The manufacturer nerdytec is probably known for its Couchmaster products like the CYBOSS, after all, the couch desks turn every cozy sofa into a comfortable workplace. Now they are venturing into the field of mechanical keyboards and, let’s reveal this much in advance, it is absolutely impressive. Why, that clarifies our nerdytec CYKEY test.
Technical data
| Key switch type | Mechanical |
| Switch types | Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow |
| Switch interchangeable | yes (hot swap) |
| Material | Plastic |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 321 mm x 32 mm x 136 mm |
| Weight | 956 grams |
| Cable connector | USB type-C |
| Rollover technology | N-Key Rollover |
| Key Caps | ABS plastic |
| Operating Modes | Typing; Gaming |
| Features | Replaceable keycaps and switches; Quiet dampening; Keycaps and tools included; Windows and Mac modes; Clickable knob |
| Colors | semi-transparent gray / green |
| Price | € 139.90 * |
nerdytec CYKEY review: scope of delivery, design and workmanship
- Convincing scope of delivery including spare parts
- Keycaps for Windows and Mac keys
The nerdytec CYKEY reaches us in a black cardboard box with poison green lettering. This comes up with a convincing scope of delivery. Of course, the keyboard itself takes up a large part of the box, but the manufacturer also includes a whole range of accessories.
Of course, the robust, braided USB cable, which supplies the mechanical keyboard with power, should not be missing. In addition, a combined keycap and switch puller is found in the packaging, with which the keycaps and mechanical switches can be quickly and easily replaced.
There is also an additional stabilizer plate for the spacebar two yellow gateron switches, a replacement metal control knob, and a set of additional keycaps (in alternative design, as well as for Windows and Mac layout). There’s also a plastic cover to protect the keyboard from dust and dirt. Very good.
nerdytec CYKEY with semi-transparent design
- unique semi-transparent design
- pleasing 75 percent layout
- successful workmanship
The nerdytec CYKEY relies on a 75-percent layout and accordingly comes up without a number pad, while the middle key block around end, insert and remove moves to the right edge as a row and is double assigned.
Thus, the keyboard has dimensions of 321 mm x 136 mm in width x depth, as well as 21 mm in height at the front and 32 mm at the back. The angle can also be adjusted via the two two-stage, fold-out feet on the bottom, which also enable a secure stand thanks to the rubber coating.
The USB-C cable finds room in a small indentation on the underside, while a well thought-out cable channel allows the ribbon to be fed out in three different places on the back of the keyboard.
Otherwise, the CYKEY, which weighs around 956 grams, relies on a semi-transparent plastic casing that shows off the customizable RGB lighting very well. Thanks to a grippy grain, the nerdytec CYKEY can also convince haptically.
The nerdytec model does not feel quite as robust and high-quality as the Keychron Q3 (our review), for example. However, the metal control knob in the upper right corner is strongly reminiscent of the corresponding counterpart.
However, the CYKEY also only relies on cheap ABS keycaps ex-works, which are quite quickly covered in shiny fingerprints – it’s good that you have the free choice here to equip the keyboard with PBT keycaps.
Apart from that, there is almost nothing to complain about in terms of build quality. The metal button of our test model has a small paint chip, but that does not really matter.
RGB lighting and accompanying software
- Fancy RGB lighting
- 30 effects
The nerdytec CYKEY relies on so-called light-through keycaps, thanks to which the RGB lighting is particularly visible. Thanks to the semi-transparent case, the entire keyboard shines in toxic green light at the factory.
However, a whole 30 predefined effects can be switched through via an FN key combination, while the color changing and breathing modes can additionally be adjusted in terms of speed.
Additional effects and further settings are, as with Keychron, possible via VIA. Here you can quickly and easily adjust the key mapping or lighting via the web app.
However, the whole thing is a bit more fiddly than with a classic companion app, especially since the options here do not turn out to be quite as diverse. You only have to set it up once and can then use the keyboard with the same settings on any other device.
Practical and typing test
- pleasant, quiet typing
- average keycaps
- practical double assignments
The nerdytec CYKEY comes from the factory with Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches, which are already pre-lubricated and let light shine through better compared to version 2.0.
As linear switches, these trigger without a noticeable pressure point and have a slightly higher activation pressure of 50 cN compared to 45 cN compared to the red mechanical switches. The trigger point and pre-travel, on the other hand, are identical.
Accordingly, comparatively quiet but very precise typing is possible with the CYKEY, while the mechanical keyboard cuts an equally good figure in gaming as well as typing.
However, the keycaps, which are slightly curved inwards, could use better gliding properties. Due to the smooth surface, you sometimes have the feeling of “sticking” to the keys. Here, I do not like the typing feel quite as much as in most competitors.
Otherwise, I like the well thought-out secondary assignment of most keys, because many additional options are available in combination with the FN key. Among them is an adjustment of the screen brightness, a media control or even the adjustment of the RGB lighting.
In addition, the combination also allows switching between Windows and Mac layouts, while the multi-control knob adjusts the volume, mutes the sound or can even be freely assigned.
Of course, the acoustics of a keyboard are always a matter of taste. However, I personally find that nerdytec has built in good damping, which results in a pleasant triggering noise. The CYKEY triggers neither clattery nor high-frequency and sounds comparatively dignified and pleasant.
nerdytec CYKEY review: conclusion
Debut successful. With the nerdytec CYKEY, the manufacturer delivers a successful mechanical gaming keyboard that is particularly convincing in terms of design and functionality. There is also hardly anything to complain about in terms of build quality, while the RGB lighting is pleasing.
The fact that the keyboard is obviously oriented towards the top dog Keychron is not bad at all. After all, nerdytec manages to keep up very well in many areas. However, it is not quite enough for a top position among the best gaming keyboards. This is due to the rather cheap ABS keycaps or the missing (real) companion software, for example.
However, the nerdytec CYKEY easily makes up for these minimal points of criticism with its excellent price-performance ratio. The mechanical gaming keyboard only costs a fraction of what manufacturers charge for higher-quality competitors.
Similar high-quality keyboards can only be found beyond the 200 euro mark. So, if you are looking for an inexpensive yet convincing keyboard, you can buy the nerdytec CYKEY without hesitation. Especially for the price, it is hard to find better alternatives.
nerdytec CYKEY
Workmanship
Features
Ergonomics
Software
Value for money
90/100
The nerdytec CYKEY offers a noble design, a convincing range of functions and features that are otherwise only found on much more expensive mechanical keyboards. Price-performance tip!
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