Worth Buying?
TLDR, so here is the conclusion at the top to help you decide whether it's worth the purchase.
Enjoying a keyboard can be compared to savoring a gourmet meal—tastes vary from person to person. In 2024, does a Cherry keyboard still merit consideration?
The CHERRY XTRFY PIXIU 75, equipped with the new MX2A switch, still comes recommended.
The key advantages of this keyboard include :
- the electrically stable new MX2A Cherry switch
- the ultra-low 1ms latency
- the exclusive first-release Chinese PIXIU knob.
The keyboard impresses with its overall design, including the detailed two-tone injection-molded PBT keycaps, meticulous paintwork, and the clever placement of the wireless receiver beneath the stand, ensuring a seamless and high-quality feel.
The 75% layout includes features like the PRTSC screen key, a CNC-crafted knob with excellent texture, the sound pad inside, a soft GASKET structure, and even a small display screen.
Whether you prefer customizing your setup or desire a straightforward experience straight from the box, Cherry provides a satisfactory solution.
Importantly, it retains the quintessential Cherry qualities: from a tool perspective, stability, consistency, and durability are crucial.
A popular adage even claims, "A keyboard has been passed on as a legacy, the switches in your grandson hand still working fine because it is from Cherry."
For those seeking simplicity, security, and reliability, Cherry switches are crafted from robust materials with superior craftsmanship.
PIXIU knob also has a very good meaning, when you turn this knob, it is a sign that something good is going to happen. The PIXIU spins, bringing full blessings, wealth, fun, and high aesthetics along with reliability.
Click here to but it on JD: CHERRY樱桃PIXIU75客制化键盘 Gasket 2.4G蓝牙三模无线RGB 热插拔 游戏键盘 白色 红轴
Read more: In Chinese culture, PIXIU (貔貅) is a mythical creature resembling a winged lion. It is considered a powerful protector that brings good luck and fortune.
Introduction
In recent years, mechanical keyboards produced in China have gained significant market traction, renowned for their excellent value. These keyboards shine in various aspects, including the hardware configurations of the kits, innovative switch development, and compelling design aesthetics.
Chinese manufacturers have excelled particularly in the area of switches, with the mechanical switch market now featuring over 500 varieties. New products are consistently introduced, keeping the market dynamic.
Despite this innovation, the market still heavily relies on the traditional designs pioneered by Cherry switches. This includes the four main variants, most notably the straightforward linear red switches and the slightly tactile classic brown switches, which are a hallmark of Cherry's offerings.
Before the emergence of Chinese domestic switches and keyboards, anyone familiar with keyboards before 2015 would undoubtedly recognize Cherry switches as the pinnacle of reliability. In response to the recent influx of Chinese products, the German experts, with 70 years of experience in keyboard manufacturing, introduced the new second-generation MX2A switches last year. Having conducted an extensive review of these, I can summarize the MX2A in 3 phrases — smooth, free of spring noise, stable.
https://zhuanlan.zhihu.com/p/656748629
Recently, Cherry's subsidiary, Cherry Xtrfy, introduced a new 75% layout model targeted at the Chinese market. They unveiled the culturally significant PIXIU 75, named after the mythical creature Pixiu, which is believed to attract wealth and prosperity.
How does this keyboard perform in actual use? Let's explore this together.
Appearance
The PIXIU 75 maintains the established black and red color scheme for its packaging, featuring a red inner box. Additionally, select retailers are offering a special Pixiu knob, a highly coveted exclusive custom item.
The keyboard I received is equipped with MX2A red switches and features a warm color theme named "HunTianLing" (混天绫). The Pixiu knob is exquisitely crafted, offering a quality feel that harmonizes with the keyboard’s color scheme. The detailing in the horns and fur texture is distinct, and its playful expression, complete with a mischievous smile and a brush in hand, is especially charming.
Read more: HunTianLing (混天绫) is one of Nezha's key magical tools, often depicted as a red silk ribbon. Nezha(哪吒) is a Chinese mythological figure that depicted as a protector of children and a powerful warrior.
This knob boasts a remarkable backstory, having been crafted by QianJiangYue(千江月), a master artisan specializing in miniature carvings of mythical creatures from the "Shan Hai Jing."(山海经)
Read more: The "Shan Hai Jing" (山海经), or "Classic of Mountains and Seas", is an ancient Chinese text filled with mythology, geography, and fantastic creatures. It describes mythical lands, strange animals, and legendary figures.
Two designs are available, the displayed model features a Pixiu holding a brush, symbolizing guaranteed success in exams and career advancement, while the other design signifies abundant wealth.
Upon opening the inner box, the packaging continues to impress. It utilizes environmentally friendly, pearlescent paper, elegantly adorned with the classic Cherry Xtrfy logo. This presentation not only enhances the product's appeal but also underscores Cherry’s commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility.
The keycaps are marked for both Mac and Windows systems, and the F1 and F2 keys have designated multimedia functions unique to this model.
