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Cherry is without a doubt the most well-known manufacturer of mechanical keyboard switches; nevertheless, until the recent announcement of the KW X ULP, I was completely unaware of the company’s in-house brand of keyboards until then. This is a keyboard designed for business and everyday usage, and it actually has a pretty sleek appearance, despite the fact that I most often equate Cherry switches with gaming.
I’ll be the first to admit that the Cherry KW X ULP is one of my favorites. Typing on it is incredibly comfortable, and it’s fairly accurate and responsive for a keyboard of its size. The design is small and low-profile, so it feels like any other compact keyboard. In addition to having an attractive appearance because to its streamlined design and metal frame, it is also rather adaptable because it can accommodate up to four different devices.
Cherry KW X ULP Specifications
Cherry is without a doubt the most well-known manufacturer of mechanical keyboard switches; nevertheless, until the recent announcement of the KW X ULP, I was completely unaware of the company’s in-house brand of keyboards until then.
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Backlight | White 10-stage backlight |
Dimensions | 17.32×5.24×0.63 inches (439.93×133.1×16 mm) |
Number of Keys | 110 |
Charging | USB Type-C port (Type-C to Type-A cable included) |
Keycaps | Polycarbonate |
link | Check Price |
Cherry KW X ULP: Design
![Cherry KW X ULP review](https://www.compsmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Capture-510.jpg)
It’s vital to make a good first impression, and the Cherry KW X ULP feels fairly amazing right out of the box. Cherry was able to maintain the keyboard’s sleek profile by employing switches with an exceptionally low profile. This allowed the company to manufacture a mechanical keyboard that was significantly thinner than is typical. I was rather taken aback by the fact that it weighs just a shade over 600 grams because it is quite light. Recently, I tested out the Logitech MX Keys S, which is a membrane keyboard, and I found that this one felt significantly lighter without giving off an impression of being cheap.
In point of fact, it has a somewhat upscale quality. The bottom of the plate that Cherry uses is composed of plastic, but the plate itself is anodized aluminum. The top of the keyboard has a brushed black surface, while the edge is made of polished metal, which both looks and feels fantastic. This chassis has almost no give to it at all, giving the impression that it was constructed quite robustly.
Cherry KW X ULP: Connectivity
The fact that this keyboard can be connected to such a wide variety of devices is yet another advantage of purchasing it. The F1 through F4 keys make it simple to switch between the various connected devices; this allows for simultaneous use of up to four devices. The first option is to make use of a specialized wireless dongle, which can be linked to any electronic device that possesses a USB Type-A connector. Not only does this have the benefit of being wireless, but it should also have less latency, and it does not require the complicated setup of Bluetooth devices. Setting up Bluetooth devices can be a real nuisance.
Additionally, it is compatible with two Bluetooth devices, so you may use it with your smartphone or tablet. You also have the option of using a wired connection by employing the USB Type-C to Type-A connector that was included with the device.
Cherry KW X ULP: Performance
![Cherry KW X ULP review](https://www.compsmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Capture-511.jpg)
A high-performance wireless keyboard that was developed to increase productivity and improve the user experience, the Cherry KW X ULP is available from Cherry. Because of its extremely low power consumption, it guarantees an exceptionally extended battery life, allowing for continuous use. The keyboard is equipped with the well-known mechanical key switches manufactured by Cherry. These key switches provide a pleasurable typing experience, with superior tactile feedback and decreased typing fatigue. Because of its dependable wireless connectivity, its operation is guaranteed to be faultless and uninterrupted at all times.
Cherry KW X ULP: Battery life
The Cherry KW X ULP is powered by a 2800 mAh lithium-ion battery that can be charged. Cherry claims that the battery life in wireless mode can be many weeks, though this will vary depending on the frequency of use and the brightness settings of the keyboard’s backlights. Battery life is roughly 200 hours when the backlights are turned off. The battery life drops to about 50 hours if the backlights are on.
Cherry KW X ULP: Pricing and Availability
The current price on Amazon is $250. Black and silver versions of the keyboard are on offer. It works fine on PCs running Windows, Mac OS X, and Android. The Cherry KW X ULP is equipped with Cherry MX Ultra Low Profile switches, which are known for their tactile feedback and quick response time.
The keyboard is portable due to its small size and light weight. With the backlights turned off, its rechargeable battery can last for up to 200 hours. If you want a premium wireless mechanical keyboard but don’t want to sacrifice portability, the Cherry KW X ULP is a fantastic choice.
Final Words
The Cherry KW X ULP’s high price tag is its biggest drawback. This mechanical keyboard costs $250, making it more expensive than alternatives like the Logitech MX Mechanical and the Razer Pro Type Ultra. There are keyboards available for the same price, but they are designed for enthusiasts and lack basic features like backlighting and changeable keys and switches. But none of them are as tiny or elegant as this one, making it a one-of-a-kind option for the workplace.
Cherry KW X ULP review: The good and The bad
The capability of the Cherry KW X ULP to manage up to four different devices at the same time is among the most astounding aspects of this lapel microphone.
The Good
- Premium slim design with a metal frame
- Multi-device connectivity, including via cable
The Bad
- It’s way too expensive
Questions and Answers
Gateron switches are smoother than Cherry switches, which makes them feel better. Cherry MX switches last longer, but they cost more than Gateron switches. If you’re on a tight budget, Gateron switches are the way to go. Cherry switches, on the other hand, may be better for a more expensive keyboard.
Most people agree that Cherry MX Brown is the best “middle-ground” switch. Its tactile bump, silent travel, and medium actuation force make it a flexible switch. Because the physical bump is caused by a bump in the interruption fin, the hysteresis is less noticeable than with the Cherry MX Blue.