Cherry KW 9200 Mini review

Cherry is a model that for the initiated wants no introduction.

For these of you who haven’t heard of this producer, you must know that it’s famend for having developed and patented the Cherry MX switches used for a lot of keyboards, and for creating tech equipment (microphones, headphones and mice, amongst others).

On this article, we check out the KW 9200 Mini, a hybrid scissor-switch keyboard with a small footprint and three-way connectivity. Let’s check out what it seems like, its capabilities and worth for cash. It would simply be the one you’ve been in search of.

Design

• Minimalist design
• Light-weight
• Carrying case included

This Cherry exterior keyboard lives as much as its ‘mini’ title by measuring simply 295.49 x 129.03 x 15.86 mm; its small measurement means it could simply discover a place in your backpack or purse for that matter, in addition to in your desk, and observe you wherever you go.

It’s discreet when it comes to its measurement, but in addition when it comes to its type: it’s merely black on a purple background, as are the USB-A outputs and the storage pouch. It makes an influence, nevertheless it’s not too eye-catching.

Don’t get me improper, though this color scheme is harking back to a gamer’s type, the keys will not be backlit (which is a disgrace).

Foundry

What we actually like concerning the design is that the black keys don’t present fingerprints.

On the again, you’ll discover two toes to lift it up, three glides to maintain it from slipping off surfaces, a dongle (inserted in its port) to supply a 2.4 GHz radio connection, a USB port for its cable, an LED to point the state of the battery, and eventually the facility button.

To attain this small measurement, Cherry has distributed with the numeric keypad and moved the FN key to the underside right-hand nook close to the path arrows, so that you simply don’t get misplaced when altering keyboards (from full to compact).

Lastly, Cherry has supplied a smooth, recycled plastic case so that you can retailer it neatly or take it with you.

Use

• Multi-platform connection
• Hybrid connection (dongle, Bluetooth and wired)
• Quiet, snug typing

To sum up using the KW 9200 Mini, we’d say it’s easy and efficient, nothing extra. In reality, this workplace keyboard comes with no software program to supply extra capabilities. Its solely particular options are its smaller measurement and its connections/compatibilities.

Foundry

Nonetheless, we should stress that we enormously appreciated the truth that it may be used with Home windows and Chromebook computer systems, and even Android machine, in accordance with the model. You probably have a Mac, you’ll should adapt because the Cmd key isn’t there.

Lastly, we welcome the truth that it may be paired with as much as three units concurrently. This can be a main benefit, and a really sensible one if you happen to usually swap from one related machine to a different. In our take a look at, this was a little bit difficult, however solely at first.

In case you’d somewhat keep away from the two.4 GHz waves and connections with the dongle and Bluetooth 5.0 low latency, then you definitely’ll be happy to know that there’s the wired technique. Its cable is an alternate, but in addition means that you can make up for the (sudden) lack of battery energy. It’s size (over a metre), which is lengthy sufficient to be optimum in all circumstances.

You gained’t be coping with a loud scissor keyboard, so your typing can be fairly quiet, at about the identical noise stage as that of a laptop computer’s built-in keyboard. That is because of the kind of keyboard: this can be a chiclet (rubber) keyboard somewhat than a mechanical one, and its keycaps are fabricated from ABS plastic (which is softer and extra sturdy). So don’t fear about utilizing the Mini within the workplace/house, in a practice carriage, a café or a public library, you gained’t disturb the folks round you.

The keys are spaced far sufficient aside to provide you a brief, exact, even keystroke that’s the identical as on a traditional keyboard. It’s fast and simple to adapt.

Battery life and charging

• Sensational battery life
• Prices by way of USB-C

The Cherry KW 9200 Mini rounds off its checklist of fine factors with a protracted battery life, together with the absence of backlighting. This keyboard can final you many weeks with out recharging. Nonetheless, even when it runs out of energy (as indicated by the LED), it gained’t abandon you, as you possibly can depend on its USB-C/A cable. Simply plug it into your PC or a backup battery and also you’re again in enterprise!

Value and availability

The Cherry KW 9200 Mini keyboard prices about $65/£70 and is on the market within the US from Amazon, and within the UK additionally from Amazon.

In our opinion the worth is a little bit too steep for a easy machine with no software program customisation. Compared, the Logitech K380 and K480 are at the moment priced equally. Then again, it’s value noting that Apple’s Magic Keyboard, unique to be used with Macs, is costlier.

Verdict

Cherry has provide you with an excellent mini-sized workplace keyboard, splendid for travelling. It’s acquired every thing: design, consolation, connections, compatibility and battery life. Nonetheless, there are just a few minor disappointments, reminiscent of the dearth of backlighting to be used in low-light environments, the dearth of a macOS model with the Cmd key, and the excessive worth.

Admittedly, it’s machine, nevertheless it’s a easy one with no extra capabilities, which makes it onerous to justify its value, regardless that it’s decrease than the Magic Keyboard, for instance.

Specs

• 442g
• 295.49 x 129.03 x 15.86 mm
• USB-C to USB-A
• Scissor expertise
• Bluetooth, wired and encrypted 2.4 GHz radio connection by way of dongle
• Carrying case

This text was initially printed in French on Tech Advisor French Version.