HyperX’s Alloy series mechanical keyboards are quite popular for their build quality, features, and performance. We got a chance to try out the new HyperX Alloy Origins Core (TKL version) and here are our thoughts about the new mechanical keyboard.
Design
The HyperX Alloy Origins Core series mechanical keyboards are available in different chassis size versions, and this includes the full-size version, 60% keyboard, 65% keyboard, and tenkeyless variant. The TKL version that we received for review has a dimension of 360 mm width, 132 mm depth, and 34.5 mm height. While there are no dedicated media controls, the goal of having a minimalistic design is to keep the TKL keyboard as compact as possible. And this is useful for those who have desktop setups with tight spaces and ensure there is more space for rapid mouse movements.
The chassis of the keyboard is made of a full aircraft-grade aluminum body that helps to keep the device rigid while gaming and typing. The keyboard weighs around 0.89 g and this includes the USB cable. The supplied USB-C to USB-A braided cable has a length of 5.9ft, which is quite sufficient for desktop and laptop users. The keyboard also has an excellent RGB lighting system (16,777,216 colors), along with support for per-key RGB lighting and 5 different levels of brightness. It’s one of the most luminous RGB keyboards we have come across.
The design also includes the placement of the Game Mode and Caps LED indicators next to the directional buttons on the left side, along with a black-themed HyperX logo branding. And since it is a TKL keyboard, you have access to almost all the keys of a full-size keyboard, sans the number keys.
The USB-C port is located on the top-right side of the keyboard. HyperX designed the keyboard’s USB-C port in such a way it is not directly exposed outwards. So if the need arises to replace the USB-C cable, you will either need to buy a HyperX cable or something similar that will be able to go through the gaps to reach the physical port.
For your typing comfort and experience, the Alloy Origins Core also comes with two-step keyboard feet that are adjustable for three different angles (3°, 7°, or 11°). The packaging of the device includes the HyperX Alloy Origins Core TKL keyboard, the detachable braided USB cable as we mentioned before, and a quick start guide.
Features
When it comes to the choice of mechanical switches, the HyperX Alloy Origins Core TKL is available with HyperX Blue clicky switches, the HyperX Red linear switches, and the HyperX Aqua tactile switches. I decided to try out the HyperX Aqua switches for their tactile experience during typing and gaming. The Aqua versions feature an actuation point of 1.8mm, an operating force of 45g, and a 3.8mm total travel distance.
The tactile typing experience on this keyboard was amazing while I wrote this review with the device and other editorial jobs. It’s most certainly less noisy than Blue clicky switches but not as quiet and smooth as Red linear switches. And it’s the same case for gaming where I can feel the tactile bump for every key that was pressed. However, users should note that this particular keyboard model we reviewed does not feature the double-shot PBT keycaps that are usually considered to be more durable and the mechanical switches are not hot-swappable in design.
That said, you can customize the keyboard’s RGB lighting effects, and perform firmware updates with the HyperX NGENUITY application. The NGENUITY application can be installed from the Windows Store. You can set up to three different profiles on the keyboard’s onboard memory via the application. Other features include anti-ghosting and N-key rollover.
Verdict
If you are looking for a high-quality TKL mechanical keyboard that is capable of fitting tight desk spaces, then take a look at the HyperX Alloy Origins Core TKL. The compact keyboard features a full aircraft-grade aluminum chassis and the device with its braided USB-C cable weighs 0.89 g. The RGB lighting of the keyboard is very luminous with support for per-key RGB customizations.
Users can set up to three different profiles with the keyboard’s memory with the NGENUITY application. The HyperX Alloy Origins Core TKL is available with a choice of HyperX Aqua, HyperX Blue, and HyperX Red switches. The device also comes equipped with two-step keyboard feet that can be adjusted to three different angles of your choice for a comfortable typing and gaming experience.
