Build Quality: 17 out of 20
While we do believe that the overall build quality is extremely good for the Alloy FPS Pro’s price class, and the unique low-profile nature is fantastic, and using standard dimesnions is excellent, we do have to take a point off for the minor flexing we noticed, the usage of ABS instead of PBT for the keycaps, and we do have to take another off for using older Cherry LED and not RGB switches. This is nit picking, but does show that HyperX still has room for improvement.
Performance: 19 out of 20
Thanks to its fantasticly nice keycaps and low profile overall nature the Alloy FPS Pro is an excellent keyboard that punches well above its weight. We literally have lost count of the number of keyboards that cost more than this little bad boy and absolutely stink on ice compared to it. It really is a joy to type on. If only they had used longer lasting PBT we would have been perfectly statsified in this TKL form-factor keyboard.
Upgradeability: 10 out of 10
This keyboard is dead simple to upgrade… and yes it will last long enough that things like keycaps and cables are going to wear out. This is just a fact of life. HyperX are well aware of this and that is why they went with standard keycap dimensions, and a standard (if not as fancy sounding) mini-USB port. The end result is a perfect ten in the upgrade department.
Usability: 18 out of 20
We cannot judge this TKL against ‘full sized’ keyboards as that would not be fair. Instead when compared against typical TKL the Alloy FPS Pro is well above average. The only way HyperX could make this model even better is by adding in MX-Silent (AKA MX Reds with built in O-rings) and MX-Speed (aka MX Reds with a higher actuation point) key switches. Then it would be a snap to get the absolutely best, tailor made keyboard that didn’t also cost an arm and a leg.
Value added Features: 7 out of 10
On the on hand making all the lighting features be hardware and not software based is bloody marvelous. Serious keyboard manufactures also do this, while ‘also rans’ rely upon software. This is a good thing. Unfortunately by opting for the older single color Cherry LED switches the amount of lighting options is a tad limited. Beyond this we would have liked to have seen a few more multimedia keys and above all else a wrist rest. This is why we docked a point for each missing feature. You may feel differently in which case you can add up the final tally based on your needs.
Value: 19 out of 20
HyperX really has put together a great keyboard and given it a great price. As such while there is still room for improving it is one fantastic deal. Don’t overlook the Alloy FPS Pro just because it doesn’t come from a more well-known / established keyboard manufacture. That would be doing yourself a huge disservice.
Final Score: 89 out of 100
For those looking for a good TKL form-factor keyboard that will not break the bank but will not fail to impress the HyperX Alloy FPS Pro is sure to impress. Just make sure that you really don’t need the number pad otherwise the Alloy FPS may be a more optimal choice – slightly higher price or not.