This layout excludes the numeric keypad. Notably, the right Shift key is shortened, and the four arrow keys are repositioned to the left by approximately the space of one key.
The default knob on the Cherry Xtrfy PIXIU 75 is crafted in the shape of an 'X,' symbolizing Cherry's distinctive MX switch. It is constructed from CNC-machined aluminum alloy and features a silvery-gray color with a trace of copper, reminiscent of the hue of ancient copper coins. This color choice subtly incorporates the theme of attracting fortune.
Replacing the knob on the Cherry Xtrfy PIXIU 75 requires careful handling. It is advisable to use a switch puller for precise grip, or alternatively, you can wrap needle-nose pliers in a soft cloth to secure the knob firmly. To remove it, apply a slow, vertical force, gradually increasing the pull to avoid damage. Direct hand pulling is not recommended, and excessive force should be avoided to prevent damaging the knob.
The keyboard also features an additional PRTSC key, designed for one-touch screenshot capturing—a function I find extremely satisfying. This feature proves invaluable for my daily work. Many keyboards typically lack this specific key. Cherry has clearly paid meticulous attention to such details.
Furthermore, the keyboard designates three keys specifically for DEL/INS, along with the commonly utilized PGUP and PGDN keys. Under the Fn layer, the HOME and END keys are accessible. The DEL key, frequently used in many applications, is conveniently placed for easy access, while the less commonly used INS key is smartly positioned under the Fn layer, avoiding the need for a separate key. This thoughtful design choice enhances usability and efficiency.
The overall design of the Cherry Xtrfy PIXIU 75 keyboard is elegantly understated. The front showcases a narrow, elongated chamfer, adding a subtle design element. Additionally, a distinct black PIXIU 75 logo adorns the bottom left corner, lending a little whimsical touch to its appearance.
On the top edge, the Cherry Xtrfy logo is symmetrically positioned around the keyboard's side, enhancing its aesthetic coherence. At the opposite end, a Type-C port supports wired connections, complemented by a switch that toggles between Bluetooth and wireless receiver modes. This versatility allows users to seamlessly switch connectivity options based on their specific needs or device compatibility, enhancing the keyboard's utility.
The placement of the wireless receiver is thoughtfully executed. It is ingeniously integrated into the area beneath the keyboard's support stands, which are equipped with a magnetic attachment to secure the receiver. When the stand is retracted, it conceals and protects the receiver, preventing any accidental dislodgement. This design choice ensures that the keyboard maintains a sleek, uninterrupted profile without the intrusion of a protruding USB-A rectangle.
Moreover, the support stands on the Cherry Xtrfy PIXIU 75 keyboard are adjustable, offering various angle settings for enhanced ergonomic comfort. Users can extend the stands partially or fully to customize the keyboard's tilt, which is beneficial during prolonged usage. This adjustability allows individuals to optimize their typing posture and adapt to different desk setups, promoting comfort and preventing strain.
Switch
The Cherry Xtrfy PIXIU 75 keyboard features the new MX2A switch type, available in two options: Red and Brown switches.
Red switches are celebrated for their linear actuation, providing a seamless and uninterrupted downward keystroke that gently bottoms out. Often favored by enthusiasts for their simplicity, these switches are colloquially known as "cooling down" switches.
They are particularly appreciated for their minimalistic and smooth operation. The auditory feedback from Red switches is a consistent and direct "tap-tap-tap," typical of linear switches, which contributes to a focused and unobtrusive typing experience.
In contrast, Brown switches are tactile but do not produce a loud click. They offer a unique typing experience characterized by a slight tactile bump felt during the keypress. This tactile feedback provides a bit of resistance, noticeable yet silent, distinguishing them from the more audible clicky switches. The auditory experience with Brown switches is relatively mild, akin to that of the Red switches. The actuation process for Brown switches starts with a linear press, transitions into a tactile bump for feedback, and then concludes with a linear descent.
Both of these switches with a 45g actuation force and a 4mm total travel distance. These specifications align with robust, industry-standard designs prevalent in the mechanical keyboard market. Importantly, these switches boast a remarkable lifespan of up to 100 million keystrokes, highlighting their exceptional durability and reliability.
Cherry's reputation for producing reliable switch mechanisms is well-established and revered in the industry. Many dedicated users of Cherry products report years of extensive use without any significant decline in performance. While earlier generations of Cherry switches exhibited minor flaws as reported by some users, the latest MX2A series has effectively addressed these concerns, improving smoothness and continuing the tradition of high-quality craftsmanship for which Cherry is renowned.
From a personal standpoint, I having utilized various keyboards extensively over 3 years and I've actually had nearly 10 switches from other brands fail on me, but not a single one from Cherry. These faulty switches, which I used for over two and a half years, would occasionally double-click or become unresponsive.
Although many keyboards now offer hot-swappable feature, encountering such issues can still significantly affect your mood and overall experience.
Switches themselves aren't very expensive items. It's better to invest in good ones for long-term use because it's really annoying when a key goes haywire just when you’re enjoying a comfortable typing session.
