CHERRY unveils quiet, sustainable keyboards for offices
CHERRY has launched a series of mechanical keyboards designed for contemporary office and home working environments.
The new range includes four models: KW 300 MX, KW 300W MX, KW 550 MX LP, and KW X ULP 2.0 MINI. All four keyboards are engineered with quieter operation, comfort, and sustainability as primary considerations.
Design and features
The KW 300 MX and KW 300W MX both feature insulated housings and a compact 82-key layout. These models incorporate CHERRY's latest MX2A switches aimed at delivering a softer and quieter typing experience. Both keyboards offer hot-swappable sockets, which enables users to change switch types with ease. High-quality PBT keycaps support durability for regular usage, while the KW 300 MX offers additional replaceable keycaps specifically for Mac users. Dimmable white backlighting is included as standard on both models.
Security and performance functions such as a 1000 Hz polling rate, anti-ghosting technology, N-key rollover, and AES-128 encryption are present in both the KW 300 MX and KW 300W MX models. Connectivity options comprise Bluetooth 5.2 and USB-C ports. The external design also incorporates sustainability, using 65% recycled plastic in the lower housing. Packaging materials for both are plastic-free, relying on silk-like paper and paper-based seals instead.
Low-profile and compact options
The KW 550 MX LP introduces CHERRY's new MX Low Profile 2.0 switches, resulting in a reduced overall keyboard height and lower sound output. Its layout covers 96% of a standard full-sized keyboard but maintains a height of just under 22mm. The keyboard is equipped with adjustable feet and supports both Bluetooth 5.2 and USB-C connections. Similar to other models in the line-up, packaging avoids the use of plastic in favour of sustainable materials.
For those prioritising compactness and portability, the KW X ULP 2.0 MINI features ultra-low-profile mechanical switches and adopts a 75% layout, compatible with both Windows and macOS. The keyboard is constructed with a discrete anodised aluminium top plate and concave polycarbonate keycaps designed for grip and durability. Connectivity options include wireless USB-C, 2.4 GHz, and Bluetooth 5.2 Low Energy. Security is addressed through AES-128 encryption, meeting the needs of users in shared workspaces.
The CHERRY logo on the KW X ULP 2.0 MINI doubles as a charge status indicator. For added portability, the keyboard also includes a magnetic nano receiver and a transport pouch manufactured from recycled materials. CHERRY states the updated model uses more recycled content than previous iterations and features quieter operation.
Company reasoning and user needs
Tanja Knahn, Head of Brand & Communication at CHERRY, said:
"Modern mechanical keyboards with RGB and special designs are now widely available on the market for gamers. However, the situation is different in the office and home office sectors. Countless users want modern and ergonomic mechanical keyboards in the office environment too. Mechanical keyboards that don't attract attention in shared offices with unpleasant typing noises and colourful RGB lighting."
"We are now fulfilling this wish with the compact and sustainable models KW 300 MX, KW 300W MX, KW 550 MX LP, and KW X ULP 2.0 MINI – all elegantly designed and wireless. The different switch technologies and form factors result in a wide range for diverse requirements."
The suggested retail prices are as follows: KW 300 MX at GBP £95.36, KW 300W MX at GBP £119, KW 550 MX LP at GBP £99, and KW X ULP 2.0 MINI at GBP £189. The KW 300W MX is offered specifically for Windows users and does not include Mac keycaps.
