When it comes to keyboards, many gamers and enthusiasts agree – mechanical is the holy grail. However, when it comes to laptops, space is an issue; even more so nowadays where the expectation for laptops makes them thinner than ever before. Alienware is looking to change that. In a partnership that kicked off 3 years ago, Alienware and Cherry MX have been hard at work developing mechanical switches that not only deliver the satisfying click but don’t compromise on the aesthetics of a laptop. Project X – as they referred to it internally – was aimed at bringing the full mechanical keyboard experience to a laptop.
Alienware and Cherry MX are introducing a new switch they are calling the MX ultra-low profile. The new key switch, i.e. the mechanism under your keys, is a 3.5mm switch that provides 1.8mm of key travel. The new mechanism, which they say is inspired by the gull-wing doors of the DeLorean sports car, allows gamers to have a more tactile experience when they game or type. In fact, the experience is also auditory – as Alienware has pointed out in its tweet leading up to the announcement.
The new Cherry MX ultra-low profile mechanism is self-cleaning. Alienware claims it has been tested for 15 million keystrokes per key. It is also guaranteed to be safe from freezing up with 100% anti-ghosting and N-key rollover (NKRO) which ensures you get more accurate performance.
The new mechanical keys will be making their debut on Alienware’s thinnest gaming laptops yet – the Alienware m15 R4 and m17 R4. These laptops will now come with an additional option for the Cherry MX Ultra-low profile mechanical keys when you are purchasing your laptops. They do cost a pretty penny – an additional USD$150 (MYR616.31).
The new switches will also play nice with Alienware’s AlienFX software. This means that you can setup your gaming macros and backlight to your own, per game profiles for even more personalisation.