Cherry XTRFY MX 8.3 TKL Wireless Keyboard Review
DISCLOSURE -THIS ITEM WAS GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW. ALL THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS ARE THE REVIEWER’S OWN.
Reviewed by Jenny Bray
This is a new gaming keyboard from Cherry and, as gaming keyboards go, this has to be up there; it is quick and responsive, has quiet and smooth keys and great backlighting.
This keyboard arrived in a standard box, but within that box, under all the packaging to keep it safe having been sent from Germany, was a much more impressive product box that pulled apart to show a layer of tissue paper before revealing the product itself. Inside the box were the keyboard itself, the instruction manual, USB cable, wireless receiver dongle, four spare MX2A switches and a tool to use to change these and four spare gasket support rubbers. There is no charger included which I would have expected to have received with this product.
Upon setting the keyboard up, it has the option of being wired (USB-c), wireless and connected via Bluetooth or wireless (2.4 GHz) via the wireless receiver which is provided. If wired then it is capable of 8000 Hz, versus 4000 Hz when wireless. Just to clarify; 8000 Hz means it can report input eight times per millisecond! There should be absolutely no input lagging due to keyboard issues in any fast paced games with this piece of kit!
This keyboard can connect to up to 3 different devices via Bluetooth, by using different channels for each device. This is handy if alternating between computers or using it for a game via your mobile (which we set it up to do and it switched quickly and easily).
This item is made from aluminium and is a lot heavier and sturdier than a standard plastic keyboard. This adds to the feeling of it being a high end item and makes it less likely to move around if you’re using it quite ferociously in a game that requires multiple keys pressing quickly, which makes it feel more durable than others. It also comes with four hot swappable MX2A switches (quieter, no clicking bases for some of the keys, likely those used most often for up, down, left and right) and an instrument to change them, so that you can change in your favourite keys in your favourite configuration yourself for ease.
In terms of the quiet and smooth keys, Cherry describe these better than I can, on their website, as; ‘equipped with a special gasket construction and several layers of inner padding, making your typing even smoother’. The keys have PBT keycaps which are resistant to abrasion, meaning they should remain pristine for longer (and still show the symbol on them rather than the main keys being used ending up pitted and no longer showing the symbol on it, which most keyboards eventually have after heavy use!). The keyboard also has a bar to the rear to allow the keyboard to be lowered or raised according to personal preference.
It can be connected to Cherry software for configuring if needed, although only via windows. This provides an additional bonus of being able to configure the keys however you prefer them, not just via the options provided as standard, as long as you have windows. The software also enables upload of a JPEG or PNG image on screen and a GIF for while it is loading.
This is a compact keyboard with a tenkeyless setup (no number pad) meaning it doesn’t take up too much of your desk, but it still has an integrated rotary knob for adjusting the volume, lighting, switching between different devices connected in Bluetooth mode and an LCD display that shows connection mode, battery life and more. For those that are interested, this can also show your APM (actions per minute – typing speed) and there are three customisable profiles for settings.
Cherry specialise in technology items and have been around since 1953. It was a shame to see that this item was made in China, although not unexpected as most technology items seem to be made there these days. They do at least opt for more environmentally friendly, plastic free, packaging wherever possible.
This feels like a high end, well made, product. It’s super fast in terms of responsiveness, having been designed for speed and also feels of high quality. However, the price reflects this and at around £260 (€299 imported) may be cost-prohibitive for most standard/basic gamers budgets. However, for those willing to spend extra on this item, it will not disappoint and may even help you win those high paced games that require a little edge in responsiveness, while also looking good within your gaming set up.
I rate this 4/5 (only dropping a point due to the price making it unaffordable for many people’s budgets)
The RRP for this item is €299 (approximately £259.93 as of September 2025 exchange rates)
It can be purchased on their website here; https://shop.cherry.de/cherry-xtrfy-mx-8-3-tkl-wireless.html
Rating: 4/5