Hey there, gamers and keyboard enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into the HyperX Alloy FPS Pro, specifically the version rocking those sweet, sweet red switches. If you're on the hunt for a compact, reliable, and performance-driven mechanical keyboard, you've come to the right place. We'll be dissecting everything from the build quality and keycaps to the actual typing and gaming experience. So, grab your favorite beverage, get comfy, and let's explore why the HyperX Alloy FPS Pro with red switches might just be the perfect addition to your gaming setup.

Unboxing and Initial Impressions of the HyperX Alloy FPS Pro

Alright, let's kick things off with the unboxing experience. The HyperX Alloy FPS Pro comes in a sleek, minimalist box that immediately gives you a sense of quality. Inside, you'll find the keyboard itself, a detachable USB cable, and a keycap puller. Simple, straightforward, and no unnecessary frills – just the essentials. My initial impression of the keyboard's build quality was very positive. It feels solid and robust, with a durable steel frame that gives it a satisfying weight. This isn't one of those flimsy plastic keyboards that feel like they'll fall apart after a few intense gaming sessions. The compact tenkeyless (TKL) design, meaning it lacks the number pad, immediately caught my attention. This is a huge plus for anyone who values desk space or prefers a more ergonomic setup. The design is clean and professional, with a matte black finish that looks great on any desk. The red switches, which are the heart of this review, are visible beneath the keycaps, hinting at the performance that awaits.

The included detachable USB cable is a thoughtful touch. It's braided and feels premium, and the fact that it's detachable means you can easily replace it if it gets damaged or you want to use a custom cable. The keycap puller is another welcome addition, making it easy to swap out keycaps for customization or cleaning. Overall, the unboxing experience is a good one, setting the stage for a quality product. The HyperX Alloy FPS Pro immediately conveys a sense of being built to last. The simplicity of the design is appealing, and the inclusion of useful accessories shows that HyperX has put some thought into the user experience. So, so far, so good. Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty and see how this keyboard performs in action, beginning with a closer look at the key switches themselves.

Diving into the Red Switches: Performance and Feel

Now, let's talk about the stars of the show: the red switches. Red switches are known for their linear feel, meaning they don't have a tactile bump or click when you press them. This makes them incredibly smooth and fast, which is a major draw for gamers. They require a relatively low actuation force, meaning you don't need to press them down very hard to register a keystroke. This, combined with their smooth travel, allows for rapid key presses, which can be a significant advantage in fast-paced games. The HyperX Alloy FPS Pro uses genuine Cherry MX red switches. Cherry MX switches are the gold standard in the mechanical keyboard world, known for their reliability, consistency, and overall performance. Using these switches provides reassurance that you're getting a top-quality product. The linear nature of red switches means that you don't get the same kind of feedback as you would with tactile or clicky switches, so there's no bump or audible click when the key actuates. Instead, you get a smooth, consistent feel that's perfect for rapid typing and gaming. This lack of resistance can take some getting used to if you're coming from a different type of switch, but once you adjust, you'll likely find that it's a very comfortable and efficient typing experience.

The red switches on the HyperX Alloy FPS Pro have a light actuation force of 45g and a short travel distance of 2mm to actuation, which contribute to the speed and responsiveness. The keycaps sit flush with the top plate, giving the keyboard a sleek aesthetic. The switches are rated for 50 million keystrokes, so you can be confident that they'll withstand years of heavy use. When gaming, the red switches feel incredibly responsive. The lack of a tactile bump means that there's no delay in registering keystrokes, so you can react quickly to in-game situations. The smooth travel makes it easy to rapidly tap keys, which is crucial for games that require fast reflexes. For typing, the red switches provide a comfortable and fluid experience. The light actuation force and smooth travel make typing feel effortless, and the absence of a tactile bump means that you can type quickly and accurately without feeling fatigued. Overall, the red switches on the HyperX Alloy FPS Pro deliver a fantastic experience for both gaming and typing. They're smooth, responsive, and reliable, making them a great choice for any user.

Build Quality, Design, and Keycaps

Let's move on to the build quality, design, and keycaps. As I mentioned earlier, the HyperX Alloy FPS Pro has a really solid build. The steel frame gives it a sturdy feel, and it doesn't flex or creak when you type or game. This is a big advantage over keyboards with plastic frames, which can feel flimsy and less durable. The compact tenkeyless design is a major selling point for those who need more desk space or prefer a more ergonomic setup. The absence of the number pad makes it easy to position the keyboard closer to your mouse, which can reduce strain on your shoulder and wrist. The design is simple and clean. The matte black finish looks professional, and the absence of any unnecessary branding keeps things looking sleek. There is a small HyperX logo in the bottom right corner, but it's subtle and doesn't detract from the overall aesthetic.

The keycaps are made of ABS plastic. While ABS keycaps aren't quite as durable as PBT keycaps, they're still a good quality and feel nice to the touch. The keycaps have a slightly textured surface that provides a good grip, and the legends are clear and easy to read. The keycaps are also double-shot, meaning that the legends are molded into the plastic rather than printed on. This makes them much more durable and resistant to fading or wearing off over time. The keyboard features red LED backlighting, which is a nice touch. The lighting is bright and even, and there are several pre-set lighting modes to choose from, including static, breathing, and wave effects. You can also customize the brightness of the lighting, allowing you to create the perfect ambiance for your gaming sessions. The detachable USB cable is another highlight. It's braided and feels premium, and it's a great feature for portability. You can easily disconnect the cable and store it separately, which helps to prevent damage and makes it easier to transport the keyboard. The HyperX Alloy FPS Pro's build quality, design, and keycaps are all top-notch. The steel frame, compact design, and quality keycaps contribute to a premium feel, and the red LED backlighting and detachable cable add to the overall appeal. It's clear that HyperX put a lot of thought into the details.

