Another year, another keyboard. It’s been quite a while since I handled a 65 keyboard and the previous one was a the ROG Falchion back in 2021. Being used to full-sized standard keyboards, appreciating the 65 form factor has been quite an experience. One thing that I can say has changed my opinion is the one we have for review now, the HyperX Alloy Origins 65. A mouthful name, but it does deliver a good deal despite its size. But is it the next keyboard that you should look out for? Let’s find out.
| Switch |
HyperX Red – Linear
|
| Actuation Point | Mechanical |
| Backlight |
RGB (16,777,216 colors)
|
| Light Effects |
Per key RGB lighting and 5 brightness levels
|
| Onboard Memory | 3 profiles |
| Polling Rate | 1000Hz |
| Anti-ghosting |
100% anti-ghosting
|
| Rollover | N-key |
| Acceleration | Yes |
| Game Mode | Yes |
| OS Compatibility |
Windows® 10, 8.1, 8, 7
|
| Width | 315.06mm |
| Depth | 105.5mm |
| Height | 36.94mm |
| Weight | Weight (with cable) |
| Cable Type |
Detachable USB-C, Braided
|
| Cable Length (imperial) and type |
5.9ft | Detachable USB-C, Braided
|
| Switch |
HyperX Red – Linear
|
| Operation Style | Linear |
| Operating Force | 45g |
| Actuation Point | 1.8mm |
| Total Travel Distance | 3.8mm |
Although not a first-timer in the keyboard market, HyperX is branching out by several keyboard form factors with its current offerings. The HyperX Alloy Origins 65 is, as the name implies, a 65 form factor keyboard that has some of its keys removed to make it more compact. Notable absent keys include the function keys usually located at the top of your average keyboard, the numpad, control keys, and other indicators. With less keys, you have a very compact space that is easy to reach with minimal movement from both hands.
In addition to being smaller, the HyperX Alloy Origins 65 is a wired-only keyboard. Unlike keyboards of similar size which are often wireless and can be connected by either Bluetooth or 2.4G, this one still requires a cable for you to use.
Pretty apparent when taking the HyperX Alloy Origin 65 out of the box is its weight and build quality. It is pretty hefty for its size and it’s usually a good sign. The body is of aluminum and the key caps are double shot PBT, making it an overall package designed to last for a long time.
The HyperX Alloy Origins 65 is filled with RGB features that extend to even individual keys. If you download the companion program, the HyperX NGENUITY, you can program keys to produce a large variety of colors. Not only that but you can also make it react to what happens on your screen and also explode in colors whenever you press buttons!
The good thing about wired keyboards is that they can be used immediately as soon as you plug them in. The same goes with the HyperX Alloy Origins 65. There’s no need to fiddle with programs or buttons to fully maximize the keyboard out of the box. You get the RGB and the other functions without having to install anything. However, going the extra mile and getting the companion app for this device nets additional but non-essential features.
As stated above, although you can play with the HyperX Alloy Origins 65 out of the box, you do get more features if you install the HyperX NGENUITY tool. It’s a software that allows you to tweak the keyboard’s RGB lighting behavior and macro keys. Again, it’s not essential and you have to go to the site to download it but it does give you more if you go to the trouble of simply installing it on your PC.
In terms of quality, the HyperX Alloy Origins does look and feel rugged and well-built. It’s quite heavy with a weight of 0.82 kgs (1.82 lbs) and trying to twist the whole body requires a great amount of strength, if you can manage to make it budge. The PBT double shot keys are also of good quality given that they don’t bend that much or warp whenever force is applied to its sides. Pretty solid and no complaints about this keyboard’s build.
As it is a 65 form factor keyboard, some buttons are missing to make the HyperX Alloy Origins 65 smaller than the usual standard keyboard. Absent are the numpad keys and the function keys (F1,F2, etc.). Although you can press them using the “Fn” button located at the lower middle left side of the keyboard to access the function keys, it does require some time to get used to given that you’re essentially pressing two buttons for one function. If you’re playing Dota 2 or MOBA’s, the lack of function keys may be a disadvantage at first.
Coming from a noisy brown/blue switch sympathizer, the red switches on the HyperX Alloy Origins 65 sounds heavenly. I can finally appreciate the “thock” that most of my keyboard enthusiast friends usually brandish whenever I ask to see their keyboards. Suffice to say, there’s that unique charm in hearing and using keyboards that do not “clack” whenever you press their keys. Fortunately, the HyperX Alloy Origins 65’s red keys may have been the last straw to convince me to join the “thock” side of keyboards.
The HyperX Alloy Origins 65 is a great keyboard to have in your office or if you find yourself on the go. It can also be your main rig’s keyboard if you find yourself scrambling for space. The keyboard is also reasonably priced and although you might find cheaper ones with more or less the same offerings, there’s little room for doubt with the HyperX Alloy Origins 65’s quality.
The HyperX Alloy Origins 65 is priced between PhP 5,000 to PhP 6,000. It is available in stores and on online markets here in the Philippines. You can check out more about its features here.
For other gaming keyboards, you can check out our review of the following keyboards:
