In this article, we would like to present a review of the HyperX Alloy Origins 60 gaming keyboard.
HyperX entered the ultra-lightweight mouse market quite late with the Pulsefire Haste, but it has been very well received for its full specifications and low price. This “Alloy Origins 60” has no new elements, and it is undeniable that it is improved, but it is cheap as a keyboard with full aluminum specifications. It is an excellent cost-performance option like Pulsefire Haste. Increase. Even if you hit the key firmly, the stroke is stable and has a profound feeling.
However, no new elements can improve gameplay performance, and the feeling is as close as possible to the Cherry MX red axis. It seems to be a new option for those looking for a 60% keyboard with software control and simple specifications.
- HyperX Alloy Origins 60 keyboard
- USB-A to USB-C cable
- Additional spacebar and HyperX keycap
- Keycap puller
- User guide
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Comfortable key switches | Only three onboard profiles |
| Cool, alternate space bar cap | Non-PBT alternate keycaps |
| HyperX Red switches | |
| Customizable RGB backlighting | |
| Incredibly low click latency |
Specification
| HyperX Alloy Origins 60 | |
|---|---|
| Brand | HyperX |
| Keyboard layout | Compact (60%) |
| Mechanical | Yes |
| Key switch | HyperX Red |
| Weight | 781.5g |
| Size | 296.0 x 105.5 x 36.9 mm |
| Keystroke | 3.8mm |
| Switch | linear |
| Keycap Material | PBT |
| Pressing pressure | 45g |
| Onboard memory | 3 profile |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Cable | USB Type-C / 1.8m |
| Backlight | RGB |
| Anti-ghost | 100% anti-ghost |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Media Keys | Hot Keys |
| Software | HyperX NGENUITY |
Design
The entire case is made of aluminum, giving it a profound feeling. The weight of the main body is 781.5g, which is a heavy category for a keyboard of this size. It has excellent stability when you press keys, but it is unsuitable for carrying around.
Four non-slip rubbers on the bottom of the main body are attached to the four corners, which are horizontally long. The grip performance is sufficient, and the body is heavy, so it will not shift on the desk. It has an angle-adjustment stand that can be adjusted in 3 steps 3 °, 7 °, and 11 °.
The “Alloy Origins” series has three types: the full-key model “Alloy Origins”, the ten-keyless model “Alloy Origins Core“, and the 60% model “Alloy Origins 60” being reviewed this time.
A 60% keyboard is a keyboard that has about 60% of the number of keys compared to full keys and is popular with gamers because it has all the keys necessary for games but is compact. The dimensions of the keyboard body are 296.0 x 105.5 x 36.9 mm. The case has a compact design with no extra decoration.
| Alloy Origins 60 | Alloy Origins Core | Alloy Origins | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Width | 296.0 | 360.0 | 442.5 |
| Depth | 105.5 | 132.5 | 132.5 |
| Height | 36.9 | 34.5 | 36.39 |
The advantage is that it is easy to install even on a narrow desk, and the range of motion of the mouse can be secured widely. The width is about 6 cm, and the depth is about 2.7 cm smaller than the ten-keyless keyboard made by the same company, so it is hard to put pressure on the desk.
The disadvantage is that the number of keys is small so that it may be inconvenient for purposes other than games. For example, F1 to F12 must be entered with the Fn key.
Keycap
A double shot PBT keycap is installed as standard. PBT is a high-cost material compared to ABS, which is often used. It has excellent durability and abrasion resistance and is resistant to stickiness and shine caused by hand sweat. It has a rough surface and can be used comfortably even during extended gameplay.
All secondary functions are printed on the side of the keycap, so you don’t have to remember which function you can call with a specific key / Fn key combination. It comes with an Esc key with the HyperX logo and a Space bar with a handle.
Key switch
Alloy Origins 60 is equipped with the mechanical key switch HyperX Red initially developed by HyperX. It is the same linear type key switch as the so-called red axis, and the keystrokes and actuation points are adjusted independently.
