The mechanical switches and hardware customizations are top-tier: this HyperX gaming keyboard is one of the best Ive tested but certain gamers will be disappointed

Date:
Wed, 10 Jun 2026 14:04:28 +0000

Description:
The HyperX Origins 2 1800 promises pure mechanical excellence but how does
it fare in the modern gaming keyboard landscape?

FULL STORY ======================================================================HyperX Origins 2 1800: One-minute review The HyperX Origins 2 1800 is a full-size gaming keyboard with mechanical switches and plenty of hardware
customizations available.

It adopts a fairly typical gaming keyboard aesthetic, although the
translucent body does at least offer something a little different. This also allows the RGB lighting to shine through a little more than usual. And shine it does this is probably the brightest RGB Ive ever seen in a keyboard, and it helps the board to stand out among its peers. Build quality is above average, with materials feeling smooth. However, unlike the best gaming keyboard constructions around, the body is made of plastic rather than aluminum. Theres also a fair amount of flex to it. Latest Videos From Watch full video here:

On the other hand, its very light as a result, despite its thickness. Its
also easy to replace the body if you want to personalize your Origins 2, thanks to the easy-access screws underneath. (Image credit: Future) A board this thick often poses an ergonomic problem, but given the generous tilt
angle of the Origins 2, I found it comfortable to use, even with the feet stowed and the lack of wrist support. The dip in the middle row allowed for natural finger positioning, too.

There is software available for the Origins 2, although its disappointingly basic. It does have a generous selection of remapping options, but there are no advanced or pro-level tweaks available here.

Elite gamers will be more impressed with the performance of the Origins 2, though. The stock Linear switches are very snappy and responsive, with just enough dampening and travel to impart satisfying feedback. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

The stock keycaps are also comfortable, with their prominent indents
providing a secure WASD position. The space bar is also pleasing to hit, thanks to its slightly rounded top, and the aforementioned tilt of the entire board prevents you from hitting its edge. However, the sheer height of the keycaps can make typing difficult.

Theres no denying that the Origins 2 commands a premium price tag, but it is
a premium gaming keyboard. The mechanical switches and hardware
customizations are top-tier, and it still costs less than some of its rivals. The software is disappointing and typing is difficult with those stock keycaps, but for those who want a pure mechanical experience, the Origins 2
is hard to beat at this price. HyperX Origins 2 1800 review: Price and availability (Image credit: Future) $139.99 / 119.99 (about AU$200) Available now in one colorway Reasonable price for a mechanical keyboard The HyperX Origins 2 1800 costs $139.99 / 119.99 (about AU$200) and is available now in black only. The keycaps, switches, and body can all be swapped out.

This is certainly an expensive board, especially one thats wired. However, given the high-performing mechanical switches, build quality, and hot
swapping capabilities, its not exactly surprising.

Whats more, other high-end boards are similarly expensive, if not more so.
The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro, for instance, has a slightly higher list price, although we have seen it on offer for considerably less than this. When I tested the wireless variant of this board, the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% ,
I found it to be among the best mechanical keyboards in terms of feel, performance, and build quality.

For a more budget mechanical option, you could try the Gamakay TK75 V2 . This is considerably cheaper than the Origins 2, yet it still offers great key
feel and respectable build quality. Value score: 4 / 5 HyperX Origins 2 1800 review: Specs Swipe to scroll horizontally

Layout

Full-size

Switch

Mechanical

Programmable keys

Yes

Dimensions

15.3 x 5.5 x 1.8 inch / 388 x 140 x 46mm

RGB or backlighting

Yes (customizable) HyperX Origins 2 1800 review: Design and features (Image credit: Future) Hardware personalization options Thick but lightweight
Premium feel as plastic constructions go Aesthetically, the Origins 2 is hard to distinguish from many gaming keyboards. HyperX may call the color black
but in reality its more of a dark grey, which departs somewhat from the sectors obsidian dominance, albeit not by much.

Its translucent nature, though, is more original. Whats more, it allows the RGB backlighting to shine through. This lighting is brighter than many other instances Ive seen, and really helps to liven up appearances. The keycap characters are fully transparent too, meaning these illuminate as well, which isnt always a given on RGB keyboards.

The Origins 2 feels like a premium board. The base material, despite being plastic rather than metal, is of a high standard and the two panels are solidly put together. The unit is quite easy to flex by hand, but not to a concerning degree. This plastic also means the Origins 2 isnt as heavy as it looks, given how thick it is. Its also relatively easy to change the housing, requiring just a small crosshead screwdriver (not included) to disassemble
and swap with another. (Image credit: Future) Its thickness isnt much of a problem from an ergonomic perspective. Theres no wrist support included, but the forward tilt of the board makes for a comfortable hand position. The dip in the middle row, typical of many keyboards, also helps in this regard.
There are folding feet that angle the board towards the user even more, but the difference isnt as great as other examples.

