[smartPC사랑=이백현 기자] Custom keyboards with 65% alignment and hot swap support are especially popular among enthusiasts. The first new product released by Cherry after acquiring Xtrify, ‘Cherry Xtrify K5V2’ is Cherry’s first custom keyboard that combines various elements to stimulate keyboard enthusiasts. It looks like he is armed and ‘sword sharpened’. Let’s take a closer look at the Cherry Xtrify K5V2 (hereinafter referred to as K5V2).
Specifications
Model Name: CHERRY XTRFY K5V2 COMPACT
Color: AMNIS
Key layout: 67 keys (65%)
Switch: MX2A RGB Red
Hot Swap: Support PCB hot swap
Keycap: PBT/Dye-sublimated
Supported platforms: Windows/Mac/iOS/Android
RGB: Supported
Size: 360x172x44
Weight: 841g
Warranty period: 2 years
Compact 67-key layout, configuration including long pad
The first thing that catches your eye is the compact 65% layout and the keycap design that resembles waves on the beach. The F1 to F12 keys were removed to pursue space efficiency, but the arrow keys were retained to accommodate uses such as gaming.
When you open the product package, you can see the keyboard body and desk pad inside the sponge, and cables, extra switches, and keycap/switch pullers are also provided.
It looks like they put some effort into the product box design.
When you open the product, you can immediately check the main body and desk pad. In addition to the main body and long pad, 6 extra MX6A switches, switch/keycap puller, USB Type-C cable, logo sticker, quick start guide, and function function sheet are provided. 67-key layout with arrow keys left behind
We provide a desk pad with an elegant design that matches well with the keyboard.
Custom keyboard for enthusiasts
K5V2 almost follows the formula of the ‘custom keyboard’ preferred by keyboard enthusiasts. A 65% arrangement that emphasizes minimalism, as well as PBT keycaps designed with a wave pattern, factory lubricated switches, and an easily removable housing. A thorough collection of elements that users are interested in, such as double-applied sound-absorbing materials. Of course, the switch hot swap function, which is an essential element of a custom keyboard, cannot be left out.
PBT dye-sublimated keycaps were used, and the Esc key was engraved with a cherry logo. You can input ‘`’ and ‘~’ along with the function key. The cable terminal is located near number 2. The Cherry Chexstrify logo is engraved on the back. The interior is transparent thanks to the translucent housing. When the keycap is removed, the phrase ‘CUSTOMIZE ME’ is engraved with an emoticon near the space bar. There is a magnet with the Xtrify logo attached. This is good for preventing losing screws, etc. when disassembling the keyboard.
Meanwhile, since the K5V2 is a finished keyboard, consumers who have only used ready-made keyboards can use it without any burden. Also, in the case of existing custom keyboards, they are products produced in small quantities by small and medium-sized companies, so there are cases where they are lacking in product finish or performance, but as the K5V2 is a keyboard made by Cherry, it provides proven build quality and PCB board performance.
In general, custom keyboards are evaluated as not suitable for gaming, but the K5V2 provides performance that meets the user’s level even in the gaming field with the MX2A switch, which will be described later.
MX2A red switch
Cherry MX Red has been the most popular linear type switch on mechanical keyboards. Meanwhile, Cherry’s newly introduced MX2A Red features a softer key feel by applying lubrication at the factory stage, which has been the domain of enthusiasts.
A barrel-type spring was used instead of a cylindrical spring to prevent the switch from shaking even after repeated inputs, and pure gold was used at the contact point that generates the electric signal to increase reaction speed. Due to the response speed of less than 1ms, it fully supports polling rates of over 1,000Hz and is therefore suitable for use as a gaming keyboard.
Meanwhile, despite these few changes, the feel of the existing red key keys remained almost the same. In fact, when you type on the keyboard, the feel of the keys is almost similar to that of the existing red keys, but in the case of the K5V2, the double sound-absorbing material composition and factory lubrication create a synergy, resulting in a softer feel.
The MX2A red switch is used, and you can see the cherry stabilizer. The switch can be easily replaced without soldering.
Gorgeous RGB and various functional functions
Another thing worth looking at in the K5V2 is its function function. In order not to spoil the design, the function functions are not indicated on the keycap, but it has so many functions that a separate table indicating the function functions is provided as a component. It not only supports media keys such as F1~F12, play, and stop, but also provides more functions than a full-size keyboard, such as mouse click, macro, window lock, and RGB control.
Function functions are assigned to almost all keys.
It is also worth noting that it supports a variety of RGB modes and that all RGB effects can be ‘onboard controlled’ without separate software. And when connecting the K5V2 to a USB 3.0 or higher terminal, you can use the RGB effect in USB 3 mode by pressing Fn+Ctrl (right). In this mode, the maximum light intensity of the switch increases.
You can control the RGB effect without any additional software, and when used in USB 3 mode, a brighter and more colorful RGB effect is provided.
In conclusion
Cherry Xtrify K5V2 is a custom keyboard that boasts performance and appeal to keyboard enthusiasts as well as existing users. Unlike existing custom keyboards, it lives up to its name in terms of functionality and performance, so if you like the design, you can choose it without hesitation.
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