Cherry XTRFY K5 Pro TMR review: Compact gaming keyboard with magnetic switches

Cherry XTRFY K5 Pro TMR with 8,000 Hz, TMR magnetic switches and 65 percent layout in the test: At CES 2026, Cherry XTRFY presented the new TMR technology, which, according to the manufacturer, is an improved version of the well-known Hall Effect switches. In addition to the TKL MX 8.2 Pro TMR keyboard, a competitive 65 percent variant is also on the horizon, which has now finally reached our test lab. Read this article to find out whether the Cherry XTRFY K5 Pro TMR is really convincing.

Technical data of the Cherry XTRFY K5 Pro TMR

Model	K5 Pro TMR
Color selection	White / Black
Layout	65 percent
Key switch type	CHERRY MK Crystal Magnetic
Key technology	Magnetic
Keycap material	PBT
Connection options	Cable: USB Type-A to USB Type-C
Max. Polling rate	8,000 Hz
Key illumination	RGB
N-key rollover	yes
Anti-ghosting	yes
Hotswap	yes
Battery	not available
software	CHERRY MagCrate
price	€ 149.99 *

Bright colors, clean look: The design of the Cherry XTRFY K5 Pro TMR

The compact 65 percent Cherry XTRFY K5 Pro TMR keyboard promises high speed in pocket format. This makes it the perfect choice for all gamers who want more space on their desk. The keyboard, which is available in either black or white, has a clean look. The white model is particularly appealing with its semi-transparent housing, which shows off the RGB lighting particularly well.

At just 568 grams, the K5 Pro TMR is an absolute lightweight, which is also due to the plastic housing. While many competitors, even in this price range, rely on a combination of plastic and aluminum, ABS reigns here. Nevertheless, the keyboard has a high-quality feel to it. In any case, the workmanship leaves nothing to be desired.

The 65 percent layout naturally means that the F-key row is absent, but Cherry Xtrfy cleverly compensates for this with a double key assignment using the FN key combination. Practical: The second assignment can be read on the front of all keys. Number row for F keys, U, I and O for media control and so on.

Despite its compact layout, the Cherry XTRFY K5 Pro TMR is not necessarily compact, as a direct comparison with the low-profile NuPh Air75 V3 keyboard shows. This in turn comes with an F-key row and even a rotary control, but still offers the more compact housing.

The gaming look is also provided by a few playful, orange-colored design elements on the frame. These are not overly prominent and blend discreetly into the look. The workmanship is of a very good standard despite the plastic casing. What I particularly like are the extremely non-slip keycaps, which display the RGB lighting well and score points with a convincing grip.

The Cherry XTRFY K5 Pro TMR is also hot-swappable. This means that both the keycaps and the built-in Cherry MK Crystal switches can be easily replaced. The enclosed switch and keycap puller is also of the higher quality variety and allows a view of the metal plate, which should ensure a clean sound.

App connection: Cherry MagCrate

The Cherry XTRFY K5 Pro TMR is configured via the MagCrate app, which we already know from the MX 8.2 Pro TMR, for example. Unlike my colleague Niklas, who tested the aforementioned TKL keyboard, I’m not quite as convinced by the software.

Yes, it offers all kinds of options. Such as key assignments, macros, functions, several RGB lighting modes and the unique customization options for TMR or Hall Effect keyboards in terms of trigger points, rapid triggers and much more.

However, I don’t find the layout of the app to be very clear, especially as the image of the application cannot be adjusted in size – which makes many menu items difficult to read on a 34-inch monitor. Especially the trigger points and parameters. Especially as many of the settings are not explained, which means that laypeople are somewhat left in the dark when it comes to the “wrong touch mode” and advanced functions.

In purely functional terms, however, if you are familiar with the subject matter, MagCrate leaves nothing to be desired. All the features of a modern gaming keyboard with magnetic switches are available. The TMR switches can be adjusted to an accuracy of 0.01 mm and, if desired, individually for each key. Including dead zones, stroke height on release and reset.

Cherry XTRFY K5 Pro TMR in a practical test

In gaming use, the Cherry XTRFY K5 Pro TMR is convincing across the board. Admittedly, I’m not really a big fan of the 65 percent layout, but I have to admit: What the manufacturer has cobbled together here works brilliantly in practice.

Let’s start with the typing feel, which I really like, not least thanks to the fairly high keys with extremely precise pressure points, but also the pleasantly grippy and slightly roughened keycaps. At least when gaming, but more on that in a moment.

The stabilizers also do an impeccable job. Even larger keys such as Space sit bombproof and trigger accurately without wobbling. In addition, there are features that will delight even the most demanding gamers. 8,000 Hz, full N-key rollover, anti-ghosting and the innovative TMR technology, which works much more precisely than Hall Effect, allowing inputs to be registered with an accuracy of up to 0.01 millimetres.

You can also customize each key individually. Including Rapid Trigger and optional SnapKey. The result is an incredibly precise and fast typing experience that is in no way inferior to even the much more expensive high-end boards.

Sound of the Cherry XTRFY K5 Pro TMR:

The sound of the Cherry XTRFY K5 Pro TMR is also very coherent, which can be attributed to the multi-stage damping. Despite the linear switches, it is one of the louder gaming keyboards and is definitely not “thocky”.

The built-in Cherry MK Crystal Magnetic Switches use modern TMR technology (Tunnel Magneto Resistance). In contrast to conventional mechanical switches or Hall effect solutions, these switches detect inputs via changes in the magnetic resistance. At the same time, compared to their mechanical counterparts from Cherry, the magnetic switches work much more gently and offer less resistance, which ensures an even smoother trigger feel.

The big sticking point, however, is the ease of movement: I find the switches a little too smooth when typing, especially as there is no differentiated feedback when triggered. This is very pleasant in shooters, but there is a lack of precision for longer texts. Cheaper models such as the HATOR Skyfall 80 MAG ULTIMA 8K (review) or the equally magnetic ASUS ROG Falchion Ace 75 HE (review) do this much better. Ultimately, the typing feel is okay, but nothing more. Unfortunately.

Cherry XTRFY K5 Pro TMR Review: Conclusion

The Cherry XTRFY K5 Pro TMR Compact is technically ambitious and delivers a convincing overall package. The TMR technology records the key travel without contact via magnetic field changes and allows adjustments down to 0.01 millimeters. With a polling rate of 8,000 Hz, this is a combination that is clearly designed for fast, competitive input. The sound and feel of the board is also impressive: stabilizers are well pre-lubricated ex works, the switches have a high-quality feel and the typing feel is smooth and pleasant.

The MagCrate software is not an optional extra, but an integral part of the product, even if it is not necessarily the best accompanying software on the market. The simple plastic housing in black and orange doesn’t look very spectacular for the price of around 150 euros, and the TMR advantages over cheaper reverb effect alternatives are hardly noticeable in everyday use – competitive players are the main beneficiaries. In addition, the keys work a little too smoothly for my taste when typing.

If you don’t type much and prefer gaming, you’ll be perfectly happy with the Cherry XTRFY K5 Pro TMR Compact. However, everyone else will find better alternatives.