Alienware
420K
AUTHOR:Onie T.
TESTED BY:Antoine L.
Published:

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.

Hardware
HardwareNotes

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.

In the Box

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Front of the box.

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

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

Height
Width Max
Depth W/ Palm Rest
Depth
Weight
Construction
The right side of the keyboard containing the navigation keys.

The right side of the keyboard containing the navigation keys.

Chassis Material
Base Plate Material
Base Plate Color
Stabilizers
Keycaps
The left side of the keyboard.

The left side of the keyboard.

Keycap Material
Lettering
Shine Through Keycaps
Connectivity
The keyboard is connected by a USB Type-C to Type-A detachable cable.

The keyboard is connected by a USB Type-C to Type-A detachable cable.

Wireless
Wired
Bluetooth
Bluetooth Version
Multi-Device Pairing
Receiver
Receiver Storing
Battery Type
Computer Side Connector
Keyboard Side Connector
Cable Length
Detachable Cable
USB Passthrough
Features & Software
Features & SoftwareNotes

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.

Software
Software
Mandatory Registration
Number Of Profiles
Onboard Memory
Cloud Sync
Macro Programming
QMK Firmware Compatible
VIA Key Configurator Compatible
Windows Compatible
MacOS Compatible
Backlighting
RGB Software
Backlighting
Backlighting Color
Per Key Illumination
Performance
PerformanceNotes

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.

Keystroke
Latency
Sound Sample
Productivity & Efficiency
Productivity & EfficiencyNotes

The AW420K does not come with a wristrest but has three incline angles for ergonomics.

Ergonomics

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The keyboard ergonomics at 2.5 degrees, with the adjustable leg in.

Board Size
Board Type
Palm Rest Included
Low Profile
Incline Angles
/ /
Key Alignment
Numpad
Dedicated Function Row
Dedicated Arrow Keys
Key Spacing
Ghosting & Rollover
KRO Wired
KRO Receiver
KRO Bluetooth
Ghosting
Test Configuration
Tested Settings
Firmware Version
Software Version
Polling Rate (Wired)
Polling Rate (Wireless)
Debounce Time

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