
The Alienware AW420K is a well built tenkeyless wired mechanical keyboard. The AW420K is available in 2 colorways, Lunar Light (white) and Dark Side of the Moon (black), and has programmable hotkeys.
Being priced at $99.99 USD on Dell’s webstore, it is above entry-level pricing, but below premium pricing. This is a simple, midrange mechanical keyboard for the user who does not need a full size keyboard.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
THE GOOD
- Cables
The Type-A to Type-C USB cable is detachable, but the keyboard cannot be used wirelessly. You can replace this cable for a custom one if you prefer.
- Keycaps
It comes with PBT keycaps, so with prolonged usage there won't be as much keycap shine.
THE BAD
- Switches
It is not hot-swappable but it does come with Cherry MX mechanical switches.
THE REST
- Overall
It is an entry-level, mechanical gaming keyboard with no frills.
The AW420K comes with detachable braided USB-C to USB-A cable, user manual, and a sticker. It is a frameless, full plastic keyboard with plate-mounted stabilizers, and PBT double-shot injection, shine-through keycaps. It is a wired keyboard.
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Front of the box.

The keyboard is placed on a 900 x 400 mm desk pad next to a Logitech MX Master 2S mouse.

The right side of the keyboard containing the navigation keys.

The left side of the keyboard.

The keyboard is connected by a USB Type-C to Type-A detachable cable.
The AW420K has its own customization software, Alienware Command, but is not QMK or VIA compatible. It is available for both Windows and MacOS computers. There is macro programming and can save up to 9+ profiles. It has per-key RGB backlighting and illumination.
It comes with Cherry MX Red linear mechanical switches. It is not hot-swappable. The Cherry MX Red linear mechanical switches have an operating force of 52.1gf, 2.2mm of pre-travel, and 4mm of total travel. The AW420K has an above average keyboard latency, averaging at 13.15 to 13.23 ms.
The AW420K does not come with a wristrest but has three incline angles for ergonomics.
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The keyboard ergonomics at 2.5 degrees, with the adjustable leg in.