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Alienware Advanced Gaming Keyboard (AW568) Kailh Brown Switches RGB $74.49 Delivered @ Dell

910
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Found this deal thanks to Price Hipster, retails for $148.99 on Dell Australia site. Also don't forget an additional 4% Cashrewards on Dell Australia.
Has mechanical brown switches with are the Kailh Brown Switches, which are quite similar to the Cherry MX Brown switches, and also RGB under lighting.

Features:
-Iconic Alienware design with AlienFX 16.8M RGB Ambient Lighting
-Brown mechanical keys
-50million cycle life
-45g actuation force
-60g tactile force
-2mm actuation distance
-4mm total travel distance
-Less than 5ms bounce time (during actuation speed of 0.4 m/s)
-1000 Hz (1ms) polling rate
-Anti-Ghosting and N-key rollover on all keys
-5 programmable macro key functions with software recording
-All programmable keys
-3 adjustable leg angles
-Multimedia keys

Dimensions & Weight
-Height: 1.37” (34.8mm) without legs | 2.13” (54.2mm) with legs | 2. Width: 19.65” (499mm) | 3. Depth: 6.76” (171.8mm) | Weight: 3.26lbs (1460g)

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closed Comments

    • +5

      Ghosting is when a key shares a data path.

      So, on old keyboards, if you pushed, random combos that aren't common, like, say, "A" and the number "9" it might type a "Q" or some such.

        • +5

          Jokes online are followed by a 'Sarcastic\Joking' smiley, which looks like this:
          :P

        • -6

          @MasterScythe: Wow savage vote responses. Fortunately comment votes have no impact on self worth. Enjoy your day peeps!

      • So what is it called when a key double strikes like my cherry-red corsair KB does. :) And does this keyboard suffer the same problem?

        • I think it's common to cherry switches. My Brown suffers from this too.

        • That's called a faulty key. :P

          Thats a mechanical switch physically broken, not a build\design issue.

        • It means you need to clean your keyboard you dirty immortal.

        • @ATangk:
          Immortan Joe!!

    • I thought it was a good joke Bluedez, +1

  • Smashing deal… really. A logitech G910 level keyboard for this price.

    • Surely is. Quite an upgrade from my membrane one.

  • That's quite good for the price. Description says "brown" switches but I don't believe they're Cherry MX, but rather the copycat "Kailh" brand.

    • it says in the title Kalih switches. I believe Kalih brows are slightly(10g) more heavier

      • Oh, lol. Missed that.

    • +7

      Just going to put it out there that cherry is no longer seen as the premium switch type, since Kailh/Gateron have upped their game.

      source: https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/7z5mlr…

      Personally, Kailh BOX switches are vastly superior to CherryMX, and even Gateron Brown is > Cherry MX Brown.

      • I'm just going to put it out there that switch types are a preference.

        Also one of the first comments from your link specifically says Gateron Brown is not as good as Cherry MX Brown so what, that part of Reddit is wrong now?

        • +1

          Personally

          The overall quality probably isn't as good (so it MIGHT fail earlier), but gateron is preferred by lots of Mechanical Keyboard hobbyists over cherry mx since their switches tend to feel smoother.

          That being said, we'd probably buy neither cherry mx nor gateron browns.

        • -1

          In that comment he says they're different and not worse, which I personally think is accurate. I think Gateron Browns are better than Cherry because they're smoother. I would also choose this board over Cherry because I find Cherry Browns are too light for me. But yes, preference, and I prefer my Topre clone board to both so that's what I use. I think the original point was that this board shouldn't be automatically turned down just because it's Kailh. Much better ways to spend $150, but $75 is decent.

        • -1

          @ethan961: Gateron browns are smoother, but definitely more wobbly.

      • what about logitech Romer-G?

        • Try them yourself but in my opinion they feel and sound like garbage and were only designed to solve an aesthetic problem

        • @Dubsys:

          how would I try them?

        • @pinkybrain: scorptec and centrecom have them in store

        • @pinkybrain:

          At the store, dear pinky, dear pinky.
          At the store…

        • @jonow83:

          what store?

          According to bobzor bargain..

          there is only two and I don't live anywhere near those stores

  • +3

    I believe there's no backlighting under the keys themselves, just under the wrist rest like OP mentioned

  • -1

    No backlit?

  • I'm after a mechanical keyboard with macro buttons. This seems to be good value for the aforementioned requirements. Any other options sub $200?

    • +1

      Check out iKBC on mwave, it's a pretty reputable brand with genuine cherry MXs

      • +1

        Do any of the iKBC keyboards have dedicated macro buttons?

    • If your looking for features like more programmable switches, scrolling volume, LEDS etc then you won't get any cheaper at this quality. This keyboard essentially is a BLT with the LOT, if you only want a mechanical keyboard with no particular features then you could get one $10 or $20 cheaper.
      Even at the non sale price, $148 this keyboard is pretty good value, generally you have to spend $200 for a keyboard with similar specs.

