Verdict
Smooth , stable , and absolutely tiny , the Cherry MX LP 2.1 mechanical keyboard is one of the firm ’s best yet . It is n’t priced entirely out of its depth , and it excels in both style and inwardness , sting it ’s not build for speed .
Pros
Cons
Key Features
Introduction
Ultra - stocky keyboard are start to show up all over the place now . With Cherry , the Creator of the mechanical switches that kick off the keyboard craze , continuing to put out its own plug-in , it ’s the Cherry MX LP 2.1 that feels like one of their practiced .
This circuit board is about as pocket-sized as they come , with plenty of core commands mapped to pre - existent keys : the Print Screen pile to the YUI cluster , media key out beneath , and plate and more just below that .
feature treble visibility Bluetooth pairing , snappy 2.4Ghz wireless , and USB - C , it ’s quick to jump between equipment and tasks . It ’s also whisper quiet , following a recent trend of sweet but silent clackers that still manage to receive sublime keystrokes .
Design
Typically available in three different colourways ( black , red , and white ) it ’s the playful pastels of the white simulation we ’ve fallen in love with .
The primary keys are all white , impart secondary keys around everything but the top border coated either a soft blue or soothing scarlet . burnished and powerful RGB kindling sort out the whole board .
The keys initially seem unvarying in size , build , and status , but there ’s a very flimsy slope , best see from the far close , that guides you toward the centre . When you consider its size of it , feature exercise set , and 427 g weightiness , it practically begs to be slew into a bag and taken for a drive .
Though slimline chiclet caps , the switches themselves still protrude from the deck . This is n’t an entirely plane board , but it still manages to have the melodic phrase of one . At 27 millimetre tall , 308 mm retentive , and 99 mm wide , it does n’t exhaust up much desk space .
Despite typically folding categorical , you wo n’t regain any pop - out legs on the underside of the Cherry MX LP 2.1 . Each corner features some modest pliable rubber foot for grip and noise isolation . The back couplet can be pulled out and reversed to pop out out , offering a svelte minute of lift at the rear .
Neither is there a bezel , bound , or frame in to the chassis . If you prefer a little shelf when typing , a wrist quietus might be something you want to add to your basket at checkout .
The introductory cardboard promotion has everything you need : a 1.63 m USB - C / A cable television , a tiny 2.4Ghz dongle with an instantly recognizable red tip , and the plug-in wind in a clear plastic tabloid .
Performance
type with the Cherry MX LP 2.1 can take some getting used to . Then again , my experience could be wholly connect to straight off derive from a board that could n’t be further from this : a scissor substitution beast .
The slim ABS keycaps palpate fantastical . The legend baptismal font wo n’t be for everyone , but it ’s not go anywhere : it ’s laser - etched and UV - coated . The switches are built to last as well .
Using lubricated , Cherry MX Low Profile RGB Speed switches , which are safe compared to traditional Linear Red switches , it ’s a sublimely smooth typing experience . There ’s minimal crack between the keys , making jot - typecast gracious and soft .
The lubricated nature and solid stability efforts make the Cherry MX LP 2.1 wonderfully quiet , too – which will alienate fans of flash and clicky keyboards , but immediately lure those who want the flavour of a mechanical transposition without the noise .
cherry-red switch do n’t snap , but traditionally would still make interference as they score the deck to a lower place . That ’s still partially straight here if you ’re typing with personnel and speed , but it ’s a considerably mild sound . decelerate down , and near - silent utilisation is a breeze . They actuate long before pip their maximum travel aloofness : which is n’t even document on the Cherry site .
The battery life , which is also undocumented , lasted throughout our hebdomad - long review period . It ’s confirm to confirm immobile charging , though , so juicing up wo n’t take long .
2.4Ghz is always the preferred wireless protocol here , but hook up a conducting wire when gaming . It is n’t resistant to hinderance from everyday objects placed a little too close to the back , or too many wireless dongles hooked up to your machine .
Software and Lighting
Click around the Cherry web site enough and you ’ll come across two dissimilar computer software retinue . Cherry Keys is the one you want for the Cherry MX - LP 2.1 , but you do n’t need it at all : it ’s a driverless gadget .
The software system is very clean and simple . Almost too uncomplicated . equipment names are non - existent when connected over Bluetooth : you ’ll need to rely on the picture to image out which you ’re working with .
likewise , over Bluetooth , you’re able to only use the computer software to immortalize and localize macro to the top row of keys , or assign pre - made instructions and crosscut ( like opening your preferable web web internet browser ) instead .
Hooking up a USB - C transmission line or run over 2.4Ghz wireless unlocks the full UI . Here , you could customize lighting and assign macros to more than just the Function keys .
The source figure of speech wo n’t match your peculiar exemplar nor will it enliven to show contour changes . You also ca n’t adjust anything like polling rate or auto standby time .
Latest deals
Should you buy it?
void the issues of traditionally slim scissor switches or loud full - sized ones , these tiny mechanically skillful switches truehearted gaming execution and portable , quiet routine operation .
If you want rock - solid performance for a single space , you could get more customisable board with a similar tone for a much cheaper Mary Leontyne Price .
Final Thoughts
The Cherry MX - LP 2.1 is a genuinely enjoyable keyboard to use . Whether you ’re gaming , inscribe , frantically writing up assignments , or all of the above , the short actuation and liquid traveling of the Cherry MX - LP 2.1 will back you up . Its small height will leave plenty of space to dispose your mouse around . It ’s radical - portable , too .
If you ’re looking for something similar with a little more public-service corporation , theCorsair K65 Plus Wirelessis salutary with its media cycle . TheRoccat Vulcan II Mini Airis peachy for full - on RGB panache . Just want to feel like you ’re convey more for your money ? Move up to theKeychron Q1 Max : it ’s the all - metal machine to go for . Otherwise , check out thebest gambling keyboardsif you ’re not quite sold .
Trusted Score
How we test
We use every keyboard we try for at least a week . During that time , we ’ll ascertain it for ease of usage and put it through its pace across games and typical PC use .
We also check each keyboard ’s software system to see how easy it is to customise and set up .
FAQs
No , you ca n’t easily swap out the switches on this keyboard .
Both wireless protocols used by the Cherry MX LP 2.1 are rated for around 10 chiliad of maximum range of a function .
