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Welcome back to Reviews inside TV, the place where we give you the inside scoop on the best tech around. Today, we’re taking a look at the Alienware Tenkeyless Gaming Keyboard – the AW420K – part of their iconic Dark Side of the Moon collection. With a design that mixes sleek aesthetics and performance, this keyboard aims to make a statement. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s find out.
The Alienware AW420K is a tenkeyless gaming keyboard, which means it’s compact, removing the number pad to give you more space for mouse movement – perfect for gamers who value that extra bit of agility. It’s powered by Cherry MX Red switches, known for their smooth, linear feel and a relatively quiet keypress. These switches offer a responsive and fast actuation, ideal for competitive gaming where split-second reactions are everything. As you might expect from Alienware, the keyboard sports some serious RGB lighting – we’re talking 16.8 million colors and AlienFX support, giving you a level of customization that matches the intensity of your gameplay.
Out of the box, setting up the AW420K is a breeze. Simply plug it into a USB port, and you’re good to go – no complicated software needed to start enjoying its full capabilities. Once you’ve connected, though, you’ll want to explore the AlienFX software, which allows you to fully customize the lighting to match your setup or mood. The program is intuitive and lets you sync your lighting across other compatible Alienware products, creating a seamless gaming atmosphere.
In real-world use, this keyboard performs exactly as you’d expect from Alienware. The keypresses are smooth and satisfying, with a nice amount of resistance that provides good feedback without being too harsh. Gaming on this keyboard felt like second nature. Whether it was for fast-paced shooters or RPGs, the responsive nature of the Cherry MX Reds gave me the confidence I needed in crucial moments. The lack of a number pad didn’t feel like a limitation at all, especially since I primarily use this for gaming. The smaller size also made it easy to pack up and take on the go if I wanted to game away from home.
Now, of course, no product is without its drawbacks. Let’s talk about the cons. First off, the keyboard doesn’t have any wrist rest, which could be a bit uncomfortable for long gaming sessions. The absence of dedicated media controls also means you’ll have to rely on the function keys for things like volume and play/pause, which might not be ideal for everyone. And while the RGB lighting is impressive, it’s a little too bright for those who prefer a more understated look. It’s a bit over the top for some, especially in a dimly lit room. On the positive side, the build quality of the AW420K is fantastic – it feels durable, and the keys have a satisfying click, though not too loud to be disruptive.
Let’s talk value for money. Alienware’s products often come with a premium price tag, and this one is no different. But for that price, you’re getting more than just a keyboard – you’re getting a piece of Alienware’s signature style and performance. When compared to other gaming keyboards in the same price range, such as the Corsair K70 or Razer BlackWidow, the AW420K stands out in terms of design, particularly with its customizable lighting and the unique, high-end feel of the Cherry MX Red switches. While some competitors may offer more features, like a wrist rest or dedicated media controls, the focus here is on performance and aesthetics.
When it comes to build quality and longevity, Alienware doesn’t cut corners. The AW420K feels solid and well-constructed, built to last through hours of gaming. Alienware’s reputation for durability means you can expect this keyboard to hold up over time, even through intense gaming marathons. Though, as with any product, long-term data will tell how well it stands the test of time. But based on the materials and build, I’m confident this keyboard will last.
As for customer support, Alienware has always had a solid reputation for handling issues, though I didn’t need to reach out during my time testing the keyboard. If past experiences are any indication, you can expect helpful and timely assistance should you encounter any issues with the product. Alienware’s support infrastructure is one of the better ones in the gaming industry, and that’s definitely worth considering when making your purchase.
Finally, a quick note on updates: Given that this is a wired keyboard with a focus on simplicity, there are no firmware or software updates that impact its performance. The AlienFX lighting customization remains the primary software feature, and it’s stable as is.
So, is the Alienware AW420K worth the price? If you’re a gamer who values responsive performance, sleek design, and customizable lighting, then this keyboard will meet your needs with ease. Its tenkeyless form factor is ideal for gamers who prioritize space and speed, and the Cherry MX Red switches offer a satisfying, quiet experience. However, if you’re someone who needs extra comfort for long gaming sessions, or if you need a wrist rest or dedicated media controls, you might want to consider other options.
To wrap it all up, the Alienware AW420K is a strong contender in the gaming keyboard space. It’s a great fit for gamers who want a high-performance, aesthetically pleasing keyboard that doesn’t take up too much space on the desk. But it might not be the best choice for those looking for a fully-featured keyboard with every possible convenience.
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