Keyboard Flex on R4

Hi can R4 owners tell me if the there is keyboard flex on there systems? I've read two reviews that both state there is keyboard flex which I think is unacceptable on a system of this price. On one review alienware states that flex is a result of it being a pre production review unit and the retails m17x R4 don't have any flex. Is this true?

 

Yeah, sadly there is some flex in the WASD area, especially I tend to exert more pressure, but it doesn't really bother me that much. I think it's tolerable... I think.

I'm not so sure about the review though..

 

The flex was never that bad even on the R3's. Yes it moves, only slightly. It gives pushing keys a relaxed feeling, I think.

 

Yes, it does flex some. For normal typing (like now) it isn't flexing at all. It may flex some in gaming but it doesn't bother me in the least. I'd probably have not noticed it much, if at all, during normal use if I hadn't read posts about it. It is a comfortable keyboard and I like it more than any other laptop keyboard I've had. As LVNeptune says, it is sort of "relaxing". I really do have to press down much harder than I would ever normally do to notice it much.

 

I think it flexes a bit much to my liking and I do think it should have been of higher standard. Who cares about rainbow backlighting. For gaming, the flex is a bit much in the WASD, but its tolerable.

 

yes, indeed it has a ugly flex in the wasd area.

 

it only flexes if you're like PUSHING the keys down hard... but seriously... who types like that? it's a keyboard, not a typewriter..

even when gaming... if you're mashing the keys that hard... maybe you should take a break and relax for a bit...

 

What ^he said.

 

The Flex barely ever shows or bothers me... Like many have said this is probably one of the best keyboards on a gaming laptop.

 

get a layer of screen protector on ebay and no more flex whatsoever

 

It does flex a bit but just like stated above unless your mashing on the keyboard pretty hard then it is not that bad. If you intentionally look for it then you will find it but even as I type this and watch my hands I don't see it flexing unless I try so I don't think it is that bad.

 

It has a small amount of flex, but it seems to be more of a cushion if you are an intense key tapper. It bothers me none at all. I would not consider it a quality or build issue. It's just the way it is...

 

Jezz, how hard are some of you guys pushing on the keys? It barely flexes in the WASD area with average typing pressure*, if there is any. I personally like how it feels over the chiclet style. Although, everybody has their own preferences.

*Average pressure=What I think average is.

Edit: Since were talking about flex, if you guys push down to the left of the track pad (Like leaning on it with your elbow) does it make it a slight creaking sound. I figure it was normal since it is plastic, but I'm just curious.

 

Yes it does make a squeeky sound when pressed.

 

I do get a slight creaking but due to the plastic construction I can't really say that surprises me. My new car creaks a bit at the plastic parts at times to. I wouldn't be all that concerned about it as it is minimal in my case and does not feel like it going to break at all.

 

What sorta surprises me is, the area right of the track pad is rock solid. No creaking what so ever. I never seen the underneath of it, so I wonder what the difference is.

 

Here's a picture of what's underneath your palmrest assembly.

 

Well, from what the picture tells me, the optical drive and where the (not sure what you would call it) battery latches on to gives the palm rest some support. The spot where you can see straight to the motherboard is where the creaking is. Mystery solved, pretty sure at least.

Side note: It took me a minute to realize that it was a top down view, and not from the bottom. LoL.

 

Well now that we are talking about weird noises it makes.... Mine makes a very loud slam when dropped on a hard floor, does anyone else's make that sound?

 

I hope you're not serious... for your sake.

 

...why would you drop...your Alienware on the floor?

 

LoL, it was accidental each time it has happened. It's a laptop and they tend to be abused more than a desktop due to being portable...But this thing is built like a tank, no damage.

 

So you're very serious that you drop your Alienware multiple times? Holy smokes. Take good care of that thing, It may be built like a tank but you never know. It's not just a phone!!

 

Well I have only dropped it once when the back pack strap broke,but other people have cause it to fall off a table a few times and it was dropped by someone else.

 

I really don't know what to say

 

and thats what upgraded warranty is for...

 

Poor poor Alienware

 

If you press on it hard you can see it flex. If youre just gaming you wont even know about it. Cant feel it at all