HyperX Alloy FPS Pro Gaming Keyboard

One of the biggest selling points of HyperX's first Alloy FPS mechanical keyboard was its footprint. It was basically keys suspended on a steel frame, designed to take up a minimum of space on a cramped desktop. Ideal for overburdened desks at home or fitting wherever you could make space if you were at esports events on the go.

Now, at Computex 2017, I got the chance to try out the next logical evolution: an even smaller keyboard. The HyperX Alloy FPS Pro slims down by cutting the numpad off the end, and I'm not exactly sorry to see it go.

Designed for pro-level gaming, HyperX Alloy FPS Pro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard’s compact form factor wastes no desktop area, so instead of picking up your mouse, you’ll be picking off additional targets. Dash behind enemy tanks, cut down support characters, spin 180° and escape before they can counter thanks to the extra mouse space and Alloy FPS’ accurate Cherry MX switches. The ultra-portable HyperX Alloy FPS Pro comes with a high-quality mesh pouch, and its detachable mini-USB braided cord protects against cable damage. Never taste defeat because of a lost key input again thanks to 100-percent Anti-Ghosting, full N-key rollover and self-cleaning gold key contacts.

The keys used the same satisfying Cherry MX switches as its bigger sibling, and I was impressed with how little real estate the keyboard took up. It's still only in the branded red backlighting, but with a game mode and on-the-go dynamic lighting options, it's a nice little addition.

The Alloy Pro is also releasing with three Cherry MX switch options, from the clacky to the not-so-clacky, to match the rest of the Alloy range.

That smaller footprint means you lose the powered USB slot on the rear edge, but it also keeps the cost on an already budget-friendly range even lower. While there were no firm details on pricing as yet, a HyperX representative confirmed that the Alloy Pro would have a price lower than last year's Alloy and you can expect it in Q3 2017.

HyperX Alloy FPS Pro Specs (Final Product May Very)

Keyboard       

Switch:    Cherry MX

Type:    Mechanical (backlit keys)

Backlight:   Dynamic backlighting effects

Light effects:    6 LED modes and 5 brightness levels

Connection type:     USB 2.0 (2 USB connectors)

Polling rate:    1000Hz

Anti-ghosting:                100% anti-ghosting

Key rollover:    6-key / N-key modes

Media control:    Yes

Game mode:    Yes

Cable  

Type:    Detachable, braided

Length:    1.8m