The main specifications are:
- A pressing load of 45 g.
- A keystroke of 3.8 mm.
- An actuation point of 1.8 mm.
- Stroke durability of 80 million times.
The following is a comparison table with the main linear switches, Cherry MX red axis, and Cherry MX silver axis.
| HyperX Red | Cherry MX Red | Cherry MX Silver | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feel | linear | linear | linear |
| Actuation method | mechanical | mechanical | mechanical |
| Pressing load | 45g | 45g | 45g |
| Working point | 1.8mm | 2.0mm | 1.2mm |
| Keystroke | 3.8mm | 4.0mm | 3.4mm |
| Durability | 80 million times | 100 million times | 100 million times |
HyperX has stability-oriented specifications, while many proprietary switches have key switches with short actuation points, emphasizing high-speed response. Keystrokes and actuations have been slightly shortened based on the red axis, and there is no doubt that it is a key switch optimized for everyone.
Typing feeling
Unlike other companies’ proprietary key switches, HyperX Red does not have such a feature as far as the specifications are seen, but compared to the same linear type mechanical key switch, there is less feeling of rubbing the shaft and the keying feeling is smooth.
Regarding this, it does not seem like a big difference by itself, such as comparing the keys alternately. Still, the keys are pressed many times in the actual game operation and timing, so the overall feeling is considerably different. It’s an impression.
HyperX Red feels as close as possible to the Cherry MX red axis, and the keystroke and actuation point is shortened by 0.2mm to 3.8mm / 1.8mm while keeping the pressing pressure of 45g.
Although several game-optimized key switches have been developed, most manufacturers tend to release fast-responsive key switches, such as low profile and shortened actuation points.
On the other hand, this HyperX Red has high stability and familiarity close to the Cherry MX red axis at best, and it does not have such strengths at worst.
Since it uses an entire aluminum case, you will not hear a metallic sound even if you hit the key hard.
The key switch itself does not sway and is firmly attached, but the sway is noticeable when it comes to the keycap.
Perhaps the stabilizer is loosely made, large keys such as the left Shift key and the Space bar cause the keycap to shake, and the keystroke sound varies depending on the location and angle at which the key is pressed. When I press the Space bar to the left, it descends directly below, but in the middle and to the right, the sound caused by the shaking of the keycap is conspicuous. There is no catch when pushed diagonally.
Cable
A braided cable with a length of 1.8 m. It’s a little soft and easy to handle. The terminal on the keyboard side is USB Type-C and can be connected to the left side of the keyboard body. As long as the cable has a USB Type-C terminal, you can also use a third-party custom cable, Artisan cable, etc.
Software
Alloy Origins 60 is compatible with HyperX N Genuity, the integrated software for HyperX products. HyperX NGenuity.
You can assign different functions to each key. Alloy Origins 60 has a unique key sequence with the Fn key at the bottom right, but changing the Fn key’s location is impossible by changing this key assignment.
Equipped with onboard memory, you can store up to 3 profiles on the keyboard itself. Lighting settings. Brightness adjustment is from Brightness on the upper right. The lighting is noticeable because the key top is designed to protrude from the case.
Conclusion!
We have taken a closer look at “HyperX Alloy Origins 60”. It’s a very simple specification with no new elements that could improve gameplay performance. Perhaps there is one more choice for a basic 60% keyboard that can be controlled by software.
Considering the contents, the price is a little cheaper. In this price range, the entire case is made of plastic, or only the front surface is made of aluminum. Those with a sturdy case of full aluminum, such as the Alloy Origins 60, tend to be a bit more expensive.
The HyperX Red switch has a slightly shorter stroke, and the working point is as close as possible to the Cherry MX red axis and is suitable for those seeking high key input stability. I think it will be a safe choice for anyone looking for a 60% keyboard with flashy LED lighting.
