Cherry is an established number in PC peripherals and almost everyone has probably used the manufacturer's switches. Cherry has now discovered gaming and further strengthened it with the takeover of the Swedish manufacturer XTRFY. Gaming peripherals have been manufactured under the Cherry XTRFY brand since the beginning of 2023 and we have taken on a mouse-keyboard combo, namely the Cherry XTRFY M68 Pro Wireless gaming mouse and the MX 3.1 gaming keyboard.
Cherry XTRFY MX 3.1
Let's start with the keyboard. The Cherry XTRFY MX 3.1 is available for 138.99 euros (RRP) in black and white, with either linear red or tactile brown switches. The first impression of the keyboard is good, very good in fact. The robust all-aluminum housing (not just the top plate) immediately makes a high-quality impression. The 435 x 138 x 35 mm full keyboard is elegantly crafted. Surprisingly, it doesn't have the usual adjustable folding feet, but rather two screw feet for height adjustment. The connection is made via a flexible USB-C to USB-A cable.
The XTRFY MX 3.1 uses factory-lubricated, mechanical Cherry MX2A Gold Crosspoint precision switches, essentially a further development of the well-known Cherry MX switches, which are equipped with ABS keycaps. Thanks to successful noise insulation, the typing experience is excellent with moderate noise levels. The keystroke is smooth and has an excellent feel. N-key rollover and anti-ghosting should be a given in this price range and are of course present.
The keyboard is configured using slim, free software from Cherry. This allows you to configure the RGB setting, which is definitely worth seeing and looks even nicer thanks to the structures on the side. You can also create and customize key assignments and macros.
All in all, the Cherry XTRFY MX 3.1 is a relatively classic gaming keyboard that does without gimmicks such as optical switches or PBT keycaps and instead aims to score points in the price range between 100 and 150 euros. And it does that well, because there is nothing to complain about in terms of workmanship, the typing feel is excellent and there are no misfires in practical use.
Cherry XTRFY M68 Pro Wireless
The XTRFY M68 Pro Wireless is a symmetrical and very light gaming mouse at 55 grams. At 138.99 euros, it's not necessarily a bargain and to get straight to the point: If you don't necessarily have to rely on the possible 8,000 Hz polling rate, you can get the much cheaper M68 Wireless (i.e. without the Pro) for around 99 euros much better served. After all, the 8K sampling rate also requires the corresponding CPU performance in your gaming machine in order to really be used sensibly.
The 123.3 x 63.5 x 39 mm large, symmetrical gaming mouse has pleasant ergonomics, with the fairly flat front being particularly noticeable. As a concession, however, the USB-C port for the charging cable has been moved to the right side, which makes possible cable operation more difficult. The connection is made via a USB dongle with a cable extension anyway. However, if you tend to forget to charge, you should keep in mind that the charging cable tends to be a hindrance when playing.
The mouse has a minimalist design. Two mouse buttons with mechanical Huano switches, a decent clickable mouse wheel and two thumb buttons are all that is visible in terms of controls. The configuration is done without software using a switch on the bottom and various key combinations. You have to get used to it and remember the combinations, but it's good. Cherry has done without RGB lighting, but the battery life is very good at around 90 hours.
Under the hood is the Pixart 3395 sensor with a whopping 26,000 DPI, currently one of the best sensors on the market. With 650 IPS and 50G acceleration, it leaves nothing to be desired, and the sampling rate on the Pro model can be adjusted up to 8,000 Hz. As I said, if you don't need that, you can choose the cheaper normal version with 1,000 Hz. The sensor works as precisely, quickly and precisely as usual. All in all, the XTRFY M68 Pro Wireless is a really good gaming mouse if low weight and precise behavior are important.
There is also an elegant mouse pad measuring 400 x 460 mm to match the mouse, the Cherry XTRFY GP5 Large. The fabric surface ensures smooth gliding of the PTFE feet, and the rubberized underside ensures a good grip. The mouse pad is available in three sizes, in addition to the GP5 Large mentioned, there is also a medium (slightly smaller) and XL as a wide mouse pad.
Conclusion
Strong midprice keyboard and a little overpriced but precise gaming mouse
With products like the M68 Pro Wireless and the MX 3.1, the Cherry XTRFY brand should quickly find its fans. When it comes to keyboards, Cherry doesn't move straight into the high-end league, but rather offers a moderately priced, more classic gaming keyboard. However, this scores points with its high-quality workmanship and noise-damped switches, which offer an excellent typing experience. Given the price range, minor compromises such as the ABS keycaps are just as forgivable as the purely mechanical switches - if you want more, you have to pay more. Overall, the MX 3.1 does not have any notable weaknesses and can only be warmly recommended in this price range.
The Cherry XTRFY M68 Pro Wireless is also convincing. The light, symmetrical mouse scores with precise functionality and a strong sensor, and the lack of software is also an argument. At around 140 euros, the minimalist mouse seems a bit too expensive, especially since the only argument in favor of it seems to be the sampling rate of 8,000 Hz. If you don't absolutely need this, you're much better off with the cheaper M68 Wireless (i.e. without "Pro"). All in all, a very good mouse that hardly has any weaknesses.
