10 Best HyperX Gaming Keyboards in 2022
A gaming keyboard that provides superior comfort, aesthetics, performance, and reliability is critical for playing at your highest level. The best keyboard to handle your games can differentiate between winning and losing. And if you already have a gaming PC rigged to deliver high-octane gameplay, having the right keyboard is crucial to your system's performance.
HyperX gaming keyboards are developed for all types of gamers. The award-winning gaming accessories maker delivers a range of keyboards essential for today's casual gaming and esports landscapes. We'll look at the 10 best HyperX keyboards from HP that you should consider for your gaming setup.
Features to look for in a gaming keyboard
Not all keyboards are the same, and if you look closely at a keyboard specifically designed for gamers, you'll see some bespoke functions. These include fast, responsive, and reliable key mechanisms mounted onto a robust framework that can handle rapid and enthusiastic presses – without missing a command. In addition, programmable keys for game-specific operations and media control keys for standard gaming operations, such as volume control. Then there are the RGB backlights that make it easier to locate specific keys and enhance the immersive gaming experience.
Most gaming keyboards use mechanical switches as these provide the responsiveness that gamers need. A typical mechanical switch will register an operation up to twice as quickly as a membrane switch. They also offer the user noticeable feedback on keycap movement so that the user can learn to activate a key without needing to press it down. This feature makes the activation of key sequences faster with a bit of practice and experience.
Another advantage of mechanical switches is that they can deliver 100% anti-ghosting and N-key rollover functionality. In contrast, a typical membrane switch will offer a six-key rollover capability.
The downside of mechanical switches is that they are prone to dust build-up, affect operations, and are susceptible to spill damage. Dust can be countered with regular cleaning, helped if keycaps are removable. If spillage is an issue, then a membrane-based keyboard optimized for gaming is the best option.
The final key feature of gaming keyboards is comfort. Playing games for extended periods can result in strains or injuries if the user has not positioned the keyboard correctly. For example, adjustable tilt angles, keycap spacing, and wrist supports can all affect the usability of a keyboard.
Wired and wireless gaming keyboards
Standard keyboards come in wired and wireless options. Wireless keyboards allow users to place the keyboard anywhere on the work surface without worrying about having a wire stretched across the workspace in the way of the mouse.
The downside of wireless communications is that it adds a perceptible time lag to the responsiveness of key presses detected by the computer system. This limitation is why there is no HyperX wireless keyboard option; all HyperX keyboards are wired solutions.
Gamers tend to keep their keyboards in a fixed position relative to the screen, so cable positioning is less of an issue than the need for maximum speed. However, if you travel with your keyboard, it's best to look at a gaming keyboard with an unpluggable cable to simplify packing and reduce the risk of cable damage in transit.
10 best HyperX gaming keyboards
Gaming keyboards from HyperX's range of options offer serious gamers the performance and features they'll need to get the most out of their PC rig. Below is a list of the 10 best gaming keyboards available from HyperX.
Alloy origins
The HyperX Alloy Origins mechanical keyboard range is a full-size gaming keyboard that provides a full keyset in a sleek and visually attractive package.
This HyperX mechanical keyboard delivers responsive performance in a rugged package. The keyboard body uses aircraft-grade aluminum to provide a robust and rigid platform. The keys employ mechanical switches rated for 80 million keypresses, guaranteeing stable and reliable operations. The ergonomic design includes two-step keyboard feet that can set your keyboard at three different tilt angles of three, seven, or 11 degrees for comfortable use during prolonged gaming sessions.
The keys use luminous RGB backlighting effects that are customizable using the HyperX NGENUITY application and include the option to create and store three custom light shows within the keyboard.
Alloy Origins 65%
The Alloy Origins 65% mechanical gaming keyboard offers a balance of compact footprint with the required functionality for typical gaming experiences. This variant gets its name from its 65% form factor, giving users more desk space for mouse movement. However, it still offers the user dedicated arrow keys for gameplay.
The keyboard body uses an aircraft-grade aluminum body, the keys employ mechanical switches, and the keycaps use durable Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) material to resist wear. These features offer reliable operations under the pressure of intense gaming. In addition, the ergonomic design includes two-step keyboard feet that can set your keyboard at three different tilt angles.
Luminous RGB lighting effects backlight the keys, and this lighting is customizable using the HyperX NGENUITY application.
