With the CHERRY XTRFY MX 8.2 Pro TMR, the manufacturer is launching a technically sophisticated, mechanical gaming keyboard in a compact TKL format as a wireless version. The TMR magnetic technology and the extensive connection options are particularly impressive, offering 2.4 GHz wireless via USB dongle, Bluetooth 5.3 and wired USB-C connection. Another highlight is the 8,000 Hz polling rate, which enables fast input with minimal latency – a decisive factor for professional gamers in particular, as every millisecond can mean the difference between life and death in virtual combat. Responsible for this are the CHERRY MK Crystal Magnetic Switches including hot-swap function for magnetic and mechanical switches with a sensor accuracy of 0.01 mm. A powerful 8,000 mAh battery should ensure long gaming or productive work despite a wide range of RGB lighting options.
Find out today what else the CHERRY XTRFY MX 8.2 Pro TMR has to offer and how the keyboard performs in reality in combination with the associated CHERRY MagCrate software.
Technical data
| Model | G8E-3885 |
| Color selection | White / Black |
| Keyboard type | TKL – Tenkeyless |
| Key switch type | CHERRY MK Crystal Magnetic |
| Key technology | Magnetic |
| Keycap material | PBT |
| Connectivity options |
|
| Max. Polling rate | 8,000 Hz |
| Key illumination | RGB |
| N-key rollover | yes |
| Anti-ghosting | yes |
| Hotswap | yes |
| Battery | 8,000 mAh, 3.7 V |
| Software | CHERRY MagCrate |
| price | € 229.99 * |
Scope of delivery
- Gaming keyboard including USB dongle and USB-C cable
- Comprehensive, multilingual operating instructions
In addition to the gaming keyboard itself, the CHERRY XTRFY MX 8.2 Pro TMR comes with the corresponding USB dongle, a cable with USB-A to USB-C connector and a user manual. The latter is comparatively thick for a conventional keyboard despite its elongated design – after all, it contains numerous languages.
Appearance & workmanship
- Tidy design with a mix of gaming and elegance
- High-quality housing with a metallic look
- Colorful accents and striking CHERRY XTRFY branding
In terms of appearance, the CHERRY XTRFY MX 8.2 Pro TMR Wireless features a clean design that combines classic gaming elements with simple elegance. The housing chassis is of extremely high quality and conveys a stable impression with its metallic-looking surface and overall weight. All in all, the combination of clear lines, discreet CHERRY XTRFY branding and eye-catching features such as the playful space bar with DUAL MASTER lettering and on the right front are striking. If we turn the keyboard upside down, we also see turquoise-cherry red decorative elements that extend across both sides in a glitch look.
In addition to the white version, which we have available in our test, the CHERRY XTRFY MX 8.2 Pro TMR also comes in a black color scheme. While the white keyboard therefore contains more turquoise-colored elements, the black version is dominated by cherry red elements. The keycaps with graduated lettering are a different story: In addition to the letters and numbers in the first row, there is also a second row with a mix of function symbols that contains both variants. The individual additional functions can be called up using the FN button. Surprisingly, the positions of the special characters in the number row are reversed, which means that the actual digits in the second row are less brightly illuminated.
One thing that catches the eye is that the USB-C port on the front is not centered, but slightly offset to the right – a small deviation for perfectionists or fans of symmetrical layouts. On the same side, but further to the left, are the switch for changing the operating modes and three status LEDs. Both are provided with a turquoise line that extends from the left side to the USB-C port.
Switches: CHERRY MK Crystal Magnetic
- Precise TMR magnetic switches with 0.01 mm accuracy
- Hot-swap for magnetic and mechanical switches
- Pleasantly muffled, even typing noise
At the heart of the CHERRY XTRFY MX 8.2 Pro TMR are the CHERRY MK Crystal Magnetic Switches based on modern TMR sensor technology (tunnel magnetoresistance). In direct comparison to classic mechanical switches or solutions with Hall effect, these switches detect inputs via changes in magnetic resistance. In this way, a very high precision of up to 0.01 mm is achieved with reduced energy consumption – ideal for wireless use.
Another plus point is the high flexibility of the CHERRY XTRFY MX 8.2 Pro TMR. In addition to the magnetic CHERRY MK switches, even classic mechanical MX switches are supported. Thanks to hot-swapping, the changeover is of course very quick and allows for an even more versatile keyboard setup.
In terms of acoustics, the CHERRY MK Crystal Magnetic is relatively restrained and pleasant. Accordingly, the typing noise is quite muted and even, without any annoying resonances or rattling noises, as we know them from older mechanical models. Combined with the internal plate, this creates a harmonious sound in our opinion. In other words, it’s fun to just listen to the keyboard without having to wear headphones the whole time!
