Alienware AW510K Review: Premium Low-Profile Gaming Keyboard Worth It?

I don’t know about you, but I get seriously picky when a keyboard calls itself “premium.” A few weeks ago I finally spent time with Alienware’s AW510K low-profile mechanical keyboard, and I left impressed in some ways, frustrated in others. If you’re hunting for a low-travel mechanical that looks amazing on your desk and types like a leaner, faster laptop keyboard, this one probably caught your eye. But does it do enough to justify the price? Let’s dig in.

I’ll tell you exactly what I discovered while using this keyboard day-to-day for both work and a fair amount of gaming: what’s genuinely excellent, what’s merely nice, and what annoyed me enough to pause before hitting “buy.” By the end you’ll know whether the AW510K is the right pick for you, and what to consider if it isn’t.

Overview

The Alienware AW510K Low-Profile RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard has built a strong reputation among gamers who want a sleeker, faster-feeling mechanical board without giving up durability or premium features. Many users praise its solid construction, smooth Cherry MX Low Profile Red switches, and vibrant per-key RGB lighting that can be tuned inside Alienware’s Command Center software. The keyboard also includes gamer-friendly touches like a full-size layout, on-board profiles, dedicated media controls, and a USB pass-through port for convenient connectivity.

However, the AW510K isn’t without its drawbacks. Some buyers feel the price leans toward the high side, especially when compared with competing low-profile mechanical options. Others point out that Alienware’s Command Center, while powerful can be a bit overwhelming or unintuitive for new users.

And because the keyboard typically needs two USB ports to access all features (including the pass-through), it may not be ideal for setups with limited USB availability. The lack of an included palm rest also stands out as a downside for people who enjoy extra wrist support during long gaming or typing sessions.

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Alienware AW510K Review

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Alienware AW510K is a full-size, wired low-profile mechanical keyboard that positions itself as a premium gaming accessory. Its main selling points: Cherry MX Low Profile Red switches, per-key RGB lighting, onboard profile storage, a volume roller, and a USB pass-through. The look is unmistakably Alienware, modern, a touch futuristic, and very “lit up” when the RGB is cranked.

Key features & specs

• Switches: Cherry MX Low Profile Red (linear) ~1.2 mm actuation, ~3.2 mm total travel, ~45 cN actuation force. Feels quick and smooth.
• Layout & keys: Full-size (105 keys), N-key rollover support.
• Lighting: Per-key RGB, bright, especially on the white top plate model.
• Extras: Dedicated mute, plastic volume roller, USB pass-through.
• Onboard storage: Up to 5 profiles stored on-board.
• Interface: Wired USB (note: often requires two USB connections for full features, including passthrough).
• Build: Claimed durable construction with a solid metal top plate (premium feel).
• Palm rest: Not included.

Summary

The AW510K blends a satisfying low-profile mechanical typing experience with a polished aesthetic and bright RGB. It’s a solid product, especially if you love the Alienware look and want responsive low-travel keys. That said, you’ll pay a premium, and the software and port requirements add friction.

Pros:

• Smooth, responsive Cherry MX Low Profile Red switches suited for both gaming and typing
• Solid, premium-feeling build with a sturdy metal top plate
• Bold, fully customizable per-key RGB lighting
• Full-size layout with programmable options, onboard memory, and USB pass-through
• Helpful dedicated media keys and a tactile volume roller

Cons:

• Higher price point than some competing models
• Command Center software can feel complicated or confusing at first
• Requires two USB ports for full feature access
• No included palm rest for extended comfort

See Everything you needs to know: The 7 Best Budget Laptops for Writers

Quick looks at comparable models

I want to give you quick alternatives to weigh against the AW510K, not full deep dives, but enough to guide a decision.

Logitech G915 (wireless, premium)

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A wireless low-profile option that’s popular for a reason: slim profile, wireless connectivity with high polling performance, and top-tier build. It’s more expensive in many configurations, but if you want wireless and low-profile, G915 is a go-to. Expect a different switch feel (Logitech’s GL switches) and usually more features like dedicated macro keys depending on model.

Key takeaways: Great wireless alternative; often pricier but offers wireless freedom and an elite feature set.

Corsair K95 Platinum XT (high-end wired)

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A very different beast: full-travel mechanical switches, a lot of macro capability, dedicated media controls, and a big chunk of premium build. Not low-profile, but if you want extensive macros and a feature set tuned to streamers or macro-heavy workflows, it’s worth checking.

