Cherry Xtrfy K5V2 keyboard review: Compact size and ‘creamy’ performance

So much room for activities!

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Cherry Xtrfy Compact Gaming Keyboard
Photo via Cherry Xtrfy

The market for gaming keyboards is flooded with options, sizes, lighting settings, key types, companies, and more. But that level of variety is only a good thing.

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I’ve always been more of a clicky-key user myself simply because it’s all I’ve known. So when I saw Cherry Xtrfy was releasing a new 65 percent mechanical keyboard for gaming, I really wanted to try it out to feel the difference.

CHERRY XTRFY K5V2 Compact Gaming Keyboard
Simple in design, but gets the job done. Image via Cherry Xtrfy

I’m happy to say that I’ve enjoyed my time with the sample sent along by the company, but not for the reasons you may expect from hardware labeled as a “mechanical gaming keyboard.”

Tiny but powerful

Cherry Xtrfy RSV2 vs. Logitech G Pro keyboard
Tiny even compared to Logitech’s G PRO TKL. Photo by Scott Duwe

The Cherry Xtrfy K5V2 is described as compact, and that’s quite an apt description. It’s easily the smallest keyboard I’ve ever used, even compared to the Logitech G PRO that I came from previously.

It’s a little over 14 inches wide and just under seven inches tall, so this keyboard should fit on any desktop and is an excellent addition for anyone with limited space like myself.

I’ve used all kinds of keyboards in the past: Razer, Logitech, SteelSeries, full-sized, and TKL alike. But I think this compact size may be what I stick with moving forward. I don’t have the biggest office and my desktop space is paramount. With the K5V2, I have plenty of room for my mouse, my phone, wrist rests, and even desktop trinkets.

Preference is key

With the K5V2 or any other keyboard’s size or switch type, it truly all comes down to preference. I’m glad I tried out such a different build than what I’m used to, though. And the keys are swappable and easily replaced on this bad boy, which the company calls “ultra-customizable.”

“Customizing your keyboard has never been easier,” Cherry Xtrfy says on its website. “On the K5V2, everything from the switches, stabilizers and keycaps to the cable, frame and even the little plate for the logo is swappable.”

Cherry Xtrfy KSV2 keyboard photo
RGB options are plentiful. Photo by Scott Duwe

Speaking of preference, the K5V2 offers extensive options for RGB LED colors and effects, macros, and more. It’s all done through the Function (FN) key between R-ALT and R-CTRL, so it’s easily accessible and swiftly done.

When it comes to gaming, I still think I prefer clickier switches, like Logitech’s GX Blue switches, for what feels like more responsive feedback when hammering ping keys or asking teammates for help in-game. But when it comes to typing at work or even on Discord with friends, these Cherry switches are easily a new favorite of mine.

The cream of the crop

The best way I can describe the feedback from each keystroke on the Cherry Xtrfy K5V2 is, well, “creamy.” I can’t take credit for this description, as I first heard it from a good friend of mine, but it’s honestly very fitting. This is my first experience with Cherry switches, and they feel and sound soft and creamy, especially in comparison to the clickier keys I’m used to.

The keys have a cushion-like feeling while typing, likely from the pre-lubed PCB-mounted stabilizers that Cherry Xtrfy touts, along with double layers of sound-dampening foam. If you like clicky keyboard ASMR, this likely won’t be your style. But it’s satisfying in its own way.

Author
Image of Scott Duwe
Scott Duwe
Senior Staff Writer & Call of Duty lead. Professional writer for over 10 years. Lover of all things Marvel, Destiny 2, Metal Gear, Final Fantasy, Resident Evil, and more. Previous bylines include PC Gamer, Red Bull Esports, Fanbyte, and Esports Nation. DogDad to corgis Yogi and Mickey, sports fan (NY Yankees, NY Jets, NY Rangers, NY Knicks), Paramore fanatic, cardio enthusiast.