    • +1

      I love my Cougar Attack 2's (I have an MX Red, an MX Black and an MX Blue). They've been discontinued but I managed to buy all three off gumtree for <= $40 each over the space of 2 years. Otherwise, getting a mech keyboard with dedicated macro buttons seems to be pretty hard

      • +1

        Another option would be to buy a non-macro keyboard and a separate macro pad (see cospad or RAMA or Catch 22)

    • +1

      The Razer Blackwidow keyboard is on sale for under $200 fairly often (recently $148 at MSY), almost identical layout to this one with macro keys down the side, but with a few extra perks (like USB3 and 3.5mm audio passthrough, backlit keys etc). If you only needed something basic + macros, this Alienware keyboard actually looks like a really good deal, provided Kailh switches are decent (I've never used them myself, so I have no idea).

    • -2

      the best keyboards are on massdrop.

  • Brown switches are usually better for general typing than gaming - if that is what you are looking for, consider a tenkeyless layout (unless you regularly use the numberpad for your work) as that may be more comfortable long term (less travel to mouse).

    • I think while technically red is better for gaming, but I think feel is also important. Pro FPS players use both red, black, brown and I think some top level players even use blue.

      • i use blues for typing and gaming. The feedback from each button press helps with fast & accurate typing. It hasn't particularly affected my gaming.

    • Red is definitely for gaming, but typing on red can be a pain in the butt. It's like learning a type all over again.

      On the other hand, gaming on brown is barely a compromise.

  • I don't need multi RGB, but it looks like the keys are not even backlit?

  • -1

    The AW768 is the top of the range

  • +1

    Before its cashed our tax cheque is already spent … I got red green blue babe.

  • +4

    Thanks OP this should be great for trolling the forums on Australia's foremost bargains website.

  • Are mechnical keyboards any good in reducing tendonitis pain, anyone know?

    • +1

      unlikely, every click is heavy and counts, unlike membrane boards which are responsive to a light touch.

      • Yep, 🕹.. 😀

      • I believe you dropped the /s

  • would've been great if there was key-backlights

  • Don't need one of these at all, already have a cherry MX brown keyboard and if I was getting a new keyboard it would be 10 keyless.
    But its such a good deal….

    • I've had my 10 keyless cherry browns for over 8 years and loving it…do it!

  • Guys is this a really awesome keyboard for typing? i'm building a work from home office - occasional gaming but nothing taxing. Is this good enough value you think?

    • Yes

  • +3

    I nearly bought this, before reading the comments, but as others have mentioned, its not backlit, the US site has the backlit version for US$85 (the AW768) doesnt appear on the au store though. So no deal.

  • Not trying to start a fight, but what's the appeal of mechanical keyboards anyway? All I know is they're loud as eff and take more energy to push.

    What's the appeal?

    • +5

      Much nicer to type on. I can type more accurately and quickly on a mechanical keyboard.

    • +2

      tactile feedback

    • +4
      • A lot of people think they feel nicer to type on (consistent pressure, better materials)
      • You can replace the keycaps with different styles, colours and textures depending on preference

      Given the fact that it's not unusual to spend 8+ hours each day typing on a keyboard it makes sense to use something nice. The same holds for getting a good mouse and a deskpad (aka giant mouse mat)

      There are lots of reasons, a quick google came up with these articles:

      • unless you are an author or programmer…

        who types for 8 hrs a day?

        We might use the pc for 8 hrs or more, but total typing time would not add up to 8 hrs.

    • +6

      what's the appeal of mechanical keyboards anyway?

      The main appeal of a mechanical keyboard for me is simply down to feeling. I use a keyboard with Cherry MX Browns, and I really like having the tactile feedback on the keypress without the loud click like a Cherry MX Blue switch. Membrane keyboards in comparison are mushy and fatiguing to type on, and often not very uniform in the force required to actuate a key.

      Gamers often enjoy using linear switches such as the Cherry MX Reds and Blacks because they can be very easily "double pressed" right around the actuation point for repeated inputs. There are various mechanical switches that are designed to have a very short actuation distance that are marketed towards gamers.

      One large appeal is customisability. Given that the vast majority of mechanical keyboards on the market use Cherry-derivative switches with cross-shaped stalks, it's possible to change the keycaps to suit ones personal taste. Indeed, there's quite a niche in the mechanical keyboard space for a wide variety of layouts and keycap styles, even to the point of DIY keyboard kits.

      Another (theoretical) advantage is durability, as mechanical switches are often rated for 50 million keystrokes. There are mechanical keyboards from 30 years ago that are still perfectly functional today such as a well maintained IBM Model M with buckling springs.

