Overview: A Premium Wireless Tenkeyless from Cherry
If you’re a fan of tenkeyless (TKL) keyboards, the Cherry XTRFY MX 8.3 TKL is a standout option that justifies its premium price. Cherry, a brand with decades-long history in mechanical switches, leverages that expertise to deliver a solid, well-thought-out keyboard that performs well in daily use, gaming, and content creation alike. The MX 8.3 TKL isn’t just a compact form factor; it’s a flag-bearing example of how a wireless TKL should feel and function in 2024 and beyond.
Build Quality and Keyboard Feel
The MX 8.3 TKL eschews plastic for a full metal chassis that exudes durability. At roughly 1250 grams, the keyboard has a substantial, premium feel that helps it stay planted during intense gaming sessions. The typing experience is anchored by Cherry’s own MX2A switches, which offer a smooth, buttery keystroke that many users associate with high-end typing comfort. The result is responsive, satisfying key actuations that make long typing sessions feel less fatiguing and more enjoyable.
Battery Life and Wireless Capability
As a wireless keyboard, the MX 8.3 TKL includes a built-in rechargeable battery rated for substantial life. Cherry quotes a long endurance figure, and real-world use confirms it remains highly capable: in practical terms, you can expect dozens of hours between charges if you use the keyboard’s RGB lighting sparingly. With heavy use, you’ll still likely stretch a workweek between top-ups, depending on how often you flip between Bluetooth profiles or use the dongle mode.
Practical Features: LCD Display and a Metal Knob
One of the defining traits of the MX 8.3 TKL is its feature set beyond the standard keyboard. A metal cross-style control knob sits at the top corner, offering a tactile, satisfying click when pressed or rotated. This knob, coupled with an LCD display, adds practical utility: you can monitor brightness, light effects, playback controls, Bluetooth status, and more without opening software. The ability to switch between profiles, adjust lighting, or control media with a quick twist and click makes it a compelling choice for users who value convenience at their fingertips.
Software: Simple, Unobtrusive, Yet Functional
Cherry’s software for the MX 8.3 TKL is intentionally lean. It provides the essentials needed to customize profiles, remap keys, or adjust lighting without pulling you into a sprawling, resource-heavy ecosystem. The minimalist approach is refreshing for users who dislike oversized software suites that require registration or constant updates. It’s a straightforward experience that gets you set up quickly and without fuss.
Maintenance and Customization
For enthusiasts who like to tinker, the MX 8.3 TKL makes maintenance easy. Cherry ships a tool to remove keys all the way down to the PCB, simplifying cleaning or swaps. This kind of accessibility is a boon for users who enjoy hot-swapping switches or customizing their keyboard to taste. It’s not just about aesthetics; the practical design choices support deeper customization for serious enthusiasts.
Verdict: Is It Worth It?
In short, the Cherry XTRFY MX 8.3 TKL nails the essentials of a premium wireless TKL keyboard: solid construction, high-quality switches, long battery life, and thoughtful features like the LCD display and metal knob. If you’re willing to invest in a top-tier TKL that will endure daily use and offer meaningful conveniences, the MX 8.3 TKL is hard to beat. For typists, creators, and gamers who prefer a compact footprint without sacrificing features, this keyboard earns its place as a flagship option in its class.
