KW 550 MX LP, KW 300 MX, KC 500: Flat & compact Cherry keyboards versus Logitech 14 comments
Image: Cherry
At CES 2025, Cherry is introducing slim, compact desktop keyboards that also support unusual sizes: KW 550 MX LP, KW 300 MX and KC 500 (TKL) cover full-size, TKL, 96% and 75% form factors. Essentially, it competes with Logitech’s MX Mechanical, which has a similar setup.
MX Mechnical is Logitech’s offering for desktop users who write a lot. The mechanical keyboards are compact, white-lit, feature flat mechanical buttons from Kailh, and can be used wirelessly. Cherry’s KW 550 MX LP, KW 300 MX and KC 500 (TKL) are designed similarly.
Almost full size like KW 550 MX LP
With the KW550 MX LP, Cherry is building a 96% keyboard for the first time. The function keys are placed on the number pad and the arrow keys are moved to the letter field. This brings the width of the KW550 to the size of a keyless keyboard without a number pad, but without significantly fewer keys. The KW550 connects via USB-C cable or to three devices via Bluetooth. Information on duration is missing.
In Germany, the KW550 is available in black for around 120 euros. As with other keyboards, we don’t know when. Cherry leaves no choice in terms of buttons: the new MX Low Profile 2 in “Ivory” version is installed. They should provide better, smoother feedback when pressed and be quieter. As with all new keyboards, they are combined with PBT keycaps and white key lighting.
Cherry doesn’t go into further detail; It is also unclear what the differences are with the Low Profile 2 Red, installed in the Xtrfy MX 10.1, which was also presented at CES. According to the datasheet, the specifications are identical: both variants have a stroke of 3.2 millimeters, a signal point of 1.2 millimeters and a resistance of 45 grams. The difference may lie in the spring used.
Normal size with the KC 500 MX
These include the KC 500 MX LP in full-size and TKL versions for around 110 and 100 euros, which will be available in black and gray. They use the same buttons as the KW 550, but eliminate the wireless connection.
Cherry KC 500 MX LP (Image: Cherry) Image 1 of 4
For the first time 75% size like KW 300 MX
In addition, Cherry is offering a 75% format keyboard for the first time. A rotary knob next to the Enter key serves, among other things, to control the volume. Delete is therefore placed next to the backspace key; only the scroll keys are above the control. This rather rare arrangement is also found mainly among lesser-known manufacturers. Cherry includes alternative keys for use on a Mac.
The KW 300 MX comes with Red and Brown type MX2 buttons, which are located in hot-swap sockets. The case is said to have been insulated several times, but Cherry doesn’t provide any details, only speaking of a “knocking sensation similar to that of a joint.” Since we’re only talking about the feel of a decoupled PCB socket, it seems doubtful whether the keyboard actually uses a “joint socket”.
The manufacturer also remains vague on autonomy. The KW 300 MX can be connected to three devices via Bluetooth 5.2 or USB-C. It should be able to run for about a week with lighting and about six without. However, it depends on usage and lighting.
In Germany, the KW 300 MX will only be available in black and gray for around 110 euros.
Cherry KW 550 MX LP Cherry KW 300 MX Cherry KC 500 MX LP Cherry KC 500 MX LP TKL Size (L × B × H): 37.5 × 12.5 × 2.5 cm 32.0 × 13.4 × 3 .8 cm 42.6 × 12.4 × 21.1 cm 35.0 × 12.4 × 21.1 cm Layout: ISO 101 (96%)
Display 75% ISO 105 ISO 88 ISO (“tenkeyless”) Weight: 716 g 747 g 652 g 535 g Housing material: ? Cable: USB/Type-C-USB (modular), Bluetooth? USB/Type-C-USB (modular), Bluetooth USB/Type-C-USB (modular) Hub function: – Key rollover: 6-KRO N-KRO 6-KRO Switch: Cherry MX Low Profile 2.0 Ivory Cherry MX2A Silent/ Brown
Cherry MX Low Profile 2.0 Ivory Hot-Swappable Switch Plate: ? Aluminum keys: Shape: cylindrical
Material: PBT plastic.
Labeling: Double-shot molding
shape of flat keys: cylindrical
Material: PBT plastic.
Labeling: Double-injection molding Shape: cylindrical
Material: PBT plastic.
Labeling: Double-shot molding
Flat keys Additional keys: – Scroll wheel (brightness, volume) 3 × media
1 × Extra – Multimedia functions: Mute, Volume Volume, Play/Pause, Forward/Rewind Mute, Volume, Play/Pause, Forward/Rewind Additional functions: Brightness (control, off), program shortcuts LED modes, program shortcuts, Office functions Brightness (control, extinction), program links Lighting: Color: White Macros & programming: partially programmable Price: €120 €110 / – €110 €100 Topics: CES 2025 Cherry keyboards input devices Source: Cherry
Victor explores mechanical, ergonomic, and gaming keyboards to combine comfort, precision, and responsiveness.
