Software and Summary
Our experience of HyperX products throughout the years has found the firm's hardware to be better than its software. That sentiment hasn't changed a great deal in early 2021, as the Ngenuity app, available as a beta from the Microsoft Store, is fine for basic tasks but lacks the depth of customisation settings on offer from rivals.
There are 10 preconfigured lighting modes to choose from, with the ability to adjust colours, speed and direction, but don't expect to be able to create complex multi-layer effects of your own. Keys are easily remapped to a variety of functions, including Windows shortcuts and multimedia actions, but the macro recorder is limited in scope. While it can include mouse clicks, there doesn't appear to be an option to introduce delays, and macros can't be looped, either.
Beyond that, there isn't a great deal to write home about, and the software clearly isn't as adventurous as, say, Razer Synapse or Corsair iCue. On the plus side, Ngenuity managed to upgrade our keyboard firmware to v2.1.0.1 with no hassle, and if you prefer a lightweight software utility to toggle lighting patterns from time to time, the 130MB download is quick to install and, as a UWP app, even quicker to remove.
Summary
HyperX, now a wholly owned subsidiary of HP, has some prior experience in the world of compact gaming keyboards. Having previously collaborated with Ducky on the limited-run HyperX x Ducky One 2 Mini, it has taken that 60 per cent know-how to create a more mainstream successor in the form of the Alloy Origins 60.
Solidly built and stylishly finished, the ultra-compact keyboard is satisfying to use and does almost everything expected of the form factor. It is extremely petite, yet no less robust, the linear red key switch is familiarly consistent, and a combination of sensible secondary functions and a beautiful spacebar help elevate the overall experience. We'd prefer the red keyswitch housings to be a little more discrete, and the HyperX software reflects its beta tag, but these niggles don't detract from a high-quality board that is easily recommended to gamers wanting to downsize.
The Good |
The Bad |
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Robust build quality PBT doubleshot keycaps Linear HyperX Red keyswitches Detachable USB-C cable That spacebar |
Elementary software |
HyperX Alloy Origins 60
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The Alloy Origins 60 keyboard is available to purchase from HyperX.
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