Software: CHERRY MagCrate
- Extensive configuration via software
- Key travel, dead zone, dynamic pressure individually adjustable
- Cumbersome shortcut to call up the software
The comprehensive configuration of the CHERRY XTRFY MX 8.2 Pro TMR is carried out using the CHERRY MagCrate software. The structure is quite elementary and yet well structured. There are currently five tabs to choose from, which cover different areas: starting with the basic keyboard settings, through to the configuration of the FN key, macro editing, RGB lighting and the software’s own options. The default sampling rate is 8,000 Hz, but can be reduced in several intermediate stages to up to 125 Hz via software.
A particular highlight of the software is certainly the precise adjustment of the key travel for each individual key. Not only the release height in millimetres, but also the dead zone, the dynamic keystroke and the SnapKey function can be individually adjusted. Once you have familiarized yourself with this and made your preferred adjustments, the tactile feedback and especially the reaction speed improve, which should be a big plus point for e-sports enthusiasts or passionate gamers in particular. The range of RGB lighting extends to a total of 20 predefined effects. With the help of the additional user profile, up to five custom lighting effects can also be created and recalled via mode selection. Typical for keyboard drivers in this price range, the software also offers the option of assigning macros and function keys. All this information is stored in the keyboard’s internal memory and is therefore retained even when changing PC or disconnecting from the USB dongle.
However, there is still potential for optimization in the keyboard shortcut for calling up the software. At the moment, the software is called up directly via the key combination FN + ESC using a macro that starts an executable Windows window and enters a command sequence. In principle, this approach works, but is not very elegant and may be irritating for inexperienced users.
Practice & writing test
Even in practical use, the CHERRY XTRFY MX 8.2 Pro TMR Wireless impresses with an extremely high level of typing comfort and an all-round harmonious overall picture. For example, the typing feel remains precise, even and consistent across all keys. What’s more, the keys trigger reliably every time and feel pleasantly smooth – whether you’re writing this article or typing quickly while gaming.
The CHERRY XTRFY MX 8.2 Pro TMR Wireless manages the balancing act between an appealing look and high-quality workmanship across the board. Even with vigorous typing, no instabilities can be detected and all switches fit perfectly in the internal plate. The same applies to the durable PBT keycaps, which, even under critical scrutiny, show no signs of quality defects – neither visually nor haptically. We are already satisfied with the trigger travel from the factory – the software allows additional fine-tuning to better suit individual tastes. So if you want a little more precision, you can let off steam in the software. But be careful: even CHERRY expressly points out that using SnapKey in competitive games such as CS2 can result in a ban.
As the sound of a mechanical keyboard plays a not insignificant role and the ear “works” to a certain extent when typing, we have included a short sound test at this point. This will give you an impression of how the CHERRY XTRFY MX 8.2 Pro TMR behaves acoustically in everyday use.
Conclusion
This brings us to the conclusion: The CHERRY XTRFY MX 8.2 Pro TMR leaves a very convincing overall impression. This is due to the built-in components and extras of the latest generation, such as magnetic TMR switches, a sampling rate of 8,000 Hz and a wide range of customization options. First and foremost, the harmonious interplay of high-quality workmanship, the very pleasant typing feel and the adjustable switches per button in the software should be emphasized. This qualifies the gaming keyboard for both everyday typing and demanding gaming use.
Where there is light, there is always a shadow somewhere. Although the software is generally tidy and clear, the UI doesn’t look quite up to date. The same applies to the current quick start via keyboard shortcut, which is implemented via a Windows run window using a macro. Of course, it should be clearly noted that this is complaining at a high level. Nevertheless, it would be welcome if the manufacturer could optimize this situation with a software or driver update.
And then there is the price of around €230 at the time of testing. This clearly places the CHERRY XTRFY MX 8.2 Pro TMR in the upper segment of mechanical keyboards, which is entirely appropriate given its technical features. In return, the buyer receives a technically sophisticated, high-quality and very comfortable keyboard. Ultimately, quality has its price – and this has been sensibly realized here.
- Very good, consistent typing feel
- Precise TMR switches
- Extensive customization per key
- Durable PBT keycaps
- Robust workmanship
- Cumbersome software shortcut
- Expandable software overlay
CHERRY XTRFY MX 8.2 Pro TMR
Processing
Equipment
Ergonomics
Software
Price-performance ratio
95/100
The CHERRY XTRFY MX 8.2 Pro TMR is a first-class gaming keyboard with modern TMR technology, excellent typing feel and extensive customization options. The high price is justified in view of the features, quality and scope of performance.
