Dear reader, are you considering the HyperX Alloy Origins 60 gaming keyboard and want to learn everything important about it in one place? As a long-time HyperX fan and avid keyboard enthusiast, I’ve tested out the compact Alloy Origins 60 extensively and will provide my in-depth review below.
We’ll take a close look at HyperX as a brand, dive deep into the Origins 60’s specs and features, compare it to other HyperX models, discuss real-world gaming performance, highlight pros and cons, and cover any remaining questions to determine if it‘s the right fit for your needs. Time to dive in!
Overview of HyperX
Before we review this specific keyboard, it helps to understand HyperX and their approach to gaming gear.
Founded in 2002, HyperX is the gaming division of Kingston Technology, a leading independent memory manufacturer. Unlike some other gaming brands, HyperX is built on decades of hardware engineering experience which shows through in the thoughtful design and reliability of their products.
While HyperX started out making gaming headsets, they‘ve expanded into a full ecosystem of gaming peripherals including keyboards, mice, microphones and other accessories. Their products stand out for their signature black and red aesthetic, premium materials and quality construction.
Let‘s see how these principles carry over on their ultra-compact HyperX Alloy Origins 60 keyboard.
Breaking Down the HyperX Alloy Origins 60 Specs
First off, what exactly sets apart the Alloy Origins 60 model compared to other HyperX keyboards? Let‘s break it down spec by spec:
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60% keyboard size – The defining feature. At 60% the size of a full keyboard, it provides tons of room for your mouse without sacrificing functionality.
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Aircraft-grade aluminum body – Features an anodized aluminum frame for superior durability and structural stability compared to cheaper plastic designs. Matches the look and feel of premium laptops.
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Detachable USB-C cable – Makes transportation easy and cable replacement convenient if anything happens to the stock cable. Not all compact keyboards have removable cables these days so this is a nice touch.
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HyperX Linear Red mechanical switches – Designed specifically for gaming with a light 45 gram actuation force and short 1.8mm travel distance for fast, smooth key presses.
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Doubleshot PBT keycaps – Durable PBT plastic material resists long-term wear better than standard ABS plastic. Legends won’t fade over time like cheaper pad printed designs.
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Per-key RGB lighting – Full RGB color customization allows dazzling lighting effects to match your battlestation setup.
Now let‘s see how the Origins 60 compares spec-wise to other keyboards in HyperX‘s lineup using this handy data table:
|| Alloy Origins 60 | Alloy Origins | Alloy Elite RGB |
|-|:-:|:-:|:-:|
| Size | 60% | Tenkeyless | Full Size|
| Switch Type | Linear Red | Linear Red
Clicky Aqua | Linear Red
Clicky Blue|
| RGB Lighting | Per-key | Per-key | Per-key |
| Keycaps | Doubleshot PBT | Doubleshot PBT | Doubleshot PBT |
| Media Controls | Secondary FN keys | Dedicated Buttons | Dedicated Buttons |
| USB Connection | Detachable USB-C | Detachable USB-C | Fixed USB-A |
|Form Factor | Ultra Compact | Compact | Full Size|
As you can see, the Origins 60 trims off dedicated macro and media keys for an extremely compact footprint. But you still get the high-end HyperX switches, keycaps and lighting packed into its 60% aluminum frame. It marries portability with the premium quality HyperX is known for.
An Experience Built for Gaming Immersion
Alright, spec sheets only tell part of the story. Let‘s dive hands-on into what it‘s actually like gaming on the Alloy Origins 60!
After unboxing, you immediately appreciate the dense, premium feel of the aluminum chassis. It’s a refreshing change from the creaky plastic frames common at this price point. Clearly durability was a priority for HyperX’s engineers which shows in the structural heft they built in.
Booting up for the first time, the bright per-key RGB lighting pops vibrantly thanks to the exposed switch design that allows the LEDs to shine through cleanly. The keyboard almost seems to float thanks to the stunning underglow lighting effects.
Pairing the included HyperX NGENUITY software unlocks customizable backlighting limited only by your imagination. Do you prefer a moody neon vibe for night battles or flashy rainbow wave patterns to channel cosmic energy? Either way, you can craft lighting profiles to set the mood.
Now on to gaming performance – the fast linear HyperX Reds provide buttery smooth actuation perfect for rapid movements in first-person shooters. Compared to full size keyboards, the compact layout positions both hands naturally close together for quicker access to all keys and functions.