Key takeaways: Choose if you need macro keys and a heavy-duty feature set, not for low-profile fans.

Cooler Master SK600 series

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If low-profile mechanicals are the priority and you don’t want to spend Alienware money, Cooler Master’s SK600 series (and similar offerings) give you low-profile Cherry options at a lower price point. They’re good alternatives for value-conscious buyers.

Key takeaways: Budget-friendly low-profile option, good value if you want Cherry low-profile switches without the Alienware premium.

Why I looked into the AW510K (and why you might be here)

I’ve been hunting for keyboards that bridge the gap between fast gaming actuation and pleasant typing. Low-profile mechanical switches promised the speed of gaming switches and the comfortable feel of laptop keys, a tempting combo. Alienware’s AW510K landed on my radar because it pairs Cherry’s low-profile Reds with Alienware styling, onboard profiles, and RGB. It’s a tidy package on paper, but real use is where the verdict lives.

My personal test: a few weeks of mixed typing (emails, articles) and multiplayer sessions, plus some latency checks, lighting customization, and the software dance with Alienware Command Center. The results were nuanced: solid hardware, great lighting, decent typing, but some friction in software and value.

My hands-on impressions (typing, gaming, software)

Typing & feel: The low-profile Cherry MX Reds are a delight. They feel fast, with a direct and clean press that’s excellent for quick key repeats. Compared to standard Cherry Reds, the travel is shorter (1.2 mm actuation vs ~2 mm for standard), which means a faster response in games and a slightly crisper typing feel. For me, it struck a nice balance, not hair-trigger shaky, but definitely more responsive.

Gaming: The keyboard performs well in games. No obvious lag in my sessions; N-key rollover keeps key combos solid. The volume roller is one of my favorite small touches for streaming or quick audio control mid-game.

Lighting & aesthetics: The per-key RGB is very bright, especially on the white-top model where the lighting bounces off the plate and floods the keys. If RGB matters to you, this model looks fantastic.

Software: Here’s the rub. Alienware Command Center is polished but not immediately intuitive. Saving profiles and uploading them to the keyboard’s onboard memory requires some steps that weren’t obvious at first. You can store five profiles onboard, but creating, saving, and uploading them into the keyboard needed a bit of exploration. It’s doable, but if you want a frictionless setup, plan to spend a little time with the software.

My recommendations

• Best for low-profile fans (Best Overall): Alienware AW510K — If you prioritize Cherry MX low-profile Reds, bright per-key RGB, and a premium look, the AW510K is a top choice.
• Budget low-profile pick: Cooler Master SK600 (or similar) — for a leaner price and solid low-profile switches.
• Premium/wireless pick: Logitech G915 — if wireless is a must and you’re willing to pay for it.

FAQs

Q: Are the AW510K switches hot-swappable?
A: The AW510K uses Cherry MX Low Profile Red switches and is not advertised as hot-swappable. If hot-swap is essential, look for keyboards that explicitly state that feature.

Q: Do I need two USB ports to use this keyboard?
A: In many setups the keyboard uses a dual-USB connection, one for the keyboard itself and another for passthrough and extra power. If you have limited ports, that’s something to plan for.

Q: Is it good for both typing and gaming?
A: Yes. The low-profile Cherry Reds give a responsive experience that translates well to gaming and comfortable typing sessions.

Q: Will the Alienware Command Center work on macOS?
A: Alienware’s software tends to be Windows-first. If you use macOS, expect limited compatibility, check manufacturer info before buying.

Q: Does it include a palm rest?
A: No. If you prefer a palm rest for long typing sessions, you’ll need to buy one separately.

Final Summary

Here’s the balanced truth: the Alienware AW510K delivers on core hardware promises. It’s built like a premium accessory, the Cherry MX Low Profile Red switches give you brisk, satisfying keystrokes, and the RGB presentation is superb. For players and typists wanting low-travel mechanical performance in a polished package, it’s a compelling pick.

However, the price is high enough that you should weigh software friction and missing extras (no palm rest, dual-USB needs) against competing options. If you want the fastest low-profile mechanical with dazzling, lighting and don’t mind fiddling a bit with Alienware Command Centerand you can swallow the $159.99 price tag, this keyboard is worth it. If you want better value or wireless functionality, check the alternatives I mentioned.