Two things people should know about me: I love tiny things, but I hate tiny keyboards. I reluctantly took on the CHERRY XTRFY K5V2 Compact Keyboard on a whim, knowing I couldn’t fault it for not being a full-sized keyboard, and I am so very glad that I did. I adore this keyboard and have had a lot of fun uncovering all its little secrets—and there are many.
Something I love about CHERRY is that their keyboards are so customizable, much like Drop keyboards. Many people think of CHERRY as “the switch people,” but they do so much more, including excellent keyboards, mice and even microphones. The CHERRY XTRFY K5V2 Compact keyboard continues the company’s streak as another outstanding addition to its lineup of products.
I ended up with the CHERRY XTRFY K5V2 Compact Black keyboard with their new MX2A Red switches, but went on to find out there are countless customization options. Obviously, I had to head over to their site to see what I could come up with. My version of the K5V2 comes in at $139.99 USD, but you can really up the cost if you want to get fancy. There are over 150 options available.
You can customize the K5V2 Compact by choosing your base, switches, base keycaps, add-on keycaps, Tai-Hao rubber keycaps, frame, cable, logo plate, wrist rest, carrying case, assembly and even your deskpad. I would argue that these aren’t all for the keyboard, but I love that they offer the option to carry your aesthetic throughout your entire desk space.
But…the more you customize, the more it costs. Without anything beyond the keyboard itself, my customized option came to $192.10 USD using the same switches my black version came with. My version did not come with a wrist rest, and I highly recommend you pick one up, even if it isn’t on their site. My only real complaint was that I didn’t have one to fit the keyboard and that the risers on the back could stand to use one more height to increase the angle slightly. Oh, and the weird magnetic logo plate that I will definitely lose. I’m not sure why this exists.
Now, let’s move on to what I adore about this keyboard. The CHERRY XTRFY K5V2 Compact Keyboard comes with their brand-new MX2A switches, and my Red switches felt incredible in everyday use. I could best describe the feeling and sound as creamy and then read the label, which says “butter-smooth typing optimized acoustics.” I’d say they hit the nail on the end. Even my partner, who prefers low-profile, laptop-like keys, mentioned that he loved the sound of the K5V2.
“The CHERRY XTRFY K5V2 Compact Keyboard comes with their brand-new MX2A switches, and my Red switches felt incredible in everyday use.”
I knew I would love the feeling of the keyboard. I’ve recently become very fond of all the different sounds and feelings keyboards can deliver (not to mention some cool lighting options), and CHERRY has quickly become one of my favourites with the CHERRY XTRFY K5V2 Compact Keyboard. These lubricated switches have 4mm total travel and feature a new super-scan technology, meaning the K5V2 scans all keys every half a millisecond.
What surprised me more than how great it sounds, which is saying a lot, is that I didn’t have to overcorrect my typing nearly as much as I thought I would. I usually used the ROCCAT Vulcan II Max, and it’s been my baby for the last two years. I’ve been using a full-sized keyboard daily for most of my life. Usually, whenever I jump to a compact keyboard, I’m furious and send all the typos to my friends and colleagues. I was able to type without looking down just as well as usual and was genuinely shocked.
Basically, most of this review is CHERRY proving that you can teach an old dog new tricks. I was able to dive into a keyboard size I regularly hate and fall in love. What’s more, CHERRY makes jumping into everything the K5V2 Compact has to offer so simple. There is no software to speak of, so I did need to follow a QR code that led me to a zipped file with instructions to update the keyboard’s firmware, but this was the hardest part of the whole experience and simple. You can check it out below. And to see which version you have, it is literally a keyboard shortcut. Pressing FN+V on any text document will bring it up—XtrfyK5 1.04, see?
From there, I was met with learning a whole bunch of new keyboard shortcuts. There is a handy little shortcut map in the box, plus a great-looking braided USB-C cable and key tool. Without software, you can still take on per-key customizable RGB illumination, macros, and media controls with ease. There are even nine keys dedicated entirely to mouse movement. It does take a few minutes to sit down and learn everything, but once you do, it’s a breeze.
I love that with a press of a couple of keys, I can go from flowing rainbow keys to my blue and pink per-key lighting, which is saved on board. Something to note, though, is that I had a hard time sorting out the typing effects. If the keyboard is at max brightness, you really can’t see the effects. Lowering the overall brightness will allow you to see the ripple or other effects. I was hoping the brightness would carry through, but it didn’t.
The CHERRY XTRFY K5V2 Compact Keyboard would be ideal for gamers on the go, provided they are happy with a wired connection. With no battery life to worry about, the K5V2 is the perfect size to throw in a bag and take on the go, and without the need for software, you can get up and running anywhere you might be without any hassle (or programs like Razer Synapse trying to take over your PC).
I was pleasantly surprised with the K5V2, so much so that I threw it in my purse to take to the office to show off. That is a great sign for CHERRY and a clear sign that I am a nerd. The CHERRY XTRFY K5V2 Compact Keyboard’s base model comes in at a reasonable $139.99, offers plenty of customization if you want it, and provides a hassle-free, software-free experience that doesn’t sacrifice performance or style to do so.
