HyperX Alloy FPS – Hardware Review
It has been quite some time since we last talked about a mechanical keyboard. While our Cooler Master MasterKeys Pro L RGB isn’t worn down just yet, we felt it was time to present our readers with something new and spiffy. When we heard that HyperX was also releasing their own mechanical keyboard on the market, we couldn’t be happier when we were offered the chance to try it out. After unpacking the box, which came with a few surprising goodies, which we’ll discuss below, we were eager to put this device to the test and see how well it could survive during our many gaming sessions.
Design
“Less is more” is probably what HyperX thought when releasing their first mechanical keyboard on the market, and we can’t help but feel the same. You’ll be treated to a very simple looking keyboard, in a rather compact size as the device doesn’t really have any frame surrounding the keys, which makes it look very sleek and ‘tight’. Especially seeing the keys seem to be floating on a thin plate, rather than being embedded into the device itself.
The keyboard itself doesn’t really have any special markings or buttons, safe for the HyperX logo on the spacebar, and the HyperX brand name in the top right corner of the device, where also a little bit of the almost non-existent frame is visible.
To spice things up, HyperX included a few red key caps for you to use. Namely the W, A, S, D keys and the 1, 2, 3, 4 keys have been added for you to replace your black keys with. The numeric keys have received a fun matte red coating, and the four letters have the same red coating, but also a gridded metal design, making these eight keys stand out immediately when you decide to replace your regular key caps.
Comfort
As far as comfort goes, the keyboard is sturdy and it works as it should, but there are no real special comfort features in place, as there is no palm rest, which could have been nice if there was a detachable palm rest included. What we do love is that the device comes with a detachable cable, making it easier to transport if you take the keyboard with you to a LAN party or simply when going over to a friend’s house for an intense gaming session.
Maintenance is rather simple, as you can easily remove all the keys with the keypuller that comes with the keyboard. Nonetheless, smudges are visible on the keys, which are a bit harder to clean, but compared to Cooler Master’s device, this keyboard is a lot easier to maintain, as it doesn’t have the same soft coating on the keys, thus dirt is not being absorbed as much.
Specs
- Cherry MX Blue switches
- USB charge port on keyboard
- Steel frame
- Detachable braided mini-USB cable
- Colored textured keycaps included
Overview
The Alloy FPS is a plug and play device, and it doesn’t need any additional software to gain access to more of its functions. This means you’ll be good to go in a matter of seconds. Nonetheless, the device will take up two USB ports, but the device itself serves as a USB hub for one device, thus you won’t actually lose an extra USB port on your PC or laptop.
It’s quite fun that the device doesn’t need any additional software to be fully functional. This sadly also means that it doesn’t come with that many options, but those that are there are quite pleasant to use. You’ll be able to switch between a few different lighting modes, or even choose which keys you want to light up during your gaming sessions. The FN button works just like it does on the keyboard of a laptop, and thus will unlock the lighting options, or the windows lock button. Activating the latter deactivates the windows key, thus preventing accidents when playing online games.
The keyboard comes with blue Cherry MX Switches, which are very responsive, but need a slightly harder press than for example red switches would. The blue switches also have a distinct clicking noise to indicate when they have been activated, which might be bothersome for those who would rather like a more quiet experience. That being said, if you’re used to a silent keyboard, but don’t care too much about your new one being a bit louder, you will hardly notice the clicking noise after using this one for a week.
There’s only one thing we regret in this otherwise near flawless picture, namely the fact the LED lighting is only available in red. It would have been nice to set up a few other colors, to perhaps match your gaming mouse, or other color accents of your gaming rig.
Conclusion
HyperX’s first mechanical keyboard is immediately a homerun, as it provides all the great qualities people look for in a keyboard. While the comfort department could have received a few small tweaks, you’ll be treated to a very sturdy, good looking and performance driven keyboard. If your keyboard is running on its last legs, you’d might want to take a look at this one.
HyperX Alloy FPS - Hardware Review,
No Comments