Closer Look
The package is a flat box that isn’t much larger than the keyboard itself. The exterior will tell us everything about the contents, including used switches that are HyperX Red. Previously reviewed keyboards were with other types of switches so it’s good that we have a chance to test various versions.
Inside the box, except for the keyboard, we will find a USB-C to USB-A cable, a user’s manual, HyperX product cards, a keycap pull tool, and additional ESC and space keys. It’s more than we may need.
I recommend installing HyperX NGENUITY software as it automatically updates the keyboard’s firmware and gives us more options than we could set from the keyboard. For example, we can set many more illumination modes than the keyboard shortcuts offer. Those users who type a lot may like static light more. Of course, all modes have multiple brightness stages. For me, the perfect brightness is somewhere in the middle, but of course, it’s a personal preference.
The software also gives us additional options like macros or shortcuts, that can be handy in games. Especially MMORPG require a lot of keys and combos where macros are often the difference between a win and lose.
The cable is braided and looks similar to what we’ve seen in other HyperX keyboards. These cables are durable and should last long years.
The keyboard is tenkeyless which causes it to be smaller and just a perfect size for most gamers who don’t use a numeric pad. Most gamers don’t use most keys, so I find a smaller size a big advantage, especially when we move with our keyboard more often or use additional devices on the desk.
The 65% size seems a better idea than the more popular 60%. The difference makes arrow keys which are often required out of the games and we are used to them in specific situations. At first, I thought I won’t need it when I started to use a 60% keyboard, but I couldn’t get used to it, so the Origins 65 seems like a perfect option. Some brands offer an option to reprogram keys that cover the missing arrows, but it’s not the same. The Origins 65 gives us all that we may need in a compact form that is easy and intuitive to use.
Three-step feet let us set three angles so we can pick the one which is the most comfortable. I didn’t need much time to get used to the Alloy Origins 65 as I was using previous HyperX keyboards, but if you are trying a 60% or 65% keyboard for the first time then you may need some time to feel it perfectly.
I don’t like many mechanical keyboards because of the tall keys which are not so comfortable for long typing. HyperX uses an improved design which feels much better and I can’t really complain. The keys feel light to use and work better than I remember in the previous HyperX keyboards.
The Alloy Origins 65 is probably the most comfortable mini keyboard that I tested so far. It also feels high-quality and this feeling is missing in some competitive products.
Below are some additional photos with the keyboard during work. Additional modes can be set and adjusted in the NGENUITY software. If we have other HyperX products with RGB lighting, then we can control everything from one, simple to use application.
I remember when I said that the Alloy Origins Core is my favorite keyboard, but the Origins 65 is simply better. It works slightly better and it meets my needs a bit better. The only thing I would ask for would be a wireless connection. It will for sure bump the price but many users would be happy to see so successful product without any cables.
