smooth plastic.
Everything is here. Featuring a full number pad (a must, for me!) and a little display to let you know which custom profile you’re using. HyperX have just got everything right here.
Style
Tying-in with the build, HyperX have done a stellar job with the Alloy Origins.
RGB, every “pro gamer” needs it right? Well……backlit keys, yes, absolutely. Luckily, you have plenty to customise and choose from here.
Software-driven lights slowly pulsing in the darkened room, ready for some late night gaming. The Alloy Origins looks lovely.
The finish isn’t too be baulked at, either. The low-profile chassis and keys keep everything sleek. With great printing finish on each of the keys.
Yes, it’s a keyboard, but these things are an investment. You want it to look as good as it feels, if you can, and that’s what HyperX have masterfully done, here.
Worth the price?
Absolutely. I have been using, and loving the SteelSeries Apex 5 up until this gem showed-up. It’s quieter, but the switches are just as responsive.
The cool to touch chassis, the slightly slimmer profile. The HyperX Alloy Origins feels absolutely premium here, and at an approximate retail cost of £100 it’s worth every single penny. Pricey for a keyboard? Generally speaking, yes. Pricing for a high-end mechanical piece of magic? Nope.
If this was wireless, it would be a genuinely perfect piece of hardware for me. There’s nothing I don’t love about it.
I thought I had found my keyboard soulmate with the SteelSeries Apex 5 (excellent keyboard by the way, review incoming). Little did I know, though, that HyperX were creating the Alloy Origins.
If you’re serious about gaming, serious about having a sleek-looking setup, and in the market for a keyboard. You could do far far worse than to go with this gem.
Ninja Refinery’s highest rating possible. Exceptional.
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