Performance

The HyperX Alloy Origins keyboard supports N-key rollover USB out of the box, which tested successfully using Aqua's test. Switch Hitter confirmed no chatter with these keys either.

When first connected, regardless of HyperX NGENUITY running or not, the keyboard in its default profile lights up in a rainbow wave lighting effect. The transition animation is smooth and a good demo to also ensure the keyboard is powered on and working properly.


I then manually set all the keys to white using the software driver to test for color fidelity since RGB LEDs have a hard time depicting white, and it was cooler than average with a blue hue to the color as seen above. This may be the result of the RGB LED right above the switch with minimal diffusion outside of the LED lens, and the black case does not reflect much, either. In a separate test via one of the preset multi-colored options, I tested for light bleed, and it was definitely present at the common edges because of the floating keycaps.

Here are some more of the lighting effects demonstrated, including a breathing mode, confetti, and swipe modes, making good use of the hardware and software alike. The two other profiles can be associated with these effects, and indeed come pre-programmed out of the box to be visually different when active. Profile switching is one of the many other pre-programmed functions tied to the Fn key row, including media and volume control, which adds to the overall user experience with this keyboard.



The key-assignment options in the software allow for users to go with layouts other than QWERTY, and here, I used the source code from an older keyboard review in a layout tester (courtesy of Patrick Gillespie). The results above indicate that QWERTY is not even close to the most efficient layout for me, and very likely you as well. If you are willing, try out Colemak or Dvorak as they will result in lower finger travel and fatigue overall. As such, the driver offers a significant functional tool if you are willing to devote some time to adopting either Colemak or Dvorak. Here is the link to the full results if you are interested, including a detailed analysis on key presses and distances moved.


As we discussed before, at the time of launch, the HyperX Alloy Origins keyboard is only available with the all-new HyperX Red linear switch. This is a linear switch that has more than a few visual similarities to a few Kailh switches, but HyperX remains tight lipped about the OEM of the switch at this time. The rated specs will be similar to those familiar with most low-medium weight linear mechanical switches, with an actuation force of 45 gf at 1.8 mm and a total travel of 3.8 mm, but a whopping rated lifetime of 80 million keystrokes. We must note here again that different companies use different metrics to measure switch lifespan, often involving extrapolation given the reality of testing times, so the number itself is not a pure measure of quality and durability of the keyboard. The force-travel diagram is of more interest to me, with a 3-step linear change in downstroke that promises reliable performance if all switches behave so. In practice, these switches were indeed very smooth to type on, and I did not notice any significant effect due to a break-in period as with some other switches.


As always, the sound of a keyboard is based on more than just the switch type. So when comparing sound clips, consider the keyboard as a whole. In this case, I have provided above an example sound clip of me typing on the HyperX Alloy Origins keyboard sample at ~110 WPM as it comes out of the box. For context, you can find sound clips from other keyboards here, including those with linear switches. I did bottom out here, which is easier to do with 45 gf linear switches as smooth as these.