Customer Ratings & Reviews

It feels a little odd describing any kind of mechanical keyboard as “mid-range.” Overkill is a concept baked into mechanical gaming keyboards at the most basic level. But after spending some time with the AW410K, it’s the only label I’ve come up with that fits. To be clear, this should not be taken as a bad thing. Alienware has checked just about every box for what you might be looking for in a premium keyboard with this thing. USB passthrough, programmable per-key lighting, support for on board lighting profiles, Cherry MX switches, media controls, it’s all here. It very much feels like a premium device – it’s just not priced like one. Which makes it a great choice for anyone looking for a slightly more affordable option for their gaming setup. Build quality overall is good. The frame is primarily plastic, however there’s an aluminum top plate to help add some additional rigidity. I did still note a small amount of deck flex in my testing, but not enough to strike me as a major concern. It has support for three separate angles of elevation with the built in two-stage feet, and while it lacks any kind of wrist rest the frame’s “chin” isn’t large enough to interfere with me adding one of my own. The switches are standard Cherry MX browns, and the keycaps are the usual single-molded translucent plastic with a thick layer of black paint sprayed over top. Connectivity is provided by a VERY thick braided USB cable with two connectors (1 for the keyboard and 1 for a pass-through port on the rear) that looks like you’d need a bolt cutter to get through. And there’s no rattling or shaking I can detect even when I’m banging away on the keys. Speaking of, the user experience is also good, though there is a bit of room for improvement. The keys are satisfyingly tactile without being completely deafening, it’s plenty responsive for gaming (though admittedly the brown switches are a bit better tuned for typing) and the RGB effects are clearly visible even in a well-lit room. The one weak point is the Alienware Command Center app you need to use to program custom lighting setups. The tools they give you for this are very rudimentary and the interface is not at all intuitive, and I hope that future updates to the tool will address this with a better interface and more complex options to mix the library of pre-defined effects (or at the very least compatibility with other RGB ecosystems.)

Flawless craftsmanship. I purchased this to use in my home office. Exceeds expectations! #alienware

The Alienware - AW410K Wired Mechanical CHERRY MX Brown Switches Gaming Keyboard with RGB Back Lighting is a recent keyboard offering from Alienware. It is a standard sized full layout mechanical keyboard which is mainly plastic made. It is a Cherry MX Brown rated mechanical keyboard which is sort of a hybrid between gaming and typing. It offers a tactile feedback but yet has less noise which appelas to both types of users. But being an Alienware keyboard, this will always be touted as a gaming keyboard. The keyboard has two USB connectors presumably to add more power. But having tested it on my gaming class desktop and laptop, suffice to say there is no need for me for additional power to use this keyboard. There are no manuals included in the box. But upon initial connection the your PC, it automatically downloads the Alienware Command Center. While this may be a boon for some users as there is no need to search online for software, others may find it intrusive. Usage of the software to customize the common features of a gaming keyboard are pretty much intuitive. But I pretty much prefer the lighting customizations of other branded keyboards as they have a simple color palette to choose from. But that’s just me. While I see no main advantage of this keyboard to my other two gaming keyboard, I’s still recommend this as a solid gaming keyboard.