The USB-C cable that comes with the Origins 2 is braided and quite light.
This makes it easy to maneuver, although its not quite as light as those that come with the best gaming mice . Thankfully, drag isnt exactly an issue when it comes to keyboards. Also, the cable seems a little stiffer and hardwearing than mice ones.

The latest version of HyperXs Ngenuity software is required to customize the Origins 2. However, I couldnt get this to work on my main gaming PC for some reason, with the app refusing to open once installed. Fortunately, I was able to install it on another Windows 11 machine.

However, the dearth of features available for the Origins 2 is disappointing. You can only adjust the RGB lighting, record macros, and rebind keys. There are plenty of options for the latter, with numerous system and media
functions mappable, but there are no performance-related tweaks. Granted, a mechanical keyboard is never going to match the versatility of analog models on this front, but even more basic features, such as an SOCD function, are missing here, which might disappoint elite gamers. Design and features score: 3.5 / 5 HyperX Origins 2 1800 review: Performance (Image credit: Future) Brilliant clicky mechanical switches Comfortable for WASD position Stock keycaps not great for typing With its stock red Linear switches installed,
the Origins 2 is a very clicky board. It produces a gratifying sound,
although its a little louder than others. The keys are light but at the same time offer plenty of feedback, thanks to their minimal but effective
dampening and generous travel distance. They rebound quickly, making them wonderfully snappy, and their actuation point is quite forgiving, which meant I didnt suffer any mispresses.

Despite the thickness of the board, I found it comfortable to use in the WASD position, thanks to that slanted angle and central dip. Whether I had the
feet up or down, I didnt find myself wanting for wrist support, although I usually prefer a rest for long sessions.

I also found the space bar comfortable to hit, which is often a problem key for me. Its soft curve meant I rarely hit its edge. As for the other keycaps, their prominent indentations offered secure presses.

These aspects also make the Origins 2 comfortable when typing, but a bigger impediment here is the sheer height of the stock keycaps. I usually prefer
low profiles as I find I can glide over them more easily. But here, I often caught their edges as I moved from key to key, which slowed me down and resulted in more errors. Performance score: 4 / 5 Should I buy the HyperX Origins 2 1800? Scorecard Swipe to scroll horizontally

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

Its expensive, but reasonably priced compared to the competition.

4 / 5

Design and features

Thick but light and comfortable. There are plenty of hardware customizations, but not so many software ones.

3.5 / 5

Performance

Fantastically clicky and snappy switches. Great for gaming, less so for typing.

4 / 5

Overall rating

The Origins 2 is a great mechanical keyboard, slightly let down by the lack
of performance tweaks.

4 / 5 Buy it if You love a clicky board The clickiness of the stock Linear switches feels and sounds great, although they are a little loud. You want plenty of hardware customizations You can swap out the switches, keycaps, and even the body, letting you personalize your Origins 2 to a large extent.
Don't buy it if You want plenty of software customizations There are plenty
of remapping options, but those looking for performance-related adjustments will be disappointed. Youll be typing a lot While the indentations of the stock keycaps provide comfort and security, their height doesnt exactly facilitate fast and smooth typing. HyperX Origins 2 1800 review: Also
consider Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro Another premium mechanical board, the BlackWidow is a fantastic performer, and unlike the Origins 2, it comes with
a wrist rest and its one of the plushest Ive ever used. Upon its release, it was substantially more expensive than the Origins 2, but recently its had considerable discounts. Read our full Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro review .
Gamakay TK75 V2 If you want something cheaper than the Origins 2, but still want all that mechanical goodness, the TK75 V2 is a good choice. Not only
does it perform very well, but its also built to a surprisingly high
standard. Read our full Gamakay TK75 V2 review . How I tested the HyperX Origins 2 1800 (Image credit: Future) I tested the Origins 2 for several
days, during which time I used it for gaming, working, and general browsing.
I tested it on two PCs. As mentioned above, I was unable to get the Ngenuity software working on my main PC, but did on another, despite both running Windows 11 with x64 CPUs.

Ive been PC gaming for over a decade, and have used numerous keyboards in
that time. Ive also reviewed a large number of them, across a range of price points, feature sets, and switch types. Read TechRadars reviews guarantee First reviewed: June 2026 HyperX Origins 2 1800: Price Comparison No price information Check Amazon We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices powered by



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