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.

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The short answer

Keychron V1 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.1 vs 5.0). The gap is mostly about Enthusiasts seeking deep customization and wireless flexibility on a budget — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #3 in Best Mechanical Keyboards Under $100

HyperX Alloy Origins Core

4.1

6 sources$79.99as of Aug 1

A solid aluminum body and smooth HyperX Red switches are what reviewers like about the Alloy Origins Core, a tenkeyless board that types well and saves desk space. Holding it back: no dedicated software for macros, and a cable you can't detach.

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

— Software's macro interface is limited for advanced programming
— Non-detachable USB-C cable limits portability and cable management options

$79.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Mechanical Keyboards Under $100

Keychron V1

5.0

1 source$74.99as of Aug 1

The Keychron V1 (and V1 Max) gets you a stellar typing experience plus hot-swap sockets and QMK/VIA software without spending much. Wireless connectivity and the gasket mount design draw praise; the plastic shell feels cheap and the RGB lighting is weak. As an entry point for enthusiasts willing to accept minor compromises in materials and stabilization, it is excellent.

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

$74.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full 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

Spec	HyperX Alloy Origins Core	Keychron V1
Form Factor	Tenkeyless (TKL)	75%
Switch Type	HyperX Red Linear	Gateron Jupiter (Banana, Brown, Red)
Connectivity	Wired USB-C	Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4 GHz, USB-C
Backlighting	RGB with 16.8M colors	RGB LED
Keycap Material	ABS	ABS
Battery Life	None	Up to 225 hours
Keys	61	—
Keycaps	ABS doubleshot	—
Polling Rate	1000 Hz	—
Weight	1.98 lb	—
Dimensions	15.4"L x 6.8"W x 1.8"H	12.93"L x 5.81"W x 1.04"H

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