Three years ago, Alienware partnership with legendary keyboard key-Cherry maker to create a binary mechanical exchange experience only for laptops. Nhow these options are finally available in Alienware m15 R4 and m17 R4 laptops.
Unlike their previous MX Low Profile switches, Cherry’s new MX Ultra Low Profile switches are significantly thinner measuring just 3.5 mm in height, which allows Alienware to keep the same chiclet-style keys it currently uses, but with the satisfying click people expect to find good mechanical switches.
Cherry’s new switches are on a third of the thickness of its previous MX Low Profile switches (11.9 mm), while also incorporating a new design that was apparently inspired by the gull-wing doors on a Delorean.
In increasing the width of the switch, creating a new two-piece key structure and using new stainless steel components, Cherry can make switches that are more stable and durable than before, with each switch rated to withstand up to 15 millions of keystrokes. And even with a relatively deep 1.8mm key shift (for a laptop), the thickness of Cherry’s new switches meant that Alienware was able to add them as an option on their m15 R4 and m17 R4 gaming notebooks. without changing the basic dimensions of the laptop.
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And how would you expect On a gaming laptop, Alienware also includes AlienFX RGB lighting, 100% anti-ghosting technology and n-key rollover to ensure that each keystroke is registered correctly.
The main disadvantage of Cherry’s new MX Ultra Low Profile switches is that they generate a $ 150 premium compared to the standard switches used in Alienware’s standard laptop configurations. TThis is not an insignificant price increase, meaning that people may be forced to choose between a more sophisticated built-in laptop keyboard or buy a separate external mechanical keyboard to use when playing at home.
That said, as someone who generally prefers wider keyboards and the discreet design of laptop keyboards, it is good to see that there is still room for improvement. And with updated 11th generation Intel processors and new 30 series GPUs from Nvidia, Alienware m15 and m17 R4 gaming laptops have many powerful options, assuming you are willing to pay for upgrades.