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HyperX Alloy Origins Blue Switches review
Quick verdict: With more switch options now available, the HyperX Alloy Origins is a better keyboard than it was at the start of 2020.
- Now supports Clicky, Tactile and Linear switches
- Clicky switches deliver clear feedback while still allowing for speedy input
- Resilient aluminium frame is built to last
- All the features and customisation options you'd expect from a high-end gaming keyboard
- RRP is a little on the high side
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When I reviewed the HyperX Alloy Origins back in February 2020, I tested out the version of the keyboard with the then-new HyperX Red switches. While I appreciated the speed those Linear switches offered, I lamented the lack of options for folks who, like me, prefer switches with a bit more kick to them.
Well, HyperX hasn't been resting on its laurels, as it has now released two new versions of the Alloy Origins: one sporting HyperX Aqua Tactile switches and another featuring HyperX Blue Clicky switches. I've spent a good chunk of time testing the latter and for me it's a vast improvement. While the rest of the board is identical, expanding the line-up to cover each of the three primary switch types greatly increases its appeal and makes it an excellent choice for a wider variety of PC gamers.
Since the only change HyperX has made is swapping out the switches on the Alloy Origins, my feelings on the rest of the keyboard are the same as they were at the start of the year. Rather than re-hash my review here, then, I'm going to focus solely on the performance of the HyperX Blue switches.
Are HyperX Blue switches any good?
When HyperX first revealed it was ditching Cherry MX switches in favour of building its own, I was a little disappointed. Cherry MX switches are popular for a reason, after all. Testing the HyperX Red switches on the original Alloy Origins gave me hope that HyperX knew what it was doing, but it wasn't until my fingers hit the HyperX Blue switches that my confidence was fully reinstated.
Feedback on each keypress is firm and sharp, eliminating any uncertainty around whether the switch has registered or not. Key resistance is well-balanced, allowing you to rest your fingers on the keycaps without accidentally triggering input. At the same time, the switches are responsive enough for fast, free-flowing typing with minimal effort. A full day of typing and gaming left my fingers no worse for wear.
As the name implies, the HyperX Blue "Clicky" switches are considerably louder than the softer Red "Linear" switches or the in-between Aqua "Tactile" switches. Each keypress produces a crisp click that punctuates your actions, adding impact every time you jump, dodge or activate an ability in-game.
Should you buy the HyperX Alloy Origins?
- Buy it if you want a sturdy, full-sized keyboard that takes up less space and delivers top-notch performance
- Don't buy it if you need the added versatility of dedicated media and macro keys
Now that HyperX has built out its custom switch line to encompass Linear, Tactile and Clicky switches, the Alloy Origins is a better keyboard than it was at the start of 2020.
It remains a sleek and reasonably compact full-sized board with a strong aluminium frame built to weather its fair share of bumps and falls. You've got plenty of customisation options on the RGB lighting side, full support for key rebinding and all the Game Mode, anti-ghosting and N-key rollover features you'd expect from a high-end gaming keyboard.
The new Blue switches feel fantastic and perform flawlessly, making the Alloy Origins a great choice for folks wanting a sleek, full-sized gaming keyboard.
Pricing and availability
Specifications
Build
Keyboard Type
Mechanical
Build Material
Aluminium
Depth
132.5mm
Width
442.5mm
Height
36.39mm
Weight
1.08g
Cable Length
1.8m
Colours
Black
Connectivity
Wired/Wireless
Wired
Features
RGB
Yes
N-key Rollover
Yes
USB Passthrough
No
Dedicated Media Controls
No
On-board Memory
3 profiles
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