Specifications | |
---|---|
Button technology | HyperX machine heads |
Backlight | Yes, RGB per button |
Multimedia shortcuts | Shared |
Macro shortcuts | Shared |
Anti-ghosting – Simultaneous consideration of keys | Yes, N-KEY |
Connectivity required | 1 USB port |
USB port (s) | No |
Interrogation frequency max. | 1000 Hz |
Audio port (s) | No |
The first HyperX keyboard to offer an alternative to Cherry MX with in-house mechanics, the Alloy Origin is attacking the mid-range of a market that is saturated with references of all kinds. But then, how does this model intend to stand out from its competitors. And above all, does it get there? This is what we will see together.
Merchants | Price |
---|---|
LDLC | Available at a price of 119.94 € |
Fnac | Available at a price of 152.66 € |
Launched at € 119 in October 2019, the Alloy Origin is a keyboard that, before being plugged in, plays the sobriety card. Only the key height betrays its gamer side when the lines of its slightly rounded metal chassis add a touch of elegance to the whole. We are still a good step below what a Logitech G815 can offer. At the same time, we are dealing here with a model which, although equipped with a numeric keypad, remains in rather reduced dimensions : 13 cm deep, 44.2 cm long, and a height of just 13 millimeters below the button on the front. At the rear, the keyboard offers 3 different levels thanks to a system of double feet, for a height of 17, 25, or 34 millimeters, respectively 3, 7 and 11 degrees according to the manufacturer. Its holding in place is impeccable whatever the angle chosen
In the end, due to its size and angle adjustment, the Alloy Origin does without the need for a palm rest. Typing in writing is even particularly pleasant for a mechanical keyboard, the model we have in our hands being equipped with Red linear mechanisms perfectly supporting the comparison with their counterparts from CherryMX. Note that there are also touch and clicky versions, which we could not try. In any case, we appreciate the reactivity of these keys which offer a trigger threshold located at around 1.2 mm, for a sufficiently nervous rendering when necessary without the small unwanted touches being transformed into typing errors.
Equipped with a USB-C port, the Alloy Origin only works by wire and is supplied with 1.8m braided USB-A cable, a sufficient length to ensure connection to a tower under the desk. The advantage of this USB-C connection is the possibility to change the length of its cable as desired, as long as there is a plug that fits into the particularly tight base of the chassis. The disadvantage is above all its location, at the right output of the keyboard, without the possibility of routing the wiring to another location, with a certain rigidity imposed on the first four centimeters. Also a shame that HyperX does not provide an additional USB port, taking advantage of the speed and power supply capabilities of the USB-C port.
Alloy Orig in does not integrate no additional keys
The NGenuity may be officially still in beta version, with some small problems of connection to the first connection of the keyboard, its stability and its functionality have proved largely up to our expectations. First of all, the management of the software itself, the organization of its parameters, the control of the firmware of our keyboard, are of rare clarity, each function being linked to a switch with an understandable explanation of its action. Then control of the keyboard and its functionality takes advantage ofa slick, complete interface, and perfectly accessible from the first use.
Macros or remapping by profile allow you to organize your keyboard as you wish, to adapt it to the gameplay of each game, at the interface of each application, with possibility of automating the application of the profile by recognition of the title launched. Each profile includes key management, but also dedicated lighting, with color management and effects per key or group of keys. Again, it's the ease of setting up the effects and colors that we really appreciated. The only criticism, if we compare to the solution proposed by Steelseries for example, comes from the management of the layers of effects and colors, not always very clear with certain visual effects which can exceed their field of action. For the rest, it's all good. Also know that’It is possible to integrate 3 complete profiles in the keyboard memory, with remapping, macros and lighting included, just to take your settings to a computer without control software.
And if the lighting of the keys suffers as often from a lack of homogeneity, with the lower part of the covers a little in the darkness, here we are entitled to enough light overflow so that the symbols remain visible in all circumstances, even with the lowest backlight level. It is very pleasant.
Finally, the Alloy Origin combines the good points with a sober but elegant aesthetic, a pleasant and efficient typing, and complete functions despite the absence of dedicated keys, this last point being possible thanks to software offering complete functions in a most ergonomic environment. And if the placement of the USB-C port as the passage of the cable could have been improved, this solution still allows the keyboard of HyperX to be easy to store and transport, which is only missing an additional USB port. If the price of Alloy Origin remains substantial enough, in a market where competition is particularly fierce, it still ranks in our eyes as a serious model, well made, and perfectly cut to accompany you effectively during long hours of play.
The notes
+Good points
- A sober and successful aesthetic
- Materials and finish give confidence
- HyperX Red mechanics pleasant in play as in writing
- RGB touch by touch with 3 internal memories
- A compact model that does not lack functions
- Easy to transport with its removable USB-C cable
- Serious software support, although still in beta
–Negative points
- The cable outlet is not placed correctly and cannot be deflected
- No additional USB port
- No dedicated keys, only combinations
With this Alloy Origin, the manufacturer HyperX goes to the basics by offering a compact keyboard, easy to transport, but benefiting from an exemplary quality of materials and finish, with a typing that has nothing to envy to the models equipped with Cherry MX. Its software support is convincing, its lighting is efficient, and the small faults that we can blame it far from erasing the great qualities that we find in it.
Gamesvideo.com
May 05, 2020 at 3:25:56 PM
18/20