HyperX Alloy FPS RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Review

HyperX NGenuity

Every gaming peripheral comes with some utility to manage that piece of equipment. HyperX is no different and has its NGenuity software. Like other utilities I have used, it took time to get familiar with it. I finally figured out how to access the lighting profiles to change it from the default Rainbow Wave to something a little less colourful. You can store three custom profiles onto the keyboard itself, which you can activate via the NGenuity Software or through a keyboard shortcut.

Performance

To test the HyperX Alloy FPS RGB, I have utilized it as my primary keyboard since I received it. The Kailh Silver-Speed switches took a little bit of getting used to over the Cherry MX Red and Browns I was using previously, but overall they feel positive. The short actuation for the switches themselves has had me concentrate a bit more on my typing as if a finger strays gently, it is usually enough to register a keystroke.

To see how the HyperX Alloy FPS RGB handles with gaming, I’ve put it up against a couple of games I have in my rotation; Apex Legends, FarCry5 and Elder Scrolls Online. Each game has slightly different keyboard uses, but I found that the keyboard response was good. At times, perhaps a little too good as a slight touch to a key would have it register as a keystroke. From time to time, my drifting fingers would end up getting me killed.  I can see how these particular key switches could help with finger fatigue but allow the user to use less finger pressure while typing. These Silver Speed switches could be a typists’ dream.

RGB Lighting

Up until now, I have not touched on the RGB lighting of the HyperX Alloy FPS RGB. Yes, RGB is for the per-key RGB LED each switch has. Is it a gimmick? I like them, as it allows me to change my keyboard’s theme based on my mood. You can program the lighting profiles too if you want to have a specific zone of keys light in a certain way. I tend to change my colours more often than I think most people do. But the illumination of the keys is well done. The keycaps allow the light to come through the key, and the keyboard plate enables the colour to reflect nicely. Again, this is my opinion; it seems that people have varying opinions about how LEDs on a keyboard should illuminate.

Final Thoughts

I have enjoyed using the HyperX Alloy FPS RGB mechanical gaming keyboard for the past little bit. I would make use of a different switch type as I found my fingers drifting over some keys and having them registered as key presses. The lack of an included wrist rest was unexpected. It is nice to have as an added option, especially a detachable one.

The feel and overall design of the keyboard is a good one. The steel frame gives the whole keyboard an excellent sturdiness and stops the keyboard from flexing (rage quit right?). Keeping to a more minimalist design, HyperX allowed the Alloy FPS RGB to be small enough not to clutter up your desk space. HyperX does have the Alloy FPS PRO, a TKL or Ten-Keyless version, for those who do not make use of a number pad and want a slightly smaller keyboard. I, for one, am always making use of the number pad, so I am happy to have it with this particular keyboard.

The Alloy FPS RGB performed well for the games I played too, not that I wasn’t expecting that. After all, HyperX supports the eSports industry and provides gaming peripherals for top-tier players. As much as I would have loved for the keyboard to make me a better player, at the end of the day it is a tool (a great tool) and helps make the job easier.

If you are looking for a well-made, mechanical gaming keyboard, you are a reasonably accurate typist and want to keep the price around $100 US, I recommend checking out the HyperX Alloy FPS RGB mechanical gaming keyboard.