ALIENWARE AW510K [INTRODUCTION]

05/2020 by HOLGER DASSLER / SEBASTIAN VREE - Back to overview

The gaming specialists from Alienware present the AW510K, their first keyboard using the flat CHERRY MX LOW PROFILE switches. The keyboard is designed in the "Legend ID" style and can be perfectly combined with other products from this line, such as the AW5520QF gaming monitor or the Aurora 9 desktop computer. In this article you will learn which other features the model has to offer.

ALIENWARE AW510K IN DETAIL

Alienware's AW510K is a full-featured gaming keyboard with CHERRY MX LOW PROFILE switches. In addition to a USB pass-through, dedicated sound control and AlienFX single-key illumination with up to 16.8 million colors, this keyboard offers everything a gamer's heart desires.

FLAT DESIGN AND “FLOATING KEYS”

At first sight this keyboard convinces with its chic design. With the AW510K, Alienware relies on a full-size layout, which is divided into the three areas - the main keys, function keys and numeric keypad - and is thus very clearly arranged. With a height of only 29.4 millimeters, the AW510K has a very flat design and due to the so-called floating keys the lighting effects are very defined and prominent. The frame is made of aluminum, which not only gives the keyboard a very sophisticated look, but also makes it robust and stable. The connection to the PC is made via a two-meter-long braided cable.

ERGONOMIC CONSTRUCTION AND LUXURIOUS FEATURE SET

Although Alienware doesn't provide a palm rest, the fingers rest comfortably on the keys at all times. Because of the flat, staggered arrangement of the floating keys, the gaming keyboard offers high ergonomics to prevent wrist fatigue during long gaming sessions.

In order to be able to make quick and trouble-free audio adjustments, the keyboard offers a dedicated audio control with a practical volume roller. A built-in mute button can be used to mute the sound completely. 

Of course, the keyboard also features N-key rollover and anti-ghosting, ensuring that even complex key combinations or simultaneous keys presses are accurately detected. For charging external devices or directly connecting a headset, Alienware also integrates a USB pass-through port.

ALIENWARE COMMAND CENTER & LIGHTING WITH ALIENFX

Full RGB lighting with up to 16.8 million colors is just as much a part of a premium gaming keyboard as CHERRY MX switches. The Alienware AW510K has both. The in-house AlienFX technology offers the possibility to configure lighting effects that react directly to the game. This creates a particularly immersive gaming experience. AlienFX is currently supported by more than 200 games, such as Warhammer Vermintide 2, Kingdom Come: Deliverance or League of Legends. The Alienware Command Center also allows for full key programming and macro creation. Settings are saved directly to the keyboard's built-in memory.

DESIGNED FOR PERFORMANCE WITH CHERRY MX LOW PROFILE RGB RED SWITCHES

While the characteristics of the MX LOW PROFILE RED switches correspond to those of the classic MX RED switches, which are very popular with gamers, the total travel of the LOW PROFILE variant is 3.2 instead of 4.0 millimeters. This means that even though the actuation force of 45 centinewtons remains the same, the switch triggers faster to provide a decisive advantage in hectic battles. Thanks to LOW PROFILE technology, the AW510K’s key switches have an overall height of only 11.9 millimeters, making them 35 percent flatter than the original MX RED. This results in a very flat design that fits into any space-saving gaming setup.

CONCLUSION

Besides its elegant look, the customizable single-key illumination and the intuitive AlienFX software are certainly the highlights of the AW510K. Alienware also knows how to impress us with practical features, such as dedicated audio controls and a useful USB pass-through port. With its pleasantly flat design and the slightly raised chassis at the back, the keyboard offers a very high level of comfort and doesn't put excessive strain on the wrists, even during prolonged use. However, its greatest strength are the CHERRY MX LOW PROFILE RGB RED switches, which give ambitious gamers a real advantage with high switching frequencies and very fast triggering process.