What happened? PC giant Alienware has announced several new products that will send gamers hearts and, in the case of the monitor, their wallets crying. In addition to a pair of headsets, the company’s first wireless gaming keyboard, and a wireless mouse, the Dell subsidiary unveiled a 500Hz monitor with a tag of $829.99.
Starting with that display, the 24.5-inch Alienware AW2524H has a 480Hz refresh rate overclocked to 500Hz. Like most monitors that reach these kinds of blistering speeds, it has a maximum resolution of 1080p, although it uses an IPS rather than the usual TN panel, which should provide better color accuracy and viewing angles.
The monitor also comes with Nvidia’s G-Sync and Reflex Analyzer, Vesa DisplayHDR 400 certification, customizable RGB backlighting, and a headset hanger that pulls to the side.
Port-wise, the Alienware AW2524H has two USB-A inputs (5Gbps), two 3.5mm audio jacks, a DisplayPort 1.4 connector, and two HDMI 2.1 ports. DP input is required to reach 500Hz refresh rate – HDMI is limited to ‘only’ 240Hz. The monitor will launch on March 21 for $829.99
This is not the first 500Hz monitor. Back in May, Nvidia used the Computex 2022 keynote to reveal an Asus monitor with the same refresh rate, albeit one using a TN panel. However, the company now says it has overclocked the ROG Swift Pro PG248QP up to 540Hz. No word on pricing yet, but it’s set to launch in Q2.
Elsewhere, Alienware announced the mechanical AW920K Tri-Mode Wireless Gaming Keyboard. It uses Cherry MX Red switches and PBT double-shot keycaps. There are features like a programmable rocker switch and dial, anti-ghosting, magnetic snap-on charging, Cherry switch, and N-key rollover. It connects to a device via a 2.4GHz wireless USB-C dongle, Bluetooth 5.1, or a detachable USB-A to USB-C paracord cable, which is very similar to the Asus ROG Azoth (future review). The Alienware keyboard went on sale in Q3 for $289.99.
There is also a tenkeyless version of the AW920K keyboard in lunar white, priced at $159.99.
Next are the headsets. Alienware launched wired and wireless versions, both with 45mm sliding headbands and fabric-covered memory foam ear cups. The wireless version uses 40mm drivers, has Dolby Atmos support, and has 30 hours of battery life. It’s available now for $160. The wired headset offers similar features, connecting via USB or a 3.5mm port. It costs $100 and will be launched on April 14 in North America and China and on May 19 in the rest of the world.
Finally, there’s the Alienware AW610M Wireless Gaming Mouse. Available in “Lunar Light” and “Dark Side of the Moon” colors, the mouse features a 26,000 DPI optical sensor, seven programmable buttons, and three-zone RGB lighting. Users get 140 hours of use between charges, and it can be fast-charged in five minutes for ten hours of use. It’s available in the US now for $99.