Whether sniping enemies in Call of Duty or issuing unit commands in StarCraft, the Origins 60 keeps you immersed and focused without wasted motion. The reduced footprint also leaves ample room for large sweeping mouse gestures essential for fast-paced targeting.
Gaming feels snappy and responsive thanks to premium components fine-tuned for speed – from the swift Red switches to enhanced anti-ghosting protection ensuring perfectly registered keystrokes when the action gets hectic.
While the 60% size won’t be for everyone, legit reviewers like PC Gamer praise just how well HyperX implemented the form factor:
“A tenkeyless keyboard is the smallest I‘d typically recommend for gaming, but the HyperX Alloy Origins 60 has made me reconsider. Even with a 60% size restricting its feature set, it still has everything you really need in a modern gaming keyboard.”
After weeks testing in shooters, MOBAs, MMOs and more, I agree with this verdict. The smart layout provides all essential functions without wasted bulk. Paired with high-end metal construction and dazzling RGBs, it epitomizes what I love about HyperX gear – substance AND style in one sleek package.
Pros and Cons At a Glance
Let‘s summarize the top pros and cons of the HyperX Alloy Origins 60:
Pros
- Super compact 60% form factor
- Aircraft grade aluminum frame
- HyperX mechanical switches designed for gaming
- Smooth linear key response
- Customizable per-key RGB backlighting
- Doubleshot PBT keycaps
- Removable USB-C cable
- Eye-catching aesthetics
- Works with Xbox + PlayStation consoles
Cons
- Expensive for a 60% size
- No dedicated macro keys
- Small right Shift key
- Keycap legends only on sides
- Not ideal for professional typists
- No wrist rest included
So in short, you get premium construction and materials tuned explicitly for gaming rather than typing or productivity. Tradeoffs come through fewer macro/media keys and keycap legend visibility. But if gaming performance is what you’re after, the Origins 60 delivers in spades.
Should YOU Buy the HyperX Alloy Origins 60?
You‘ve made it this far, so lets wrap up by discussing if the Alloy Origins 60 is ultimately the right gaming keyboard for YOUR needs and preferences:
Consider the HyperX Alloy Origins 60 if:
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You play fast-paced competitive games that reward keyboard responsiveness like online shooters or MOBAs. The HyperX mechanical switches shine for quickness.
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You want a space-saving keyboard to pair with low DPI mice that need large swiping room. The 60% footprint provides tons of room to maneuver.
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RGB backlighting customization for gaming immersion is important for your battlestation aesthetic.
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You own multiple HyperX peripherals and want matching cohesive lighting effects between devices.
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Console gaming on Xbox Series X|S or PlayStation 4|5 factors into your setup. The keyboard works across both platforms.
You may want to look at other options if:
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You play more MMOs or strategy games requiring quick macro access or advanced keybinds. The lack of dedicated macro keys could hinder complex rotations.
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You prefer full-height keycap legends for easy visibility. The Origins 60 only has side prints which some users dislike.
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Your budget is under $100 and you want similar performance for less.
Good HyperX Alternatives to Consider
If after reviewing the pros and cons, you decide the Alloy Origins 60 isn‘t the best match, here are two other HyperX models worth considering:
Alloy Origins – Same premium build and HyperX Red switch performance but in a more standard tenkeyless (80%) layout. Around $20 cheaper too.
Alloy Elite RGB – Step up to a full-size model with dedicated media controls, USB passthrough and wrist rest. Better for complex keybinds or extra features.
I‘m happy to provide personalized guidance if none of those quite match what you had in mind either. There are many great keyboards on the market so determining the right fit depends heavily on the games you play and personal preferences.
Final Verdict
At the end of the day, while the HyperX Alloy Origins 60 won‘t be ideal for ALL gamers, what it‘s designed for, it handles expertly – delivering buttery smooth inputs and desk space-saving size perfect for immersive, high-intensity gaming sessions.
The expertly constructed aluminum frame, vibrant RGB lighting and finely tuned Red switches provide desktop-dominating aesthetics paired with competitive-gaming-grade performance.
If that matches your needs in a portable package, then the Origins 60 earns my wholehearted recommendation for your battlestation. It will give you a premium experience that outclasses keyboards two to three times its price.
Let me know if any other questions pop up! I‘m always happy to dig in further to ensure you get the perfect keyboard for YOUR style of gaming. Talk soon and happy playing!
