Kingston HyperX Alloy FPS Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Review

Introduction

Competitive gaming has been around since about 30 seconds after the first multi-player computer game was compiled, and has finally gained main-stream attention in the last several years with the recognition of E-sports. Millions of gamers go toe to toe around the world every day across many genera’s, but none require the split second precision and timing of First Person Shooters. A single millisecond delay anywhere can mean the difference between a win and a loss, and where the proverbial ‘rubber meets the road’ for most is the humble keyboard. There are a great many gaming oriented keyboards on the market with a myriad of ‘features’ targeted at gamers in general. Lights, Macro keys, and many other gimmicks just don’t apply to the FPS gamer who values speed and accuracy above all else. Kingston might have the answer in their new HyperX Alloy FPS mechanical keyboard. A slim profile for maximum portability and mouse area on your desk, as well as lightning fast Cherry MX Blue switches lurking beneath no-slip textured keycaps in the most critical areas might make this the ultimate weapon in the FPS gamer’s arsenal.

ProClockers would like to thank HyperX for sending us the new Alloy FPS keyboard to check out!

Kingston’s take on the HyperX Alloy FPS

HyperX Alloy FPS Mechanical Gaming Keyboard features a minimalistic, compact design that’s ideal for FPS gameplay. Its space-saving layout maximizes desktop space for FPS mouse movement while maintaining full functionality and easy portability for gaming on the go. The keyboard’s solid-steel frame is built for long-lasting durability and stability. Ultra-portable, HyperX Alloy FPS comes complete with a high-quality mesh travel pouch to store and protect the keyboard and accessories for tournaments, LAN events or wherever gaming takes you. The detachable, mini-USB braided power cord reduces storage bulk and potential cable damage. For high-precision, gaming-grade key contact and reliability, it features Cherry MX mechanical keys that use Cherry’s pioneering Gold Crosspoint technology, the world’s leading mechanical key switch technology that was designed, developed and manufactured in Germany. Their self-cleaning gold contacts make them resistant to dust and dirt, and the keys have pressure-resistant metal alloy springs. The keys are guaranteed for 50 million key strokes per key with no loss of quality or responsiveness. HyperX Alloy FPS has a convenient USB charge port to keep your phone juiced and game mode to prevent accidental interruptions, 100 per cent anti-ghosting and full N-key rollover functionality. Its HyperX red backlit keys offer dynamic lighting effects with six preset LED modes, and it comes with additional, visually striking red keycaps with added texture for maximum control and enhanced feel.

HyperX Alloy FPS Video

About HyperX

HyperX is the high-performance product division of Kingston Technology, the world’s largest independent memory manufacturer. Started in 2002, HyperX began with one line of high-performance memory and has grown over the years to encompass multiple product lines of memory modules, solid-state drives, USB Flash drives, headsets and mouse pads. Featuring best-in-class components that deliver superior performance, quality and aesthetic design for more than a decade, HyperX products are the choice of top-rated gamers, tech enthusiasts, and overclockers worldwide. From setting memory world records to achieving the most stringent product certifications, HyperX is committed to delivering reliable products with the highest performance standards.

In addition, HyperX is the proud sponsor of more than 20 gaming teams globally and the main sponsor of Intel Extreme Masters and Dreamhack festivals. HyperX products are designed to meet the most rigorous demands of professional gamers to give them the winning edge and help gamers stay on top of their game.

Features & Specifications

Features

• Minimalistic compact design ideal for FPS gameplay: Its space saving layout maximizes desktop real estate for FPS mouse movement. It boasts a slim form while maintaining full functionality and is easily portable for gaming on the go.

• Solid-steel frame: With its sturdy metal alloy top plate, HyperX Alloy FPS is built for stability and durability.
• Convenient USB charge port: The easily accessed USB charge port helps to keep your phone juiced, even when you’re playing for hours.
• Cherry MX mechanical keys: For superb quality and durability, HyperX Alloy FPS features Cherry® MX mechanical keys that ensure high-precision key contact and product longevity, with 50 million key strokes per switch guaranteed with no loss of quality or responsiveness. Self-cleaning gold contacts make the keys resistant to dust and dirt.
• Game mode with 100 per cent anti-ghosting and full N-key rollover: Game mode disables the Windows key to prevent accidental interruptions, while anti-ghosting and full N-key rollover let you press all keys simultaneously, with every keystroke registering and executed as quickly as you command.
• Ultra-portable design with detachable cable: Its high-quality mesh travel pouch stores and protects the keyboard and accessories for tournament and LAN event transport, and the detachable USB power cord reduces storage bulk and cable damage.
• HyperX red backlit keys with dynamic lighting effects: Choose from one of six preset LED modes, including custom mode, to play confidently even in low lighting. Five brightness levels for gaming at day and night.
• Colored, textured keycaps for FPS gameplay: Visually striking red keycaps and added texture provide maximum control and enhanced feel to quickly find your most important movement keys. A keycap removal tool is included for easy key replacement.

