Released in 2021, theHyperX Alloy Origins 60arrived when60% gaming keyboardsweren’t as mainstream. Even years later, miniature competitors struggle to match its reinforced construction and brilliant RGB lighting. The device’s durability is remarkable, considering its price, which often makes it one of thebest budget keyboards. For Black Friday 2024, the further discounted Alloy Origins 60 should quickly deplete stocks.
The Alloy Origins 60 saves maximum space on small gaming desks. However, the compressed layout is not all about minimizing clutter.Esports pros use 60% keyboardsbecause eliminating unnecessary keys results in more roaming room for mice. For the casual gamer, the layout does make productivity tasks more difficult. To address those concerns, HyperX imprinted secondary functions on the sides of keys, which are activated after holding the Function key. In the HyperX NGENUITY app, users can program macros to replace missing functionality.
HyperX Alloy Origins 60 Gaming Keyboard
HyperX Alloy Origins 60 is a mechanical gaming keyboard with linear HyperX Red switches. These offer quieter, smoother keystrokes with reliable, fast actuation. It features a compact 60% form factor. This small footprint allows more desk space for mouse movement.The keyboard comes with double-shot PBT keycaps that are resistant to wear, friction, and solvents. There’s an RGB LED backlight that adds a gaming aesthetic touch. The keyboard supports NGENUITY software for customization.
With a choice of Linear Red and Tactile Aqua switches, the Alloy Origins 60 now has more options than on release day. Both switches have a low 1.8 mm actuation distance, but the Linear Reds are even smoother and quieter. Tactile switches give a more definable bump and are superior when accurate inputs are the priority. In either case, the typing experience is more satisfying and less mushy than similarly pricedmembrane keyboards.
When first handling the Alloy Origins 60, many gamers are surprised by how weighty the compact peripheral feels. The explanation is that aluminum alloy is reasonably light, but used throughout the keyboard. Doubleshot PBT keycaps feel even sturdier when typing on such a solid base. The keys resist the wear and tear normally seen with inexpensive keyboards.
The Alloy Origins 60 also exceeds expectations as a spectacularRGB keyboard. Customizable per-key lighting isn’t a given in this price range, and the keyboard looks especially brilliant in the dark. Gamers can design complicated patterns in the keyboard’s app and set brightness levels from 1 to 100%. Plenty of space in between and underneath the keycaps adds to the impact of LED lighting. Unexpectedly, HyperX bundles an alternate spacebar with the Alloy Origins 60. Made from ABS plastic, the spacebar has a snazzy design that adds a distinctive touch. If a black keyboard isn’t preferable, buyers may be able to track down a white or even apink version of the Alloy Origins 60.
The formula of affordable durability works so well for HyperX that the Alloy series is sold in four sizes. Buyers unwilling to compromise on a compacted key layout may gravitate toward the full-size orTKL keyboardvariation. Another noteworthy HyperXBlack Friday deal is on the Alloy Rise. Thehot-swappable mechanical keyboardis compatible with far more switches than the Alloy Origins 60. In the 75% and full-size varieties, a media dial makes the Rise practical as a daily driver.