HyperX Origins 60 Review — A miniature keyboard that’s great for gaming and works well in the office

The HyperX Origins 60 gets its name from the 60% form factor; no number pad or function keys on this one. But don’t be fooled, the form factor is the only thing that’s 60% on this tiny keyboard. The focus is clearly towards the gaming market but I’d happily argue with people that a keyboard with red switches like this, has a place in a productivity environment too.

Landing in Australia at a price of $179.00 it’s not a cheap keyboard, it’s also not for anyone who won’t appreciate the features and presentation. But of RGB lighting, a really nice mechanical (red switches) but not “clicky” touch to it and very solid feel will enjoy the Origins 60.

The features list

I’m not going to bore you with what it “is”, because it’s a keyboard… But it’s a very nice little keyboard with a few cool features that are worth taking note of. That features list starts with the detachable USB-C cable which makes it versatile (you can change it for a USB-C to USB-C if you’re attaching it to a compatible machine) and space-saving in that you can slide the keyboard away without needing to roll up cables.

The RGB lighting is programmable — Windows users only — or, you can simply choose from the pre-programmed profiles:

• Rainbow waves rolling across your KB
• Pastel colours randomly changing across all keys
• A reactive mode that sprays colours out from the source at each key press

This is a really solid keyboard, so much so that I am still a little stunned at just how heavy (781.5g) it is. That weight in part at least is due to the aluminium body construction, this adds some sturdiness to the body and means it will last through the abuse use that a gamer will put it through.

As already mentioned, this is a 60% form factor keyboard so there’s no number pad or dedicated function keys. This makes a lot of sense for gaming because you’re probably spending most of your time on WASD or on macro keys. Personally, I like this for the space-saving it offers but in some areas (paid work) I prefer to have the number pad because I do a lot of financial calculations. Another area that a lot of users will be deterred is the fact that there aren’t any dedicated media control keys, clearly related to the small form factor.

I really like the presentation and layout of this keyboard in that there’s no major framing around the keys. It just a simple frame and keys with no major branding visible or other overstated looks.

So who is this for?

It’s easy to say that this could be for everyone, but in reality, it’s not. The price and presentation should tell you that the target market is gamers. The keys are PBT which is a hugely durable material, with a really nice physical size and offset between keys for excellent touch and feel for gaming and typists alike.

While it’s only a tiny amount of difference, if you compare the Red switches on the Origins 60 with Blue switches most typists will prefer the Red. The differences between the two are that the Red Switches are a softer touch and require less force (45 grams) to activate. This results in — while typing — is a smoother, more fluid feeling to the keys and when you get in the zone, a better typing rhythm.

The companion software: NGenuity

Anyone who has used hardware with programmable macros or RGB lighting knows you’ll have a companion app of sorts. In the case of HyperX that software is called NGenuity and it’s a pretty solid offering. The controls you get from it are broad-reaching, particularly if you have multiple pieces of hardware from them.

While the software isn’t as polished as the likes of Razer Synapse or even the Corsair iCue it’s very, very good. Everything you could want control software to do, it does including managing lighting effects and profiles, to changing the button and macro mapping. Depending on your use case and available space to working are, this could be somewhat useful or a complete game-changer.

What could be improved?

Through good design engineering, I really had to think long and hard about ways this could be improved. At no stage when I was using the Origins 60 across both gaming and productivity, did I notice any issues with lag on key presses.

The one thing I’d really like to see is a USB hub of sorts on the Origins 60, whether that’s a single passthrough port or a couple isn’t a major discussion point: Simply put, this would allow you to connect a keyboard and mouse to a minimalist machine with a single USB connector.

Would I buy the HyperX Origins 60?

Personally, this is my first hands-on experience with a HyperX keyboard for more than a few minutes. It’s been a really good experience with both the physical hardware presentation and the user experience. They’ve done a great job of delivering a solid user experience here, which can work well in gaming and productivity settings.

The keys are Doubleshot PBT so you know they’ll last for quite some time. Make no mistake, this isn’t your $18 K-Mart special, spending $179.00 on a keyboard is an investment you’ll want to make use of for years to come.

While the keyboard is clearly (RGB lighting and programmable macros) targeted at gamers but with the available profiling lighting options, it can work in a productivity environment too. If you’re someone who has the need and muscle memory for function keys and number pad though, this is not the keyboard for you.

TL:DR – The HyperX Origins 60 is a really solid option for gamers and minimalists who want a keyboard that will go the journey. It will absolutely work and work pretty well if you need it to in a productivity sense, but in reality, won’t be to the taste of many buyers particularly for the cost of buying one.