Verdict
All guidesMethodologyAboutContact
Head-to-head · Best Mechanical Keyboards Under $100

HyperX Alloy Origins Core vs Keychron V1

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Keychron V1 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.1 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about Enthusiasts seeking deep customization and wireless flexibility on a budget — read the strengths below before deciding.

HyperX Alloy Origins Core
Ranked #3 in Best Mechanical Keyboards Under $100
HyperX Alloy Origins Core
★★★★★4.1
$89as of Apr 21

The HyperX Alloy Origins Core is a robust tenkeyless mechanical keyboard praised for its solid aluminum build and smooth HyperX Red switches. While it offers excellent typing performance and a space-saving design, it is held back by the lack of dedicated software for macros and a non-detachable cable.

Strengths
  • — Compact tenkeyless (TKL) design saves significant desk space
  • — HyperX Red linear switches provide smooth, consistent keystrokes
  • — Solid aircraft-grade aluminum frame ensures durability and stability
Watch-outs
  • — Lacks dedicated software for advanced macro programming
  • — Non-detachable USB-C cable limits portability and cable management options
$89 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Keychron V1
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Mechanical Keyboards Under $100
Keychron V1
★★★★★4.3
$94as of Apr 21

The Keychron V1 (and V1 Max) offers a stellar typing experience and robust customization features like hot-swap support and QMK/VIA software at a budget-friendly price. While the wireless connectivity and gasket mount design are praised, the build quality suffers from a cheap-feeling plastic shell and weak RGB lighting. It serves as an excellent entry point for enthusiasts willing to accept minor compromises in materials and stabilization.

Strengths
  • — Excellent typing experience with Gateron Jupiter switches
  • — Hot-swap support for 3-pin switches allows easy customization
  • — Reliable wireless connectivity via Bluetooth 5.1 and 2.4 GHz
Watch-outs
  • — RGB lighting is described as somewhat weak
  • — ABS plastic outer shell feels cheap compared to premium alternatives
  • — Spacebar stabilization requires improvement
$94 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

HyperX Alloy Origins Core

The HyperX Alloy Origins Core provides a solid aircraft-grade aluminum frame and smooth linear switches, offering better structural rigidity than the Keychron V1 and Royal Kludge RK61. While it matches the Logitech G413 in build quality, it surpasses it with customizable per-key RGB lighting, though it still lacks the wireless connectivity and deep software customization of the Keychron V1.

Keychron V1

The Keychron V1 stands out by offering deep QMK/VIA customization and hot-swap support, features completely absent in the Royal Kludge RK61 and Logitech G413. While it shares the aluminum build quality of the HyperX Alloy Origins Core, the V1 sacrifices structural premiumness for a gasket-mounted typing feel and wireless versatility that the HyperX lacks.

Specs side-by-side

SpecHyperX Alloy Origins CoreKeychron V1
Form FactorTenkeyless (TKL)75%
Switch TypeHyperX Red Linear—
Frame MaterialAircraft-grade Aluminum—
BacklightingRGB with 16.8M colors—
CableDetachable USB-C (Non-detachable in some versions)—
Switch Options—Gateron Jupiter (Banana, Brown, Red)
Connectivity—Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4 GHz, USB-C
Battery Life—Up to 225 hours
Polling Rate—1,000 Hz
← See the full ranking of best mechanical keyboards under $100