Alienware is taking a stab at the low-profile mechanical gaming keyboard. Potentially a best-of-both-worlds option for hardcore PC players, such keyboards blend the technical benefits of mechanical switches with the quick actuation and familiar, laptop-esque typing feel of low-travel keys. Alienware's $159.99 AW510K brings the style and polish you'd expect of the longtime gaming brand (and its parent company, Dell). Thin and sleek with useful features like USB pass-through and a volume roller, the AW510K looks nice and delivers a solid typing experience. Unfortunately, it also carries a little bit of Alienware's baggage—namely, a penchant for high prices and obtuse software.What's Black and White and RGB All Over? The AW510K is a surprisingly conventional full-size keyboard. It has 105 keys, including shared media controls on the F9 through F12 keys, though it does have a dedicated mute button and a plastic volume roller. At 1.13 by 18.4 by 6.1 inches, it's a little deep, but not ...
Alienware's flagship AW510K keyboard makes a solid case for going low profile, but it doesn't offer enough to justify its top-of-the-line price.
Low-profile Cherry switches; USB pass-through; Sleek look
Overpriced; Limited and confusing config software