Gaming Keyboards – Size Matters, But is Bigger Better?

HyperX Alloy Origins 65

Now with the HyperX Alloy Origins, we’re stepping down to a 65%, and yes, I know I’ve skipped over a TKL keyboard. I feel they’re a bit obvious as it’s quite literally a traditional spacing full-size, with just the numberpad chopped off. Actually, many full-size models from the big-name brands come with a simple TKL edition if that’s what you need. But today, I’m eager to go a little smaller and see of these more unique layouts too. The HyperX Alloy Origins 65 promises to be smaller while offering no compromises on features. This has all the features of a TKL design, but it’s been squeezed a little.

Features

• Petite 65% form factor: Free up more room for your mouse with this supremely compact keyboard. Side-printed functions on the keycaps allow you to quickly locate secondary keypress functionality.
• Full aircraft-grade aluminum body: The aluminum casing keeps the keyboard structurally sound and stable when the action gets intense and the game hangs in the balance; battle after battle, night after night.
• Double shot PBT keycaps with side printing: The pre-installed PBT keycaps have text on the sides to help you quickly locate additional key functions.
• HyperX Mechanical switches: Reliable HyperX key switches are balanced for speed and accuracy to help provide faster keypresses with fewer mistakes. Their exposed LED design delivers stunning RGB lighting that stands out.
• RGB backlit keys with radiant lighting effects: Get brighter, more luminous RGB lighting, thanks to the exposed LED design of the HyperX mechanical switches.
• Advanced customization with HyperX NGENUITY: Customize Game Mode, build macros, and set up per-key lighting and effects.

Performance

Wow this thing looks cool, and I must admit, I’m totally falling for the smaller gaming keyboards that have been hitting the market. The keyboard is absolutely packed, with the only large gap between any of the keys on the bottom right between the Fn and Left key. Otherwise, no space is wasted here.

There are a lot of tricks deployed to save space though. Such as the entire F-Key row being deleted. Don’t worry, the Fn-Shift will double the number keys as F-keys, so they’re still usable, of course.

The Escape Key now takes the place of the tilde key next to the number 1, that’s not an issue for me, as I haven’t used that key in… well, not sure actually, it’s been so long.

Get used to using the left Ctrl key too, as…

The right one is gone!

Shift and Enter use a US-style configuration too. This is important, as it allows the keyboard to still have a set of arrow keys, which many 65% keyboards do not have. Sure, they’re a little crowded, but they’re all here, and that’s pretty cool if you need them.

I love that they’ve still got the Home, Del, PgUp, and PgDn keys here too, it takes a little time to get used to touch-typing and finding these navigation keys on-the-fly, but it keeps the keyboard very practical while still pushing for a compact gaming-focused design.

The HyperX-designed switches are sublime, very smooth fast and light, just like the other top modern-gen mechanical switches. Plus, with HyperX NGENUITY, layering game modes, macros, and per-key effects allow you to get the most out of the more compact design.

Of course, this now gives me much more space for my mouse too, allowing for lower DPI gaming even on smaller desktop spaces.

Price and Availability

The keyboard is available with Cherry MX Red switches, in the US or blank layout, with an MSRP of around £85, however, the stock seems pretty limited outside of their US store at this time.