In this CHERRY XTRFY M68 Wireless review, we would like to introduce you to the sixth generation of XTRFY’s new wireless gaming mouse models. The M64 and M68 product series have been available in stores since the beginning of August. Customers can choose between a total of 10 models, which differ slightly in terms of design and, particularly in the Pro version, in terms of performance. The ergonomic M64 and the symmetrically designed M68 are each available in the standard and Pro versions and in three or two color variants: black, white and light blue.
Both M64 and M68 are said to be ahead of their predecessors M4 and M8(our test from 2023) in terms of grip, weight and performance. What the Pro versions of the M64 and M68 have in common is the 8000 Hz polling rate compared to the 1000 Hz of the standard model. According to external tests by techpowerup.com, the 8K technology should even make the M64 Pro Wireless the wireless mouse with the lowest click latency.
This article deals with the standard version of the symmetrically shaped M68 with 1000 Hz.
Technical features of the CHERRY XTRFY M68 Wireless
| Product page: | www.cherry.de |
| Weight of main product: | 53 g |
| Product dimensions without packaging: | 123.2 mm x 63.5 mm x 39 mm |
| Weight of the product incl. packaging: | 283 g |
| Cable length: | 180 cm |
| Scope of delivery | Mouse USB cable dongle adapter Spare mouse feet User manual |
| Thumb buttons: | yes |
| dpi switch: | yes |
| illumination: | no |
| USB dongle: | yes |
| Wireless connection 2.4 Ghz: | yes |
| Connection via Bluetooth: | no |
| Number of batteries: | 1 |
| Battery type: | Li-Ion |
| Rechargeable battery: | Yes |
| Replaceable battery: | no |
| Battery charging socket: | USB-C |
| Protection class: | Standard |
| Sliding: | PTFE |
| Polling rate: | 125 Hz 250 Hz 500 Hz 1000 Hz |
| Lift-off distance: | 1mm 2mm |
| Price: | € 89.10 * |
Packaging and scope of delivery
- In addition to the mouse, the high-quality packaging contains the necessary accessories and replacement gliding feet
As a high-end gaming mouse, the CHERRY XTRFY M68 Wireless comes in a comparatively attractive packaging and is wrapped in thin paper when opened.
The wireless mouse comes with a connection cable with adapter and a dedicated USB dongle as essential accessories. You also receive a set of gliding feet and a sticker from the manufacturer.
The scope of delivery of the M68 Wireless at a glance:
- Mouse
- USB cable (180 cm)
- dongle
- adapter
- Spare mouse feet
- User manual
- Sticker “CHERRY XTRFY”
Design and workmanship of the CHERRY XTRFY M68 Wireless
- Overall successful, simple design for right-handed use
- Mouse and accessories have a high-quality finish
The symmetrically designed, simple housing of the CHERRY XTRFY M68 Wireless is obviously aimed at fans of the classic computer mouse. The button layout is tailored for right-handed use and is only available in this version.
During wireless use, the mouse is powered by an internal, permanently installed 300 mAh lithium-ion battery with a battery life of 75 hours (depending on Hz and playing style). The M68 Wireless is connected to the PC via a USB dongle.
When the battery is empty, the mouse can continue to be used with the same USB cable that is used to connect the dongle for the 2.4 GHz wireless connection to the PC. Due to the flat front section of the housing, the USB-C port for the cable is located on the bottom right of the housing. This initially seemed impractical, but only occasionally got in the way during testing. However, positioning the port in the front center of the case would have been clearly preferable for practical reasons.
Build quality of the M68 Wireless
In our CHERRY XTRFY M68 Wireless test, the M68 appeared to be very well made on the outside. The plastic parts used in the housing are flawlessly manufactured and predominantly have a matt, non-slip surface. The rubber-like closure of the USB socket is susceptible to dust and is not always easy to remove.
The cable and dongle appear to be of high quality. The USB cable, which is the EZcord from CHERRY XTRFY, is flexible and coated with a smooth nylon braid. The cable tie is also made from a rubber-like material. The adapter for the USB dongle has a rubber base that improves its stability.
The built-in switches for the main buttons click pleasantly and sound duller and slightly louder than comparable switches. This also applies to the side and middle mouse buttons, while the mouse wheel clicks quietly and precisely. The included replacement glide feet have a positive effect on the longevity of the product. However, the material chosen for the PTFE glide feet is questionable, as harmful substances are released into the environment through abrasion over time.
Inside the housing, the 3395 sensor from Pixart with a maximum of 26,000 DPI does its job, which is also used in much more expensive gaming mice.
Making settings on the M68 Wireless
- M68 Wireless works entirely without software
- Manual setting options are partly good, partly not very intuitive
As the M68 does not require any software, it offers the option of making settings itself. The M68 Wireless can be switched on and off using a slide switch on the underside of the housing. The same switch is also used to change the settings for polling rate (PR), sensitivity (CPI – Counts per Inch) and response time (DT – Debounce Time). The respective values can then be selected by pressing the right-hand pushbutton. The current value is displayed in the form of an LED color, the meaning of which can be found in the instructions.