Packaging & Unboxing

The Front of the Box is dominated by a full color glossy picture of the HyperX Alloy inside over a matte background. Tucked into the corners are the HyperX Logo, the Alloy FPS name, The Cherry MX Blue switch, and the regional layout, in this case English (US).

The rear of the box gives a quick rundown of the features that set this keyboard apart. The rear USB Charge port, the Removable braided USB cable, with dual Type-A ports to feed the charge port extra power, the replaceable textured gaming keycaps, and the included cloth travel bag.

Sliding off the colorful outer jacket reveals the matte black cardboard box that contains the Alloy FPS and accessories.

Opening the box we are greeted with the Cloth travel bag sporting a huge HyperX logo.

Under those is the keyboard, well protected and cradled in a thick foam block.

Lifting out the keyboard reveals 2 pockets underneath containing the removable braided cord, and a vacuum packed bag with the gaming keycaps and removal tool. You get a total of eight textured red keycaps, W/A/S/D and 1/2/3/4. The tool is a standard keycap removal tool and should work for any cherry MX compatible keycaps.

A Closer Look

The entire contents of the HyperX Alloy FPS keyboard box. Included is a padded travel bag, detachable USB Cable, Keycap set, user manual, and a thank you letter from HyperX.

The rear of the padded travel bag has a velcro pouch, perfect for storing your cable and keycaps.

The braided USB cable has two male ends, one for data, and one for supplemental power to provide the onboard USB charge port with plenty of juice.

The Bottom of the HyperX Alloy FPS is very simple, with only a pair of anti-slip feet on the front, and 2 adjustable feet to elevate and tilt the keyboard.

 The USB Ports on the rear of the keyboard include the upstream USB Mini-B, and the Type A port for charging.

This USB port does not pass data, so you are out of luck if you normally would use this port for a mouse or flash drive.

This is one of the Lighting modes, Lighting up just the WASD and Number 1 to 4 Cluster, as well as the Space and CTRL keys.

The Keyboard at full brightness with all LED’s on is quite stunning; the strong red will look good on most desktops without blinding you mid game. Besides the full on and FPS lighting modes, there are a few fun reactive modes, key press lighting and a very interactive ripple effect from each pressed key.

Using the included key-cap removal tool, we went ahead and pulled the WASD and 1-4 Keys off to make way for the HyperX red gaming keycaps.

While we have the key caps off, we get a chance to check out the real, Cherry-MX Blue switches, no cheap knock offs here. They are all set into an aluminum alloy face, providing a rigid but light keyboard, and likely the namesake of this keyboard.

Here we are with the gaming key caps installed. Notice the subtle yet effective diamond plate texture on the WASD cluster; you won’t be slipping off these keys during heavy maneuvering.

Final Thoughts & Conclusion

The HyperX Alloy FPS is everything the First Person Shooter needs to win, and no extras to get in the way. A 1ms polling time, Full N-Key Rollover in game mode, a slim profile that gives you maximum desktop real-estate for mouse maneuvering, and a detachable cord for worry free travel make this a formidable weapon against your digital enemies. The phone charging port is somewhat handy, but many users will miss the data transfer abilities of a spare USB port on the keyboard to use Flash drives, Headset or mouse receivers, or many other devices. The Cherry MX Blue switches are a popular choice for gamers due tactile travel with audible click, you have no doubt if you pressed the key or not, but this switch choice would likely annoy your cube mates if taken to the office. This keyboard is current available for about a hundred dollar bill from your favorite E-tailers, and earns our Highly Recommended award. Great Job HyperX!

Purchase from HyperX

http://www.hyperxgaming.com/us/keyboards/hx-kb1