The HyperX Alloy Origins Core is a tenkeyless mechanical keyboard designed for gamers seeking a compact, durable, and high-performance device. Its robust aluminum frame and responsive HyperX Red switches provide an excellent gaming experience. While the keyboard excels in build quality and performance, the lack of a wrist rest and the use of ABS keycaps may be drawbacks for some users.
HyperX Alloy Origins Core is a tenkeyless mechanical gaming keyboard designed for gamers seeking a compact, durable, and high-performance peripheral. Its standout features include a robust aircraft-grade aluminum body, customizable RGB lighting, and HyperX’s proprietary mechanical switches.
Design and Build
The keyboard boasts a sleek, matte black finish with a floating keycap design, allowing the RGB lighting to shine through vividly. Its compact tenkeyless layout frees up desk space, making it ideal for setups where space is at a premium. The detachable braided USB-C cable enhances portability, and the three adjustable tilt angles (3°, 7°, and 11°) cater to user comfort during extended gaming sessions.
Performance
Equipped with HyperX Red linear switches, the Alloy Origins Core offers a smooth and responsive typing experience. These switches have an actuation force of 45g and a travel distance of 3.8mm, ensuring quick key presses with minimal resistance. The keyboard’s full N-key rollover and 100% anti-ghosting features guarantee accurate key registration, even during intense gaming moments.
Comfort and Usability
The keyboard’s ergonomic design, combined with its adjustable tilt angles, provides a comfortable typing experience. The keycaps, while made of ABS plastic, have a matte finish that offers a pleasant tactile feel. However, some users have noted that the keycaps can become shiny over time due to finger oils. Fortunately, the standard layout allows for easy replacement with higher-quality keycaps if desired.
Specifications and Features
Switch Type: HyperX Red (Linear)
Actuation Force: 45g
Actuation Point: 1.8mm
Total Travel Distance: 3.8mm
Backlight: RGB (16,777,216 colors)
Onboard Memory: 3 profiles
Anti-Ghosting: 100%
Rollover: N-key
Connectivity: Wired USB-C to USB-A
Dimensions: 360.0mm x 132.5mm x 34.5mm
Weight: Approximately 900g
Pros
- Sturdy aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Compact tenkeyless design
- Customizable RGB lighting with per-key illumination
- Smooth and responsive HyperX Red switches
- Detachable USB-C cable for portability
- Three adjustable tilt angles for ergonomic comfort
- Onboard memory for storing profile
Cons
- ABS keycaps may develop shine over time
- No dedicated media keys
- Limited compatibility with macOS
- USB-C port design may not accommodate all cables Comparison with Competitors
When compared to other keyboards in its price range, the HyperX Alloy Origins Core stands out for its build quality and performance. While some competitors offer wireless connectivity or dedicated media keys, the Alloy Origins Core focuses on delivering a solid, no-frills gaming experience. Its compact design and durable construction make it a strong contender for gamers seeking reliability and portability.
you can follow our article about SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Review: Compact Powerhouse.
Final Rating
4.5 out of 5 stars
The HyperX Alloy Origins Core offers exceptional value for its price, combining durability, performance, and portability. While it has minor drawbacks, such as the quality of the stock keycaps and the lack of dedicated media keys, its strengths far outweigh these concerns. For gamers seeking a reliable and compact mechanical keyboard, the Alloy Origins Core is a top choice.
Conclusion
In summary, the HyperX Alloy Origins Core is a well-crafted mechanical keyboard that delivers on its promises. Its robust build, responsive switches, and customizable features make it a worthy addition to any gaming setup. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end models, it excels in delivering a solid and dependable performance.
Other Questions :
1. What makes the HyperX Alloy Origins Core stand out in the market?
The HyperX Alloy Origins Core distinguishes itself with a tenkeyless design, aircraft-grade aluminum body, and HyperX’s proprietary Red switches. It provides a compact, durable, and highly responsive gaming experience at a competitive price point, making it an appealing option for gamers who want quality and portability.
2. How does the keyboard’s design impact its usability for gamers?
Its compact, tenkeyless layout helps maximize desk space, especially useful for FPS gamers who need extra room for mouse movement. The floating keycap design and vivid RGB backlighting enhance visibility and aesthetics, while three tilt adjustments allow for customizable ergonomics.
3. Are the HyperX Red switches better than Cherry MX Red switches?
While both offer similar linear behavior, HyperX Red switches are slightly shorter in travel distance and actuation point, which can provide quicker input response. Some users even prefer them over Cherry MX Reds for their smoothness and slightly lower operating force.
4. Is the keyboard comfortable for long gaming sessions?
Yes. Thanks to ergonomic tilt options, smooth switches, and a stable frame, the HyperX Alloy Origins Core is comfortable during extended use. However, some may find the ABS keycaps less ideal over time due to oil shine, but they are replaceable.
5. What are some downsides to the HyperX Alloy Origins Core?
The most noted cons are:
ABS keycaps that can wear quickly.
No dedicated media controls, which some users prefer.
Wired only, with no wireless functionality.
Limited macOS support and some third-party USB-C cables may not fit.
6. How does it compare to other gaming keyboards in its price range?
Compared to similar keyboards like the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL or Razer Huntsman Mini, the Alloy Origins Core offers superior build quality and switch feel at a more affordable price, though it lacks extra features like OLED screens or full programmability.
7. What kind of user is this keyboard best suited for?
The Alloy Origins Core is ideal for:
Competitive gamers who need fast, responsive switches.
Users with limited desk space who prefer a compact design.
People who travel often, thanks to its portable build and detachable cable.
8. Does the keyboard support software customization?
Yes. The keyboard supports HyperX NGENUITY software, which allows you to customize RGB lighting, save up to three onboard profiles, and assign macros. However, it’s Windows-only and a bit limited compared to software from other brands.
9. Would this keyboard be good for non-gaming tasks like typing or office work?
It performs well for typing due to the linear and smooth key feel, but users who prefer tactile feedback might want to consider keyboards with tactile (like Brown) or clicky (like Blue) switches. For office settings, its bright RGB lighting might also be a bit flashy.
10. What is the final verdict on the HyperX Alloy Origins Core?
It’s a top-tier choice in the compact mechanical keyboard market for its price. While it doesn’t have every premium feature, the HyperX Alloy Origins Core nails the fundamentals: durability, performance, and comfort, making it highly recommended for most users.
