Now given how little the Escape key is used in the day to day, this does make some sense, but at the same time, feels weird to be using that key, to play or pause music. In terms of function keys, they are there, but there is a weird little design flaw with how you use them, in order to access them, you need to press and hold the Escape key, as that is the one that enables them.
![alienware software for keyboard alienware software for keyboard](https://specials-images.forbesimg.com/imageserve/60aed9ac4d262da55001cab5/Alienware-m17-R4/960x0.jpg)
With the shorter travel distance and the quietness of the keys, it can feel like you might not be pressing them at all, for something to happen and it does take some getting used to, but once you do, it all makes sense. These keys also have the benefit of being very quiet, which for a mechanical keyboard is quite the triumph as many are louder than a Nascar race.
![alienware software for keyboard alienware software for keyboard](https://awards.ixda.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Alienware-Command-Center___FX_EDIT_DARK-570x321.png)
The keyboard is using Cherry MX low profiles switches, which provides a smaller travel distance, from the time you press the key, until the time it registers. When it comes to function there are many things to like and a few that are questionable, so as always, let’s talk about the good first. The only real complaint that I have with the USB port, is there is not marking or indicator on the front of the board, that shows where it is, eventually you will learn, but a simple logo or arrow would have been greatly appreciated. The only thing that I didn’t like about the keyboards look, was the USB cable running from the back of it, had two ends, one is for the keyboard function, the other is for the lighting and data transfer, as there is a USB port behind the board. In terms of branding, you have the word Alienware at the base of the front and that is really it, there is nothing else to see, leaving you with a keyboard that could easily be used in an office environment, without anyone asking what it is. There is a nice gap between each of the keys and the main board, which will be quite a handy feature, if you are someone who snacks above your keyboard, as it allows for you to clean under the keys, without needing to remove them. In actuality, the only thing that seems out of place is the pulled sides, there is a little lift out on both sides of the keyboard and I can’t work out any reason as to why.Īlong with the shape, comes the fact that this feels like a lowline keyboard, more akin to what you would find shipping with chicklet keys and that helps with the RGB lighting that it has enabled. There are no macros keys that bloat out the shape either, giving you all you need, but it does have a media control wheel, located in the top right, to provide some sense that this is something more. This look is clean and simple, there are not massive changes in shape, letting you just enjoy using the keyboard and not having to worry about finding something to make it easier to use. The 510K features a look that is clearly inspired by the Legend Design ID that Alienware decided on a few years ago, which also carries across to their laptops, headsets, desktops, mice and just about everything else they now make. That is not to say that there are not other types out there, the bulk of them just fall into those, thankfully the Alienware 510K takes the best of both, to provide a solid product that is easy to use.įor any good keyboard, there are two distinct parts that we must take into account, the function of it and the form and this time, we will start with the latter, because it has a striking design. Over the years, many keyboards have fallen into one of two groups, there are the slim and light, designed to replicate those found on modern laptops, or the larger and more mechanical style of keyboards, aimed at gamers.