Alloy Origins Core
The Alloy Origins Core mechanical gaming keyboard provides a mid-size option between the Alloy Origins 65% and the Alloy Origins full-size keyboards. Removing the numeric keys provides a more compact footprint than the full-size option.
Like the smaller and larger cousins, the keyboard body uses aircraft-grade aluminum. In addition, the same mechanical switches have an 80 million keypress rating for guaranteed reliability.
It features the same ergonomic design and includes the two-step keyboard feet offering three-, seven- or 11-degree tilt angles for comfortable gaming.
The backlit keys have luminous RGB lighting effects that are customizable using HyperX NGENUITY and include the option to create and store three custom light shows within the keyboard.
Alloy Core RGB membrane
The Alloy Core RGB membrane gaming keyboard is designed for gamers looking for a spill-resistant keyboard that can handle the accidental spillage of drinks or other liquids.
Quiet, responsive keys mounted on a reinforced plastic frame with a protective membrane deliver game-quality performance with basic anti-ghosting and key rollover functionality. It also includes a keyboard lock feature to disable functions when needed during a pause in gameplay temporarily.
The visual enhancement comes from multi-color customization across five zones and six pre-set lighting effects.
Alloy Origins 60%
The Alloy Origins 60% mechanical gaming keyboard offers a minimal physical footprint and great functionality for gamers with limited working space. This variant gets its name from its 60% form factor, maximizing usable desk space for mouse movement.
The keyboard body uses aircraft-grade aluminum, as the keys employ mechanical switches and the keycaps use durable PBT material. In addition, the mechanical switches offer 100% anti-ghosting and N-key rollover for trouble-free gaming.
The ergonomic design includes two-step keyboard feet that can set your keyboard at three different tilt angles. The keys come with luminous RGB lighting backlighting effects that are customizable using HyperX NGENUITY.
Users should note that this HyperX keyboard variant is unavailable in a UK layout.
Alloy Origins PBT
The Alloy Origins PBT mechanical gaming keyboard provides a full keyset in a sleek and compact package.
The keyboard body's rigid design is supported by aircraft-grade aluminum, and its keys employ HyperX's mechanical switches for reliable and durable operations. Thermoplastic keycaps made using PBT complete the robust construction.
The visual aesthetics of the keys are enhanced with backlighting using luminous RGB lighting effects.
Alloy Elite 2
The Alloy Elite 2 gaming keyboard is an excellent HyperX gaming keyboard that provides a full keyset in a stunningly attractive package, incorporating dedicated media controls with a large volume wheel and quick access keys.
The keyboard body uses a high-strength steel body in its construction, supported by mechanical switches rated for 80 million keypresses to ensure long and trouble-free operations. In addition, the structure is tailored to gaming applications with short key travel times and actuation distances for responsiveness and accuracy.
These mechanical features are supported with 100% anti-ghosting and N-key rollover to offer an enhanced gaming experience.
Translucent ABS pudding keycaps and exposed LED illumination deliver impressive backlighting displays that allow users to create fully customizable light shows using the HyperX NGENUITY application.
Alloy MKW100
The Alloy MKW100 mechanical gaming keyboard offers excellent functionality for gamers looking for comfort and rugged convenience.
The keyboard body uses an aluminum frame with dust-resistant mechanical switches rated for up to 50 million key presses.
The design of this keyboard focuses on portability with its low weight and robust construction. In addition, it includes a gold-plated USB connector for reliable connectivity and a cloth-braided USB cable to reduce the risk of damage in transit.
The ergonomic design includes a detachable wrist rest to enhance user comfort during prolonged use. In addition, the keys use subtle RGB backlighting effects that are customizable using the HyperX NGENUITY application.
Users should note that this HyperX keyboard variant is unavailable in a UK layout.
Choosing the right HyperX gaming keyboard for you
Serious gameplay requires a serious keyboard, and HyperX is one of the leading designers of gaming keyboards. Customizable features allow users to tailor the keyboard to get the best performance for their gaming experience. While a regular keyboard will support gameplay, it is unlikely to perform as well as a specialist gaming keyboard.
However, the converse is not true; gaming keyboards will work perfectly well for other tasks, such as web browsing or office work. This flexibility applies to HyperX's range of gaming keyboards.
