Introduction

HyperX has taken huge strides in the PC peripherals market in recent years, be it via headsets, mice, or keyboards. We took a look at the Alloy FPS and Alloy Elite in 2017, with the former being a simpler (as in no RGB backlighting) mechanical keyboard and the latter adding more hardware buttons and functionality. In an era where higher-end mechanical keyboards are expected to have a software driver and RGB lighting, at least as it pertains to the more mainstream arena, HyperX was definitely found wanting before they came out with the Alloy FPS RGB, a natural extension of the older Alloy FPS keyboard with a few tweaks here and there in addition to merely adding more colors to backlighting. Thanks to HyperX for providing a review sample for us to examine in more detail.


I was ready to push out this review earlier until a representative for HyperX contacted me to see if I was interested in also taking a look at their new replacement keycap set. This, as with CORSAIR recently, is HyperX telling consumers that if they are not happy with the quality of the stock keycaps, they should look at the first-party option now available. This set provides keycaps using doubleshot injected legends on PBT plastic, which should add longevity to the user experience of the entire keyboard. The keyboard itself will look familiar to people familiar with HyperX keyboard offerings, especially given it is a full-size keyboard in a completely black color scheme and minimalist design based off the Alloy FPS out of the box. We begin the review of the keyboard and the keycaps with a look at the specifications of the keyboard below.

Specifications

Packaging and Accessories

HyperX operates a web shop in the USA. However, this sample came from a marketing hub, so we begin with a look at the product packaging. The packaging aesthetic is a departure from the older Alloy keyboards that used a predominantly black and red color scheme on a matte cardboard wrap compared to the more vibrant, white-themed glossy wrap here. A lot of information has been put on the front, including the product and company name on the corners, mentions of the switch type and layout used on the unit inside, and a big illustration of the keyboard with some marketing features. This continues on the back and sides with more illustrations, features, and specifications. There are two seals on an edge to keep the contents inside in place.


We see single flaps on the sides, and opening the box gives us a look at the keyboard front and center, which is inside more cardboard on all sides for additional protection during transit. Under the keyboard is some documentation, and note the writing on the cardboard. The included quick start guide is really all one needs to go over the first few times you use the keyboard to get familiar with the pre-programmed functions HyperX has built into the keyboard. The Alloy FPS RGB, as with other Alloy keyboards from HyperX, uses a detachable cable, and we get one with two USB Type-A connectors on one end and a mini-USB on the other. The cable uses black sleeving and housing for the connectors to keep with the color scheme of the keyboard.


HyperX has decided not to include any replacement keycaps or a keycap puller with the stock packaging, which is a small letdown considering the predecessors include both, so that is about it as far as the keyboard packaging goes. They did send me the optional keyboard wrist rest to check out, and it comes in its own packaging with a design similar to that for the keyboard. It was clearly designed to go out along with the Alloy FPS RGB keyboard and is a universal style wrist rest that does not connect to the keyboard itself. The top surface is gel-infused memory foam with anti-fray stitching on the sides, which are lower in profile, and the entire package works very well if you do decide to use a wrist rest. The color scheme matches the keyboard well, with a predominantly black color throughout and a subtle red stitching. A textured rubber underside provides plenty of grip to prevent any slipping. For those wondering: this wrist rest will cost you an additional $19.99 on top of the keyboard itself.