Gamers are always looking for the thing that will give them an edge. Everything from keyboards to mice to headphones have been engineered to meet the demanding needs of gamers. The HyperX Alloy FPS Pro tenkeyless keyboard is a recent entrant to HyperX’s gaming keyboard lineup. Keep reading to see how it performs in this full review.
Specifications
- Ultra-minimalistic tenkeyless design ideal for FPS pros
- Solid steel frame provides durability and stability
- CHERRY MX mechanical keys for reliability
- Portable design with detachable cable
- Game Mode, 100% Anti-ghosting and Full N-Key Rollover Functionalities
What’s in the Box
- HyperX Alloy FPS Pro keyboard
- Removable Micro-USB to USB cable
- Quick Start guide
Design
A recent trend in gaming keyboards has been offering a tenkeyless (TKL) option, where the numpad on the right side of the keyboard is removed to create a more compact and portable design. The removal of the keypad also allows your mouse to sit a little bit closer to your keyboard, which even some non-gamers may appreciate.
The Alloy FPS Pro has quite a few similarities to the other keyboards in the HyperX Alloy lineup, though obviously without the numeric keypad. The compact design is built on the same solid steel frame that we’ve seen on other HyperX keyboards. The HyperX logo sits in the middle of the spacebar while the entire HyperX wordmark sits just above the arrow keys in the space between the arrow keys and INS/DEL etc. keys. With no NumLock indicator necessary, you’ll only see a Caps Lock and Game Mode indicator light to the right of the HyperX logo, each of which lights up white when activated.
Each key on the keyboard includes red LED backlighting, which can be adjusted for brightness as well as several motion settings using the FN + arrow keys. Up and down adjusts the brightness, while right and left cycle through the available lighting options, including all lit, breathing, wave, WASD/1234 illumination, and off. Additional audio controls are activated with the FN + F6 – F11 keys, with the FN+F12 key combination activating game mode, which of course disables the Windows key to keep you from knocking yourself out of your game with an errant key press.
The removable braided USB cable attaches to the back of the keyboard in the area between where the F12 and Print Screen buttons sit. The cable attaches via Micro-USB, and of course attaches to your computer, laptop, etc. via a standard USB plug. The cable is long, giving you plenty of cord to work with. The removable cable is also nice for portability, letting you completely remove the cable for ease of packing.
Ease of Use
Unless you don’t know how to type, keyboards should be incredibly easy to use. Just plug the removable cable into the keyboard and your PC, your computer should recognize it immediately, and you’re on your way. There’s no software to install, the Alloy FPS pro just acts as a standard keyboard as far as your computer is concerned. From there simply position the keyboard how ever it’s most comfortable for you, and type or game away. As with all other current HyperX hardware, there is no software to install. With the recent announcement of the Alloy FPS Elite RGB, HyperX is dipping their toes into the software department. There’s no word though on whether or not existing hardware will be given any additional functionality via the newly released software.
Performance
The Alloy FPS Pro comes with Cherry MX Red switches. Red switches are still slightly “clicky” but are much quieter than the standard Cherry Blue switch. The reds give a low actuation force, meaning they’re quick and easy to press, and give a very good response for both typing and gaming. I’m personally a big fan of Cherry MX Red switches, so being the only option wasn’t a problem at all for me, though if you prefer MX Brown, Blue, or something else entirely you might be disappointed with the red only option.
Typing on the Alloy FPS Pro is a nice experience. As mentioned, the Cherry MX Red switches provide a low actuation force, meaning that typing can be quick without having to push too hard to get each key to activate. Gaming is equally positive, with the keys providing a quick response to your keypresses. With 100% anti-ghosting and full N-Key rollover, you won’t have any problem having your keypresses recognized, even when you’re just mashing on the keys in frustration from a close loss.
While the extra space is nice for those looking for it, I’m just very clearly not the target market for a tenkeyless keyboard. Roughly 99.9% of the time that I went to type any sort of number, my right hand just naturally gravitates to the right for the num pad. Though this isn’t necessarily a keyboard that’s meant to be your “daily driver” when it comes to typing a lot. It works great for typing, but if you’re one that uses the numeric keypad a lot, TKL keyboards just aren’t going to be for you no matter what.
Price/Value
Right now you can grab the HyperX Alloy FPS Pro tenkeyless keyboard on Amazon for $79.99 USD, while HyperX is currently running a deal for 18% off, getting your an Alloy FPS Pro for only $64.99 USD. For the price, you’re getting an incredibly solid keyboard with quality Cherry MX Red switches and a compact, tenkeyless form factor. If you aren’t one that will miss the numeric keypad this is definitely a solid option for your gaming needs.
Wrap Up
Even though I’m not likely the target market for this type of keyboard, but it’s a nice option for those that are. I personally miss the 10 key keypad in this instance but recognize that there are definitely plenty of uses for a compact keyboard with responsive Cherry MX Red switches. This keyboard nearly went to CES 2018 with me (if I hadn’t already been packed to the gills) as a nice alternative to my normal laptop keyboard. Even outside of gaming, this is a nice compact keyboard that’s worth a look if you’re in the market for something like that.
