Very Cherry Keyboard Offers Slinky Low Profile And Perfect Mechanical Switches

The new KW X ULP is a mechanical keyboard with a slim profile that makes it look far more stylish ... [+] than traditional mechanical keyboards.

Regular readers will know I’m a big fan of mechanical keyboards and regularly review various models here. One brand that has eluded me so far is the ever-popular and long-established Cherry. This German manufacturer of computer, office and gaming accessories is also a market leader in making mechanical key switches for keyboards and has more experience than almost anyone else.

Cherry has just launched its KW X ULP. This dynamic and ultra-slim mechanical keyboard uses the company's award-winning Cherry MX Ultra Low Profile (ULP) mechanical switches for a superb typing experience.

At the heart of the remarkably slim KW X ULP are ULP switches with a height of just 3.5mm, 70% less than standard MX switches. The switches have the classic mechanic typing feel despite being almost as slim as a membrane keyboard. The polycarbonate keycaps feature discreet cupping for the best possible fingertip contact when typing.

The keys are so slim, they are up to 70% shorter than standard mechanical keyboard switches.

The keyboard is housed in a smart black case and made from anodized and milled aluminum plate; the keys have a smart monochrome backlight. Despite looking incredibly sleek and attractive, the KW X ULP is precise to type on and very durable.

Cherry MX Ultra Low-Profile switches were developed and manufactured in Germany. They offer a top-end typing action with precision and comfort. In a press release to accompany the launch, Cherry claims the keys have anti-ghosting and full-N key rollover to ensure every press is registered – even when typing quickly. This accuracy and precision make the new keyboard ideal for writing or programming and for an evening of gaming.

The versatility of the KW X ULP is reflected in its flexible connectivity with four channels. Wireless devices like smartphones or tablets can be connected via two Bluetooth 5.2 channels, which can be easily switched. There's also a USB-A to USB-C cable for connecting to devices like desktop PCs or gaming consoles and the cable can also be used to charge the keyboard's built-in battery.

The KX X UKP can be connected with up to three different Bluetooth devices as well as via USB cable ... [+] and with a special 2.5GHz RF wireless dongle.

The keyboard has a fourth channel that relies on USB but works wirelessly. By connecting included USB dongle to a host device, the keyboard can connect over a 2.4GHz RF channel with AES 128 encryption. When the dongle is not needed, it can be stowed away in the keyboard housing, where it is magnetically secured.

Users of the new keyboard can switch between the different connection modes by pressing the F1 to F4 keys and color LEDs indicate which device is currently active. All the LOCK, Windows, and FN keys also show their status with integrated LEDs. The keyboard's backlight can be adjusted through 10 brightness levels or turned off completely to save power. An RGB LED in the Cherry key shows the keyboard's battery status when charging. The Windows keys can be disabled at the push of a button for gaming sessions.

Cherry has a reputation for making keyboards that last almost forever. Their durability and resilience are legendary. The KW X ULP has three slip-resistant feet to provide stability and the legends on each keycap are abrasion-resistant for long-term legibility. The built-in battery can last several weeks in wireless mode, although precise times will depend on whether the backlights are on. The MX Ultra Low-Profile switches are guaranteed for up to 50 million presses per button, so you won't need to replace them quickly.

Pricing & Availability: The Cherry KW X ULP mechanical keyboard is available now at Amazon and costs $249.99.

More info: cherryamericas.com

Offering the best of mechanical performance with the sleek looks of a membrane model, the KW X ULP ... [+] is a top-end keyboard that not only is a joy to type on, it looks pretty good too.