Pros
Proper Cherry MX key switches
Customisable pink backlighting
Great construct high quality and compact design
Textured substitute keycaps
Cons
MX Blue switches are noisy
No software program or profiles
No RGB lighting
Key Specifications
Review Price: £100.00
CherryMX Blue mechanical switches
Red backlighting
Number pad
USB port (for charging units solely)
Removable braided cable
What is the HyperX Alloy FPS?
The Alloy FPS is the primary keyboard from the HyperX (now a separate model from mother or father firm Kingston) and, apparently, it’s particularly designed for FPS gamers. It has Cherry MX Blue switches and a slim, minimal design – accompanied by a £100 worth.
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HyperX Alloy FPS – Design and Features
HyperX says that this keyboard is designed for followers of first-person shooters, however that designation is a advertising blurb, as a result of this keyboard has options that avid gamers of all stripes will admire.This ‘board is extremely compact, with barely any bezel around the keys themselves. HyperX says it offers more desktop space for FPS players to sling their mouse around during frantic moments, but it’s one thing that each one avid gamers will welcome – whether or not they want room for his or her mouse or if they simply have a small desk.
The HyperX isn’t the one compact keyboard I’ve seen lately. The SteelSeries Apex M500 is one other unit that’s all keyboard and never a lot else, and each have related dimensions: the HyperX is 442mm extensive; the SteelSeries only one millimetre narrower. And the HyperX’s 1.05kg weight is just 150g lighter than the M500.
The HyperX has a removable braided cable and a single USB port for charging your different units (it doesn’t deal with information), and a smooth carrying case can be included. The Alloy a part of the title refers back to the metallic plate beneath the buttons and the metallic on the highest floor. The underside is plastic, however this is without doubt one of the sturdiest keyboards I’ve ever examined.
The robust development, useful bag, removable cable and small dimension means it isn’t simply suited to FPS gamers – it’s good if you happen to commonly journey along with your gaming gear, too.
The SteelSeries doesn’t provide any of those travel-friendly options – and the HyperX excels elsewhere, too. It has that USB port, and HyperX contains eight substitute keys. The 1-4 keys might be changed with buttons with a pink metallic end, and the WASD keys might be switched for variations with a metallic texture – the agency says this offers higher grip.
The HyperX has a single-colour backlight, identical to the SteelSeries, however the Alloy goes a little bit additional. Its brightness might be adjusted, however a number of totally different lighting patterns can be chosen utilizing the cursor keys. The backlight might be inconsistent, with the highest of every key brighter than the underside, however each keyboards undergo with that problem.
The red-lit keys are constructed utilizing Cherry MX Blue switches. They’re not as frequent because the Cherry MX Red {hardware} used within the SteelSeries or the Brown switches utilized in many different mechanical keyboards, they usually really feel very totally different.
For starter, they’re far heavier with a 60g actuation pressure – 15g greater than the Cherry MX Red switches within the SteelSeries. The additional pressure required to register a click on is paired with a tactile bump about half-way down the important thing, which is one thing the graceful SteelSeries didn’t have.
The keys are rated for 50 million clicks and has 100% anti-ghosting and full key rollover, which is similar because the SteelSeries. It has a gaming mode to disable the Windows key, too.
The Alloy FPS has a minimal, targeted design that outstrips the SteelSeries for options, however there’s nonetheless a lot lacking: no macro keys or media buttons; no RGB lighting and no wrist-rest, which implies it’s tough to suggest for individuals who kind in addition to recreation.
There’s additionally no software program, and no driver – this keyboard plugs in and performs, with features such because the lighting and gaming mode managed on the unit itself. That, sadly, means the keys aren’t programmable and game-specific profiles can’t be saved. While you possibly can use some third-party software program, having no devoted buttons to change between modes will probably be a downside for some individuals.
HyperX Alloy FPS – Performance
The Alloy’s Blue keys are among the harshest and most medical switches that Cherry MX produces – so that they’re going to show divisive.
The keys are constant and hammer down unrelentingly into the stable metallic base. They transfer with pace and precision, they usually ship a traditional keyboard really feel – when individuals consider mechanical keyboards, the envisage one thing like this, the place the keys actually must be pressured all the way down to register hits.
The Cherry MX Blues will enchantment to some avid gamers, though there’s loads to be stated for the Cherry MX Red switches within the SteelSeries. They don’t have the identical medical really feel and onerous base; they’re softer and extra comfy, particularly for typing.
The alternative of change is subjective, however there’s no denying the HyperX’s noise output. This is the loudest mechanical keyboard I’ve examined – which is okay if you happen to’re residence alone, however not so good if you happen to’re in an workplace or share a quiet atmosphere with different individuals.
Gamers will even be attracted by the metal-textured keycaps accessible for the WASD buttons, however I discovered that they made little or no distinction in each day use. The texture is extraordinarily shallow, which implies it may barely be felt within the midst of fast-paced play – they supply a tiny bit extra grip, certain, however they’re hardly game-changers.
Should I Buy the HyperX Alloy FPS?
The HyperX Alloy FPS is a superb board that pairs a slimmed-down design with extra options than its nearest rival.
It has customisable backlighting, textured keys, a USB port and journey equipment – all issues that the SteelSeries lacks – and its metal development makes it extraordinarily sturdy.
The Cherry MX Blue switches are loud, medical and divisive, nevertheless. The SteelSeries is a little bit cheaper and presumably higher if you happen to favor a softer expertise, however Kingston’s first gaming keyboard is a high-quality and conventional affair that mixes rapid-fire typing with a great slate of options.
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Verdict
The HyperX Alloy FPS is nice for all genres of gaming, and preferrred for these on the transfer too. With a good set of options contemplating its compact dimension, and its CherryMX Blue switches delivering an uncompromising and conventional typing really feel, HyperX’s first keyboard is spectacular certainly.