Introduction: A tenkeyless benchmark from Cherry
For keyboard enthusiasts who favor a compact, distraction-free setup, the tenkeyless (TKL) form factor often represents the sweet spot between ergonomics and functionality. The Cherry XTRFY MX 8.3 TKL enters the scene as a premium wireless option that aims to redefine what a TKL can offer. With Cherry’s long history in mechanical switches and MX technology, the MX 8.3 TKL doesn’t just promise a good typing feel—it delivers a holistic experience that blends build quality, battery life, and user-centric features into one cohesive package.
Build quality and typing experience
From the moment you lift the MX 8.3 TKL, its premium construction is evident. The keyboard features a full metal chassis and a sturdy, rounded base, contributing to a weighty, premium feel that many users associate with durability and quality. The MX2A switches—Cherry’s mechanical switches designed for smooth, consistent keystrokes—provide a buttery-smooth typing experience. Keystrokes glide with confidence, encouraging fluid finger movement across the row and ensuring long typing sessions feel comfortable rather than fatiguing. For a portable, desk-bound setup, the tactile response is well-balanced: not overly loud, but with satisfying feedback that lets you trust each press.
Battery life and wireless versatility
One standout feature is the built-in, rechargeable battery: a formidable 4600 mAh capacity. In real-world use, the MX 8.3 TKL demonstrates robust endurance. Even after a month of casual testing, battery life remained strong, with usage showing only about 65% of the rated life, while the keyboard still offered up to 55 hours of continuous use under typical conditions. The wireless flexibility is a boon for multitasking setups or living rooms where cables create clutter. The MX 8.3 TKL supports Bluetooth and a dongle connection, and switching between modes is made simple through the LCD panel housed in the keyboard’s top area.
LCD display, cross-style knob, and on-device controls
Perhaps the MX 8.3 TKL’s most distinctive feature is its integrated LCD display. The display can show customizable images or animated GIFs, and it provides quick access to key information such as brightness, lighting effects, playback controls, and profile selection. The cross-style knob adds tactile utility: press to access a tab, rotate to navigate, and click to select. This control scheme makes quick adjustments—like switching tracks on a Plex server or altering brightness—intuitive, direct, and satisfying. The LCD also cycles through Bluetooth and dongle modes smoothly, giving users immediate feedback on their connection status. While the image feature is inventive, a broader set of display options could further justify the LCD’s presence in day-to-day use.
Software and maintenance
The accompanying software is intentionally lean. It offers just enough functionality to configure profiles, customize the key mappings, and tweak some lighting effects without dragging users into a sprawling suite of prompts or mandatory sign-ins. For purists who value a clean software experience, this minimalist approach is refreshing. A neat inclusion is the key-removal tool, which makes maintenance and customization easier than with many competing boards. The MX 8.3 TKL’s keycaps are user-friendly to remove and replace, enabling enthusiasts to reconfigure, clean, or experiment with different layouts without fear of damaging the board.
Value and conclusions
In the crowded market of premium TKL keyboards, the Cherry XTRFY MX 8.3 TKL stands out for its blend of high-grade materials, dependable performance, and thoughtful features that genuinely enhance daily use. The metal chassis, long-lasting battery, responsive MX2A switches, and the LCD with the cross-knob offer tangible benefits that translate into a more efficient and enjoyable workspace. While the software is modest, it is practical and accessible, avoiding the bloat common to some peripherals ecosystems. If you’re ready to invest in a top-tier wireless TKL keyboard that prioritizes build quality and user-friendly extras, the MX 8.3 TKL is a compelling choice that deserves serious consideration for both productivity and gaming setups.