      To sum up some of these points, I'm currently using a Cooler Master MasterKeys Pro M keyboard, which I guess would be considered a "90%" size keyboard. Unlike traditional "tenkey-less", "TKL" or "80%" keyboards which omit the number pad for a more compact and ergonomic keyboard, this board instead opts to omit the home cluster and arrow keys and integrate them into the number pad. It's slightly larger than a typical TKL, but retains the functionality of a full size keyboard by still including the number pad which I often make use of. It also means that my hands and arms aren't spread so far apart while I'm gaming which helps keep a better posture. The board is RGB backlit (because of course it is), has a removable USB cable, and can be customised with any number of aftermarket keycap sets that are compatible with Cherry MX switches. It's also very easy to clean as it comes with a keycap puller in the box.

      All I know is they're loud as eff and take more energy to push.

      The loud keys are those with the audible 'click' - Cherry MX Blue switches for example. Not all mechanical switches are loud.

      As for taking more energy to push, with so many different switch types on the market it's possible to divide them up into three main types of feeling (linear, tactile, clicky) and then into different stiffness based on actuation force required.

      • +1

        lol i own a MasterKey Pro-S red version. I also consider the M when buying, but found I do not like the arrow keys like that, and the S is just fit my 15" laptop in width.

    • +1

      " and take more energy to push."

      Helps us desk jockey types to lose weight ?

      • +1

        helps with the RSI

    • +1

      Try to find an internet café that has them, and try it out. It's one of those things you don't realise how big of a deal it is until you test it out. Same as a decent mouse.

      I'm a scissor switch person, but I still got myself a brown after playing a few games on it. Typing itself feels fun.

    • +1

      I used to think like you until i have my own Mec-key.
      It is just completely the feeling when typing.

      I have a TKL-cherry red, and 4 sure never wanna go back

    • Unlike the keys on a conventional dome-switch keyboard, mechanical keys actuate without having to "bottom-out" i.e. push all the way down

      Personally, my fingers start hurting on a dome-switch keyboard due to the "recoil" force from keys bottoming out. The pain went away after switching to a tactile mech keyboard and learn to type with minimal force

      • Fair enough, I'm warming up to it haha. Which board do you have? Is it quiet or does it sound like a typewriter?

        • +1

          I'm typing this with a CM Storm keyboard with Cherry MX Blue switches. It's great for office environment because my boss can really notice I'm working hard! :)

          Seriously, it's not as loud as a typewriter, but clicky.

    • The only benefit of a $5 cheap rubber dome office keyboard is that it's quieter, that's it.

  • Would be great for the office.

    • That's the reason I got a mech keyboard to begin with. Open plan sucks. Take that klak-klak-klak!!!

      After saying that I've actually really enjoyed it. Way more comfortable to type on and my input speed has increased a fair bit which was a surprise. Can't go back now…

      • Too bad they're not blue switches. :D

  • wish it were wireless

    • Your best bet is the Logitech G613 currently at its lowest price from ebgames eBay for $86.4 after 20% off link here

  • +3
  • +1

    good deal, just a note for others, it appears the windows key is non standard size, so swapping key caps may be troublesome (like the razer keyboards).

  • They were selling a board with Kailh switches for $149? Dell got some balls.

  • I recently purchased the ASW768 for $80 delivered thanks to a Dell advantage coupon they sent me after buying a laptop for my brother on eBay.

    https://www.dell.com/en-au/shop/alienware-pro-gaming-keyboar…

    My advice is don't pay with paypal, they never processed my order via paypal and the money is still on hold in my paypal account a month later. I had to contact customer support 4 times to get them to make me a new order for the same price payed by credit card.

  • +1

    Only 4 differences are showed on dell.com between AW568 and AW768. 1. 256kB onboard memory 2. Dedicated volume roller 3. Braided nylon cable 4.Color zones. Useless extra functions on AW768 to me. I will definitely buy this one.

  • Just purchased a MX blue cherry keyboard, best decision ever

  • +1

    Just price matched at jb

  • +2

    just price matched at jb +1

  • +1

    Amazing! just got one. I was looking for a cheap mechanical keyboard to use at work to replace my G810 that I took back home. this one fits perfectly.

    • Out of interest, how do you rate this compared to Logitech's switches in the G810?

  • +1

    Thank you OP!

  • …can we keep the receipt and claim tax on it if it's used in the office?

  • Got this delivered today. Using it for work and so far its great. Feel like I'm typing faster and more accurately and it just feels so much better. It's not too loud at work either so it should suit offices.

    • Where is the Ambient Lighting? I don't think this has backlit keys.

      • +1

        no backlit keys but don't need them in an office, in fact it makes you look a bit weird really. The lighting comes from under the wrist rest part of the keyboard. Not really noticeable except from the side. But the quality of the keys is right up there.

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