HyperX Alloy FPS RGB Gaming Keyboard In The Test: As Sensitive As A Butterfly Wing

2023 Author: Sheila Hailey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 04:29

• • • Our verdict
    • rating
    • We liked that
    • We didn't like that
    • Overview of technical data

HyperX Alloy FPS RGB in the test: Our verdict

While the gaming keyboard from HyperX does not compromise on workmanship, feel and design, it leaves a lot of potential on the road in what is probably the most important test aspect: the typing and typing feel. Thanks to the mechanical Kalih-Silver-Speed-Switches, the actuation paths are particularly short: just 1.1 millimeters are enough to activate the corresponding button, and the operating force is also at a record minimum at 40 grams. Sounds great, doesn't it? The opposite is the case.

Since the mechanical gaming keyboard is delivered without a palm rest, I often find myself resting my hand on the keyboard after a short time. The problem: The weight of my admittedly quite large fingers is enough to accidentally press some of the buttons. Instead of stubbornly pressing forward on the W key in the Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, my game character decides to prefer to take a diagonal route to the left. After a few frustrating minutes, I know where the problem is: on the A key. Without wanting to let it go, let alone perceiving it, I activate the damned button just by putting on my left ring finger. A subtle sign of HyperX that I should rather go on a diet? Probably a problemthat after a certain period of acclimatization I would automatically train myself - at least I thought.

But even after a full month, the problem still occurred. In addition, there are other bad experiences, with the short reaction path of the Kalih Silver Speed Switches. I keep mistyping myself for short messages, accidentally opening my inventory or the card in games, unintentionally reloading in Call of Duty and then standing there with my pants down. Every time I roll my eyes, calm down and convince myself that it will be even better.

But it won't, it gets worse. I make more mistakes because my fingers fall into the misconception that they have to get the hang of it by now. Again and again I long for a palm rest to reduce the pressure on the keys of my seemingly heavy fingers. At some point I resign. I crawl under the desk, unplug the USB connector, pack everything elegantly and let the HyperX Alloy FPS RGB disappear into my closet.

A few minutes later I put my Logitech G15, which is now 12 years old, back into operation with rubber dome switches. My hand makes it comfortable on the corresponding shelf, my typing errors are suddenly reduced and the accidental pressing of buttons in the game is a thing of the past. I'm finally in control again.

After reading my little story, you might think that I can't find anything positive about the Hyper X Alloy FPS RGB, but that's not the case. The complete processing of the keyboard is absolutely top class. Thanks to the full steel frame, the input device looks very robust and of high quality. This impression is reinforced by the bright RGB lighting. The color of each key can be calibrated using the software. This can also be used to create macros, change lighting effects and adapt to gaming mode. The gaming mode ensures, among other things, that the Windows key is deactivated - so you don't accidentally land on the desktop when you actually want to shoot your opponent with a dropshot over the pile.

The relatively high weight of 1.1 kilograms in combination with the rubberized feet on the underside ensure that the keyboard stays in place even in hot situations with the force of hands and arms. Thanks to its generous length of 1.8 meters, the textile-covered cable can easily be laid behind the desk and can even be separated from the keyboard.

The HyperX Alloy FPS RGB offers a USB connector for the connection of keyboard and PC as well as a second USB port. Only those who also connect the second USB cable to the PC can use the USB 2.0 pass-through for mobile phones. Otherwise, the connector at the top of the keyboard can still be used as a charging cable. There is also a positive aspect to the lack of the wrist rest: the fact that the gaming keyboard is dispensed with is extremely compact - despite the separate number pad.

Even if the typing sensation of the HyperX Alloy FPS RGB does not inspire me, the sound of the keystacking provides exactly the sounding sound in my ears that I expect from a mechanical keyboard and whose volume level is definitely not suitable for the open-plan office.

All in all, the HyperX Alloy FPS RGB can completely convince me in many respects: processing, design, software - there is hardly anything to complain about here. But both writing and playing is so unnerving due to the very sensitive keys that both activities were not very enjoyable during the test. At the end of the day, I don't want a keyboard that lights up particularly well, is robust or offers many additional functions, but one that I can use to write and play with ease. The HyperX Alloy FPS RGB could not offer that to me.

HyperX Alloy FPS RGB in the test: evaluation

Here you can find the HyperX Alloy FPS RGB on Amazon

We liked that about the HyperX Alloy FPS RGB

• Compact and portable: Despite the heavy weight of 1.1 kilograms, the keyboard can be easily transported thanks to the removable USB cable.
• Onboard profile memory: Thanks to the internal memory of the HyperX Alloy FPS RGB, you can save a total of 3 different profiles directly on the keyboard and switch between them at the touch of a button - even without driver software installed on the connected device.
• Robust construction: Thanks to the full steel frame, the look of the HyperX Alloy FPS RGB not only exudes a certain premium feeling, but also withstands every day stress test without problems.

We didn't like that about the HyperX Alloy FPS RGB

• No palm rest: The absence of the palm rest makes the keyboard pleasantly compact, but it loses some comfort.
• Annoying reverberating noise: Each key sequence ends with a dull, slowly fading noise when the keys hit the solid steel frame.
• hypersensitive: High response speed or not - in my opinion the switches of the HyperX Alloy FPS RGB are far too sensitive. Sometimes I'm afraid to activate one of the buttons because I'm looking at it.

Looking for an alternative? ROCCAT Vulcan 120 AIMO and Lioncast LK300 PRO in the test: love at the first press of a button?

HyperX Alloy FPS RGB in the test: Technical data at a glance

Type	mechanically
Switches	Kalih Silver Speed
lifespan	up to 70 million keystrokes according to the manufacturer
Operating mode	linear
Operator	40 grams
Actuation point	1.1 mm
Poll rate	1,000 Hz
Anti-ghosting	Yes
Gaming fashion	Yes
Media control	Yes
Length of the USB cable	1.8 meters
Weight	1.1 kilograms
Dimensions (wxdxh)	44.2 cm x 13.0 cm x 3.6 cm
particularities	RGB lighting internal profile memory (3 profiles) USB cable detachable USB pass-through for mobile devices