The HyperX Alloy FPS is an impressive keyboard that has some decent features. It is a mechanical keyboard, so you can hear the audible clicking, which many enjoy. While it doesn’t have a ton of flashy extras like a knob or USB hub, it does have an attractive yet minimalist design that many will appreciate. Also, it has high-quality switches that work well and feel pretty good.

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The Alloy FPS is a wired keyboard, but the good news is that the cord is removable, so you can swap it out for something longer if needed. Also, HyperX has a number of similar Alloy keyboards that come in different sizes, with or without a num pad. Gamers will be most impressed with the speed and customization options offered in HyperX’s control software.

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HyperX Alloy FPS Overview

Release Date and Price

HyperX released the first Alloy FPS keyboard back in 2016 for just under $100. Since then, HyperX has built up its line of offerings and even improved on its original FPS design. The newer Pro and RGB models offer minor improvements from that first FPS keyboard. The newer revisions still sit at the same price point of $100.

  • Compact design ideal for FPS gameplay. Solid steel frameUltra portable design with detachable cableCherry MX Red mechanical keys, Convenient USB charge portGame mode, 100 percent anti ghosting and full N key rollover functionsHyperX red backlit keys with dynamic lighting effects. Additional Colored, textured keycaps for FPS gameplay

Different Models

The HyperX Alloy FPS is just one of HyperX’s many keyboard offerings. The Alloy line of keyboards is all mechanical, with high-quality switches and metal construction. While there are a lot of similarities between the different models, the biggest difference is their size. HyperX offers similar models without num pads that are much more compact. Similarly, they also offer larger keyboards like the Alloy Elite 2, which have extra multimedia keys.

Features

Even though the Alloy FPS isn’t packed with tons of features, it does have a few notable ones that will make life easier. First, the keyboard naturally sits at a slight angle, but it also has flip-down feet on the back to make it even steeper. Next up is a USB charger that you can plug a phone or other device into that just needs power. The last major feature we will look at is the backlit keys which are red on the FPS Pro, but you can control the light patterns. Similarly, there is an FPS RGB model available too.

  • HyperX Pudding Keycaps: Pre-installed translucent ABS pudding keycaps provide more brilliance compared to solid-color keycaps.HyperX Mechanical switches: These reliable key switches are a balance of responsiveness and accuracy, with a short travel time and actuation distance. They feature an exposed LED for brighter, more luminous RGB lighting.Signature light bar & dynamic RGB lighting effects: The signature HyperX light bar and vibrant lighting effects form a truly dazzling display.Dedicated media keys and large volume wheel: Have control at your fingertips with a prominent volume wheel and dedicated keys for media, profiles, and Game Mode.Solid steel frame: The solid steel frame provides durability and the sturdy weight of the keyboard helps prevent slippage when the action heats up.

Specifications

HyperX Alloy FPS Review

HyperX is quickly growing to be one of the best gaming accessory brands. Their array of accessories, like the Alloy FPS keyboard, isn’t groundbreaking, but they are good quality at a decent price. When you first open the box of the Ally FPS, you are met with a nice travel case and replacement WASD keycaps. We really like the attention to detail here, but let’s take a closer look at the keyboard itself.

Design

Once you get past the carry case, you will be met with the keyboard, which looks very sleek. It does have a full num-pad and all of the F keys across the top, but the frame doesn’t extend much beyond those buttons. You will also notice the white letters which stand out nicely from the matte black keys, but more on that later.

As its name implies, the top of the keyboard is made of a metal alloy which provides some of the keyboard’s rigidity and strength. Another thing we really like about the Alloy FPS is that it is pretty compact compared to similar mechanical keyboards.

Feel

The most important part of any keyboard is its feel. Mechanical keyboards have a very distinct feel that many users prefer over membrane ones. However, the switches inside a mechanical keyboard greatly impact its quality. One thing that we liked was the switches, but some people do not like them. The keycaps also seem sufficient, and we really like the additional WASD keys that are textured.

Connectivity

The HyperX Alloy FPS is a wired keyboard that doesn’t have a lot of extras. The wired versus wireless keyboards debate has been ongoing for some time, and we won’t get into it here. However, it is nice that the Alloy FPS uses a removable USB cord. Additionally, it doesn’t have a USB hub, but it does have a charging port for a phone or other small devices. This seems like a fair tradeoff to keep the price low.

Customization

Customization is very important to gamers, and the Alloy FPS has some pretty good options that you will really like. It uses HyperX’s NGENUITY software to program the RGB backlights as well as to set macros. The software works very well with the keyboard, and it is easy to use. The only downside is that the software only works on Windows.

HyperX Alloy FPS Pros and Cons 

Pros

  • AffordableSolid metal constructionBacklit keysVery compact

Cons

  • Wrist rest not includedKeys may feel awkward to someDoesn’t have multimedia keys

HyperX Alloy FPS: is it a Buy?

Buy it if…

  • You need a gaming keyboard. The Alloy FPS is a great gaming keyboard thanks to its great keys and response times. The NGENUITY software also helps set the keyboard apart as a great choice for gamers since you can program macros and adjust the lighting.You want a compact design. The Alloy FPS is a really tight keyboard that uses only as much space as it absolutely needs. The bezels are practically non-existent, with the frame ending just past the key edges. At the same time, the keyboard itself does not feel cramped or like it struggles to contain all of its buttons. That’s what makes the Alloy FPS perfect for those looking for a minimalist desktop setup.

Don’t Buy it if…

  • You want “extras.” The Alloy FPS is a great keyboard, but as we mentioned, it lacks a lot of convenience features found on many other keyboards. This isn’t a major problem for some, but others really like having multimedia keys or even a volume knob. The keyboard’s compact design is certainly one of its strong suits, but it also leaves no room for extra keys or features.You type all day long. We really like the Alloy FPS for gaming; it has all of the essentials a mechanical keyboard needs, such as fast response times, and it overall feels really good. However, this isn’t our top choice for someone who types all day for school or work. The keyboard’s setup is pretty comfortable, but it lacks ergonomics which would make it a good choice for people who type consistently.