HyperX Alloy FPS Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Feature
We were invited along to the latest HyperX product reveal...and were surprised to find that it was not a headset.
DESIGN
As sponsors of a number of eSports teams, it was only natural that HyperX would graduate to peripherals other than headsets. Upon first glance, it looked pretty much like many other full sized keyboards. I say full-sized because it comes complete with a numpad to the right - handy if you work with numbers. But it is also rather compact, with just a limited frame surrounding the keys. We were told that this design has been implemented in order to give FPS gamers optimum space for mouse movements.
With such a compact design, there is the tendency for a keyboard to move about. But HyperX has countered this by giving the keyboard a steel frame adding substantial weight to the device. The metal construction gives the keyboard a sturdy feel and adding to the rugged design are the keys themselves. The mechanical switches (Cherry MX Blue) mean that the keyboard is rather loud. Not so much of an issue when using it for its main purpose of FPS gaming as usage is limited to a small section of the keyboard, but when using it to write reviews or do other work, it is best to close the doors to the bedrooms of sleeping children.
Gaming in the dark is no issue with the red backlight keys that can be set to different levels of brightness. The keyboard also comes with a set of red key caps for the WASD keys, giving those keys a slightly different tactile feel to the rest of the keyboard to make them easier to find in hectic action games.
FUNCTIONALITY
The HyperX Alloy FPS Mechanical Gaming Keyboard isn't overly weighed down by extra features. Apart from the detachable cord, which allows for easy transportation without having to wrap the cord around the keyboard (which isn't good for the keys), there is only one other port on the keyboard. And this port is for use as a USB charger for a mobile phone or other similar devices.
But as it is a keyboard for FPS gaming, the main functionality required is the accuracy of the keystrokes, and it is here that the HyperX keyboard excels. Even reasonably light touches on the mechanical keys register, so there is no need to really press down hard as often can be the case. The keyboard features full anti-ghosting and n-key rollover when in Gaming mode. Gaming mode also disables the Windows key, preventing you from accidentally switching out of the game just when you are lining up the game winning headshot.
CONCLUSION
I do play a fair bit of FPS gaming, and although I'm not a competitive eSports gamer, I did find that the keyboard is sturdy and accurate, allowing for potential improved performance. It is fairly clear that HyperX has spoken with the gamers of the teams that they sponsor to find out their preferences, and have worked on those suggestions. The well weighted keyboard does what it needs to, without over-complicating things with added features that will barely be used. And the compact size means that it doesn't take up too much desk space. The colour scheme of black and red matches most of the current range HyperX range of peripherals. And for those that carry their keyboards along to LAN parties or other gaming events, Hyper X has included a handy drawstring carry bag with a pouch for the detachable braided cable. If you’re in the market for a new gaming keyboard, the HyperX Alloy FPS Mechanical Gaming Keyboard would provide for a sturdy, no nonsense option.
RATING: 7/10
The Hyper X Alloy FPS Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is released on August 29th 2016, but is available for pre-order now.