I think the Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming keyboard is a really good keyboard and there are a lot of things to like about it. If you look purely at the different features on offer, it may not seem that different from many other 75% keyboards we have seen lately. There's tri-mode connectivity, hot-swappable switch sockets, first party switches, long battery life, onboard profiles and software customization etc. But Alienware improves on all these compared to the norm. The wireless connectivity is flawless, I appreciate the use of Type-C w/Type-A adapters throughout for wired connectivity, the Alienware first-party switch is well-made and extremely smooth with no perceived wobble, the keycaps have proper backlit legends without compromising on longevity, the battery life is exceptionally long in addition to supporting faster charging, the entire keyboard looks and feels premium too to where I was quite happy with the overall typing experience. In fact, it is also smaller in footprint than the average 75% keyboard, let alone a TKL one. The switches are also designed with gaming in mind and no doubt the Alienware brand loyalty is a factor too. Then there's the part where this keyboard, as well as the accompanying mouse, were made in collaboration with a successful esports organization, and you can see why it already has a lot of sales and positive reviews on the web shop.

At the same time, I have concerns about the feature set and how it is trying to appeal to different customers—especially for this price. Alienware is trying to sell this as a pro gaming keyboard, but some things don't seem to fit the marketing story as well. I understand this was a project that started earlier and took a while to get done given it has involved over 100 esports athletes, so perhaps this is why the decision was made to go with a linear mechanical switch—a fairly safe option. I would have rather seen Alienware commit further and go for optical or magnetic switches instead. There could then be tournament versions which don't allow some of the cooler options with these switches such as analog control or multiple functions tied to a single switch, but you can still have instantaneous actuation and the switches can be inherently smoother and longer lasting as a result of fewer, if any, moving parts coming together inside. In general, the 75% form factor also feels more apt for general use than pro gamers that would probably go for a gamepad or 60% keyboard for even more space to move the mouse around. But Alienware says Team Liquid's Valorant, Counterstrike, Dota 2, and MOBA team members continually used the FN row for keybinds and the tilde (~) key for opening the console in FPS games. That said, there are three keys here dedicated for volume control which could have been macro keys—even throwing in spare keycaps coupled with software-based key mapping could have helped address the need for the larger form factor. The onboard profiles are only for lighting effects and nothing else—could be a relic from pro gaming rules again, but here too it just reminds me there are things here that clearly are not for pro gamers. Why would anyone use wireless keyboards in a professional gaming scene? The keyboard is also being sold to the general public anyway which is why we have all these other features including RGB lighting. A more cut down wired-only version could have offered much better value for money and be truer to the pro gaming moniker.

But ultimately this is not what Alienware is about. I can't say I have ever associated Alienware products with "good value for money." They have always cost more than average because they aim to be more premium. Whether the brand and its products justify the increased price tag is a different matter altogether. I will say that this keyboard, together with the accompanying mouse, is the first time I have felt Alienware to be taking the peripheral market seriously and not just relying on its brand strength. I want to see what Alienware ends up doing next with feedback from reviewers and customers alike. I also acknowledge that this keyboard will end up pleasing many people, especially fans of the brands involved in this collaboration. But I have to remind people to make sure this is what you want for your money and to consider all the options in case your needs are met by keyboards which cost significantly less.