Which HyperX Gaming Keyboard Should You Buy? A Buyer's Guide to Their Best Models
If you're choosing between HyperX's current gaming keyboard lineup, the Eve 1800 at £49.99 offers solid value for casual players, whilst the Alloy Rise (£99.99) and Origins 2 65 (£119.99) target competitive gamers who prioritise mechanical switches and compact designs. Your choice depends on budget, desk space, and whether you need programmable keys.
Why HyperX?
HyperX (owned by HP since 2021) has specialised in gaming peripherals since 2006, building a reputation for reliable mechanical keyboards and headsets trusted by esports professionals. They're known for durable construction, consistent switch quality, and reasonable pricing compared to boutique mechanical keyboard brands. HyperX keyboards typically use proven mechanical switches—either proprietary or partner variants like Kailh—rather than experimental designs, making them predictable choices for players who want reliability over novelty.
Top Picks
HyperX Eve 1800 — £49.99
Best for budget-conscious casual gamers who want a full-size keyboard without breaking the bank. The Eve 1800 uses membrane switches rather than mechanical, so it won't satisfy switch enthusiasts, but it delivers responsive gaming performance at under £50. This is where you start if you're upgrading from a basic office keyboard.
HyperX Alloy Rise Wired Gaming Keyboard — £99.99
Best for competitive players who want a full-size mechanical keyboard with programmable keys. The Alloy Rise features mechanical switches, per-key RGB lighting, and a wired connection (no latency issues), making it ideal for FPS and MOBA players. Its larger frame suits desk setups where space isn't a constraint.
HyperX Origins 2 65 — £119.99
Best for players with limited desk space who refuse to compromise on mechanical quality. The 65% size (65 keys vs 104 for full-size) shrinks the footprint while retaining essential gaming keys. Compact mechanical keyboards are increasingly popular in competitive gaming, and this sits at a reasonable price point for that category.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Price | Best For | Standout Feature | |-------|-------|----------|------------------| | Eve 1800 | £49.99 | Budget gamers upgrading from membrane | Entry-level price point | | Alloy Rise | £99.99 | Competitive FPS/MOBA players | Mechanical switches + full-size layout | | Origins 2 65 | £119.99 | Esports players with small desks | Compact 65% mechanical design |
What to Look For in a HyperX Gaming Keyboard
- Switch type: Membrane switches (Eve 1800) feel mushy and wear faster; mechanical switches (Alloy Rise, Origins 2 65) register faster (typically 1-2ms) and last 50+ million keystrokes. Competitive players almost always choose mechanical.
- Connection type: Wired keyboards eliminate Bluetooth latency entirely—critical for FPS gaming where milliseconds matter. All three HyperX models listed are wired.
- Size and layout: Full-size keyboards (104 keys) take up 45cm width; 65% boards (80 keys) reduce that to ~30cm, freeing mouse space on cramped desks. Choose based on your desk size.
- Programmable keys: The Alloy Rise and Origins 2 65 allow key remapping via HyperX's software, letting you bind macros or custom controls. The Eve 1800's membrane design typically doesn't support this.
The Bottom Line
Buy the HyperX Alloy Rise (£99.99) if you have desk space and want the best all-rounder—it combines mechanical reliability, full-size comfort, and competitive gaming features without stretching into premium territory. If your desk is cramped, spend the extra £20 on the Origins 2 65 (£119.99) for the compact 65% mechanical layout. Only choose the Eve 1800 (£49.99) if you're a casual player or upgrading from a basic keyboard; serious gamers will outgrow its membrane switches within months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HyperX a good gaming keyboard brand?
Yes. HyperX is owned by HP, has been making gaming peripherals since 2006, and is trusted by esports professionals. Their keyboards use reliable mechanical switches and offer consistent build quality. They're not boutique brands like Ducky or Corsair's premium lines, but they deliver solid value for the price.
What's the difference between mechanical and membrane keyboards?
Mechanical switches have individual springs under each key, offering faster response times (1-2ms), longer durability (50+ million keystrokes), and a satisfying tactile feel. Membrane keyboards use rubber domes and feel softer; they wear out faster (typically 10-15 million keystrokes) and add 5-10ms of latency. For competitive gaming, mechanical is essential.
Should I buy a 65% keyboard like the Origins 2 65?
Yes, if your desk space is limited and you want a mechanical keyboard. 65% boards save ~15cm of desk width compared to full-size, freeing space for your mouse. You lose the number pad and some function keys, but gaming doesn't require them. If you use the number pad for spreadsheets or accounting, stick with full-size like the Alloy Rise.
Can I use HyperX keyboards with PlayStation or Xbox?
Most modern gaming consoles support standard USB keyboards via adapter, but HyperX keyboards aren't officially marketed for consoles—they're designed for PC and, increasingly, Mac. Check your console's USB keyboard compatibility before purchasing. Wired keyboards work more reliably with console adapters than wireless ones.
