HyperX Alloy FPS RGB Review

👤by Weston Dakin Comments 📅13-11-18
Performance Testing

Getting started with the Alloy FPS RGB is straightforward and requires either one or two spare USB ports. One USB connection is for the keyboard, and the other allows you to make use of the integrated charging port. You can also download their NGenuity software if you wish to customise various different aspects of the keyboard.

In terms of features, the Alloy FPS RGB is a middle-ground board that isn’t too jam-packed, yet it’s not lacking too much either. One notable feature we briefly covered is the mobile device charging port; this is located at the top edge of the keyboard next to the USB input. This charging port is USB 2.0 and can top up your mobile if you need to, unfortunately, it isn’t quick or fast charge enabled, but it works great for topping up your phone whilst you are working. Of course, we wouldn’t advise you use this if you’re in a rush, though it is good if you need to keep your phone close while it charges.

Of course, there are a few omissions that some of you may have liked which would likely include a USB pass-through or dedicated macro keys. Honestly, given the price point we weren’t expecting either, but what would have been nice is a wrist rest, now you can buy a HyperX branded one, but it’s an extra £20 on top of what you’re paying for the keyboard. Even though it is an extra price, we would suggest copping one if you’re planning on using this keyboard as it’s not exactly the most comfortable for typing or gaming.


Speaking of typing and comfort, the Alloy FPS RGB is again right in the middle, it’s not bad at either nor does it excel. Typing on the Kailh Silvers is a nicer experience than the Cherry MX Silvers as they feel slightly more forgiving and not as fatiguing. However, compared to something like the Cherry MX Brown, the difference is night and day. For short bursts of writing the Kailh are fine, but if you plan on typing for hours on end, then we'd suggest taking regular breaks to avoid any discomfort. The keycaps feel-good quality and they are a slight bit larger than normal meaning that your fingertips have a bit more room thus improving the comfort somewhat. Key spacing though hasn’t been impacted that much, and there is still ample room between the keys. The layout is pretty standard and familiar meaning your adjustment period should be quite short. As for the comfort when typing the Alloy FPS starts to falter - for us at least, we’ve already touched on what would improve this, though if you’re used to a keyboard without a wrist rest, then the Alloy FPS RGB would likely be just fine.

As for the design and build, the Alloy FPS scores big on both fronts. The construction of the keyboard is very solid and is honestly one of the better-made keyboards at this price point. The chassis (frame) is steel which is very robust and feels really premium, this strong attribute also helps ensure that flex is kept to a minimum. Design wise HyperX has kept things clean with only a logo on the spacebar and some subtle branding in the top right corner, this means that it could easily integrate with your existing peripherals without it standing out too much.

Performance

HyperX’s switch choice for the Alloy FPS RGB may surprise as they aren’t Cherry, in fact, the switches they’ve gone for are the Kailh Silver Speed. These are supposed to rival the Cherry MX Silvers and offer a similar experience, but do they? Well, sort of. In terms of raw numbers, the Kailh actually look a little better. Switch lifespan for the Kailh is rated at up to 70 million keystrokes whereas the Cherry's are rated at up to 50 million. The Kailh also actuate at 1.1mm which is 0.1mm sooner than the Cherry’s, travel distance is set to 3.5mm which is 0.1mm longer than the Cherry MX Silver and finally, the actuation is 40g for the Kailh compared to 45g for the Cherry. So on paper, they appear very close, in-use though the story is a little different.


Using the switches side-by-side there are some notable differences between the two. Both feel very linear and offer smooth travel all the way to the bottom of the stroke, however, the Cherry MX are slightly smoother and less resistive than the Kailh; this makes the Kailh feel more weighted than the Cherry even though the Kailh requires less force to actuate. This also has a knock-on effect as the Kailh don’t seem to operate as fast as the Cherry as they feel a hair more sluggish. This doesn’t make that much difference when gaming as both are fast, though the Cherry just feel more responsive when pressed.

Taking the Cherry off the table for a moment to focus on the Kailh solely and they are good mechanical switches in their own right. For FPS shooters and Esports titles, they really do fair well as they are quick and respond promptly even though they do have a resistive weighty feel. In terms of travel, they operate smoothly and bounce back and repeat really quickly. This translates very well for games that require you to be on your toes and constantly moving around any arena or battlefield. So for games like Fortnite and Overwatch, these have no trouble enabling you to quickly and seamlessly dodge and dart around to avoid enemy fire or to manoeuvre into a flanking position. The Kailh Silver are also pretty great for adventure games as they are less prone to actuate at the lightest of presses, this makes controlling smaller movement that much easier and means that if you are trying to manoeuvre with more precision, these are pretty good. In terms of mechanical noise, these are on the quiet side as they don’t have the overly prominent clack or click that some other switches are known for.

Illumination


RGB lovers rejoice, HyperX has implemented one of the best forms of RGB illumination we’ve ever come across. The lighting is extremely vibrant, rich, highly saturated and the colours just pop. The colours may not rank as the most accurate, they are however some of the most pleasing to our eyes. The lighting fill is excellent, and there are no highly noticeable areas that stand out as poorly done, even keys with two lines of text have proper fill. The brightness is also very good as colours maintain their vibrancy even when under harsh artificial light or even under a bright natural light. In terms of effects and customisation, the Alloy FPS RGB also ranks high thanks to the number of effects and the ways you can transform and manipulate them. When implemented they also look great on the keyboard as the effects have really smooth transitions and lovely gradients, we also commend the variety of styles of effects too.

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