AW568 - Keyboard ALIENWARE - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Gaming Keyboard
Brand	Alienware
Model	AW568
Keyboard Layout	Full-size (104 keys)
Connectivity	Wired USB 2.0
Switch Type	Mechanical (Cherry MX Blue)
Backlighting	RGB Per-Key Lighting
Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Polling Rate	1000 Hz
Dimensions (W x D x H)	460 x 200 x 40 mm
Weight	1.2 kg
Cable Length	2.0 m
Power Source	USB Powered
Compatible Operating Systems	Windows 10/11, macOS
Software	Alienware Command Center
Wrist Rest	Detachable, Magnetic
Material	Plastic with Aluminum Top Plate
Warranty	2 Years
Cleaning Instructions	Use compressed air for debris; wipe with damp cloth.
Spare Parts Availability	Keycaps and cables available via Alienware support.

Frequently Asked Questions - AW568 ALIENWARE

How do I set up the AW568 keyboard?

Connect the USB cable to your computer. The keyboard will be recognized automatically. Download the Alienware Command Center software to customize lighting and macros.

Can I change the switch type?

The switches are soldered and not swappable. The keyboard comes with Cherry MX Blue switches. If you need different switches, consider a hot-swappable model.

How do I clean the keyboard?

Unplug the keyboard. Use compressed air to remove debris between keys. Wipe the surface with a slightly damp, lint-free cloth. Avoid liquids near the keys.

Does the keyboard have on-board memory?

Yes, the AW568 has on-board memory to store up to 5 profiles, including lighting and macro assignments, so settings persist without software.

Is the wrist rest removable?

Yes, the wrist rest is magnetic and detachable for easy cleaning or to save desk space.

What is the polling rate?

The keyboard supports a 1000 Hz polling rate, ensuring ultra-low latency for competitive gaming.

How do I reset the keyboard to factory defaults?

Hold down the Fn + Esc keys for 5 seconds until the lights flash. This resets all settings to default.

Can I use the keyboard with a console?

The keyboard is designed for PC, but it may work with consoles that support USB keyboards. Functionality and lighting software are limited on consoles.

What is the key rollover?

The AW568 supports N-Key Rollover over USB, meaning each keypress is registered independently, even when many keys are pressed simultaneously.

How do I create macros?

Open Alienware Command Center, select your keyboard, go to the Macros tab, and record a sequence of keys. Assign the macro to any programmable key.

USER MANUAL AW568 ALIENWARE

Notes, cautions, and warnings

NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.

△ CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates potential damage to hardware or loss of data if instructions are not followed.

⚠ WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.

Copyright ©2017-2018 Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. Dell, EMC, and other trademarks are trademarks of Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. Other trademarks may be trademarks of their respective owners.

2018 - 08

Rev. A01

Contents

What's in the box....4

Features 5

Setting up your gaming keyboard ....7

Alienware Command Center....8

Installing AWCC through Windows Update....8

Installing AWCC from the Dell Support website ..... 8

Using your gaming keyboard....9

Troubleshooting....11

Specifications....12

Statutory Information....13

Warranty 13

Limited warranty and return polices ..... 13

For U.S. customers: 13

For European, Middle Eastern, and African customers: ..... 13

For non-U.S. customers: 13

1 keyboard 2 documents

NOTE: The documents that shipped with the gaming keyboard may vary based on your region.

Features

Feature Functionality

1 Programmable macro keys (5) Allows you to add a custom keystroke for each macro key with software recording. To change the functionality of each macro key, see Alienware Command Center.

2 Multimedia keys Dedicated audio control buttons. 3 Three-angle adjustable feet Allows you to customize the tilts to three different angles. 4 Alienhead logo Load custom lighting effect for the Alienhead logo. To change the lighting effect of the Alienhead logo, see Alienware Command Center.

5 Alienfx tron lighting Load custom lighting effect for the Alienfx tron lighting. To change the lighting effect of the Alienhead logo, see Alienware Command Center.

This keyboard's iconic Alienware design brings an added layer of imposing style to your setup. Enhance your gaming experience with AlienFX –an RGB lighting system designed to bring you closer to the worlds you play in with dynamic lighting effects tied directly to the in-game action.

Some additional features of this keyboard include:

• Iconic Alienware design with AlienFX 16.8M RGB ambient lighting
• Brown-mechanical keys
• Tested for durability to a 50 million cycle life

• 45g actuation force

• 60g tactile force

• 2mm actuation distance
• 4mm total travel distance
• Less than 5ms bounce time (during actuation speed of 0.4 ~m / s )
• 1000 Hz (1ms) polling rate
• Anti-Ghosting and N-key rollover on all keys
• All programmable keys
• Optional palm rest (sold separately)

Increased control and accuracy

Smooth, responsive game play:

Anti-ghosting and N-key rollover on all keys, and 5 programmable macro key functions let you learn your keyboard like an instrument, conquering every match with pro-level reaction time.

Bring a competitive edge to every game:

Mechanical-brown switches are designed with all gamers in mind—from novice to expert. They deliver solid tactile feedback with low actuation force and low click noise.