Upon receiving the keyboard the packaging was what I would call standard for Alienware brand: stylish & practical, however, once I started unboxing I quickly noticed that quite a few of the keys were detached and floating around the plastics covering the keyboard itself. As most other reviewers have said, it is not functionally impacting, it just appears the keys are easier to remove then some people would expect. No big deal really. Once out of the box and keys reattached I hooked up the dual USB connections to my PC, one thing I should mention is this braided cord is much more flexible than my other gaming keyboards, making it easier to manage with the other cords on the desktop. Without downloading the Alienware Command Center app, you can manage getting through some of the preset color schemes, although the default static color is that Alienware “blue”. Using the Fn key you can change to a few different dynamic backlit effects, the first few are somewhat standard, however there is one that I thought was cool where the keys are unlit until you press them and they do this slow burn to fade effect. These things being said, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND installing the AWCC app if you do not already have it. This is where you get full customization of the keyboard you just spent $130 on. In the app you’ll find tons of different ways to customize your color scheming, especially for those that like to really create something unique. You can specify key groups, individual keys or just the whole keyboard and change their color or how they react to key strokes. There is also more options for keyboard effects, I personally found the “SCAN” effect to be my favorite. Really cool stuff! In the AWCC app you will also find the Macro customization’s, for me I do not use this too much in games (not as hardcore as I used to be) but I do like to use macro’s with everyday productivity things. Overall, standard macro setup, create the sequence, store in library, assign to key, etc. etc. Once you’ve created macro’s and color scheme’s you can save the theme - you can also assign a theme to a specific game so it will load up automagically when you load the game. Last but certainly not least, the physical feel and layout of the keyboard. Overall, a very small footprint on my desk, which has some advantage’s but not without some sacrifice. The keyboard is lighter but still feels sturdy to me, key strokes are excellent and without having a wrist pillow I can comfortably use it for a couple hours at a time (though I would recommend a wrist pillow for ergonomic reasons). The two adjustable stands actually have two stands within them, so you have two option for height without having to change any feet out or anything, well played Alienware! Now the only negative’s I see with this keyboard are the lack of dedicated keys or buttons to change color schemes that my other keyboard has, not a deal breaker but I got used to that option and miss it in this product. You’ll have to use the Fn and function keys to change schemes if you don’t setup the theme in the AWCC app. The only other thing I would have liked is a roll bar for volume instead of the typical volume up and down keys. To be honest I think all keyboards should have them as it is much faster and controllable when gaming. Again, I see these as negatives mostly because I am used to having those functions, but if you don’t already have them you won’t miss them! Overall, the AW410K is an outstanding keyboard in a market flooded with competition, it’s customization’s and easy to use AWCC app help set it apart from the rest. I highly recommend this product, you will not regret this purchase!

A mechanical keyboard is something new to me and I am really liking it. I can't believe the difference in feel, the responsiveness is absolutely amazing and each key feels unbelievable. The aesthetics are really sleek & modern, completely changing the look of my setup. I have many HUE lights and can now have my computer blend in with the customizable lighting of this keyboard, the included software let's gives you plentiful options with colors, patterns and key setup. I love this thing!

Alienware - AW410K Wired Mechanical CHERRY MX Brown Switches Gaming Keyboard with RGB Back Lighting Summary: Smaller footprint typomatic RBG underlit keyboard. Pros: * Small footprint. If you're looking to save space, this keyboard will help free up a few square inches. * Easily removable keycaps. Almost too easy, a few had fallen off in the box. This makes cleaning and replacement easy. If you have a few loose, don't fret! Just plop them back on. * Underlighting of the individual keys is nice. It provides a feeling of floating keys. * Keycaps easy removable notwithstanding, the keyboard base is substantial and feels well made. * Two prong USB cable and an extra USB port on the keyboard. This makes connecting accessories really easy. Think phones, headsets, or whatever works. * High quality braided cables. These are similar to the braiding on my existing keyboard and they wear extremely well. Cons: * No macro keys. I own the AW768 and one thing I have wrestled with is the macro keys. On the one hand, for some games they are fantastic. On the other hand, I often press them when I don't mean to in contexts that aren't helpful. I thought I wouldn't miss them with this new AW410K. I was wrong. * Volume control is there, but it feels an afterthought particularly coming from the wheel of the AW768. Use: I got this unit to replace my well-worn AW768 that was damaged in a move. This new AW410K is a fantastic keyboard, I just think it might be too small of a form factor for me. Still, every new piece of hardware requires an acclimation period, so I'm still holding out hope. Note: If you have bigger hands, like macro keys, enjoy being able to power off the LEDs altogether, you might consider a different keyboard like the AW768. This keyboard saves space and replaces most functions of my previous keyboard and provides an extra USB port. For these reasons, I would recommend it. But consider your use and ergonomics, as well.

