The Alienware AW768 gaming keyboard stands out in the competitive market of mechanical keyboards with its advanced features and stylish design. One of the critical components of this keyboard that influences its overall performance and user experience is its switches. In this comprehensive review, we will explore the various aspects of the Alienware AW768 switches, including their types, performance, advantages, and how they compare to other switches in the market. We’ll also dive into the technical details, practical applications, and user feedback to provide a thorough understanding of why the AW768’s switches are noteworthy.
Table of Contents
Types of Switches in Alienware AW768
The Alienware AW768 gaming keyboard features Cherry MX switches, a popular choice among gamers and typists for their reliability and performance. Cherry MX switches are renowned for their durability, precision, and the variety of options they offer. Here’s a detailed look at the Cherry MX switches used in the AW768:
1. Cherry MX Red
Description: Cherry MX Red switches are linear switches that require minimal force to actuate. They are known for their smooth keystroke and lack of tactile feedback or audible click.
Performance:
- Actuation Force: 45g
- Actuation Point: 2.0mm
- Total Travel: 4.0mm
Advantages:
- Smooth Typing Experience: The linear nature of Cherry MX Red switches provides a smooth and uninterrupted typing experience, which is beneficial for both gaming and typing.
- Reduced Fatigue: The low actuation force and lack of tactile bump mean less finger fatigue during extended use.
- Quiet Operation: These switches are quieter compared to tactile or clicky switches, making them suitable for shared environments.
Disadvantages:
- Lack of Feedback: The absence of tactile feedback can make it difficult for some users to discern key presses, which may affect typing accuracy.
- Less Distinctive: For users who prefer a more tactile or audible typing experience, Cherry MX Red switches might feel less engaging.
2. Cherry MX Brown
Description: Cherry MX Brown switches are tactile switches that provide a noticeable bump during actuation without an audible click. This bump helps users feel when the key has been actuated.
Performance:
- Actuation Force: 45g
- Actuation Point: 2.0mm
- Total Travel: 4.0mm
Advantages:
- Tactile Feedback: The tactile bump helps users feel when a key has been actuated, which can improve typing accuracy and speed.
- Versatile: Cherry MX Brown switches are a good middle ground between gaming and typing, offering benefits for both activities.
- Moderate Noise Level: They are quieter than clicky switches but louder than linear switches, making them a good choice for most environments.
Disadvantages:
- Bump May Cause Inconsistencies: Some users may find the tactile bump disruptive to their typing rhythm, particularly if they are used to a smooth keystroke.
- Not as Quiet as Linear Switches: Although quieter than clicky switches, Cherry MX Browns are not as silent as Cherry MX Reds.
3. Cherry MX Blue
Description: Cherry MX Blue switches are clicky switches that offer both tactile feedback and an audible click with each keystroke. They are designed to provide a distinct typing experience.
Performance:
- Actuation Force: 50g
- Actuation Point: 2.2mm
- Total Travel: 4.0mm
Advantages:
- Audible Click and Tactile Feedback: The combination of a tactile bump and an audible click provides a satisfying typing experience that many users find enjoyable.
- Typing Accuracy: The feedback helps users feel and hear when a key has been actuated, which can improve typing accuracy.
Disadvantages:
- Noisy Operation: The audible click can be distracting to others, making Cherry MX Blue switches less suitable for shared or quiet environments.
- Potential for Typing Fatigue: The increased actuation force and constant click sound can contribute to typing fatigue over extended periods.
Performance and User Experience
The performance of the Alienware AW768’s switches is central to its appeal. Here’s a detailed analysis based on user feedback and performance metrics:
1. Gaming Performance
The choice of switches has a significant impact on gaming performance. Here’s how each type of Cherry MX switch performs in gaming scenarios:
- Cherry MX Red: The linear nature of Cherry MX Red switches makes them ideal for gaming, especially for fast-paced genres like FPS and MOBA. The smooth keystroke and low actuation force allow for rapid key presses without any tactile interruptions.
- Cherry MX Brown: These switches offer a balanced experience for gaming. The tactile feedback can be advantageous for games that require precise key presses and quick reactions. However, the tactile bump may cause slight interruptions in extremely fast-paced games.
- Cherry MX Blue: While Cherry MX Blue switches provide a satisfying typing experience, their clicky nature can be a disadvantage in gaming. The audible click can be distracting, and the increased actuation force may not be ideal for rapid key presses required in competitive gaming.