Built for responsiveness, designed for comfort

Game for hours in comfort with durable mechanical switches that boast 50 million keystroke life cycles. Plus, your keyboard comes with adjustable audio controls, three adjustable feet angles and an optional palm rest that attaches magnetically.

Setting up your gaming keyboard

1. Connect your keyboard to the USB port on your computer.

1. Download and install the Alienware Command Center.

NOTE: You can use your gaming keyboard as a desktop keyboard without installing the Alienware Command Center.

Alienware Command Center

Alienware Command Center provides a single interface to customize and enhance the gaming experience.

Note: For more information, see Alienware Command Center Online Help.

Installing AWCC through Windows Update

1. Connect your Alienware peripheral to your computer through the USB port. The AWCC application is downloaded and installed automatically. AWCC installation may take up to 10 minutes to complete.
2. Navigate to the program folder to ensure that the AWCC installation is complete.
3. Launch AWCC and perform the following steps to download the additional software components:

-In the Settings window, click Windows Update, and then click Check for updates to check the Alienware driver update progress. -If the driver update is not responding in your computer, install AWCC from the Dell Support website.

Installing AWCC from the Dell Support website

1. Download the latest version of the following applications at www.dell.com/support/drivers.

-Alienware Command Center -Alienware Gaming Peripheral driver

1. Navigate to the folder where you saved the setup files.
2. Double-click the setup file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the application.

Using your gaming keyboard

Keys User action Keyboard behavior

1 Fn Lock Press FN + Fn Lock Locks the F1 to F12 media control functions
2 Game Mode (disable Windows key)	Press FN + F1 Disables the Windows key function
3 Ambient-light adjustment	Press FN + F7 Press FN + F8	FN + F7 decreases the ambient light on your keyboard. FN + F8 decreases the intensity of ambient light strip.
4 Media playback	Press FN + F9 Press FN + F10 Press FN + F11 Press FN + F12	FN + F9 Play previous track or chapter FN + F10 Play/Pause FN + F11 Stop FN + F12 Play next track or chapter
5 Volume control	Press the volume control keys	Mutes the audio, decreases and increases the volume
6 Alienhead Press the Alienhead Press the Alienhead to turn off/turn on the keyboard lighting for both the Alienhead and AlienFx.
7 FN toggle Press and hold FN + F1 to F12		Toggle different FN functions from F1 to F12

Troubleshooting

Problems Possible solutions

Keyboard is not functioning	·Unplug the keyboard and plug it back in to the USB port on your computer.·Plug the keyboard to another USB port.·Restart the system.
Keyboard lighting is off	·Press the Alienhead button on the keyboard. Ensure that the light is on the keyboard.·Unplug the keyboard and plug it back in to the USB port on your computer.·Plug the keyboard to another USB port.·Restart the system.
You need more information in using the Alienware Command Center features	·Open the Alienware Command Center.·Click the Help icon. The Alienware Command Center Online Help appears.·Click the Contents tab.·From the Contents tab, click the required topic to find more details on Alienware Command Center features.
The gaming keyboard is not functioning based on the configuration selected in the Alienware Command Center	·Ensure the Alienware Command Center is running on your computer.·Open the Alienware Command Center and ensure that the configuration for your gaming keyboard is set properly and saved.

Specifications

General

Model number AW568
Connection type USB
Supported operating systems▪	Microsoft Windows 10

Electrical

Operating voltage 5V

Operating power current Maximum up to 300mA

Physical Characteristics

Height	33.5 mm (± 0.5mm); 53.5mm with feet
Length	450 mm (± 0.5mm)
Width	172 mm (± 0.5mm)
Weight	1400g (± 10g)

Environmental

Operating temperature 0°C to 40°C

Storage temperature -40°C to 65°C

Operating humidity 90% maximum relative humidity, non condensing

Storage humidity 90% maximum relative humidity, non condensing

Statutory Information

Warranty

Limited warranty and return polices

Dell-branded products carry a 1-year limited hardware warranty. If purchased together with a Dell system, it will follow the system warranty.

For U.S. customers:

This purchase and your use of this product are subject to Dell's end user agreement, which you can find at Dell.com/terms. This document contains a binding arbitration clause.

For European, Middle Eastern, and African customers:

Dell-branded products that are sold and used are subject to applicable national consumer legal rights, the terms of any retailer sale agreement that you have entered into (which will apply between you and the retailer) and Dell's end user contract terms.

Dell may also provide an additional hardware warranty—full details of the Dell end user contract and warranty terms can be found by going to Dell.com, selecting your country from the list at the bottom of the "home" page and then clicking the "terms and conditions" link for the end user terms or the "support" link for the warranty terms.

For non-U.S. customers:

Dell-branded products that are sold and used are subject to applicable national consumer legal rights, the terms of any retailer sale agreement that you have entered into (which will apply between you and the retailer) and Dell's warranty terms. Dell may also provide an additional hardware warranty

—full details of Dell's warranty terms can be found by going to Dell.com, selecting your country from the list at the bottom of the "home" page and then clicking the "terms and conditions" link or the "support" link for the warranty terms.