Very well designed from a hardware standpoint. Easier to keep clean than other mechanical keyboards I've owned. Where I had to take off a star is 1) key-caps had ink residue inside, so some out-of-the-box TLC is recommended, if you don't want repeated key presses 2) as of this writing, no way to control RGB LED's on Linux, even when using openRGB still a great keyboard, but I recommend cleaning before use, and to my fellow Linux users, don't buy this if back lighting color is important to you. However, if, like me, you're willing to accept that one missing feature for a keyboard that is excellent in every other way, this is for you To Dell and Alienware: give us drivers!

Contrary to another review it DOES work with Windows 11, custom light patterns, colors and all. I like it. It feels good. It takes up less space than my Logitech G910 did. I like the volume buttons better than the wheel that my old Logitech did. It has a mute button, which is good to have. The cost was much better than the Logitech was. I think Alienware Command Center seems much simpler than G-Hub though I’m yet to see the mouse part of it.

I LOVE the keyboard. I have the Alien gaming system and the keyboard is a plus and works great gaming.

Incredible keyboard. I’ve actually bought and returned 2 other mechanical keyboards this month. Both of which I was making all sorts of typos on and just wasn’t pleased with the key switches. This keyboard, my typing was spot on immediately. The cherry MX Brown switches really help with typing accuracy. These definitely are not silent switches. But they aren’t annoyingly loud like you’ll hear in switches designed to be clicky. Just enough audio feedback and actuation feel to let you know that a key has registered. My one complaint is that the keyboard arrived with about 70% of the key caps off of the board. They were all very easy to put back into the board and I’m sure no one would have a difficult time doing this. Overall very pleased with this purchase and would definitely recommend for anyone looking for a keyboard that will give you great typing accuracy while also being a great gaming keyboard.

I have been loving this it is a great keyboard. Iwould recommend getting it

Easy to use. Very stylish. Just plug in and ready to use.

I love this keyboard so much. I play a lot and this is what I was looking for

THE GOOD -Per key programmable lighting -Even, strong lighting across the whole keyboard -Pass-through USB port -Three tilt heights -No ghosting THE BAD -Unintuitive customization software -No wrist rest -Poor Caps- and Num-Lock indicators -Pass-through port on left side THE BOTTOM LINE The AW410K is a good, workhorse of a mechanical keyboard that ditches the pomp and flash of competing models, and I'm all for that. The RGB lighting is good and true to color, the keycaps are nicely shaped, and it has three different tilt angle levels instead of the more common two. The keycaps allow the backlight to pass through not only their primary label, but the secondary symbol as well ( like the number row and top F keys ), which is quite nice. Unfortunately the LEDs are on the back of the switch, behind the stem. This means the main key labels are on the top of the key and any secondary labels are on the bottom, which I don't like. Also, the Caps-, Num-, and Scroll-Lock keys don't have a separate indicator to show whether they're engaged or not. Instead they just shift to a white backlight. A lot of the frame is plastic, but it does use a metal plate for the main base, so it's still nicely sturdy. It is a bit higher than most keyboards I've used and sadly it doesn't come with a wrist pad or rest, which it sorely needs. But the front edge doesn't have any weird contours that keep you from using whatever rest you may already have. It uses a thick, braided cable to connect to your computer that's generously long. The thickness is because it's actually two cables: one for the keyboard and one for the pass-through USB connection. Oddly, the pass-through port is on the left side of the top edge. Not to rag on my southpaw brethren, but 90% of the world is right handed, so putting it on the left side and having my mouse and keyboard cables crossing over doesn't make sense to me. The keyboard is completely programmable using Alienware's software, in changing the lighting and remapping key input. I found the software quite unintuitive, and I've used software from Razer, Logitech, and Corsair in the past, so I'm far from pigeonholed. It's not easy to find on Dell / /Alienware's website either, as it's mixed in with the regular drivers and other software downloads for all the Alienware branded hardware they have. Instead of having a dedicated key re-mapping section, that's part of the "Macro" tab. Yes, "macro" means macroinstruction, and a single keystroke can be a macro. But to remap keys, first you have to create a macro for a single keystroke, save it, then assign it to a given key. It's similar to Corsair's method, and I didn't like it then either. It'd be much simpler if you could just select a key and choose a remap keystroke in a single go and leave the macro creation only for the times I need to make a complex sequence. Changing the lighting is a little easier, but a few more tooltips and context menus would go a long way in explaining things. You also can't change the lighting shift for the Caps-, Num-, and Scroll-Lock keys. This can be problematic because if you use a light blue or yellow color for your normal backlight, it can be hard to notice the difference from the white showing the Caps-Lock key is engaged. The upside is you can save profiles directly to the keyboard, allowing it to work the way you want even if it's connected to a computer that doesn't have the Alienware software. It also uses Alienware's FX system, which can sync the keyboard lighting with certain games. In actual typing performance, it's typical Cherry MX Brown. I couldn't find any ghosted keys, and rollover isn't a concern. I would like a dedicated calculator button, since I use it many times a day at work, but I don't know how many people are like that use gaming keyboards for both work and play. Overall, the keyboard functions well and the downsides are pretty minor. If you're a big gamer and you create and edit macros and game key profiles a lot, you might get tired of the customization software ( or you might just get used to it ).