User Experience
The Cherry Xtrfy PIXIU 75 is a triple-mode wireless keyboard, supporting Type-C wired, Bluetooth 5.0, and 2.4G wireless connections. Overall, besides its exquisite and interesting appearance, it also excels in typing experience. The MX2A series represents significant progress in customization compared to previous Cherry keyboards. All switches come factory-lubricated, and the larger keys are also greased. The Cherry Xtrfy PIXIU features a hot-swappable design, allowing you to replace switches with other interesting types if you prefer.
The 75% layout saves considerable space on the desk, with a dial + small screen + PRTSC key, all thoughtfully designed for a compact space.
The details and color coordination complement each other well, offering an overall appearance that is interesting yet not overly flashy, imbuing a charming and gentle vibe. The overall ambiance is warm and softly colored. It becomes even cuter with the addition of the PIXIU.
Turning this PIXIU knob brings great fortune.
In terms of typing experience, the Cherry Xtrfy PIXIU 75 utilizes a Gasket mount design. The structure inside doesn't use screws to secure the plate but is instead fixed by the upper and lower cases, allowing for better shock absorption and sound dampening, and a softer, more resilient feel.
If you press down hard on the keyboard with both hands, you will distinctly feel the keyboard slightly sink down a bit. This is characteristic of this design, so don’t mistakenly think it’s a flaw or a construction issue.
The performance of the new Cherry MX2A Red switches is relatively mild and subtle. They are nearly as smooth as other manufacturers' factory-lubricated linear switches, with a fairly ordinary rebound force. The feel of pressing them is similar to the original old Red switches—ordinary, yet stable.
The overall soft and bouncy feel makes typing effortless, and the sound is quite pleasant. The sound isn't very loud, especially the slight friction noise from the larger keys, which isn't annoying but rather subtly present, giving you a faint sensation when you are gently pressing down during light typing.
Personally, the experience feels like lying back in a simple but comfortable lounge chair.
In terms of sound optimization, the Cherry Xtrfy PIXIU 75 utilizes an array of materials including interlayer cotton strips, PORON foam, IPEX under-switch pads, dual layers of sound-optimizing pads, switch base foam, and sound-dampening bottom foam. These components effectively handle the bottoming out of switches, producing a purer sound free from noise.
The sound of the red switch is slightly crisp and includes a subtle, classic rustle from slight friction.
The warm-toned keycaps feature shine-through design, allowing the RGB lighting to illuminate the characters when activated. Cherry, known for its excellent lighting, supports over 16.7 million color RGB effects. However, since this is a warm-toned keyboard, pairing it with white or warm lighting might be more complementary.
The software is compatible with CHERRY UTILITY software assistant, which allows for customization of various display options.
The battery specification is 4000 mAh, with an official battery life of about 50 hours with the lights on, and approximately 220 hours in Bluetooth mode without the lights.
As a brand leaning towards esports peripherals, Cherry Xtrfy naturally supports full n-key rollover with anti-ghosting capabilities, making it a reliable choice for gaming. It also offers a wireless polling rate of 1000 Hz. The debounce delay of Cherry switches is top-tier, with both the Red and Brown switches having a debounce delay of less than 1 ms.
小结
The Cherry Xtrfy PIXIU 75 keyboard is akin to a captivating beauty that soothes the soul. It eschews the aggressive cost-effectiveness commonly associated with mainstream internet celebrity-endorsed products and does not align itself with the understated luxury of niche brands. Instead, it strikes an elegant balance between personalized customization and the solid functionality of a reliable tool.
The keyboard is designed to cater to a wide range of users. Whether one is a novice requiring a straightforward, out-of-the-box setup or a tech enthusiast eager to experiment with various kits and switch types, Cherry accommodates all levels of interest and expertise. The Cherry Xtrfy PIXIU 75 proves its worth as a versatile instrument, equally effective for daily office tasks and enhancing the gaming experience in esports with its dependable performance and robust reliability.
In this iteration, Cherry has skillfully integrated a stylish Chinese cultural motif, enhancing the design by merging traditional elements with the renowned quality of German engineering. The result is a product where both the overall quality and meticulous attention to detail are immediately evident.
Adding a unique cultural touch, the PIXIU knob on the keyboard, crafted using micro-carving techniques by the master artisan QianJiangYue, not only augments the aesthetic with its fine craftsmanship but is also symbolically associated with attracting wealth and advancing one’s career. This feature not only highlights the keyboard's functional attributes but also enhances its cultural significance.
Whether as a gift, for personal digital customization, or for esports entertainment, it is a worthwhile option to consider within the thousand-CYN range.
The Cherry Xtrfy PIXIU 75 will have its exclusive debut on JD.com in Sep/2024. If you're interested, remember to participate in the event to get the trendy PIXIU knob.
The keyboard launch discount is 200 yuan cheaper, only 799 CYN (113 $).
Click here to but it on JD: CHERRY樱桃PIXIU75客制化键盘 Gasket 2.4G蓝牙三模无线RGB 热插拔 游戏键盘 白色 红轴