HyperX Alloy FPS RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Review

I am all about looking for good computer peripherals that will not break the bank. Recently, I’ve been obsessing over mechanical keyboards, namely mechanical gaming keyboards. I have had the opportunity to play with a few keyboards lately, ranging from cheap Amazon purchases with “mechanical” switches to more serious ones with Cherry MX switches. In all honesty, I have fallen in love with real mechanical keyboards, not only for gaming but for daily use too. There are many mechanical keyboards on the market today, but today I will be looking at one of HyperX’s mechanical gaming keyboards, their HyperX Alloy FPS RGB. The HyperX Alloy FPS RGB mechanical keyboard offers excellent performance with beautiful backlit key lighting, and you will not force you to break open your piggy bank to obtain it.

What’s in the Box?

The HyperX Alloy FPS RGB keyboard comes with a few things similar to other mechanical keyboards on today’s market. You get the keyboard, detachable USB cable and QuickStart guide. What you may notice is that the HyperX Alloy FPS RGB does not come with a wrist rest like many other keyboards come with (detachable or not). If you are going to make use of this keyboard for long periods where you’re typing a lot, it might be helpful to have had a wrist rest option, though HyperX does sell a stand-alone gel memory foam wrist rest, if you need one.

First Impressions

The first thing I noticed when I took the HyperX Alloy out of the box was the weight of it. It seems a bit heavier than other mechanical keyboards I have looked at so far thanks to the solid steel frame that HyperX uses. It means the keyboard will not move no matter how much you smash on the buttons. To me, the steel frame makes it feel sturdy and gives the impression of higher quality as well. The enclosure of the keyboard itself is plastic, but that does not take away from the quality of this keyboard.

There is also no wasted room when it comes to the layout of this full-sized keyboard. It does lack dedicated media controls, which can be a big strike against people looking for a gaming keyboard. The function key is on the right, which means that while you press the FN key, you can easily access the upper function keys with ease. Yes, not as easy as a single button mind you, but still accessible to just using one hand instead of two.

The height profile of the HyperX Alloy FPS RGB is not too bad. The height adjustment feet give you a bit more lift, and there are little rubber feet to help the keyboard not slip.

Now on to the switches themselves. The HyperX Alloy FPS RGB is a Kailh Silver Speed switch based mechanical keyboard. You will also notice the per-key RGB LED located at the top of each key. It’s not only the first time I have used Kailh switches, but it’s also is the first time I have used the Silver Speed variety. It has taken a bit to get used to, but my fingers can tell why they are “speed” style as I barely have to press down on the key to have it register the press. It’s led to some weird issues with accidentally hitting other keys (my typing style is a bit odd).

The top right side of the keyboard, above the number pad, is the location of the status LEDs and of course the stylish HyperX logo. The ‘G’ label on the first status LED is for the Game Mode feature. Of course, the LEDs light up, corresponding to whether the function is enabled or not.

Slide around the top right edge of the HyperX Alloy FPS RGB, and you will see the USB connections. The Micro-USB for plugging into your computer and then a USB charging port. The USB cable that comes with this keyboard is a split variety, meaning if you wish to utilize the keyboard AND charging port on the keyboard, you need to plug in two USB connections to your computer. If the USB charging port could act as either a single USB data port and a charging port, that would have been ideal as USB ports in my particular setup are at a premium. For me to lose one USB port to be able only to charge a phone is a useless feature for me.

The USB cable is braided and has an excellent stiffness to it. It allows easy routing, precisely the way you want it and does not tangle easily. There is only one placement for the cable though, as seen in the above phone. Some keyboards allow you to channel the USB cable from the middle, left or right. This one is strictly on the right side. Could make for keeping your keyboard and mouse cables tidier or might interfere with your mouse cable. All depends on your desk setup.

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.