My son loves it. He uses it for his online gaming.

Bought as a gift for my son for Christmas. He is into gaming and is very happy with this keyboard.

This keyboard works great and looks even better. Definitely worth the price.

Pro: -Even lighting -Solid caps and sturdy frame -USB port Con: -No wrist rest -Feels bulky -Alienware command center is clunky TL;DR This is a good no frills keyboard with stable keycaps and nice even lighting. The downside is that there’s no wrist rest, and the extra plastic on the body makes it look outdated and bulky. The Command Center app (at least in conjunction with an Alienware PC) is somewhat clunky, but gets the job done. However, for the full price, it would not be my pick. The keyboard itself is good. The frame is sturdy and the Cherry Browns feel responsive and tactile, and the lighting has a nice even glow without bleeding through. The cable is a nice thick braided cable. It has dedicated volume keys, but the rest of the media controls are FN keys. There’s also a USB passthrough on top. It has a metal faceplate bordered by extra plastic, which is one of the downsides. The angular design makes it feel extra bulky and outdated. There’s no wrist rest included and with the keyboard sitting at about half an inch high, it’s not a pleasant experience for my wrists especially after coming from more streamlined and thinner keyboards. The software controlling the lights and macros is the Alienware Command Center, which was already on my Alienware PC. However if you need to download it from their website, it takes way too many steps to get it. The app is clunky to use and the UI isn’t as intuitive as other apps I’ve used. The lighting effects are your standard fare effects, ranging from solid to various pulsing and waves. On top of that, you can add keypress effects, adding more reactive lighting to it. One of the quirks is that you would either have to select preset key groups, or do it one key at a time. There’s no drag and select. Also when you reselect a group, it resets back to the default color. Once done, you can store up to four profiles on the keyboard and switch with them on the fly with the profile button. You can record macros and setup keystrokes with pretty much any key. Again the navigation is a bit quirky. With the macros, you can reorder keys and add/remove delay but can’t insert a new key. Other than the quirky software, the 410K is a good basic mechanical keyboard. There’s no extra keys or fancy media rocker. It’s a bit bulky and has more plastic than I would have liked, and the exclusion of a wrist rest was big negative for me. While these negatives aren’t too terrible, I have other gaming keyboards from other brands which didn’t have these issues and were either cheaper or have more features for similar price.

Great feel and response. Excellent keyboard for the price

Needed a reasonably priced keyboard with physical keys (not necessarily for gaming). This fit the bill nicely.