In the realm of mechanical keyboards, finding the right balance between performance, aesthetics, and comfort can be a challenging endeavor. However, the Cherry KC 200 MX Mechanical Office Keyboard seems to have found a way to blend these elements seamlessly. In this comprehensive review, I’ll be sharing my experience with the Cherry KC 200 MX Mechanical Office Keyboard, specifically focusing on the model equipped with the new MX2A Silent Red switches.
First Impressions and Design
Upon unboxing the Cherry KC 200 MX Mechanical Office Keyboard, I was immediately struck by its sleek and modern design. The bronze finish with a metal plate frame gives it a robust and premium feel, making it an attractive addition to any office setup. The keyboard’s build quality is impressive, with a slim and lightweight design that doesn’t compromise on durability. The metal plate frame adds a sense of sturdiness, ensuring that the keyboard can withstand everyday wear and tear.
The keyboard has a full-size layout with 108 keys, providing all the essential keys and more for both gaming and professional use. The inclusion of white LED indicators for CAPS-lock, SCROLL-lock, and NUM-lock is a nice touch, providing clear visibility in various lighting conditions.
The Cherry MX2A Switches
One of the standout features of the Cherry KC 200 MX Mechanical Office Keyboard is its use of the new Cherry MX2A switches. These switches are an upgrade from the traditional Cherry MX switches, promising a smoother and more responsive typing experience. The MX2A switches are available in different variants, but my model came with the Silent Red switches, which are known for their quiet operation.
Typing Experience
Typing on the Cherry KC 200 MX Mechanical Office Keyboard with MX2A Silent Red switches is a delightful experience. The switches provide a soft and smooth keystroke, with minimal noise – a perfect choice for an office environment where a quiet keyboard is essential. The silent operation does not detract from the tactile feedback, making it easy to type quickly and accurately without disturbing colleagues.
The keys have a slightly concave shape, which helps to center your fingers and reduces the chance of mistyping. Over extended typing sessions, I found the keyboard to be comfortable, thanks to its ergonomic design and the responsive nature of the MX2A switches.
Performance in Gaming
Although primarily marketed as an office keyboard, the Cherry KC 200 MX Mechanical Office Keyboard performs admirably in gaming scenarios. The MX2A Silent Red switches provide a linear and swift keystroke, which is beneficial for fast-paced gaming. The keyboard’s build quality and responsive switches ensured that I could execute commands quickly and efficiently, giving me a slight edge in competitive gaming situations.
Customizability and Software
One area where the Cherry KC 200 MX Mechanical Office Keyboard could improve is in its customizability. The Cherry Keys utility software, which is used for customizing the keyboard, is currently only available for Windows. This limitation might be a drawback for Mac users or those who prefer more versatile customization options.
Additionally, the keyboard lacks per-key backlighting and advanced productivity features found in some other mechanical keyboards. While the absence of these features keeps the design clean and straightforward, it might be a consideration for those looking for more customizable lighting and productivity options.
Durability and Longevity
Durability is a key factor when investing in a mechanical keyboard, and the Cherry KC 200 MX Mechanical Office Keyboard does not disappoint. The MX2A switches are designed to withstand a significant amount of use, with the Silent Red variant rated for 50 million keystrokes and the Brown variant for 100 million keystrokes. This means that the keyboard is built to last, even with heavy daily use.
The metal plate frame adds to the overall durability, ensuring that the keyboard can handle the rigors of both professional and gaming environments. The robust construction also helps in maintaining the keyboard’s structural integrity over time, preventing issues such as key wobble or uneven wear.
Aesthetic Appeal
The bronze color with the metal plate frame gives the Cherry KC 200 MX Mechanical Office Keyboard a unique and eye-catching look. It stands out from the typical black or white keyboards commonly found in office setups. The aesthetic appeal is further enhanced by the white LED indicators, which provide a subtle yet effective way to keep track of the keyboard’s status.
Connectivity and Compatibility
The keyboard connects via USB-A, which is a standard and reliable connectivity option. During my testing, I did not encounter any connectivity issues, and the keyboard was instantly recognized by my PC. However, it’s worth noting that the keyboard’s software is Windows-only, which might limit its appeal for users who primarily work on other operating systems.
Price and Value
Considering its features and build quality, the Cherry KC 200 MX Mechanical Office Keyboard is relatively inexpensive for a full-size mechanical keyboard. It offers excellent value for those looking for a durable and reliable keyboard for both work and gaming. The inclusion of the new MX2A switches, along with the keyboard’s overall design and performance, makes it a worthwhile investment.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the Cherry KC 200 MX Mechanical Office Keyboard has been overwhelmingly positive. The keyboard excels in delivering a comfortable and responsive typing experience, thanks to the innovative MX2A switches. Its sleek and modern design, coupled with the robust build quality, ensures that it can handle both professional and gaming use with ease.
However, the limited customizability and software availability are areas where the keyboard could improve. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Cherry KC 200 MX Mechanical Office Keyboard remains a top contender in the mechanical keyboard market, offering a great balance of performance, durability, and aesthetic appeal.
Recommendation
If you’re in the market for a new mechanical keyboard that offers a silent and responsive typing experience, the Cherry KC 200 MX Mechanical Office Keyboard is an excellent choice. Its durable construction, modern design, and innovative MX2A switches make it a standout option for both work and play. While it may lack some advanced customization features, its overall performance and value make it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to upgrade their keyboard setup.
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