Gaming and Typing Experience: How Does It Perform?

So, how does the HyperX Alloy FPS Pro perform in the real world? Let's start with the gaming experience. The red switches are fantastic for gaming. Their smooth, linear feel and fast actuation make it easy to react quickly in games. Whether you're playing fast-paced shooters, strategy games, or RPGs, the keyboard feels incredibly responsive. The absence of a tactile bump allows for rapid key presses, which can be a huge advantage in competitive gaming. The keyboard's compact design is also beneficial for gaming. The tenkeyless layout gives you more space for your mouse, allowing for a wider range of motion and improving your overall comfort. The red LED backlighting adds to the gaming experience, creating an immersive atmosphere and making it easier to see the keys in low-light conditions. I tested it with a variety of games, from first-person shooters like CS:GO and Valorant to RPGs like The Witcher 3, and it performed flawlessly in all of them. The responsiveness of the switches allowed me to react quickly to in-game situations, and the keyboard's sturdy build gave me the confidence that it could withstand intense gaming sessions.

For typing, the HyperX Alloy FPS Pro is also a pleasure to use. The red switches provide a smooth and comfortable typing experience. The light actuation force and smooth travel make typing feel effortless, and the absence of a tactile bump means that you can type quickly and accurately without feeling fatigued. The keycaps have a slightly textured surface that provides a good grip, and the spacing between the keys is perfect, preventing accidental keystrokes. The keyboard's compact design also contributes to a comfortable typing experience, allowing you to position it closer to your body and reduce strain on your wrists. I used the keyboard for several days of work, typing articles, emails, and documents, and I found that I could type quickly and accurately without any problems. The smooth feel of the red switches and the comfortable design made it a great typing experience. Overall, the HyperX Alloy FPS Pro delivers a fantastic gaming and typing experience. The red switches provide the responsiveness needed for gaming, and the smooth travel makes typing a comfortable and efficient experience. The keyboard's sturdy build, compact design, and quality keycaps all contribute to a premium feel.

Software and Features: Customization Options

The HyperX Alloy FPS Pro is a relatively no-frills keyboard, and it doesn't come with any dedicated software. All the customization options are handled directly through the keyboard itself, using a combination of function keys. You can adjust the LED backlighting with various pre-set modes, including static, breathing, and wave effects, using key combinations. You can control the brightness and speed of the lighting effects. You can also create custom profiles, which is a nice touch. There's no fancy software suite to install, which keeps things simple and lightweight. This is a plus for those who prefer to keep their systems clean and uncluttered. However, this also means that the customization options are limited compared to some other keyboards that offer more advanced features through software. For example, you can't remap keys or create macros, which can be a drawback for some users. However, for most gamers and typists, the available customization options are sufficient. The backlighting is bright and vibrant, and the pre-set modes add some flair to your setup. The lack of software also means that the keyboard is easy to set up and use. Just plug it in, and you're good to go.

While the limited software options might be a dealbreaker for some, the keyboard's simplicity and ease of use are a major selling point. It's a plug-and-play experience, which is perfect for users who want a high-quality keyboard without the hassle of installing and configuring software. Despite the absence of a software suite, the HyperX Alloy FPS Pro still offers a solid feature set. It has a robust build, excellent key switches, and an appealing design, all contributing to a fantastic user experience. The key takeaway here is that HyperX has focused on providing a high-quality keyboard experience rather than overwhelming users with complex software features.

Pros and Cons of the HyperX Alloy FPS Pro

Alright, let's break down the pros and cons of the HyperX Alloy FPS Pro, so you can get a clear picture of what this keyboard offers.

Pros:

• Excellent Build Quality: The steel frame gives the keyboard a sturdy and durable feel. It's built to last and can withstand heavy use.
• Cherry MX Red Switches: These switches are known for their smooth and responsive performance, perfect for gaming and typing.
• Compact Tenkeyless Design: Saves desk space and is ideal for gamers who want more room for their mouse.
• Detachable USB Cable: Makes it easy to transport and replace the cable if needed.
• Red LED Backlighting: Adds a stylish touch and is great for gaming in low-light conditions.
• Simple and Easy to Use: No software required, just plug and play.
• Good Value for Money: Offers a premium feel and performance at a competitive price point.

Cons:

• Limited Customization Options: No software means you can't remap keys or create macros.
• ABS Keycaps: While durable, they're not as long-lasting as PBT keycaps.
• No Dedicated Media Keys: Some users might miss dedicated volume or media controls.

Conclusion: Is the HyperX Alloy FPS Pro Right for You?

So, after all this, is the HyperX Alloy FPS Pro the right keyboard for you? If you're looking for a compact, reliable, and high-performing mechanical keyboard with red switches, then absolutely, yes. The combination of Cherry MX red switches, the sturdy build, and the tenkeyless design makes it an excellent choice for gamers and typists alike. The lack of software might be a drawback for some, but the simplicity and ease of use are major benefits for others. If you're a casual gamer or a typist who appreciates a smooth and responsive experience, then the HyperX Alloy FPS Pro is a fantastic option. If you're a competitive gamer who needs advanced customization options, you might want to consider a keyboard with more software features.

Overall, the HyperX Alloy FPS Pro is a solid and well-rounded mechanical keyboard. It delivers on its promise of performance, build quality, and ease of use. It's a great value for the price and is a worthy addition to any gaming setup. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a tenkeyless keyboard with red switches. So, if you're ready to upgrade your keyboard experience, give the HyperX Alloy FPS Pro a shot – you won't be disappointed!