For some other queries and settings, a specific key combination must be pressed for 3 or 5 seconds. For example, the battery charge status is displayed as a colored light after holding the two side and left mouse buttons for 3 seconds. The lift-off distance can also be configured, motion synchronization (Motion Sync) can be switched on or off and all settings can be reset to the factory settings.
For the most part, making settings on the M68 Wireless without PC software is easy. However, the light colors for displaying the set values, as well as the key combinations, appeared to be less or not at all intuitive. Occasionally it can be difficult to distinguish between light colors, for example yellow and green. They are also only partially in a logical sequence. It is therefore advisable to always have the instructions available as a PDF on the PC or from the scope of delivery.
Ergonomics and gaming performance
- Generally trouble-free operation with and without cable
- Reasonably ergonomic despite symmetrical shape and light weight
- Satisfactory gaming performance with 1000 and 125 Hz polling rate
To ensure that the ergonomics of the CHERRY XTRFY M68 Wireless do not fall by the wayside despite its simple symmetrical shape, it was also developed with feedback from elite gamers. Thanks to the rough plastic surface of the housing, it has a non-slip feel. The very low weight of just 53 grams is intended to help ensure fast and precise movements without loss of control, especially when gaming.
Initially, the low weight of the M68 Wireless felt rather unusual, but it was always easy to grip and operate in all situations.
In our CHERRY XTRFY M68 Wireless test, the built-in technology reliably ensured a seamless and precise transfer of input. There were no disruptions during desktop work or gaming. If you change the polling rate, the mouse is briefly disconnected from the operating system and then immediately recognized again. One battery charge was tested at a polling rate of 125 Hz and another at 1000 Hz. This was to determine the wireless usage time on the one hand and the effect of the polling rate on gaming performance on the other. The free version of the shooter trainer Aimlabs was primarily used as a benchmark for this.
It should be noted that the following comments are based on subjective impressions, with technical reality taking a back seat. After an extensive amount of Aimlabs exercises, no clear difference could be perceived between a polling rate of 125 Hz and one of 1000 Hz. With both settings, the results in Aimlabs could be improved with more training. Occasionally, the CPI setting was used to adjust the sensitivity depending on the exercise. Unfortunately, the M68 is not designed for a quick change of sensitivity or other values, for example using the quick selection button behind the scroll wheel.
Setup and battery life of the CHERRY XTRFY M68 Wireless
- Ready to use under Windows 11 in seconds
- 60 to 90 hours battery life with 1000 or 125 Hz polling rate
Setting up the M68 Wireless was very easy. The battery was already charged on delivery, all that was needed was to connect the dongle to the test PC and switch on the mouse. The latter is done by setting any mode apart from “Off”, for example CPI (Counts per Inch). It was then immediately recognized by Windows 11 and could be used without restriction. As no software is offered, settings had to be made primarily on the mouse itself.
If the battery level falls below a capacity of between 0 and 25%, the LED at the bottom left of the housing flashes red as soon as the mouse is used. Unfortunately, the manual does not explain exactly what capacity this is. At this point at the latest, the M68 should continue to be operated by cable, which also recharges the battery. The complete charging process took around 1.5 hours in the test. The battery life also depended on the settings. With a polling rate (PR) of 125 Hz, the M68 Wireless could be operated for around 90 hours until the status light began to flash red. At 1000 Hz it was still 60 hours. The average of these two test results corresponds to the manufacturer’s advertised usage time of 75 hours.
Conclusion of the CHERRY XTRFY M68 Wireless test
The M68 Wireless from CHERRY XTRFY is of very good quality, its design is simple and uncluttered. The accessories are limited to the essentials, an extra set of gliding feet was a welcome addition. It made a good impression both for everyday work and gaming. The performance during test gaming was very satisfactory with various settings.
Technically, it impressed with one hundred percent reliability. There were no malfunctions during operation, with or without the cable. Only rarely did the charging cable attached to the side interfere with operation in wired mode. The start-up under Windows 11 was completed within seconds. The battery lasted 60 hours even at maximum polling rate and was ready for use again after 1.5 hours of charging.
Less practical was making settings on the mouse using switches and a colored LED. As there is no software for the M68, this process could have been solved more intuitively. The symmetrical housing is less ergonomic than the M64, but still felt good in the hand. If you absolutely prefer ergonomics, you should definitely go for the M64. Away from gaming, the low weight occasionally felt a little unwieldy.
The M68 Wireless is available for around €100 at the time of testing (currently € 89.10 *). The price seems a little high, but the performance and quality you get for it is too. If you are looking for a reliable wireless gaming mouse, the M68 is recommended. This is especially true for those who prefer a simple design and maximum freedom of use.
91/100
Processing
Equipment
Ergonomics
Price-performance ratio
CHERRY XTRFY M68 Wireless
The M68 Wireless from CHERRY XTRFY is a wireless gaming mouse with many good features and only a few minor complaints.
