Alienware
Alienware Low-Profile RGB Gaming Keyboard AW510K
Bottom line: The Alienware Low-Profile RGB Gaming Keyboard AW510K: Cherry MX Low Profile Red linear switches: low actuation force, short travel; main trade-off: linear-only switches with no tactile bump, so stray keypresses are easier while typing.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Cherry MX Low Profile Red linear switches: low actuation force, short travel
- ✓ Per-key AlienFX RGB with 16.8M colors via Alienware Command Center
- ✓ Full N-key rollover and a 100 million keystroke life rating
- ✓ Fully programmable keys and macros saved to on-board memory
- ✓ Media hot keys, volume control and USB passthrough built in
Cons
- ✗ Linear-only switches with no tactile bump, so stray keypresses are easier while typing
- ✗ RGB customization requires Alienware Command Center software
- ✗ Full-size layout with numpad takes more desk space than TKL boards
- ✗ Wired USB only; no wireless or Bluetooth mode listed
Manufacturer description
The Alienware AW510K is a full-size, low-profile RGB gaming keyboard built around Cherry MX Low Profile Red switches. These linear switches pair a low actuation force with shorter travel, so each keypress registers quickly and smoothly. That helps in fast-paced games where fractions of a second decide a fight. The floating keys sit directly on a metal top plate. You get full N-key rollover, so simultaneous inputs register accurately, and the switches are rated for 100 million keystrokes. Every key is programmable for macros and custom assignments. Your settings are saved to on-board memory…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Alienware Low-Profile RGB Gaming Keyboard AW510K using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the gaming peripherals category. Alienware's gaming peripherals lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for gaming peripherals of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What switches does the Alienware AW510K use?
It uses Cherry MX Low Profile Red switches. These linear switches have a low actuation force and shorter travel than standard-height switches, for fast, smooth keypresses.
Do my macros and lighting settings stay saved on another computer?
Yes. The AW510K stores key assignments and macros in on-board memory, so your settings stay with the keyboard. You set up per-key RGB lighting in Alienware Command Center.
Is the AW510K wireless?
No wireless mode is listed. The AW510K connects over USB, and it also has a USB passthrough port for plugging in a mouse or headset.
Does it have a number pad and media keys?
Yes. It is a full-size, three-section layout with a numeric keypad, dedicated media hot keys and volume control. You can also adjust its height.
Key Features
- Get the win: The combination of linear switching characteristics, low actuation force and shorter travel gives you better control as well as quick and smooth triggering, allowing you to efficiently pick off adversaries one by one.
- Attack with style: Knock out your opponent with our floating keys with full N-key rollover, a 100 million keystroke life cycle and on-board memory for accurate and reliable attacks. And, with switches mounted directly onto the metal top plate, you get a modern looking, durable setup, ready for battle.
- Map it out: Navigate easily on an optimized, redesigned, three-section layout that lets you maximize your reaction time.
- Make it personal: Barrel through campaigns with fully programmable keys for macros and key assignments that let you breeze past bosses. All settings are stored in the on-board memory, so your commands follow you wherever the road takes you.
- Light it up: Fly your colors on the battlefield with fully customizable per-key AlienFX RGB, giving you full 16.8M color control via Alienware Command Center.
Full Specifications
| Brand | Alienware |
|---|---|
| Color | Dark Side of the Moon |
| Style | Contemporary |
| Theme | Sci-Fi |
| Language | English |
| Map it out | Navigate easily on an optimized, redesigned, three-section layout that lets you maximize your reaction time. |
| Model Name | AW 510K |
| Style Name | Contemporary |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Light it up | Fly your colors on the battlefield with fully customizable per-key AlienFX RGB, giving you full 16.8M color control via Alienware Command Center. |
| Switch Type | CHERRY MX Low Profile Red |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Model Number | AW510K |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Series Number | 5 |
| Built-In Media | USB Cable |
| Number of Keys | 104 |
| Button Quantity | 104 |
| Keyboard Layout | QWERTY |
| Mfr Part Number | 6P2PF |
| Full listing title | Alienware Low-Profile RGB Gaming Keyboard AW510K, AlienFx Per Key RGB LED Color Backlighting, Media CONTROLS & USB Passthrough, Cherry MX Low Profile Red Switches | USB, Numeric Keypad, Adjustable Height, Media Hot Keys, Dark Side of the Moon, Gaming Ready, AW510K |
Ready to buy?
Alienware Low-Profile RGB Gaming Keyboard AW510K, AlienFx Per Key RGB LED Color Backlighting, Media CONTROLS & USB Passthrough, Cherry MX Low Profile Red Switches | USB, Numeric Keypad, Adjustable Height, Media Hot Keys, Dark Side of the Moon, Gaming Ready, AW510K is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
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