The HyperX Origins 2 Pro 65 is the latest iteration of the Origins 2 65 series. Featuring magnetic, linear switches, swappable keyboard housing, rapid trigger response and adjustable 8k polling, the Origins 2 Pro 65 is ready to compete with some of the most premium gaming keyboards on the market. At a price point of $149.99, HyperX has created a pro-level gaming keyboard at an equally competitive price point. However, with the Origins 2 65 already on the market, I wonder if there is enough distinction to warrant this pricier model.
The build and design of the Origins 2 Pro 65 is exceptional. Perhaps one of the most noteworthy features is the swappable casing system. Like the HyperX Origins 2 1800, the Origins 2 Pro 65 board is designed to be removable as a single unit from the keyboard’s casing. While there are a few additional casings currently online, what makes the system unique is the publicly available 3D print files over at https://www.printables.com/@hyperX.
3D print enthusiasts can create their own printed housing for the Origins 2 Pro 65, assuming they have a large enough print bed. While I wasn’t able to test it on my Creality SPARKX i7, the files from the site are easy to access and download directly as a STEP file. It’s nice to see a company like HyperX proactively engaging with the 3D printer community in such a unique manner.
“The HyperX Origins 2 Pro 65 is ready to compete with some of the most premium gaming keyboards on the market.”
As for the provided housing system, its 65% form factor is clean and compact but leaves plenty of room for a traditional typing experience. Swapping the board out is exceptionally easy, as a provided removal tool is built into the keyboard’s footprint. Removing the tool from its housing reveals an anchor point that the tool locks into. A quick pull releases the board from the housing.
I’m impressed at how well it works. A rubber gasket runs along the edge of the circuit board, ensuring that when it is placed back in the housing, things are locked in and secured. What I appreciate most about the system is that it removes the intimidation barrier for those wanting to get into DIY keyboard tinkering. It’s a smart design and choice by HyperX.
One last note on the design and construction of the Origins 2 Pro 65: the per-key RGB is exceptionally vibrant. The striking colour and the adjustable brightness help this keyboard stand out when set beside other keyboards. It’s a little detail, but one that is appreciated.
The Origins 2 Pro 65 also offers 8K polling, just like the Origins 2 65. Adjustable through the HyperX NGENUITY app, the keyboard’s polling rate can be increased or decreased to suit individual preferences, making it suitable for both competitive and casual gamers. It works as expected with the NGENUITY software, making the setting easy to adjust.
With the same form factor as the Origins 2 65 and the same adjustable polling rate, what truly distinguishes the Origins 2 Pro 65? In a word, switches. While the Origins 2 65 features red linear mechanical switches, the Pro version uses analog magnetic linear switches. This change adds customizable actuation points and Rapid Trigger support, features not available on the Origins 2 65.
The Origins 2 Pro 65 is an exceptionally comfortable and responsive keyboard to use. Much of that comes from the internal O-ring system, available on both the Origins 2 65 and Origins 2 Pro 65, which sits between the PCB and switch plate. This additional cushioning dampens both sound and tactile impact, delivering a smooth and relatively quiet typing experience. If comfort is your priority, HyperX delivers with the Origins 2 Pro 65.
“The HyperX Origins 2 Pro 65 is a solid board that provides many of the features I’d expect from a pro-level gaming keyboard.”
The real differentiator, however, is the level of switch customization. While the adjustable actuation points are excellent, it is the inclusion of Rapid Trigger, which allows users to customize key press and release behaviour, and SOCD (Simultaneous Opposing Cardinal Directions) mode, similar to Snap Tap, that elevates this keyboard above the Origins 2 65. Both features can be configured on a per-key basis, providing impressive control over the typing and gaming experience.
The Origins 2 Pro 65 is an excellent board that is on par with many of the Pro eSports boards out there. The real question is whether it’s worth it when the similarly excellent Origins 2 65 exists. The answer to that is dependent on your needs. With a price difference of about $30, if you love to control every element of the keystroke experience or are looking for an edge in competitive gaming, I would suggest that it’s worth springing for the Pro version. If you are happy with a traditional linear Red switch, then I’d stay with the standard edition.
The HyperX Origins 2 Pro 65 is a solid board that provides many of the features I’d expect from a pro-level gaming keyboard. The exceptionally comfortable and responsive typing experience and customizable housing system are nice additions that help the HyperX carve out its own space in a fairly saturated market. For these reasons, I can recommend the Origins 2 Pro 65.