2. Typing Experience
Typing performance is another critical factor, and here’s how each switch type performs:
- Cherry MX Red: These switches offer a smooth and uninterrupted typing experience. The low actuation force reduces typing fatigue, making them suitable for long typing sessions. However, the lack of tactile feedback might not be preferred by all users.
- Cherry MX Brown: Cherry MX Browns are favored by many typists for their tactile feedback, which enhances typing accuracy and speed. The moderate noise level makes them suitable for office environments.
- Cherry MX Blue: The tactile bump and audible click of Cherry MX Blue switches provide a distinctive typing experience. However, the noise can be disruptive in shared spaces, and the increased actuation force may cause typing fatigue over extended periods.
3. Build Quality and Durability
Cherry MX switches are known for their durability and build quality. The switches in the Alienware AW768 are no exception:
- Lifespan: Cherry MX switches are rated for 50 million key presses, ensuring long-lasting performance and reliability.
- Consistency: The build quality of Cherry MX switches ensures consistent actuation across all keys, providing a uniform typing and gaming experience.
- Maintenance: The switches are designed to withstand heavy use, and their construction makes them relatively easy to clean and maintain.
Comparison to Other Switches
When comparing the Cherry MX switches in the Alienware AW768 to other popular switches on the market, several factors come into play:
1. Razer Switches
Razer’s proprietary switches, such as the Razer Green and Razer Orange, are often compared to Cherry MX switches:
- Razer Green: Similar to Cherry MX Blue, Razer Green switches offer a tactile bump and audible click. They are known for their durability but can be quite loud.
- Razer Orange: Comparable to Cherry MX Brown, Razer Orange switches provide tactile feedback with less noise. However, some users find them less refined than Cherry MX Browns.
2. Corsair Switches
Corsair’s range of switches, including the Cherry MX variants and their own Corsair Speed and Quiet switches, also offer competitive features:
- Corsair Speed: These switches are designed for fast actuation and are similar to Cherry MX Reds in terms of performance. They offer a smooth, linear keystroke suitable for gaming.
- Corsair Quiet: Comparable to Cherry MX Browns, these switches offer tactile feedback with reduced noise. They are designed for quieter typing, but some users might find them less pronounced than Cherry MX Browns.
3. Logitech Switches
Logitech’s Romer-G switches are another alternative:
- Romer-G: These switches offer a tactile bump and are designed for fast actuation. They are known for their durability and quiet operation, but some users might prefer the more pronounced feedback of Cherry MX switches.
4. Gateron Switches
Gateron switches are another popular alternative:
- Gateron Red: Comparable to Cherry MX Red, Gateron Reds offer a smooth and linear keystroke but are often noted for their slightly smoother action.
- Gateron Brown: Similar to Cherry MX Brown, Gateron Browns provide tactile feedback but with a potentially smoother feel.
User Feedback and Community Opinions
User feedback is an essential component of evaluating the performance of the Alienware AW768 switches. Here’s a summary of what users have to say:
Positive Feedback
- Gaming Enthusiasts: Gamers appreciate the smooth and responsive nature of Cherry MX Red switches for fast-paced gaming. The consistent performance and low actuation force make these switches ideal for competitive gaming.
- Typing Accuracy: Users who prefer tactile feedback often praise Cherry MX Brown switches for their typing accuracy and the satisfaction of the tactile bump.
- Build Quality: Many users commend the build quality and durability of Cherry MX switches, noting that they provide a reliable and consistent typing experience over time.
Constructive Criticism
- Noise Levels: Users in shared or quiet environments often find Cherry MX Blue switches too loud, which can be a drawback in office settings or during late-night gaming sessions.
- Switch Preference: Some users have specific preferences for switch feel and may find Cherry MX switches less suitable for their typing style. For instance, those who prefer lighter switches might find Cherry MX Browns or Blues too heavy.
Conclusion
The Alienware AW768 keyboard, with its Cherry MX switches, offers a versatile and high-performance typing and gaming experience. Whether you prefer the smooth and linear action of Cherry MX Reds, the tactile feedback of Cherry MX Browns, or the clicky satisfaction of Cherry MX Blues, the AW768 caters to a range of preferences.
Each switch type brings its own strengths to the table, making the AW768 a solid choice for users seeking a mechanical keyboard that excels in both gaming and typing. The high build quality and durability of Cherry MX switches further enhance the overall value of the AW768.
In conclusion, the Alienware AW768’s Cherry MX switches are a key factor in its success, providing a range of options to suit different user needs. Whether you are a gamer, a typist, or someone who values build quality and performance, the AW768 offers a compelling choice with its range of Cherry MX switches.