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Cherry finally catches up in the hot-swappable race it started
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Cherry merged with XTRFY to start releasing its own gaming keyboards back in 2022, but since then nothing has truly wowed me. That was until the new Cherry XTRFY MX 8.2 Pro TMR showed up at my doorstep. The magnetic keyboard is one of the first mainstream gaming decks to use TMR sensing technology, but that's not what's initially turned my head.
The XTRFY MX 8.2 Pro TMR is fully hot-swappable between both magnetic and mechanical switches. That's not something even the best gaming keyboards on the market can claim, and it's a feature that plugs a serious hole in the competition's armor. Cherry has just released its new TKL deck, hitting a lofty $249.99 price tag at Amazon.
Cherry XTRFY MX 8.2 Pro TMR keyboard | $249.99 at AmazonCherry's new magnetic (but still fully hot-swappable) gaming keyboard is now available via Amazon. Delivery dates are looking a little long, but February 8 isn't so bad.
View DealI've been keeping an eye on these keyboards for some time now, and every time a new Cherry deck makes its way onto my desk, I'm always confused about why it's not hot-swappable. After all, this is one of the biggest switch brands on the market - why wouldn't they make their decks compatible with their range of clackers?
Cherry has caught up in a big way here; even the few hot-swappable magnetic keyboards that are out there can only swap between a select few Hall effect options. Sure, you're limited to the Cherry MK collection if you want to keep that adjustable actuation, but with any MX mechanical switch open to you, there's a far greater degree of flexibility than most. It finally puts a magnetic model in the best hot-swappable keyboard arena, and I've been waiting for that for a while now.
There's another eyebrow-raiser behind that $249.99 price tag. The MX 8.2 Pro TMR is wireless, with an 8,000Hz polling rate. The brand attributes this ability to the improved energy efficiency of the TMR sensors in its PCB, and it's true, the reason so many Hall effect decks are wired is because there's a lot of processing going on under the hood. Even the Corsair Vanguard Pro 96 costs $229.99, and that's cables all the way.
Sure, that wireless connection isn't going to make much of a difference if you keep your keyboard on the desk, though it can keep things a bit tidier and comes in handy for travel.
So, is it worth it?
There are a lot of firsts in this package for me, and after having it on the desk for a few days, I'm impressed overall. That $250 price tag is still premium for a magnetic deck, though the Asus ROG Falcata is sticking close to its $429.99 MSRP so things could be much worse.
Sign up to the GamesRadar+ NewsletterContact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Under the hand, this is a particularly soft experience. A particularly deep, rich sound profile combined with smooth matte keycaps and a noticeably denser sound dampening than most makes for a super satisfying typing experience. It's certainly a luxury experience befitting of a higher price tag, but the overall value of the Cherry XTRFY MX 8.2 Pro TMR will ultimately come down to what you need.
That plush typing feel is fairly similar to that of the Cherry MX 3.1, a full-sized deck that currently sits at $89.99 at Amazon, but is lacking in features overall. We're also much higher than the Cherry K5V2's $139.99 price at Amazon, though that particular 65% model disappointed in its build materials and overall feel.
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Cherry MX 3.1(Image credit: Future)
Cherry XTRFY K5V2(Image credit: Future)At $249.99, the MX 8.2 Pro TMR is battling it out with the big guns. After getting it on the desk for a little while, this is what I can tell you right now. It's only going to make sense over the Corsair Vanguard Pro 96 (my current top pick across the market) if you prioritize a soft typing feel over extra controls and know you need a compact form factor.
It's certainly nicer than most Hall effect keyboards I've tested so far. Without a lick of that stuffy, woolly feel that still concerns the likes of the NZXT Function Elite Mini TKL and Logitech G Pro X TKL Rapid, it's definitely part of the next generation of magnetic decks.
Ultimately, though, this is an expensive option, and the extra wireless connection and hot-swappability may not be enough to sway most players towards Cherry's army.
- See all magnetic keyboards at Amazon
I'm rounding up all the best wireless gaming keyboards for more options, or check out the best membrane gaming keyboards for something a little cheaper. If you're kitting out your whole setup, it's also worth taking a look at the best gaming mouse models I've tested so far.
Today's best gaming keyboard deals
Corsair Vanguard Pro 96
$189.99ViewSee all prices
Newmen GM326 $25.99ViewSee all prices
Asus ROG Azoth $193.12ViewSee all prices
ASUS ROG Falcata
$419.99ViewSee all prices
Asus ROG Falchion RX Low Profile $139.99ViewSee all prices
Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Mini $179.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
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Tabitha BakerSocial Links NavigationManaging Editor - HardwareManaging Editor of Hardware at GamesRadar+, I originally landed in hardware at our sister site TechRadar before moving over to GamesRadar. In between, I've written for Tom’s Guide, Wireframe, The Indie Game Website and That Video Game Blog, covering everything from the PS5 launch to the Apple Pencil. Now, i'm focused on Nintendo Switch, gaming laptops (and the keyboards, headsets and mice that come with them), PS5, and trying to find the perfect projector.
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