Manufacturer: Dell

MSRP: $79.99

Colors: Black

There are better keyboards out there, I won’t lie. However, if you have an Alienware computer, this keyboard is perfect. It mainly has to do with AlienFX. You can sync your FX with your laptop or desktop along with the keyboard; non-Alienware owners may not care for this. With that aside, this keyboard is great. The keys are nice and deep, the ergonomics are very comfortable, and the keys are fairly quiet. The design is just so appealing, but any keyboard has a few flaws.

Firstly, the keyboard isn’t separated into zones like the Alienware laptops are. There are only two: the keys and the media bar up top. I also hate that the alien head logo doesn’t do anything. I was hoping it would open the Command Center before I got it, but alas, it’s just a logo. There’s a dedicated mute button that sits above the print screen button and a gaming lock switch that disables the Windows key and menu key during gaming. Some may find this useless, but it’s there for those who need it. The big thing about this keyboard is the TactX keys. There are 18 in total. You can switch between three different profiles. With these, you can open programs, set weblinks, and set macros. There’s even a macro recording button! They are lined upright on the left side of the keyboard, which is a nice and neat line. The optional palm rest is really nice, and there are feet standing underneath as well.

The key placement is just perfect. I tested it playing Battlefield 3 and Max Payne 3, and I didn’t have to look down once. My fingers fell right on the keys they needed in the heat of the battle, and that’s the important thing. The keys are much deeper than most keyboards and even laptops, but it feels nice because you get responsive to feedback. While the complaints are minor, I would have liked to see other features, like an LCD screen of some sort for shortcut applications. For $80, you are getting a pretty sweet keyboard, but that may be just me being picky. You also need two USB ports; this may be a deal-breaker for some who are limited. Those with desktops probably won’t care, but laptop owners may. You need one for the lights and one for power.

Alienware fans should be perfectly happy with this board, and even non-fans can enjoy this thing. I just love the key placements and how nice they are to press. I haven’t had a keyboard this nice before. The software is simple and easy to use, and it gets the job done well. It also comes with a command center for non-Alienware owners.